Neonatal outcomes after water birth: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare neonatal outcomes between water births, births with immersion only during labour, and births in which immersion was never used. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed including mother-baby dyads attended between 2009 and 2019 at the Hospital do Salnés regional hospital (Pontevedra, Spain). These women were categorised into 3 groups: water birth; immersion only during dilation; and women who never used immersion. Several sociodemographic-obstetric variables were studied and the main outcome was the admission of the neonate to the intensive care unit (NICU). Permission was obtained from the responsible provincial ethics committee. Descriptive statistics were used and between-group comparisons were performed using variance for continuous variables and chi-square for categorical variables. Multivariate analysis was performed with backward stepwise logistic regression and incidence risk ratios with 95%CI were calculated for each independent variable. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS® statistical software. RESULTS: A total of 1191 cases were included. 404 births without immersions; 397 immersions only during the first stage of labor; and 390 waterbirths were included. No differences were found in the need to transfer new-borns to a NICU (p = .735). In the waterbirth cohort, neonatal resuscitation (p < .001, OR: 0,1), as well as respiratory distress (p = .005, OR: 0,2) or neonatal problems during admission (p < .001, OR: 0,2), were lower. In the immersion only during labor cohort, less neonatal resuscitation (p = .003; OR: 0,4) and respiratory distress (p = .019; OR: 0,4) were found. The probability of not breastfeeding upon discharge was higher for the land birth cohort (p < .001, OR: 0,4). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that water birth did not influence the need for NICU admission, but was associated with fewer adverse neonatal outcomes, such as resuscitation, respiratory distress, or problems during admission.

Waterbirth: a national retrospective cohort study of factors associated with its use among women in England.

BACKGROUND: Waterbirth is widely available in English maternity settings for women who are not at increased risk of complications during labour. Immersion in water during labour is associated with a number of maternal benefits. However for birth in water the situation is less clear, with conclusive evidence on safety lacking and little known about the characteristics of women who give birth in water. This retrospective cohort study uses electronic data routinely collected in the course of maternity care in England in 2015-16 to describe the proportion of births recorded as having occurred in water, the characteristics of women who experienced waterbirth and the odds of key maternal and neonatal complications associated with giving birth in water. METHODS: Data were obtained from three population level electronic datasets linked together for the purposes of a national audit of maternity care. The study cohort included women who had no risk factors requiring them to give birth in an obstetric unit according to national guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine maternal (postpartum haemorrhage of 1500mls or more, obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI)) and neonatal (Apgar score less than 7, neonatal unit admission) outcomes associated with waterbirth. RESULTS: 46,088 low and intermediate risk singleton term spontaneous vaginal births in 35 NHS Trusts in England were included in the analysis cohort. Of these 6264 (13.6%) were recorded as having occurred in water. Waterbirth was more likely in older women up to the age of 40 (adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) for age group 35-39 1.27, 95% confidence interval (1.15,1.41)) and less common in women under 25 (adjOR 18-24 0.76 (0.70, 0.82)), those of higher parity (parity ≥3 adjOR 0.56 (0.47,0.66)) or who were obese (BMI 30-34.9 adjOR 0.77 (0.70,0.85)). Waterbirth was also less likely in black (adjOR 0.42 (0.36, 0.51)) and Asian (adjOR 0.26 (0.23,0.30)) women and in those from areas of increased socioeconomic deprivation (most affluent versus least affluent areas adjOR 0.47 (0.43, 0.52)). There was no association between delivery in water and low Apgar score (adjOR 0.95 (0.66,1.36)) or incidence of OASI (adjOR 1.00 (0.86,1.16)). There was an association between waterbirth and reduced incidence of postpartum haemorrhage (adjOR 0.68 (0.51,0.90)) and neonatal unit admission (adjOR 0.65 (0.53,0.78)). CONCLUSIONS: In this large observational cohort study, there was no association between waterbirth and specific adverse outcomes for either the mother or the baby. There was evidence that white women from higher socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to be recorded as giving birth in water. Maternity services should focus on ensuring equitable access to waterbirth.

Perineal skin tear repair following vaginal birth; skin adhesive versus conventional suture - a randomised controlled trial.

This was a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of first-degree perineal tear repair using adhesive glue versus conventional suturing in terms of pain score, wound complication and patient's satisfaction. One hundred and twenty one women were randomised. The skin adhesive group had a significantly lower pain score at rest as well as during sitting, walking and micturition during the first week of delivery compared to the suture group. The time taken to become pain free was significantly shorter in the tissue adhesive group (3.18 vs. 8.65 days, p < .001). Only two patients who had skin glue experienced wound gaping. No significant difference was observed in the level of satisfaction between the adhesive and suture groups. Tissue adhesive is better than subcuticular suture for repairing first-degree perineal tear as it causes less pain and has shorter recovery time.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject. First- and second-degree tears following vaginal delivery are common and involved a third of women. Suturing of these tears is advocated to avoid wound gaping and poor healing.What the results of this study add. For first-degree tear repair, tissue adhesive is better than conventional suture in terms of pain reduction and recovery time.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research. Skin adhesive is an ideal method for first-degree perineal tear repair especially in out of hospital settings such as home birth or midwifery-led centre. A larger scale study is needed to establish its feasibility for second- and third-degree tears repair.

Hematoma espontáneo del ligamento ancho luego de un parto vaginal normal: reporte de caso / Spontaneous hematoma of the broad ligament after a normal vaginal delivery: case report / Hematoma espontâneo do ligamento largo após um parto vaginal normal: apresentação de um caso clínico

La hemorragia posparto es una de las principales causas de muerte materna con una elevada morbimortalidad. El hematoma del ligamento ancho representa una entidad inusual, de difícil diagnóstico y alta sospecha clínica. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente con un hematoma del ligamento ancho espontáneo luego de un parto vaginal. Se optó por una conducta activa con laparotomía y antibioticoterapia obteniendo una buena evolución con egreso hospitalario a los 30 días. Se realiza la discusión del caso luego de revisar la bibliografía disponible.

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the main causes of maternal death with high morbidity and mortality. The broad ligament hematoma represents an unusual entity, difficult to diagnose, in which clinical suspicion is determinant. The clinical case of a patient with a spontaneous broad ligament hematoma after a vaginal delivery is presented. An active management with laparotomy and antibiotic therapy was chosen, obtaining a satisfactory evolution with hospital discharge at 30 days. The case is discussed, after reviewing the available bibliography.

A hemorragia pós-parto é uma das principais causas de morte maternal com alta morbidade e mortalidade. O hematoma do ligamento largo representa uma entidade incomum, de difícil diagnóstico e alto suspeita clínica. A presentamos o caso clínico de uma paciente com hematoma espontâneo do ligamento largo, após parto vaginal. Foi optada por conduta ativa com laparotomía e antibioticoterapia, obtendo boa evolução com alta hospitalar após 30 dias. O caso é discutido depois de revisar a bibliografia disponível.

Systematic Review of Case Reports of Poor Neonatal Outcomes With Water Immersion During Labor and Birth.

Water immersion is a valuable comfort measure in labor, that can be used during the first or second stage of labor. Case reports of adverse outcomes create suspicion about water birth safety, which restricts the availability of water birth in the United States. The objective of this study was to synthesize the information from case reports of adverse water birth events to identify practices associated with these outcomes, and to identify patterns of negative outcomes. The research team conducted a systematic search for cases reports of poor neonatal outcomes with water immersion. Eligible manuscripts reported any adverse neonatal outcome with immersion during labor or birth; or excluded if no adverse outcome was reported or the birth reported was unattended. A qualitative narrative synthesis was conducted to identify patterns in the reports. There were 47 cases of adverse outcomes from 35 articles included in the analysis. There was a pattern of cases of Pseudomonas and Legionella, but other infections were uncommon. There were cases of unexplained neonatal hyponatremia following water birth that need further investigation to determine the mechanism that contributes to this complication. The synthesis was limited by reporting information of interest to pediatricians with little information about water birth immersion practices. These data did not support concerns of water aspiration or cord rupture, but did identify other potential risks. Water immersion guidelines need to address infection risk, optimal management of compromised water-born infants, and the potential association between immersion practice and hyponatremia.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Hospital-Based Deliveries With Water Immersion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care nursery admission for deliveries with water immersion compared with deliveries in the matched control group without water immersion. Secondary outcomes included adverse neonatal diagnoses, maternal infections, and perineal lacerations. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using electronic health record data (2014-2018) from two health systems (eight hospitals), with similar clinical eligibility, associated with low risks of intrapartum complications, and implementation policies for waterbirth. The water immersion group included women intending waterbirth. Water immersion was recorded prospectively during delivery. The comparison population were women who met the clinical eligibility criteria for waterbirth but did not experience water immersion during labor. Comparison cases were matched (1:1) using propensity scores. Outcomes were compared using Fischer's exact tests and logistic regression with stratification by stage of water immersion. RESULTS: Of the 583 women with water immersion, 34.1% (199) experienced first-stage water immersion only, 65.9% (384) experienced second-stage immersion, of whom 12.0% (70) exited during second stage, and 53.9% (314) completed delivery in the water. Neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery admissions were lower for second-stage water immersion deliveries than deliveries in the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.7). Lacerations were lower in the second-stage immersion group (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.7). Neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery admissions and lacerations were not different between the first-stage immersion group and their matched comparisons. Cord avulsions occurred for 0.8% of second-stage water immersion deliveries compared with none in the control groups. Five-minute Apgar score (less than 7), maternal infections, and other adverse outcomes were not significantly different between either the first- or second-stage water immersion groups and their control group. CONCLUSION: Hospital-based deliveries with second-stage water immersion had lower risk of NICU or special care nursery admission and perineal lacerations than matched deliveries in the control group without water immersion.

Elective Labor Induction at 39 Weeks of Gestation Compared With Expectant Management: Factors Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Low-Risk Nulliparous Women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate characteristics associated with adverse outcomes in low-risk nulliparous women randomized to elective labor induction at 39 weeks of gestation or expectant management. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of women randomized during the 38th week to induction at 39 weeks of gestation or expectant management. Deliveries before 39 weeks of gestation and those not adherent to study protocol or with fetal anomalies were excluded. A composite of adverse outcomes (perinatal death or severe neonatal complications), third- or fourth-degree lacerations, and postpartum hemorrhage were evaluated. Log binomial regression models estimated relative risks and 95% CIs for associations of outcomes with patient characteristics including randomly assigned treatment group. Interactions between patient characteristics and treatment group were tested. RESULTS: Of 6,096 women with outcome data, 5,007 (82.1%) met criteria for inclusion in this analysis. Frequency of the perinatal composite was 252 (5.0%), 166 (3.3%) for third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration, and 237 (4.7%) for postpartum hemorrhage. In multivariable analysis, intended labor induction at 39 weeks of gestation was associated with a reduced perinatal composite outcome (4.1% vs 6.0%; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.71; 95% CI 0.55-0.90), whereas increasing body mass index (BMI) was associated with an increased perinatal composite outcome (aRR 1.04/unit increase; 95% CI 1.02-1.05). Decreased risk of third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration was observed with increasing BMI (aRR 0.96/unit increase; 95% CI 0.93-0.98) and in Black women compared with White women (1.2% vs 3.9%; aRR 0.34; 95% CI 0.19-0.60). Increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage was observed in Hispanic women compared with White women (6.3% vs 4.0%; aRR 1.64; 95% CI 1.18-2.29). Patient characteristics associated with adverse outcomes were similar between treatment groups (P for interaction >.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with expectant management, intended induction at 39 weeks of gestation was associated with reduced risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Patient characteristics associated with adverse outcomes were few and similar between groups. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01990612.

Customized Probability of Vaginal Delivery With Induction of Labor and Expectant Management in Nulliparous Women at 39 Weeks of Gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop models to predict vaginal delivery in low-risk, nulliparous women contemplating elective induction of labor or expectant management at 39 weeks of gestation. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of planned elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation compared with expectant management for low-risk nulliparous women. Two groups were included for this analysis: 1) women who were randomized to the induction of labor group and underwent elective induction at 39 0/7-39 4/7 weeks of gestation and 2) women who were randomized to the expectant management group who experienced spontaneous labor or medically indicated delivery (including postterm). Multivariable logistic regression models were developed for each group using patient characteristics that would be available at the time of counseling. Model selection was based on k-fold cross-validation using backward elimination and variables that remained significant at P<.05 were retained. To compare estimated with observed rates, the elective induction of labor model was then applied to each woman in both groups to estimate individualized predicted probabilities of vaginal delivery with elective induction of labor. RESULTS: Of 6,106 women enrolled in the trial, 4,661 met criteria for this analysis. Vaginal delivery occurred in 80.6% of the 2,153 women in the elective induction of labor group and 77.2% of the 2,508 women in the expectant management group (P=.005). The final elective induction of labor model included age, height, weight, and modified Bishop score (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] 0.72, 95% CI 0.70-0.75). The same variables were included in the final expectant management model (AUROC 0.70, 95% CI 0.67-0.72). Across the range of predicted probability deciles derived from the elective induction of labor model, almost all women who underwent elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation had a higher observed chance of vaginal delivery than expectant management. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the individual predicted chance of vaginal delivery from elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation, vaginal delivery is generally more frequent if elective induction of labor is undertaken rather than expectant management. These data can be used to counsel nulliparous women regarding their "customized" chances of vaginal delivery as they choose between elective induction of labor or expectant management at 39 weeks of gestation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01990612.

Neonatal Omphalitis After Lotus Birth.

Lotus birth, or umbilical nonseverance, is the practice wherein the umbilical cord is not separated from the placenta after birth, but allowed instead to dry and fall off on its own. Lotus birth may result in neonatal omphalitis. This article describes the history and rationale for lotus birth as well as the etiology, incidence, clinical presentation, and management of neonatal omphalitis. Recommendations for educating families how to perform lotus birth safely are presented. Additionally, signs and symptoms that warrant newborn assessment and treatment are reviewed.

Early and late puerperal complications associated with the mode of delivery in a cohort in Brazil. / Complicações puerperais precoces e tardias associadas à via de parto em uma coorte no Brasil.

INTRODUCTION: The rates of cesarean section births significantly increased in Brazil and worldwide in recent years; and along with them, the interest in studying the complications related to this procedure. OBJECTIVE: To assess the early and late maternal complications associated with the mode of delivery in up to six years after labor. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study that followed all births in the city of Pelotas, in Southern Brazil (4,244 mothers) in 2004, for a period of 6 years. Descriptive analyses and the association between the outcome and mode of delivery were performed. The control for potential confounding factors was performed using Poisson regression with robust error variance. RESULTS: About half (44.9%) of the women underwent cesarean section. Cesarean sections were associated with a 56% higher risk of early complications, 2.98 times higher risk of postpartum infection, 79% higher risk of urinary tract infection, 2.40 times higher risk of pain, 6.16 times higher risk of headaches, and 12 times higher risk of anesthetic complications compared to the vaginal delivery. Cesarean section was a protection factor against the presence of hemorrhoids. The mode of delivery was not associated with any of the late complications studied. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the risk of associated complications, cesarean sections should be performed with caution, when their benefits outweigh the risks.

INTRODUÇÃO: As taxas de cesárea aumentaram significativamente no Brasil e no mundo nos últimos anos; e junto delas o interesse em estudar as complicações relacionadas a esse procedimento. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as complicações maternas precoces e tardias relacionadas à via de parto, por até seis anos após o parto. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo tipo coorte prospectiva que acompanhou todos os nascimentos da cidade de Pelotas, no Sul do Brasil (4.244 mães), no ano de 2004, por um período de 6 anos. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e de associação entre o desfecho e a via de parto. O controle para potenciais fatores de confusão foi realizado através da regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. RESULTADOS: Cerca da metade das mulheres (44,9%) foram submetidas à cesárea. O parto cesárea foi associado a um risco 56% maior de complicações precoces, 2,98 vezes maior de infecção pós-parto, 79% mais risco de infecção urinária, 2,40 vezes maior de dor, 6,16 vezes maior de cefaleia e mais de 12 vezes maior de complicações anestésicas, quando comparado ao parto vaginal. A cesárea foi proteção contra a presença de hemorroidas. A via de parto não foi associada a nenhuma das complicações tardias estudadas. CONCLUSÃO: Devido ao risco de complicações associado, as cesáreas devem ser realizadas com cautela, quando seus benefícios superam os riscos.

Cesarean vs Vaginal Delivery : An Institutional Experience.

INTRODUCTION: According to the WHO, 15% of deliveries have precise indication for cesarean section where it is mandatory for the preservation of maternal and/or fetal health. Increasing rates of Lower Segment Caesarean Sections puts foreword various question that, whether a LSCS need to be reflected as a normal delivery in this twenty first century. There are conflicting reports regarding the safety of caesarean sections. While a significant number of cesarean delivery are performed for obstetrical indications, some are simply due to maternal request and may incur several risks for the child. Not much study has compared the complications of caesarean section with those of vaginal birth. Objective of this study is to find out and compare the common complications of cesarean section with vaginal deliveries on mothers. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted in two selected hospitals of Rupandehi district, Nepal. Data was collected as per pretested structured proforma from 550 respondents randomly and analyzed by using SPSS, MANOVA and Chi-square test to determine associations between categorical variables. RESULTS: In total of 550 mothers, 408 (74.2%) had vaginal delivery and 142 (25.8%) had cesarean delivery.The common maternal complications were postpartum hemorrhage 116 (21.1%), prolonged labor 47 (8.5%) and wound infection 42 (7.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The result of the study shows that the maternal complications were higher among LSCS compared to vaginal delivery.

Complicações puerperais precoces e tardias associadas à via de parto em uma coorte no Brasil / Early and late puerperal complications associated with the mode of delivery in a cohort in Brazil

RESUMO: Introdução: As taxas de cesárea aumentaram significativamente no Brasil e no mundo nos últimos anos; e junto delas o interesse em estudar as complicações relacionadas a esse procedimento. Objetivo: Avaliar as complicações maternas precoces e tardias relacionadas à via de parto, por até seis anos após o parto. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo tipo coorte prospectiva que acompanhou todos os nascimentos da cidade de Pelotas, no Sul do Brasil (4.244 mães), no ano de 2004, por um período de 6 anos. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e de associação entre o desfecho e a via de parto. O controle para potenciais fatores de confusão foi realizado através da regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: Cerca da metade das mulheres (44,9%) foram submetidas à cesárea. O parto cesárea foi associado a um risco 56% maior de complicações precoces, 2,98 vezes maior de infecção pós-parto, 79% mais risco de infecção urinária, 2,40 vezes maior de dor, 6,16 vezes maior de cefaleia e mais de 12 vezes maior de complicações anestésicas, quando comparado ao parto vaginal. A cesárea foi proteção contra a presença de hemorroidas. A via de parto não foi associada a nenhuma das complicações tardias estudadas. Conclusão: Devido ao risco de complicações associado, as cesáreas devem ser realizadas com cautela, quando seus benefícios superam os riscos.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The rates of cesarean section births significantly increased in Brazil and worldwide in recent years; and along with them, the interest in studying the complications related to this procedure. Objective: To assess the early and late maternal complications associated with the mode of delivery in up to six years after labor. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study that followed all births in the city of Pelotas, in Southern Brazil (4,244 mothers) in 2004, for a period of 6 years. Descriptive analyses and the association between the outcome and mode of delivery were performed. The control for potential confounding factors was performed using Poisson regression with robust error variance. Results: About half (44.9%) of the women underwent cesarean section. Cesarean sections were associated with a 56% higher risk of early complications, 2.98 times higher risk of postpartum infection, 79% higher risk of urinary tract infection, 2.40 times higher risk of pain, 6.16 times higher risk of headaches, and 12 times higher risk of anesthetic complications compared to the vaginal delivery. Cesarean section was a protection factor against the presence of hemorrhoids. The mode of delivery was not associated with any of the late complications studied. Conclusions: Due to the risk of associated complications, cesarean sections should be performed with caution, when their benefits outweigh the risks.

Defining and Managing Normal and Abnormal First Stage of Labor.

Modern data have redefined the normal first stage of labor. Key differences include that the latent phase of labor is much slower than was previously thought and the transition from latent to active labor does not occur until about 6 cm of cervical dilatation, regardless of parity or whether labor was spontaneous or induced. Providers should have a low threshold to use one of the safe and effective interventions to manage abnormal progression in the first stage of labor, including oxytocin, internal tocodynamometry, and amniotomy.

Relación entre el parto natural y el desprendimiento de retina regmatógeno en pacientes miopes / Relationship between natural childbirth and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients with myopia

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre el desprendimiento de retina regmatógeno y el parto natural. Sujetos y métodos: Se realizó una encuesta oportunista a aquellas pacientes que acudieran a consulta de Oftalmología, que presentaran alta miopía y que hubieran tenido hijos en los últimos 10 años. Resultados: Sesenta y siete pacientes respondieron a la encuesta. La miopía promedio fue de -11.54±4.1 (rango -6.25-23) y 3 de las pacientes tenían historial de desprendimiento de retina previo. El número de partos total fue de 107, de los cuales 20 fueron por cesárea. Ninguna de las pacientes tuvo ningún problema ocular asociado al parto y ninguna cesárea se realizó por razones oftalmológicas. No obstante, 3 pacientes fueron derivadas a Oftalmología para valorar la conveniencia o no de un parto natural. Conclusión: No existe ninguna evidencia científica que soporte la creencia de que un parto natural pueda ocasionar un desprendimiento de retina regmatógeno

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and natural childbirth. Subjects and methods: A survey was performed on patients who visited the ophthalmology department and presented high myopia and had given birth in the last ten years. Results: 67 patients answered the survey. Average myopia was-11.54±4.1 [range-6.25 -23] and 3 of the patients had a history of previous retinal detachment. The total number of childbirths was 107, of which 20 were by caesarean section. None of the patients had any ocular problem associated with childbirth and no caesarean section was performed for ophthalmological reasons. However, three patients were referred to the ophthalmology department to assess whether or not a natural birth was appropriate. Conclusion: There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that a natural birth could cause rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Is prophylactic tranexamic acid administration effective and safe for postpartum hemorrhage prevention?: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TA) in reducing blood loss and lowering transfusion needs for patients undergoing caesarean section (CS) or vaginal delivery (VD). METHODS: An electronic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane library, Scopus, Central, and Clinical trials.gov was performed to identify studies that evaluating the usage of TA in CS or VD. The methodological quality of included trials was assessed and data extraction was performed. RESULTS: Finally, 25 articles with 4747 participants were included. Our findings indicated TA resulted in a reduced intra-, postoperative, and total blood loss by a mean volume of 141.25 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] -186.72 to -95.79, P < 0.00001), 36.42 mL (95% CI -46.50 to -26.34, P < 0.00001), and 154.25 mL (95% CI -182.04 to -126.47, P < 0.00001) in CS. TA administration in VD was associated with a reduced intra-, postoperative, and total blood loss by a mean volume of 22.88 mL (95% CI -50.54 to 4.77, P = 0.10), 41.24 mL (95% CI -55.50 to -26.98, P < 0.00001), and 84.79 mL (95% CI -109.93 to -59.65, P < 0.00001). In addition, TA could lower the occurrence rate of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and severe PPH, and reduce the risk of blood transfusions. No increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after CS or VD was associated with TA usage, while the minor side effects were more common. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that intravenous TA for patients undergoing CS was effective and safe. Although prophylactic TA administration is associated with reduced PPH, current existing data are insufficient to draw definitive recommendations about its clinical significance due to the poor to moderate quality of the included literatures. Thus, high-quality randomized controlled trials with larger samples are needed to validate our findings.

Ethics and professional responsibility: Essential dimensions of planned home birth.

Planned home birth is a paradigmatic case study of the importance of ethics and professionalism in contemporary perinatology. In this article we provide a summary of recent analyses of the Centers for Disease Control database on attendants and birth outcomes in the United States. This summary documents the increased risks of neonatal mortality and morbidity of planned home birth as well as bias in Apgar scoring. We then describe the professional responsibility model of obstetric ethics, which is based on the professional medical ethics of two major figures in the history of medical ethics, Drs. John Gregory of Scotland and Thomas Percival of England. This model emphasizes the identification and careful balancing of the perinatologist's ethical obligations to pregnant, fetal, and neonatal patients. This model stands in sharp contrast to one-dimensional maternal-rights-based reductionist model of obstetric ethics, which is based solely on the pregnant woman's rights. We then identify the implications of the professional responsibility model for the perinatologist's role in directive counseling of women who express an interest in or ask about planned home birth. Perinatologists should explain the evidence of the increased, preventable perinatal risks of planned home birth, recommend against it, and recommend planned hospital birth. Perinatologists have the professional responsibility to create and sustain a strong culture of safety committed to a home-birth-like experience in the hospital. By routinely fulfilling these professional responsibilities perinatologists can help to prevent the documented, increased risks planned home birth.

Complicaciones del parto natural no hospitalario en área rural de Gambo, Etiopía / Complications of natural childbirth in the non-hospital setting in a rural area of Gambo, Ethiopia

Hemos realizado una cooperación internacional con el Hospital de Gambo (Etiopía), en el área de ginecología y obstetricia. Ha consistido básicamente en la práctica de cirugía programada, seguimiento de pacientes hospitalizadas, consulta externa, ecografía y, sobre todo, atención de la urgencia obstétrica. Exponemos a continuación nuestra experiencia sobre la complejidad de los casos obstétricos asistidos en los cuales fue preciso realizar una histerectomía obstétrica

International cooperation was established with the Gambo Hospital, in the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology, basically consisting of elective surgery, follow-up of hospitalized patients, outpatient consultations, sonography, and-in particular- obstetric emergencies. We describe our experience of the complexity of obstetric emergencies that required hysterectomy