Diabetes among women with preterm births: outcomes of a Brazilian multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare the maternal and perinatal characteristics and outcomes between women with and without diabetes in a Brazilian cohort of women with preterm births. METHODS: This was an ancillary analysis of the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth, which included 4,150 preterm births. This analysis divided preterm births into two groups according to the presence of diabetes; pregestational and gestational diabetes were clustered in the same Diabetes Group. Differences between both groups were assessed using χ 2 or Student's t tests. RESULTS: Preterm births of 133 and 4,017 women with and without diabetes, respectively, were included. The prevalence of diabetes was 3.2%. Pregnant women aged ≥35 years were more common in the Diabetes Group (31.6% versus 14.0% non-diabetic women, respectively). The rate of cesarean section among patients with diabetes was 68.2% versus 52.3% in non-diabetic cases), with a gestational age at birth between 34 and 36 weeks in 78.9% of the cases and 62.1% of the controls. Large-for-gestational-age babies were 7 times more common in the Diabetes Group. CONCLUSION: Preterm birth among Brazilian women with diabetes was more than twice as prevalent; these women were older and had regular late preterm deliveries, usually by cesarean section. They also had a greater frequency of fetal morbidities, such as malformations and polyhydramnios, and a higher proportion of large-for-gestational-age and macrosomic neonates.

Diabetes among women with preterm births: outcomes of a Brazilian multicenter study

ABSTRACT Objective The objective was to compare the maternal and perinatal characteristics and outcomes between women with and without diabetes in a Brazilian cohort of women with preterm births. Methods This was an ancillary analysis of the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth, which included 4,150 preterm births. This analysis divided preterm births into two groups according to the presence of diabetes; pregestational and gestational diabetes were clustered in the same Diabetes Group. Differences between both groups were assessed using χ 2 or Student's t tests. Results Preterm births of 133 and 4,017 women with and without diabetes, respectively, were included. The prevalence of diabetes was 3.2%. Pregnant women aged ≥35 years were more common in the Diabetes Group (31.6% versus 14.0% non-diabetic women, respectively). The rate of cesarean section among patients with diabetes was 68.2% versus 52.3% in non-diabetic cases), with a gestational age at birth between 34 and 36 weeks in 78.9% of the cases and 62.1% of the controls. Large-for-gestational-age babies were 7 times more common in the Diabetes Group. Conclusion Preterm birth among Brazilian women with diabetes was more than twice as prevalent; these women were older and had regular late preterm deliveries, usually by cesarean section. They also had a greater frequency of fetal morbidities, such as malformations and polyhydramnios, and a higher proportion of large-for-gestational-age and macrosomic neonates.

Risk factors for mediolateral episiotomy at a tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to assess the associated factors for selective mediolateral episiotomy at a tertiary, academic hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis between 2017 and 2019 was performed. The primary outcome was the prevalence of selective mediolateral episiotomy. Independent variables were maternal, intrapartum, and neonatal characteristics. A significance level of 5% was established, and univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS: From 2,761 vaginal deliveries eligible for inclusion during this period, the prevalence of selective mediolateral episiotomy was 18.7%. Univariate analysis has shown that non-white women were protective factors (OR=0.77 [0.63-0.96]; p=0.02) for episiotomy; primiparity (OR=2.61 [2.12-3.21]; p<0.01), number of vaginal examinations between 6-10 repetitions (OR=3.16 [2.48-4.01]; p<0.01) and 11-20 repetitions (OR=5.40 [3.69-7.90]; p<0.01), longer second stage duration (OR=1.01 [1.00-1.02]; p<0.01), and women with gestational age more than 37 weeks were risk factors. Multivariate analysis reported that second stage duration (AOR=1.01 [1.00-1.03]; p<0.01), primiparity (AOR=2.03 [1.34-3.06]; p<0.01), and number of vaginal examinations between 6-10 repetitions (AOR=2.36 [1.50-3.70]; p<0.01) and 11-20 repetitions (AOR=3.29 [1.74-6.20]; p<0.01) were remained as risk factors for selective mediolateral episiotomy. CONCLUSION: A higher number of vaginal examinations during labor (over six repetitions), longer duration of second stage labor, and primiparity were risk factors associated with selective mediolateral episiotomy.

Maternal Deaths from COVID-19 in Brazil: Increase during the Second Wave of the Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To compare death rates by COVID-19 between pregnant or postpartum and nonpregnant women during the first and second waves of the Brazilian pandemic. METHODS: In the present population-based evaluation data from the Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe, in the Portuguese acronym), we included women with c (ARDS) by COVID-19: 47,768 in 2020 (4,853 obstetric versus 42,915 nonobstetric) and 66,689 in 2021 (5,208 obstetric versus 61,481 nonobstetric) and estimated the frequency of in-hospital death. RESULTS: We identified 377 maternal deaths in 2020 (first wave) and 804 in 2021 (second wave). The death rate increased 2.0-fold for the obstetric (7.7 to 15.4%) and 1.6-fold for the nonobstetric groups (13.9 to 22.9%) from 2020 to 2021 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.58 in 2020 and OR: 0.61; 95%CI: 0.56-0.66 in 2021; p < 0.05). In women with comorbidities, the death rate increased 1.7-fold (13.3 to 23.3%) and 1.4-fold (22.8 to 31.4%) in the obstetric and nonobstetric groups, respectively (OR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.44-0.61 in 2020 to OR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.59-0.73 in 2021; p < 0.05). In women without comorbidities, the mortality rate was higher for nonobstetric (2.4 times; 6.6 to 15.7%) than for obstetric women (1.8 times; 5.5 to 10.1%; OR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.69-0.95 in 2020 and OR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.58-0.68 in 2021; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was an increase in maternal deaths from COVID-19 in 2021 compared with 2020, especially in patients with comorbidities. Death rates were even higher in nonpregnant women, with or without comorbidities.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as taxas de mortalidade por COVID-19 entre gestantes ou puérperas e não gestantes durante a primeira e segunda ondas da pandemia brasileira. MéTODOS: Na presente avaliação dos dados do Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe), incluímos mulheres com síndrome respiratória aguda grave por COVID-19: 47.768 em 2020 (4.853 obstétricas versus 42.915 não obstétricas) e 66.689 em 2021 (5.208 obstétricas versus 61.481 não obstétricas) e estimamos a frequência de óbito intra-hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Identificamos 377 óbitos maternos em 2020 e 804 em 2021. A taxa de mortalidade por COVID-19 aumentou 2,0 vezes no grupo obstétrico (de 7,7 para 15,4%) e 1,6 vezes no grupo não obstétrico (de 13,9 para 22,9%) de 2020 a 2021 (odds ratio [OR]: 0,52; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 0,47­0,58 em 2020 e OR: 0,61; IC95%: 0,56­0,66 em 2021; p < 0,05). Em mulheres com comorbidades, a taxa de óbitos aumentou 1,7 vezes (de 13,3 para 23,3%) e 1,4 vezes (de 22,8 para 31,4%) para os grupos obstétricos e não obstétricos, respectivamente (OR: 0,52; IC95%: 0,44­0,61 em 2020 para OR: 0,66; IC95%: 0,59­0,73 em 2021; p < 0,05). Em mulheres sem comorbidades, a taxa de mortalidade foi maior para as não obstétricas (2,4 vezes; de 6,6% para 15,7%) do que para mulheres obstétricas (1,8 vezes; de 5,5 para 10,1%; OR: 0,81; IC95%: 0,69­0,95 em 2020 e OR: 0,60; IC95%: 0,58­0,68 em 2021; p < 0,05). CONCLUSãO: Houve aumento das mortes maternas por COVID-19 em 2021 em relação a 2020, principalmente naquelas com comorbidades. As taxas de mortalidade foram ainda maiores em mulheres não grávidas, com ou sem comorbidades.

Maternal Deaths from COVID-19 in Brazil: Increase during the Second Wave of the Pandemic / Mortes maternas por COVID-19 no Brasil: Aumento durante a segunda onda da pandemia

Abstract Objective To compare death rates by COVID-19 between pregnant or postpartum and nonpregnant women during the first and second waves of the Brazilian pandemic. Methods In the present population-based evaluation data from the Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe, in the Portuguese acronym), we included women with c (ARDS) by COVID-19: 47,768 in 2020 (4,853 obstetric versus 42,915 nonobstetric) and 66,689 in 2021 (5,208 obstetric versus 61,481 nonobstetric) and estimated the frequency of in-hospital death. Results We identified 377 maternal deaths in 2020 (first wave) and 804 in 2021 (second wave). The death rate increased 2.0-fold for the obstetric (7.7 to 15.4%) and 1.6-fold for the nonobstetric groups (13.9 to 22.9%) from 2020 to 2021 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.58 in 2020 and OR: 0.61; 95%CI: 0.56- 0.66 in 2021; p < 0.05). In women with comorbidities, the death rate increased 1.7-fold (13.3 to 23.3%) and 1.4-fold (22.8 to 31.4%) in the obstetric and nonobstetric groups, respectively (OR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.44-0.61 in 2020 to OR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.59-0.73 in 2021; p <0.05). In women without comorbidities, the mortality rate was higher for nonobstetric (2.4 times; 6.6 to 15.7%) than for obstetric women (1.8 times; 5.5 to 10.1%; OR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.69-0.95 in 2020 and OR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.58-0.68 in 2021; p <0.05). Conclusion There was an increase in maternal deaths from COVID-19 in 2021 compared with 2020, especially in patients with comorbidities. Death rates were even higher in nonpregnant women, with or without comorbidities.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar as taxas de mortalidade por COVID-19 entre gestantes ou puérperas e não gestantes durante a primeira e segunda ondas da pandemia brasileira. Métodos Na presente avaliação dos dados do Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe), incluímos mulheres com síndrome respiratória aguda grave por COVID-19: 47.768 em 2020 (4.853 obstétricas versus 42.915 não obstétricas) e 66.689 em 2021 (5.208 obstétricas versus 61.481 não obstétricas) e estimamos a frequência de óbito intra-hospitalar. Resultados Identificamos 377 óbitos maternos em 2020 e 804 em 2021. A taxa de mortalidade por COVID-19 aumentou 2,0 vezes no grupo obstétrico (de 7,7 para 15,4%) e 1,6 vezes no grupo não obstétrico (de 13,9 para 22,9%) de 2020 a 2021 (odds ratio [OR]: 0,52; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 0,47-0,58 em 2020 e OR: 0,61; IC95%: 0,56-0,66 em 2021; p <0,05). Em mulheres com comorbidades, a taxa de óbitos aumentou 1,7 vezes (de 13,3 para 23,3%) e 1,4 vezes (de 22,8 para 31,4%) para os grupos obstétricos e não obstétricos, respectivamente (OR: 0,52; IC95%: 0,44-0,61 em 2020 para OR: 0,66; IC95%: 0,59-0,73 em 2021; p <0,05). Em mulheres sem comorbidades, a taxa de mortalidade foi maior para as não obstétricas (2,4 vezes; de 6,6% para 15,7%) do que para mulheres obstétricas (1,8 vezes; de 5,5 para 10,1%; OR: 0,81; IC95%: 0,69-0,95 em 2020 e OR: 0,60; IC95%: 0,58-0,68 em 2021; p < 0,05). Conclusão Houve aumento das mortes maternas por COVID-19 em 2021 em relação a 2020, principalmente naquelas com comorbidades. As taxas de mortalidade foram ainda maiores em mulheres não grávidas, com ou sem comorbidades.

Risk factors for mediolateral episiotomy at a tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to assess the associated factors for selective mediolateral episiotomy at a tertiary, academic hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis between 2017 and 2019 was performed. The primary outcome was the prevalence of selective mediolateral episiotomy. Independent variables were maternal, intrapartum, and neonatal characteristics. A significance level of 5% was established, and univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS: From 2,761 vaginal deliveries eligible for inclusion during this period, the prevalence of selective mediolateral episiotomy was 18.7%. Univariate analysis has shown that non-white women were protective factors (OR=0.77 [0.63-0.96]; p=0.02) for episiotomy; primiparity (OR=2.61 [2.12-3.21]; p<0.01), number of vaginal examinations between 6-10 repetitions (OR=3.16 [2.48-4.01]; p<0.01) and 11-20 repetitions (OR=5.40 [3.69-7.90]; p<0.01), longer second stage duration (OR=1.01 [1.00-1.02]; p<0.01), and women with gestational age more than 37 weeks were risk factors. Multivariate analysis reported that second stage duration (AOR=1.01 [1.00-1.03]; p<0.01), primiparity (AOR=2.03 [1.34-3.06]; p<0.01), and number of vaginal examinations between 6-10 repetitions (AOR=2.36 [1.50-3.70]; p<0.01) and 11-20 repetitions (AOR=3.29 [1.74-6.20]; p<0.01) were remained as risk factors for selective mediolateral episiotomy. CONCLUSION: A higher number of vaginal examinations during labor (over six repetitions), longer duration of second stage labor, and primiparity were risk factors associated with selective mediolateral episiotomy.

Severe Perineal Trauma in a Brazilian Southeastern Tertiary Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of severe perineal trauma (obstetric and anal sphincter injury [OASIS]) in a tertiary high-risk pregnancy facility and the associated factors. METHODS: A retrospective electronic chart review on perineal lacerations was performed from the period of April 2017 to February 2019. Obstetric and anal sphincter injury was diagnosed by a rectal examination. Primary outcome was the prevalence of OASIS (third- and fourth-degree perineal tear). Independent variables were maternal, intrapartum, and neonatal characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models were performed. A P value lower than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of OASIS (third/fourth-degree laceration) was 1.51% (43/2846) in our population. Our population was mostly white (66.3%) and mostly primiparous (52.1%). By comparison, the prevalence of first/second-degree laceration was 43% (1223/2846). Selective episiotomy occurred in 18.73% (517/2761) of patients, and it was not associated with OASIS (P = 0.211). Advanced maternal age (P = 0.196), higher number of vaginal examinations (P = 0.169), fetal presentation (P = 0.533), and duration of second stage (P = 0.757) were not associated with OASIS. Univariate analysis has found that forceps delivery (odds ratio [OR], 3.68 [1.74-7.79]; P = 0.001), neonatal macrossomy (OR, 3.42 [1.02-11.43]; P = 0.045), and larger head circumference (OR, 1.15 [1.02-1.32]; P = 0.026) were risk factors for OASIS, whereas higher gravidity reduced the risk (OR, 0.61 [0.42-0.91] for OASIS. However, after multivariate analysis, only head circumference (OR, 1.86 [1.10-3.14]; P = 0.020) remained as a risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Larger neonatal head circumference increased in 86% the risk for severe perineal trauma in this cohort of women.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Communication Assessment Tool for Use in a Simulated Clinical Setting.

Construct: The Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) is a 14-item instrument developed in English to assess medical trainees' interpersonal communication skills from the patient's perspective in clinical settings. Background: Using validated instruments and simulated patients constitutes good practice in assessing doctor-patient communication. The CAT was designed for use in real practice, but has not yet been applied to assessing OB-GYN residents' delivery of bad news in Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stations. This study aims to provide validity evidence for using the CAT to assess residents' interpersonal communication skills under difficult circumstances in a simulated clinical setting in Brazil. Approach: Cross-cultural adaptation comprised translation into Portuguese, synthesis of translations, and back-translation. Next, a committee of 10 external and independent experts rated the items for linguistic equivalence and relevance to the overall scale. Researchers used the expert ratings to produce a preliminary Brazilian-Portuguese version. This version was applied by four simulated patients to assess 28 OB-GYN residents completing two, 10-minute OSCE stations focused on delivering bad news. Item and scale content validity indices and internal-consistency reliability were calculated. Simulated patients were interviewed to clarify any doubt regarding the content and usability of the tool and their response process. Findings: Thirteen of the 14 items in the Brazilian-Portuguese version were considered "equivalent" by at least 70% of the experts. All items were considered relevant by 100% of the experts. The Item Content Validity Index ranged from .9 to 1, and the Scale Content Validity Index was .99. The instrument showed good reliability for both scenarios (Cronbach's alpha > .90). Simulated patients considered the CAT easy to understand and complete. Conclusions: This study provides validity evidence for using the Brazilian-Portuguese CAT in a simulated clinical environment to assess OB-GYN residents' delivery of bad news. Based on this study's findings, the OB-GYN Department organized an annual formative assessment for residents to improve their interpersonal communication skills. This version of the CAT may also be applicable to other specialties.

Tocolysis among Women with Preterm Birth: Associated Factors and Outcomes from a Multicenter Study in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of tocolysis in cases of preterm birth due to spontaneous preterm labor in a Brazilian sample. METHODS: A sample of 1,491 women with preterm birth due to spontaneous preterm labor were assessed, considering treatment with tocolysis or expectant management, according to gestational age at birth (< 34 weeks and 34 to 36 + 6 weeks) and drugs prescribed. The study took place in 20 Brazilian hospitals from April 2011 to July 2012. Bivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate associations with sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and odds ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated for maternal and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1,491 cases of preterm birth were considered. Tocolysis was performed in 342 cases (23%), 233 of which (68.1%) were delivered before 34 weeks. Within the expectant management group, 73% was late preterm and with more advanced labor at the time of admission. The most used drugs were calcium channel blockers (62.3%), followed by betamimetics (33%). Among the subjects in the tocolysis group, there were more neonatal and maternal complications (majority non-severe) and an occurrence of corticosteroid use that was 29 higher than in the expectant management group. CONCLUSION: Tocolysis is favored in cases of earlier labor and also among those with less than 34 weeks of gestation, using preferably calcium channel blockers, with success in achieving increased corticosteroid use. Tocolysis, in general, was related to higher maternal and neonatal complication rates, which may be due to the baseline difference between cases at admission. However, these results should raise awareness to tocolysis use.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o uso da tocólise em partos prematuros decorrentes de trabalho de parto espontâneo numa amostra brasileira. MéTODOS: Um total de 1.491 mulheres com parto prematuro decorrente de trabalho de parto espontâneo foram avaliadas, considerando a realização de tocólise ou conduta expectante, de acordo com a idade gestacional ao nascimento (< 34 semanas e 34 a 36 + 6 semanas) e com as drogas prescritas. O estudo ocorreu em 20 hospitais brasileiros, de abril de 2011a julho de 2012. Análises bivariadas foram realizadas para avaliar associações com características sociodemográficas e obstétricas. Foram calculadas as relações de probabilidade com seus respectivos intervalos de confiança (95%) para os desfechos neonatais e maternos. RESULTADOS: Um total de 1.491 casos de partos prematuros foram considerados, e a tocólise foi realizada em 342 (23%) casos, dos quais 233 (68,1%) tiveram partos antes das 34 semanas. No grupo da conduta expectante, 73% foram pré-termos tardios e com trabalho de parto mais avançado à admissão. As drogas mais utilizadas foram os bloqueadores do canal de cálcio (62.3%), seguidos pelos betamiméticos (33%). No grupo da tocólise houve mais complicações neonatais e maternas (maioria não grave) e um uso de corticosteroides 29 vezes mais frequente que nos casos de conduta expectante. CONCLUSãO: A tocólise foi mais favorável nos casos de trabalho de parto inicial e nos partos realizados antes de 34 semanas de gestação, usando preferencialmente bloqueadores do canal de cálcio, com sucesso em realizar altas taxas de corticoterapia. A tocólise esteve associada a maiores taxas de complicações maternas e neonatais, o que pode ser explicado pela diferença basal dos casos à admissão. Entretanto, esses resultados devem acender um alerta em relação ao uso de tocolíticos.

Imunização na gravidez, puerpério e amamentação / Immunization in pregnancy, puerperium and breastfeeding

A vacinação materna representa uma ferramenta promissora na melhoria da saúde materna e infantil para diversas condições infecciosas. A maior susceptibilidade das gestantes às condições infecciosas, assim como a capacidade da mãe transferir anticorpos através da placenta, oferecendo proteção vital a seus conceptos antes que os mesmos sejam vacinados, têm despertado atenção maior à imunização materna. A FEBRASGO, em conformidade com a Sociedade Brasileira de Imunizações e Ministério da Saúde, recomenda três vacinas de rotina para todas gestantes: influenza, difteria - tétano -coqueluche acelular (dTpa), além da vacina de hepatite B, disponíveis no sistema público na totalidade. Esta revisão descreve as vacinas recomendadas na gestação, além de vacinas e imunoglobulinas de uso específico, e contraindicações da imunização na gestação e puerpério. Aborda, ainda, estratégias de melhoria de adesão à imunização pela gestante, visando alcançar altas taxas de cobertura vacinal, uma estratégia fundamental em saúde pública, com objetivo de reduzir a morbimortalidade infecciosa de gestantes e recém-nascidos.(AU)

Colonização bacteriana do canal cervical em gestantes com trabalho de parto prematuro ou ruptura prematura de membranas / Cervical bacterial colonization in women with preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes

OBJETIVO: estudar a colonização bacteriana do canal cervical em gestantes com trabalho de parto prematuro ou com ruptura prematura de membranas. MÉTODOS: foram avaliadas 212 gestantes com trabalho de parto prematuro ou ruptura prematura de membranas. Na admissão hospitalar foram coletadas duas amostras do conteúdo endocervical e realizadas bacterioscopia e cultura em meios ágar sangue e ágar chocolate. Foram analisadas associações da colonização endocervical com infecção do trato urinário materno, corioamnionite, utilização de antibióticos, sofrimento fetal, prematuridade e infecção e óbito neonatais. RESULTADOS: a prevalência de colonização endocervical foi 14,2 por cento (IC95 por cento=9,5-18,9 por cento), com resultados similares entre os casos com trabalho de parto prematuro ou ruptura prematura de membranas. O microorganismo mais prevalente na população estudada foi o estreptococo do grupo B (9,4 por cento), sendo também isolados Candida sp, Streptococcus sp, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli e Enterococcus sp. Das bacterioscopias analisadas, os achados mais freqüentes foram baixa prevalência de bacilos de Dõderlein e elevado número de leucócitos. Em mulheres colonizadas, houve maior prevalência de infecção do trato urinário (23,8 versus 5,4 por cento; p<0,01), infecção neonatal (25,0 versus 7,3 por cento; p<0,01) e óbito neonatal (dois casos entre as colonizadas; p<0,02), quando comparadas às não colonizadas. CONCLUSÕES: observou-se alta prevalência de colonização endocervical, mesmo sem a utilização de meios de cultura seletivos. O estreptococo do grupo B foi o principal microorganismo isolado, reforçando a necessidade de triagem deste agente na gestação. Um terço das culturas positivas ocorreram por outros agentes. Estudos complementares são necessários para esclarecer a importância destes achados bacteriológicos no canal endocervical e sua associação com complicações gestacionais, sepse e mortalidade neonatais.

PURPOSE: to study cervical colonization in women with preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes. METHODS: two hundred and twelve pregnant women with preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes were studied. Two cervical samples from each woman were collected and bacterioscopy and culture were performed. Association of cervical microorganisms and urinary tract infection, chorioamnionitis, fetal stress, antibiotic use, prematurity, neonatal infection, and neonatal death were evaluated. RESULTS: the prevalence of endocervical colonization was 14.2 percent (CI95 percent=9.5-18.9 percent), with similar results in preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes. Group B streptococcus was the most prevalent organism (9.4 percent). Other organisms isolated were Candida sp, Streptococcus sp, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp. The most common findings of bacterioscopy were a reduced number of lactobacilli and a great number of leukocytes. Endocervical colonization was associated with a higher occurrence of urinary tract infection (23.8 versus 5.4 percent; p<0.01), early-onset neonatal infection (25.0 versus 7.3 percent; p<0.01) and neonatal mortality (two cases in colonized women; p<0.02) when compared with a negative culture of endocervical mucus. CONCLUSIONS: this study showed high prevalence of endocervical colonization despite the use of a nonselective culture media. The main microorganism isolated was group B streptococcus, but other organisms were present in one third of the studied population. More studies are needed to evaluate the influence of endocervical colonization on obstetrical outcome and on neonatal infection and mortality.

[Cervical bacterial colonization in women with preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes]. / Colonização bacteriana do canal cervical em gestantes com trabalho de parto prematuro ou ruptura prematura de membranas.

PURPOSE: to study cervical colonization in women with preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes. METHODS: two hundred and twelve pregnant women with preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes were studied. Two cervical samples from each woman were collected and bacterioscopy and culture were performed. Association of cervical microorganisms and urinary tract infection, chorioamnionitis, fetal stress, antibiotic use, prematurity, neonatal infection, and neonatal death were evaluated. RESULTS: the prevalence of endocervical colonization was 14.2% (CI95%=9.5-18.9%), with similar results in preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes. Group B streptococcus was the most prevalent organism (9.4%). Other organisms isolated were Candida sp, Streptococcus sp, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp. The most common findings of bacterioscopy were a reduced number of lactobacilli and a great number of leukocytes. Endocervical colonization was associated with a higher occurrence of urinary tract infection (23.8 versus 5.4%; p<0.01), early-onset neonatal infection (25.0 versus 7.3%; p<0.01) and neonatal mortality (two cases in colonized women; p<0.02) when compared with a negative culture of endocervical mucus. CONCLUSIONS: this study showed high prevalence of endocervical colonization despite the use of a nonselective culture media. The main microorganism isolated was group B streptococcus, but other organisms were present in one third of the studied population. More studies are needed to evaluate the influence of endocervical colonization on obstetrical outcome and on neonatal infection and mortality.

Estudo comparativo dos resultados gestacionais entre dois grupos de gestantes de peso elevado

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar condicoes gestacionais e resultados perinatais entre mulheres obesas admitidas para parto no Centro de Atencao Integral a Saude da Mulher da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Utilizou-se o estudo retrospectivo comparando os resultados de 294 mulheres com peso ao final da gravidez maior ou igua a 100 kg, com os de 385 gestantes que pesaram entre 80 e 99 kg. Foram estudadas 27 condicoes maternas e fetais, analisadas por media, desvio-padrao e testes `t` Student e Qui-quadrado. As mulheres mais obesas foram de maior idade e paridade, com menor taxa de etilismo e apresentaram mais antecedentes morbidos, elevada prevalencia de doencas clinicas (45,2) r obstreticas (37,8). Metade destas pacientes ganhou acima de 20 kg e o indice de massa corporea foi, em media maior que 40 kg/metro quadrado. Estas mulheres tiveram elevada incidencia de hipertensao arterial (37,9), diabetes (10,0), infeccoes (8,2) e a cesarea foi a forma de parto mais frequente (48,3). Entre as mais obesas, houve, hambem, maior incidencia de prematuros (8,0) e de depressao neonatal. A media de peso dos recem-nascidos foi 116 g maior e um terco destes foram grandes para idade gestacional. As mulheres que atingiram os 100 kg ou mais na gestacao foram de maior risco e deveriam ser acompanhadas em servicos que permitam oferecer assistencia obstetrica, anestesica e neonatal de maior complexidade.