Meta-analysis of association between caesarean section and postpartum depression risk.

Background: The association of caesarean section (CS) for postpartum depression (PPD) remains controversial. This study aims to explore the relationship between CS and the risk of PPD, in order to provide a basis for preventing PPD. Material and methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases for literature about the correlation between CS and PPD published as of February 2024. The combined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cls) were obtained by flexible use of fixed-effects models or random-effects models. Results: A total of 18 publications were ultimately included in the analysis. Among these, 14 were cohort studies and 4 were case-control reports, encompassing 844,328 total cases. All of the included studies were deemed to be of moderate or higher quality. The meta-analysis indicated that the prevalence of PPD among parturients undergoing CS was 13.4% (95% CI: 6.5%-25.5%).The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the association between CS and PPD was 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04-1.20) compared to the natural vaginal delivery (NVD) group. Specifically, the adjusted OR for the association between CS and PPD was 1.29 (95% CI: 1.18-1.40) during the first 1-6 months postpartum, and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.14-1.33) after 6 months postpartum. Furthermore, in comparison to the NVD group, the adjusted OR for elective caesarean section (ELCS) and emergency caesarean section (EMCS) were 0.96 (0.83, 1.10) and 1.20 (1.08, 1.34), respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PPD risk may rise in the presence of CS. In particular, the risk was increased by 20% in the EMCS group, and the risk of PPD within one to six months postpartum after CS increases by 6% compared to that at six months postpartum. In the future, more rational designs and in-depth studies are needed to obtain more accurate information. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42023389265.

Status and predictors of readiness for hospital discharge in women with caesarean section: A latent profile analysis.

BACKGROUND: Women undergoing caesarean section (CS) experience difficulties when preparing for discharge, and readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) may depend on individual characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To explore the status of RHD in women with CS, identify the latent classes of RHD, and analyse predictors from a bio-psycho-social perspective. METHODS: A sample of 410 women with CS completed the following questionnaires on demographic and obstetric characteristics: Readiness for Hospital Discharge Study-New Mother Form (RHDS-NMF), Parents' Postnatal Sense of Security (PPSS), Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (OB-QDTS), and Postpartum Support Questionnaire (PSQ). Latent profile analysis was used to identify the latent classes of RHD. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the predictors. RESULTS: In total, 96.6 % of women with CS reported discharge ready, and the score of RHDS-NMF was 136.09 ± 25.59. Three latent classes were identified as Low RHD (16.1 %), Moderate RHD (41.7 %), and High RHD (42.2 %). Primiparas (OR = 2.867 / 1.773; P = 0.012 / 0.033), emergency CS (OR = 3.134 / 2.470; P = 0.006 / 0.002), lower levels of PPSS (OR = 0.909 / 0.942; P = 0.009 / 0.013) and OB-ODTS (OR = 0.948 / 0.975; P < 0.001) were associated with Moderate and Low RHD. Lower PSQ predicted a higher probability of Low RHD (OR = 0.955; P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The perception of RHD by women in the study was inaccurate, with more than half not being classified as High RHD. Healthcare professionals can anticipate interventions for maternal well-being based on the characteristics of the different RHD classes.

Commonly used antiemetics for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting after Caesarean delivery with neuraxial morphine: a network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dopamine antagonists, 5-HT3 antagonists, and dexamethasone are frequently used in obstetrics to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, the superiority of any drug class is yet to be established. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of these antiemetics for PONV prophylaxis in women receiving neuraxial morphine for Caesarean delivery. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Wanfang Data for eligible randomised controlled trials. Primary outcomes were the incidences of postoperative nausea (PON) and postoperative vomiting (POV) within 24 h after surgery. We used a Bayesian random-effects model and calculated odds ratios with 95% credible intervals for dichotomous data. We performed sensitivity and subgroup analyses for primary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 33 studies with 4238 women were included. In the primary analyses of all women, 5-HT3 antagonists, dopamine antagonists, dexamethasone, and 5-HT3 antagonists plus dexamethasone significantly reduced PON and POV compared with placebo, and 5-HT3 antagonists plus dexamethasone were more effective than monotherapy. In the subgroup analyses, similar results were seen in women receiving epidural morphine or intrathecal morphine alone but not in women receiving intrathecal morphine with fentanyl or sufentanil. However, most included studies had some concerns or a high risk of bias, and the overall certainty of the evidence was low or very low. CONCLUSIONS: Combined 5-HT3 antagonists plus dexamethasone are more effective than monotherapy in preventing PONV associated with neuraxial morphine after Caesarean delivery. Future studies are needed to determine the role of prophylactic antiemetics in women receiving intrathecal morphine and lipophilic opioids. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL: PROSPERO CRD42023454602.

Birthweight trends and their explanatory factors in Hungary between 1999 and 2018: an analysis of the Hungarian Tauffer registry.

BACKGROUND: The increasing birthweight trend stopped and even reversed in several high income countries in the last 20 years, however the reason for these changes is not well characterized. We aimed to describe birthweight trends of term deliveries in Hungary between 1999 and 2018 and to investigate potential maternal and foetal variables that could drive these changes. METHODS: We analysed data from the Hungarian Tauffer registry, a compulsory anonymized data collection of each delivery. We included all singleton term deliveries in 1999-2018 (n = 1,591,932). We modelled birthweight trends separately in 1999-2008 and 2008-2018 in hierarchical multiple linear regression models adjusted for calendar year, newborn sex, maternal age, gestational age at delivery, and other important determinants. RESULTS: Median birthweights increased from 3250/3400 g (girl/boy) to 3300/3440 g from 1999 to 2008 and decreased to 3260/3400 g in 2018. When we adjusted for gestational age at delivery the increase in the first period became more pronounced (5.4 g/year). During the second period, similar adjustment substantially decreased the rate of decline from 2.5 to 1.4 g/year. Further adjustment for maternal age halved the rate of increase to 2.4 g/year in the first period. During the second period, adjustment for maternal age had little effect on the estimate. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of an increasing birthweight trend (mostly related to the aging of the mothers) in 1999-2008 may forecast an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases in offsprings born in this period. In contrast, the decreasing birthweight trends after 2008 may reflect some beneficial effects on perinatal morbidity. However, the long-term effect cannot be predicted, as the trend is mostly explained by the shorter pregnancies.

Birthweights showed an increase followed by a decrease in several high income countries in the last 20 years, however the reasons for these changes is not well described. Thus, we aimed to investigate birthweight trends and their potential explanatory factors in Hungary between 1999 and 2018. We used registry data of all deliveries from Hungary in 1999­2018 (n = 1 591 932). Birthweights increased from 3250/3400 g (girl/boy) to 3300/3440 g from 1999 to 2008 and decreased to 3260/3400 g until 2018. Maternal age explained approximately half of increase in the first period, while a substantial part of the decrease in the second period was explained by the presence of shorter pregnancies. The increasing birthweights in 1999­2008 may forecast an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases in offsprings born in this period. In contrast, the decreasing birthweight trends after 2008 may reflect some beneficial effects on perinatal morbidity. However, its long-term consequences cannot be predicted, as the trend is mostly explained by the shorter pregnancies.

Association of Pregnant Women's Perinatal Depression with Sociodemographic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors and Perinatal and Postnatal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In recent decades, the incidence of depression has gradually increased in the general population globally. Depression is also common during gestation and could result in detrimental gestational complications for both the mother and the fetus. The survey presented aimed to evaluate whether pregnant women's perinatal depression could be associated with socio-demographic, anthropometry and lifestyle factors, and perinatal and postnatal outcomes. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted on 5314 pregnant women. Socio-demographic and lifestyle factors were recorded by relevant questionnaires via face-to-face interviews. Anthropometric parameters were measured by qualified personnel. Perinatal depressive symptomatology status was evaluated by Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II) questionnaire. Results: Depressive symptoms throughout gestation were found in 35.1% of the enrolled women. Perinatal depression was significantly associated with lower educational and economic level, pre-pregnancy regular smoking and reduced levels of Mediterranean diet adherence levels, a higher prevalence of gestational diabetes and preterm birth, as well as a higher incidence of delivering by caesarean section and abnormal childbirth weight. Perinatal depression was also significantly associated with a higher prevalence of maternal postpartum depression and lower prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practices, as well as with a higher incidence of childhood asthma. Conclusions: Pregnant women's perinatal depression appears to be associated with various socio-demographic, anthropometry, and lifestyle characteristics and with a higher frequency of several adverse pregnancy complications. The present findings emphasize the importance of pregnant women's perinatal mental health, highlighting the need to develop and apply public strategies and policies for psychological counseling and support of future mothers to minimize probable risk factors that may trigger perinatal depression. Novel well-organized, follow-up surveys of enhanced validity are highly recommended to establish more definitive conclusions.

Outcomes and quality of care for women and their babies after caesarean section in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes and quality of care for women and their babies after caesarean section (CS) in Nigerian referral-level hospitals. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a nationwide cross-sectional study. SETTING: Fifty-four referral-level hospitals. POPULATION: All women giving birth in the participating facilities between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020. METHODS: Data for the women were extracted, including sociodemographic data, clinical information, mode of birth, and maternal and perinatal outcomes. A conceptual hierarchical framework was employed to explore the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with maternal and perinatal death in women who had an emergency CS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall CS rate, outcomes for women who had CS, and factors associated with maternal and perinatal mortality. RESULTS: The overall CS rate was 33.3% (22 838/68 640). The majority of CS deliveries were emergency cases (62.8%) and 8.1% of CS deliveries had complications after delivery, which were more common after an emergency CS. There were 179 (0.8%) maternal deaths in women who had a CS and 29.6% resulted from complications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The overall maternal mortality rate in women who delivered by CS was 778 per 100 000 live births, whereas the perinatal mortality at birth was 51 per 1000 live births. Factors associated with maternal mortality in women who had an emergency CS were being <20 or >35 years of age, having a lower level of education and being referred from another facility or informal setting. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of births were delivered via CS (mostly emergency), with almost one in ten women experiencing a complication after a CS. To improve outcomes, hospitals should invest in care and remove obstacles to accessible quality CS services.

Postoperative maternal complications of caesarean section: a cross-sectional study at the Provincial General Hospital of Kananga in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Introduction: the maternal complications of caesarean section make it considered a riskier route of delivery than the vaginal route. The caesarean patient in fact combines the risks of giving birth and those of abdominal surgery. The objective of our study is to determine the epidemiological and therapeutic profile of postoperative maternal complications of caesarean section at the Provincial General Hospital of Kananga from January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2020. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study of cases of postoperative maternal complications of cesarean section, based on non-probability convenience sampling for case selection. multivariable logistic regression was used in statistical analyses. Our study sample was 302 cases. Results: the hospital frequency of postoperative complications of cesarean section is 34.12% with the annual average of 60.40 (17.21) cases per year. The postoperative infections are the most frequent complication with more than 52.98% (n=160), treatment is surgical in 59.61% (n=180), the maternal mortality rate due to postoperative complications of cesareans is 5.63% (n=17). Five factors independently associated with postoperative complications of cesarean section were identifying: prolonged labor (aOR: 3.110, 95% CI: 1.040-9.250; p=0.001), defective hygiene of patients (aOR: 1.910, 95% CI: 1.090-10.930; p=0.001), uterine overdistension before caesarean section (aOR: 4.290, 95% CI: 3.320-5.550; p=0.000), multiparity (aOR: 2.070, 95% CI: 1.010-5.210; p=0.006) and emergency cesarean section (aOR: 1.510, 95% CI: 1.250-1.910; p=0.000) in our environment and during the period of our study. Conclusion: intraoperative complications of ceasarean section constitute a real health problem. These five factors independently associated with postoperative complications of cesarean section could be used for screening of high-risk women in obstetrical consultations during pregnancy monitoring.

Efficacy of ShotBlocker device versus vapocoolant spray for spinal needle pain relief during spinal anaesthesia in elective caesarean section - A randomised controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Apprehension of pain due to a spinal needle is often a cause of anxiety and refusal. ShotBlocker provides non-painful physical stimulation, inhibiting pain perception. The vapocoolant spray contains ethyl chloride vapours, rapidly raising the skin temperature and hampering the transmission of noxious stimuli. The present study compared the effectiveness of the ShotBlocker device and the vapocoolant spray in reducing spinal needle-associated pain in primigravida women undergoing elective lower-segment caesarean section (LSCS). Methods: We enroled 144 primigravida women undergoing elective LSCS and were randomised to Group SB (the ShotBlocker device was firmly pressed over the skin, and the spinal needle was inserted through its slit), Group V (the vapocoolant spray was applied at the puncture site before spinal needle insertion), and Group C (received local infiltration before spinal anaesthesia (SA)). The groups were compared for needle-associated pain and patient satisfaction using a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) and a 3-point Likert scale. Results: The mean (standard deviation) [95% confidence interval (CI)] VAS scores of Group SB 3.85 (0.74) [3.64, 4.07] and Group V 3.04 (0.74) [2.83, 3.26] were significantly lower than that of Group C 5.19 (0.92) [3.28, 3.62]). On the Likert scale, the maximum number of patients in the vapocoolant group (64.6%) responded satisfactorily, while in the control group, the majority (62.5%) of participants responded dissatisfied (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Both the ShotBlocker and vapocoolant spray reduce needle puncture-associated pain before SA in primigravida patients undergoing elective LSCS. However, the vapocoolant spray is more beneficial in reducing spinal needle-associated pain than the ShotBlocker device.

Comparison of the effect of intravenous phenylephrine and norepinephrine boluses for post-spinal hypotension on neonatal outcome in elective caesarean section: A randomised controlled trial.

Background and Aims: There is limited data on the effects of norepinephrine on neonatal outcomes and maternal complications relative to other vasopressors. The study aimed to compare neonatal outcomes and maternal complications after bolus intravenous doses of phenylephrine and norepinephrine for post-spinal hypotension in elective caesarean section women. Methods: This randomised study was done on 100 elective caesarean section women under spinal anaesthesia. Block randomisation divided women into two groups to receive intravenous phenylephrine 50 µg bolus (Group A) or norepinephrine 5 µg bolus (Group B) following post-spinal hypotension. Groups were evaluated and compared for umbilical arterial blood gas analysis, birth weight, APGAR (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) score, maternal haemodynamics, and complications. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests were used to verify data normality. Independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare continuous variables based on data normality, and the Chi-square test was used to determine categorical variable associations. Results: Demographic characteristics of women were found to be comparable between groups. Umbilical arterial potential of hydrogen, partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, base excess, bicarbonate, birth weight, and APGAR scores were comparable across groups, showing no significant differences (P > 0.05). Groups had similar maternal haemodynamic characteristics and episodes of nausea, vomiting, and chest pain across groups without statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusion: No notable distinction was found between neonatal outcomes and maternal complications between phenylephrine and norepinephrine bolus regimens. Norepinephrine can be used as an alternative to phenylephrine post-spinal hypotension in women undergoing elective caesarean section.

At any cost: a paradigm shift in the culture of caesarean section rate monitoring in the United Kingdom.

Recent reviews into maternity safety in the United Kingdom (UK) have led to a paradigm shift in culture and policy around caesarean section (CS) rate monitoring. CS rates in the UK have risen considerably over the last few decades and, in this time, there has been national effort at the level of government to kerb such rises due to concerns about the associated morbidity, and the medicalisation of birth. However, recent findings from two landmark reviews raise concerns that the pursuit of low CS rates may have caused harm to patients in some instances, and this has led the UK government to recommend cessation of the use of total CS rates as performance metric for maternity services. Instead, it is proposed that such data be collected with use of the Robson classification. Ongoing appraisal of maternity safety will be required to evaluate the effect of these changes in future.

Effectiveness of Single Intravenous Dexamethasone in Prolongation of Spinal Anesthesia for Postoperative Analgesia in Elective Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: The analgesic effectiveness of a single perioperative dose of dexamethasone is not clearly defined. The administration of systemic medication like dexamethasone, opioids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has a positive effect on the prolongation of postoperative analgesia after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. A single-dose administration of dexamethasone with moderate to high dose reduces postoperative pain, reduces opioid consumption, and prolongs spinal anesthesia after cesarean delivery. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of single intravenous dexamethasone in prolongation of spinal anesthesia for postoperative analgesia in elective cesarean section. Methods: We conducted a search on PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, Hinari, and review articles on the effectiveness of intravenous dexamethasone for extending spinal anesthesia during elective cesarean sections, until June 2023. The searches were conducted by using keyword (IV dexamethasone OR/AND analgesia OR postoperative pain AND cesarean section OR child birth AND prolongation of spinal anesthesia). The articles included describe the analgesic efficacy of dexamethasone for prolongation of spinal anesthesia during cesarean section. Results: A total of 25,384 papers were found using different searching methodologies from different electronic databases. The EndNote reference manager was used to remove duplicates, and 438 articles were selected for screening. Of those, 57 were included for critical evaluation, and 49 were removed with justification. The effectiveness of IV dexamethasone on the prolongation of spinal anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in women undergoing cesarean delivery is the subject of eight RCT studies on 628 parturients that are presented in the chosen journal articles from various countries. Conclusion: Intravenous dexamethasone administration immediately after clamping of the umbilical cord prolongs the duration of spinal block in patients undergoing cesarean sections and has a significant impact on reduction of postoperative pain severity, opioid consumption, and other pain requirements. When high-dose dexamethasone is administered intravenously, it can overcome complications that may arise after severe pain and increase patient satisfaction by extending the duration of postoperative analgesia and sensory block.

Caesarean delivery on maternal request: the perspective of the postpartum women.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) is an increasing delivery option among women. As such, we aimed to understand the reasons that led pregnant women to request a caesarean delivery. METHODS: A phenomenological study was conducted with semi-structured interviews, in a convenience sample, for women who had undergone a CDMR between March and June 2023, in a public reference university hospital in Campinas, Brazil. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, supported by Nvivo®, and Reshape®. RESULTS: We interviewed eighteen women between 21 and 43 years of age. The reasons for C-section as their choice were: 1) fear of labour pain, 2) fear for safety due to maternal or fetal risks, 3) traumatic previous birth experiences of the patient, family or friends 4) sense of control, and 5) lack of knowledge about the risks and benefits of C-section. CONCLUSIONS: The perception of C-section as the painless and safest way to give birth, the movement of giving voice and respecting the autonomy of pregnant women, as well as the national regulation, contribute to the increased rates of surgical abdominal delivery under request. Cultural change concerning childbirth and better counseling could support a more adequate informed decision-making about delivery mode.

Comparison of sequential and mixture injections of opioids and hyperbaric bupivacaine for subarachnoid block for lower segment caesarean section: a randomised controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Opioids are commonly added to local anaesthetic for subarachnoid block for caesarean section due to their synergistic effects. The physiochemical characteristics of opioids suggest premixing with hyperbaric bupivacaine may limit their distribution within the CSF. We studied the effect of a separate injection with a combination of bupivacaine, morphine and fentanyl on block characteristics, haemodynamic changes, postoperative pain and patient satisfaction. METHOD: Following ethical approval and informed consent, a prospective double-blinded randomised controlled trial was performed in a university hospital. A total of 126 patients undergoing caesarean section were randomised to two groups. In group M, the premixed group, patients received 12 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine, 20 mcg of fentanyl and 100 mcg of morphine injected as a single mixture. In group S, the separate injection group, patients received the same drugs in separate injections. Measurements included haemodynamics, block distribution, intra- and postoperative pain, as well as patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Patients in both groups had similar block height, time to maximum sensory block, time to block regression and motor block. However, haemodynamics were different between the groups. The proportion of systolic hypotension episodes was greater in group S [159/1320 (12.05%)] than group M [113/1452 (7.78%)], with P = 0.0002. Moreover, a greater amount of ephedrine was administered in group S than group M, with values 12.09 (8.1) and 9.09 (8.5) mg respectively (P = 0.001). Additionally, postoperative pain, as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), was greater in group M, with a VAS of 4.6 (1.7), vs. group S, which recorded a VAS of 3.8 (2.0) (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Sequential injection of intrathecal opioids and hyperbaric bupivacaine resulted in greater early haemodynamic instability and slightly better postoperative analgesia without any difference in block height or patient satisfaction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04403724.

Moyamoya Disease Diagnosed With Intracranial Hemorrhage After Cesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Case Report.

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare non-inflammatory cerebral vasculopathy characterized by progressive stenosis of the internal carotid arteries, often bilaterally, and the formation of abnormal collateral vascular structures at the cranial base. A patient who underwent elective cesarean section (C/S) twice under spinal anesthesia and was diagnosed with MMD as a result of recurrent intracranial hemorrhage in the postpartum periods is presented. A 41-year-old female patient without any systemic comorbidity, gravida 2, parity 2, had her second cesarean section (C/S) operation under spinal anesthesia and was discharged on the third postoperative day without any problems. The patient had a mild headache that started from the occipital region and spread to the entire cranium on the same day. After applying to the emergency department at different times, she was discharged with conservative treatment. The patient had a severe headache and was admitted to the emergency room on the ninth postoperative day. The patient, who was diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage after cranial imaging, was referred. Cranial angiography revealed advanced bilateral internal carotid artery symmetric occlusion and the basilar artery was preserved. According to the angiographic image, the patient was diagnosed with moyamoya disease and was followed up in the intensive care unit. The muscle strength of the patient, who had no cranial nerve pathology or lateralization findings, was evaluated as normal. Conservative management was applied in the intensive care unit. The patient was discharged with recommendations for neurosurgery and cardiovascular surgery after 12 days. In the postpartum period, especially in cases of headache that persists for a long time after dural puncture and does not have a postdural feature, intracranial hemorrhage should be considered until proven otherwise, and moyamoya disease also be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage. The approach to the patient in the perioperative period should focus on providing normotension, normocapnia, normothermia, and effective analgesia.

Maternal and foetal complications of pregestational and gestational diabetes: a descriptive, retrospective cohort study.

Gestational diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational and pregestational diabetes can have deleterious effects during pregnancy and perinatally. The baby's weight is frequently above average and might reach macrosomia (≥ 4 kg), which can reduce pregnancy time causing preterm births, and increase foetal-pelvic disproportion which often requires delivery by caesarean section. Foetal-pelvic disproportion due to the baby's weight can also cause foetal distress resulting in lower Apgar scores. To analyse the association between pregestational and gestational diabetes with maternal and foetal risk. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in women pregnant between 2012 and 2018 in the region of Lleida. Regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used. The multivariate analysis showed statistically significant associations between pregestational diabetes and: prematurity (OR 2.4); caesarean section (OR 1.4); moderate (OR 1.3), high (OR 3.3) and very high (OR 1.7) risk pregnancies; and birth weight ≥ 4000 g (macrosomia) (OR 1.7). In getational diabetes the multivariate analysis show significant association with: caesarean section (OR 1.5); moderate (OR 1.7), high (OR 1.7) and very high (OR 1.8) risk pregnancies and lower 1-minuto Apgar score (OR 1.5). Pregestational and gestational diabetes increase: pregnancy risk, caesarean sections, prematurity, low Apgar scores, and macrosomia.

Meta-analysis comparing different ultrasound detection methods to accurately assess wound healing and scar formation after caesarean section.

The accurate assessment of wound healing post-caesarean section, especially in twin pregnancies, remains a pivotal concern in obstetrics, given its implications for maternal health and recovery. Traditional methods, including conventional abdominal ultrasonography (CU), have been challenged by the advent of transvaginal ultrasonography (TU), offering potentially enhanced sensitivity and specificity. This meta-analysis directly compares the efficacy of TU and CU in evaluating wound healing and scar formation, crucial for optimizing postoperative care. Results indicate that TU is associated with significantly better outcomes in wound healing, demonstrated by lower REEDA scores (SMD = -20.56, 95% CI: [-27.34.20, -13.77], p < 0.01), and in scar formation reduction, evidenced by lower Manchester Scar Scale scores (SMD = -25.18, 95% CI: [-29.98, -20.39], p < 0.01). These findings underscore the potential of integrating TU into routine post-caesarean evaluation protocols to enhance care quality and patient recovery.

Physiotherapy Management in the Case of Primary Peritoneal Serous Carcinoma With Lower Segment Cesarean Section: A Case Report.

This case report presents the medical path of a 24-year-old female patient, who had undergone lower (uterine) segment cesarean section (LSCS) while facing complications of having several diagnoses at the same time, including primary peritoneal serous cancer, sexually transmitted disease (STD), and IgM-positive dengue. The prevention and treatment of STDs require an integrated approach due to the persistent problems they provide in the global healthcare system. In India, there is a high birth rate, which makes LSCS a common treatment. The combination of dengue fever, STDs, cancer care, and such issues related to women's health emphasizes the necessity of specialized interventions to reduce the risk of problems both during and after pregnancy. A sophisticated, multidisciplinary approach to postoperative care is required due to the confluence of these disorders, with physiotherapy and rehabilitation serving as a crucial treatment approach. The patient received breathing exercises along with core strengthening exercises. For relaxation, Benson's relaxation technique was used. Significant improvement was seen in the patient's muscle strength and quality of life post rehabilitation.

An integrative review of home care recommendations for women after caesarean section.

AIM: To describe home-based care and practices recommended for mothers after caesarean section (CS), existing in the literature. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: This integrative literature review was conducted by using Google Scholar, PubMed and Hinari databases from its inception to June 2021. The search included research articles, protocols and guidelines that describe home care practice after CS and assessed for their quality. Synthesis of recommendations from the included literature was classified based on the type of study design, and the review was guided by methodology registered in Prospero (ID CRD42021276905). RESULTS: A total of 681 literatures were found, and 12 met the criteria. Recommended home care components were divided into four major categories; wound care practice (wound cleaning, drying and bandage change); nutrition (high-protein diet, vitamin C, fibre and balanced diet); exercise (pelvic floor muscle, walking and breathing exercise) and hygiene (bathing and wearing clean clothes). There was limited literature addressing the components of perineal care and home environment. Varying recommendations were found regarding wound cleaning and dressing in the studies done in low- and high-income countries.

Effects of Elective Caesarean Sections in Healthy Near-Term Ewes on Subsequent Reproductive Performance.

Post-surgical reproductive performance following ovine caesarean section has not been well studied. To assess any direct effects of surgical delivery in the absence of confounders such as dystocia or underlying diseases, we studied elective surgery performed in healthy animals for teaching purposes. Four hundred and eleven paired breeding records following vaginal delivery (n = 233), elective caesarean section (n = 122), and subsequent further vaginal deliveries in animals with a history of one prior elective caesarean operation (n = 56) were evaluated retrospectively. The overall subsequent pregnancy rate was 95%. Multivariable statistical analyses did not reveal any significant influence of planned caesarean surgery on subsequent conception, stillbirth, perinatal lamb mortality, lamb birth weights, or the incidence of premature foetal death (mummification and abortion). A significantly higher number of mating attempts was, however, necessary. Also, a significant reduction in litter size was seen in the first pregnancy immediately following a surgical delivery in comparison to animals which had previously only delivered vaginally (p = 0.001), but litter size returned to pre-caesarean levels in further follow-up pregnancies in animals with a history of one elective caesarean section (p = 0.436). Subsequent long-term reproductive performance of sheep following elective caesarean section is thus excellent, and the results encourage retention for breeding.

Caesarean Delivery: A Narrative Review on the Choice of Neuraxially Administered Opioid and Its Implications for the Multimodal Peripartum Pain Concept.

Nowadays, obstetrical anesthesia-related mortality is a very rare complication in industrialized countries. The recommended choice of intrathecal opioid for spinal anesthesia in the context of a multimodal peripartum pain management concept is discussed in this narrative review. Nowadays, there is a consensus that a perioperative multimodal pain concept should be used for caesarean delivery. This pain concept should include neuraxial opioids for spinal anesthesia, acetaminophen, NSAIDs, intravenous dexamethasone, and postoperative local or regional anesthetic procedures. Long-acting lipophobic opioids (diamorphine and morphine) have a significant analgesic advantage over short-acting lipophilic opioids (sufentanil and fentanyl). The risk of clinically relevant respiratory depression after neuraxial long-acting opioids is nowadays considered negligible, even if the data situation is weak in this regard. The question remains as to whether a pain concept that is ideally adapted to a neuraxial short-acting opioid shows benefit to a pain concept that is optimally adapted to neuraxial morphine. If long-acting opioids are used, the timing of each additional component of the multimodal analgesia strategy could ideally be adjusted to this longer duration of action.