Urinary stress incontinence and other maternal outcomes 2 years after caesarean or vaginal birth for twin pregnancy: a multicentre randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: Does planned caesarean compared with planned vaginal birth lower the risk of problematic urinary stress, faecal, or flatal incontinence? DESIGN: Women between 320/7 and 386/7 weeks of gestation with a twin pregnancy were randomised to planned caesarean or planned vaginal birth. SETTING: The trial took place at 106 centres in 25 countries. POPULATION: A total of 2305 of the 2804 women enrolled in the study completed questionnaires at 2 years (82.2% follow-up): 1155 in the planned caesarean group and 1150 in the planned vaginal birth group. METHODS: A structured self-administered questionnaire completed at 2 years postpartum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary maternal outcome of the Twin Birth Study was problematic urinary stress, or fecal, or flatal incontinence at 2 years RESULTS: Women in the planned caesarean group had lower problematic urinary stress incontinence rates compared with women in the planned vaginal birth group [93/1147 (8.11%) versus 140/1143 (12.25%); odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.83; P = 0.001]. Among those with problematic urinary stress incontinence, quality of life (measured using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, IIQ-7) was not different for planned caesarean versus planned vaginal birth groups [mean (SD): 18.4 (21.0) versus 19.1 (21.5); P = 0.82]. There were no differences in problematic faecal or flatal incontinence, or in other maternal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Among women with a twin pregnancy and no prior history of urinary stress incontinence, a management strategy of planned caesarean compared with planned vaginal birth reduces the risk of problematic urinary stress incontinence at 2 years postpartum. Our findings show that the prevalence but not the severity of urinary stress incontinence was associated with mode of birth. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) (grant no. MCT-63164). TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: For women with twins, planned caesarean compared with planned vaginal birth is associated with decreased prevalence but not severity of urinary stress incontinence at 2 years.

Maternal outcomes at 3 months after planned caesarean section versus planned vaginal birth for twin pregnancies in the Twin Birth Study: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes at 3 months post partum for women randomised to give birth by planned caesarean section (CS) or by planned vaginal birth (VB) in the Twin Birth Study (TBS). DESIGN: We invited women in the TBS to complete a 3-month follow-up questionnaire. SETTING: Two thousand and eight hundred and four women from 25 countries. POPULATION: Two thousand and five hundred and seventy women (92% response rate). METHODS: Women randomised between 13 December 2003 and 4 April 2011 in the TBS completed a questionnaire and outcomes were compared using an intention-to-treat approach. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Breastfeeding, quality of life, depression, fatigue and urinary incontinence. RESULTS: We found no clinically important differences between groups in any outcome. In the planned CS versus planned VB groups, breastfeeding at any time after birth was reported by 84.4% versus 86.4% (P = 0.13); the mean physical and mental Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life scores were 51.8 versus 51.6 (P = 0.65) and 46.7 versus 46.0 (P = 0.09), respectively; the mean Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue score was 20.3 versus 20.8 (P = 0.14); the frequency of probable depression on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was 14.0% versus 14.8% (P = 0.57); the rate of problematic urinary incontinence was 5.5% versus 6.4% (P = 0.31); and the mean Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 score was 20.5 versus 20.4 (P = 0.99). Partner relationships, including painful intercourse, were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: For women with twin pregnancies randomised to planned CS compared with planned VB, outcomes at 3 months post partum did not differ. The mode of birth was not associated with problematic urinary incontinence or urinary incontinence that affected the quality of life. Contrary to previous studies, breastfeeding at 3 months was not increased with planned VB. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Planned mode of birth for twins doesn't affect maternal depression, wellbeing, incontinence or breastfeeding.

Hemiclonal analysis of interacting phenotypes in male and female Drosophila melanogaster.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the sources of variation in mating interactions between males and females is important because this variation influences the strength and/or the direction of sexual selection that populations experience. While the origins and effects of variation in male attractiveness and ornamentation have received much scrutiny, the causes and consequences of intraspecific variation in females have been relatively overlooked. We used cytogenetic cloning techniques developed for Drosophila melanogaster to create "hemiclonal" males and females with whom we directly observed sexual interaction between individuals of different known genetic backgrounds and measured subsequent reproductive outcomes. Using this approach, we were able to quantify the genetic contribution of each mate to the observed phenotypic variation in biologically important traits including mating speed, copulation duration, and subsequent offspring production, as well as measure the magnitude and direction of intersexual genetic correlation between female choosiness and male attractiveness. RESULTS: We found significant additive genetic variation contributing to mating speed that can be attributed to male genetic identity, female genetic identity, but not their interaction. Furthermore we found that phenotypic variation in copulation duration had a significant male-associated genetic component. Female genetic identity and the interaction between male and female genetic identity accounted for a substantial amount of the observed phenotypic variation in egg size. Although previous research predicts a trade-off between egg size and fecundity, this was not evident in our results. We found a strong negative genetic correlation between female choosiness and male attractiveness, a result that suggests a potentially important role for sexually antagonistic alleles in sexual selection processes in our population. CONCLUSION: These results further our understanding of sexual selection because they identify that genetic identity plays a significant role in phenotypic variation in female behaviour and fecundity. This variation may be potentially due to ongoing sexual conflict found between the sexes for interacting phenotypes. Our unexpected observation of a negative correlation between female choosiness and male attractiveness highlights the need for more explicit theoretical models of genetic covariance to investigate the coevolution of female choosiness and male attractiveness.

Opiate prescription after hip and knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.

AIMS: Excessive opiate analgesia in relation to orthopaedic surgery is associated with morbidity and mortality. Pre-operative use of opiates is associated with higher post-operative use. There is little information about opiate prescribing practices in relation to elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in New Zealand rural centres. The aims of this study were to describe opiate use before, immediately after and 1 year after TJA, and to compare prescribing practices with local guidelines. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of elective primary hip and knee arthroplasties was conducted between January 2018 and April 2019. Opiate use was evaluated from clinical records and from electronic prescribing records and described in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) with a particular focus on pre-operative and post-operative periods, and use after 1 year. RESULTS: In the study period, 199 patients underwent 203 joint arthroplasties. Of these, data from 157 patients were analysed. Patient data were not analysed because of unavailable files (N=20), non-elective procedures (N=11), bilateral arthroplasties (N=4), deaths (N=4) and incomplete information (N=3). Pre-operative opiates were used by 92 (59%) patients, of whom 70 (76%) were not using opiates after 1 year. There were 126 (80%) patients who were discharged with opiate prescriptions and the vast majority, 121 (96%), did not receive discharge prescriptions that conformed to local guidelines. CONCLUSION: Despite undergoing joint arthroplasty, about one quarter of patients who had been prescribed opiates before the operation were still receiving opiates after 1 year. There was poor compliance with local guidelines.

Psychosocial Outcomes of Parents of Children with Hirschsprung Disease Beyond Early Childhood.

PURPOSE: The lifelong impact of Hirschsprung disease (HD) upon children and their families is increasingly well recognized. Parental psychosocial wellbeing and family functioning are determinants of psychological and health-related outcomes in children with chronic conditions. We performed a cross-sectional cohort study to evaluate the psychosocial functioning of parents/caregivers of children with HD, beyond early childhood. METHODS: Parents/caregivers of children with HD, aged 4-14 years, managed at a tertiary pediatric surgical center were surveyed. Parent psychosocial outcomes, including adjustment to illness and family response, were assessed using four validated measures: Family Management Measure (FaMM); Parent Experience of Child Illness (PECI); Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMISR) anxiety; and PROMISR depression. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was administered to assess child quality of life (proxy-report). RESULTS: Forty parents (mean age 38.7 ± 5.6 years) of children with HD (mean age 8.0 ± 2.5) participated. Parents expressed greater long-term uncertainty (PECI) and poorer perceived condition management ability (FaMM) than comparator chronic disease cohorts. Other scores for parental adjustment to their child's condition (PECI) and family response (FaMM) were comparable to reference cohorts. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were prevalent in our cohort (52.5 % and 42.5 % respectively); however, the proportion with moderate - severe PROMISR anxiety (χ2 = 2.50, p = 0.114) and depression (χ2 = 0.156, p = 0.693) scores did not significantly differ from the expected population distribution. Proxy-reported child quality of life (PedsQL) was significantly reduced relative to healthy children (p = 0.0003), but comparable to those with physical health problems with special healthcare needs (p = 0.624). CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children with HD experience long-term uncertainty and have poorer perceived condition management ability than parents of children with other chronic childhood illnesses. This work highlights the importance of targeted parental education and support beyond primary surgical management, and provides a benchmark for this cohort, against which subsequent intervention-based studies may be assessed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Post-Operative Anorectal Manometry in Children following Anorectal Malformation Repair: A Systematic Review.

Despite surgical correction, children with anorectal malformations may experience long-term bowel dysfunction, including fecal incontinence and/or disorders of evacuation. Anorectal manometry is the most widely used test of anorectal function. Although considerable attention has been devoted to its application in the anorectal malformation cohort, there have been few attempts to consolidate the findings obtained. This systematic review aimed to (1) synthesize and evaluate the existing data regarding anorectal manometry results in children following anorectal malformation repair, and (2) evaluate the manometry protocols utilized, including equipment, assessment approach, and interpretation. We reviewed four databases (Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed) for relevant articles published between 1 January 1985 and 10 March 2022. Studies reporting post-operative anorectal manometry in children (<18 years) following anorectal malformation repair were evaluated for eligibility. Sixty-three studies were eligible for inclusion. Of the combined total cohort of 2155 patients, anorectal manometry results were reported for 1755 children following repair of anorectal malformations. Reduced resting pressure was consistently identified in children with anorectal malformations, particularly in those with more complex malformation types and/or fecal incontinence. Significant variability was identified in relation to manometry equipment, protocols, and interpretation. Few studies provided adequate cohort medical characteristics to facilitate interpretation of anorectal manometry findings within the context of the broader continence mechanism. This review highlights a widespread lack of standardization in the anorectal manometry procedure used to assess anorectal function in children following anorectal malformation repair. Consequently, interpretation and comparison of findings, both within and between institutions, is exceedingly challenging, if not impossible. Standardized manometry protocols, accompanied by a consistent approach to analysis, including definitions of normality and abnormality, are essential to enhance the comparability and clinical relevance of results.

Screening for VACTERL Anomalies in Children with Anorectal Malformations: Outcomes of a Standardized Approach.

PURPOSE: The majority of patients with an anorectal malformation (ARM) have associated congenital anomalies. It is well established that all patients diagnosed with an ARM should undergo systematic screening, including renal, spinal, and cardiac imaging. This study aimed to evaluate the findings and completeness of screening, following local implementation of standardized protocols. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed assessing all patients with an ARM managed at our tertiary pediatric surgical center, following a standardized protocol implementation for VACTERL screening (January 2016-December 2021). Cohort demographics, medical characteristics, and screening investigations were analyzed. Findings were compared with our previously published data (2000-2015), conducted prior to protocol implementation. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven (64 male, 50.4%) children were eligible for inclusion. Complete screening was performed in 107/127 (84.3%) children. Of these, one or more associated anomalies were diagnosed in 85/107 (79.4%), whilst the VACTERL association was demonstrated in 57/107 (53.3%). The proportion of children that underwent complete screening increased significantly in comparison with those assessed prior to protocol implementation (RR 0.43 [CI 0.27-0.66]; p < 0.001). Children with less complex ARM types were significantly less likely to receive complete screening (p = 0.028). Neither presence of an associated anomaly, nor prevalence of the VACTERL association, differed significantly by ARM type complexity. CONCLUSION: Screening for associated VACTERL anomalies in children with ARM was significantly improved following standardized protocol implementation. The prevalence of associated anomalies in our cohort supports the value of routine VACTERL screening in all children with ARM, regardless of malformation type. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Post-operative colonic manometry in children with anorectal malformations: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Children with anorectal malformations may experience constipation and fecal incontinence following repair. The contribution of altered anorectal function to these persistent symptoms is relatively intuitive; however, colonic motility in this cohort is less well understood. Manometry may be used to directly assess colonic motility. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the available evidence regarding post-operative colonic motility in children with anorectal malformations and evaluate the reported equipment and protocols used to perform colonic manometry in this cohort. This systematic review was conducted in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We conducted a systematic review of four databases: Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library (1st January 1985-22nd July 2021). Studies reporting colonic manometry performed in children following anorectal malformation repair were assessed for eligibility. Data were extracted independently by two authors. Four studies were eligible for inclusion. Of the combined total cohort of 151 children, post-operative colonic manometry was conducted in 35. Insufficient reporting of medical characteristics, bowel function, and manometric outcomes restricted comparison between studies, and limited clinical applicability. No results from high-resolution colonic manometry were identified. Despite the prevalence of post-operative bowel dysfunction in children with repaired anorectal malformations, this systematic review highlighted the markedly limited evidence regarding post-operative colonic motility. This cohort may benefit from assessment with high-resolution techniques; however, future work must emphasize adherence to standardized manometry protocols, and include robust reporting of surgical characteristics, bowel function, and manometric outcomes.

Post-operative anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung disease is commonly encountered by pediatric surgeons. Despite advances in the surgical management, these children may experience symptoms of bowel dysfunction throughout adulthood. Anorectal manometry may be used to assess post-operative anorectal structure and function. This review aimed to consolidate and evaluate the literature pertaining to post-operative findings of anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease. PURPOSE: (1) Synthesize the available data regarding anorectal motility patterns in children following repair of Hirschsprung disease. (2) Evaluate the reported anorectal manometry protocols. DATA SOURCES: We performed a systematic review of four databases: Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed. STUDY SELECTION: This systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies reporting results of post-operative anorectal manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease were evaluated for inclusion. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies satisfied inclusion criteria, with a combined cohort of 939 patients. Post-operative anorectal manometry results were reported for 682 children. The majority of included studies were assessed as "poor quality." Disparate manometry protocols, heterogeneous cohorts, and lack of standardized outcome assessments introduced a risk of outcome reporting bias, limited the comparability of results, and impeded clinical translation of findings. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrated the lack of high-quality evidence underlying the current understanding of post-operative anorectal motility in children with HD. There was little consistency in reported manometry outcomes between studies. In future work, emphasis must be placed on the application of standardized manometry protocols, cohort reporting, and patient outcome assessments.

The Early External Cephalic Version (ECV) 2 Trial: an international multicentre randomised controlled trial of timing of ECV for breech pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether initiating external cephalic version (ECV) earlier in pregnancy might increase the rate of successful ECV procedures, and be more effective in decreasing the rate of non-cephalic presentation at birth and of caesarean section. DESIGN: An unblinded multicentred randomised controlled trial. SETTING: A total of 1543 women were randomised from 68 centres in 21 countries. POPULATION: Women with a singleton breech fetus at a gestational age of 33(0/7) weeks (231 days) to 35(6/7) weeks (251 days) of gestation were included. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to having a first ECV procedure between the gestational ages of 34(0/7) (238 days) and 35(6/7) weeks of gestation (early ECV group) or at or after 37(0/7) (259 days) weeks of gestation (delayed ECV group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the rate of caesarean section; the secondary outcome was the rate of preterm birth. RESULTS: Fewer fetuses were in a non-cephalic presentation at birth in the early ECV group (314/765 [41.1%] versus 377/768 [49.1%] in the delayed ECV group; relative risk [RR] 0.84, 95% CI 0.75, 0.94, P=0.002). There were no differences in rates of caesarean section (398/765 [52.0%] versus 430/768 [56.0%]; RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85, 1.02, P=0.12) or in risk of preterm birth (50/765 [6.5%] versus 34/768 [4.4%]; RR 1.48, 95% CI 0.97, 2.26, P=0.07) between groups. CONCLUSION: External cephalic version at 34-35 weeks versus 37 or more weeks of gestation increases the likelihood of cephalic presentation at birth but does not reduce the rate of caesarean section and may increase the rate of preterm birth.

Post-operative colonic manometry in children with Hirschsprung disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of children experience bowel dysfunction (including constipation and fecal incontinence) following surgical repair of Hirschsprung disease (HD). Persistent symptoms are thought to relate to underlying colonic and/or anorectal dysmotility. Manometry may be used to investigate the gastrointestinal motility patterns of this population. PURPOSE: To (1) evaluate the colonic manometry equipment and protocols used in the assessment of the post-operative HD population and (2) summarize the available evidence regarding colonic motility patterns in children with HD following surgical repair. DATA SOURCES: We performed a systematic review of the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases (January 1, 1980 and March 9, 2020). Data were extracted independently by two authors. STUDY SELECTION: This systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies reporting the post-operative assessment of children with HD using colonic manometry were considered for inclusion. RESULTS: Five studies satisfied selection criteria, providing a combined total of 496 children. Of these, 184 children with repaired HD underwent colonic manometry. Studies assessed heterogeneous populations, utilized variable manometry equipment and protocols, and reported limited baseline symptom characteristics, thus restricting comparability. All studies used low-resolution colonic manometry. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review highlighted the paucity of evidence informing the understanding of colonic dysmotility in the post-operative HD cohort. Current literature is limited by variable methodologies, heterogeneous cohorts, and the lack of high-resolution manometry.

Importance of Genetic Diagnostics in Adult-Onset Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a histological pattern of podocyte and glomerulus injury. FSGS can be primary and secondary to other diseases or due to a genetic cause. Strikingly, genetic causes for adult-onset FSGS are often overlooked, likely because identifying patients with genetic forms of FSGS based on clinical presentation and histopathology is difficult. Yet diagnosing genetic FSGS does not only have implications for prognostication and therapy but also for family and family planning. In this case series, we present 3 adult patients who presented with advanced renal disease with the histological picture of FSGS and proved to have a genetic cause of the disease, namely, variants in INF2, COL4A4 and HNF1B, respectively. We show the possibilities of identifying genetic FSGS based on clinical clues of a positive family history, early age at onset of disease, and/or severe therapy-resistant disease. We discuss ways to select the method of genetic testing for individual patients. Finally, we examine how the judicious use of genetic investigations can obviate potential harmful diagnostic procedures and direct clinical decisions in patients and their relatives.

The Control of Hypertension In Pregnancy Study pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 'less tight' (versus 'tight') control of nonsevere hypertension results in a difference in diastolic blood pressure (dBP) between groups. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN#57277508). SETTING: Seventeen obstetric centres in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and UK. POPULATION: Inclusion: pregnant women, dBP 90-109 mmHg, pre-existing/gestational hypertension; live fetus(es); and 20-33(+6) weeks. Exclusion: systolic blood pressure > or = 170 mmHg and proteinuria, contraindication, or major fetal anomaly. METHODS: Randomisation to less tight (target dBP, 100 mmHg) or tight (target dBP, 85 mmHg) blood pressure control. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: mean dBP at 28, 32 and 36 weeks. Secondary: clinician compliance and women's satisfaction. Other: serious perinatal and maternal complications. RESULTS: A total of 132 women were randomised to less tight (n = 66; seven had no study visit) or tight control (n= 66; one was lost to follow up; seven had no study visit). Mean dBP was significantly lower with tight control: -3.5 mmHg, 95% credible interval (-6.4, -0.6). Clinician compliance was 79% in both groups. Women were satisfied with their care. With less tight (versus tight) control, the rates of other treatments and outcomes were the following: post-randomisation antenatal antihypertensive medication use: 46 (69.7%) versus 58 (89.2%), severe hypertension: 38 (57.6%) versus 26 (40.0%), proteinuria: 16 (24.2%) versus 20 (30.8%), serious maternal complications: 3 (4.6%) versus 2 (3.1%), preterm birth: 24 (36.4%) versus 26 (40.0%), birthweight: 2675 +/- 858 versus 2501 +/- 855 g, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission: 15 (22.7%) versus 22 (34.4%), and serious perinatal complications: 9 (13.6%) versus 14 (21.5%). CONCLUSION: The CHIPS pilot trial confirms the feasibility and importance of a large definitive trial to determine the effects of less tight control on serious perinatal and maternal complications.

WITHDRAWN: Oxytocin for prelabour rupture of membranes at or near term.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labour after prelabour rupture of membranes may reduce the risk of neonatal infection. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of induction of labour with oxytocin versus expectant management for prelabour rupture of membranes at or near term (34 weeks or more). SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of early use of oxytocin versus no early use of oxytocin for spontaneous rupture of membranes, before labour (34 weeks gestation or more). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trials were assessed for quality and data were abstracted. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included. The trials were of variable quality with potential for significant bias. Compared to expectant management, induction of labour by oxytocin was associated with a decreased risk of maternal infection (odds ratio for chorioamnionitis of 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.51 to 0.78, endometritis 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.52 to 0.99). There was also a decreased risk of neonatal infection (odds ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.44 to 0.93). The size of this effect may have been biased in favour of oxytocin. Based on one trial, women were more likely to view their care positively if labour was induced with oxytocin. Caesarean section rates were not statistically different between groups, although the trend was towards fewer interventions with expectant management. Oxytocin was associated with more frequent use of pain relief and internal fetal heart rate monitoring. Perinatal mortality rates were low and not significantly different between groups, although the trend was towards fewer deaths with induction of labour by oxytocin. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Induction of labour by oxytocin may decrease the risk of maternal and neonatal infection compared to expectant management. Induction of labour with oxytocin does not appear to increase the rate of caesarean section, although it may increase use of pain relief and internal fetal heart rate monitoring.[This abstract has been prepared centrally.].

WITHDRAWN: Prostaglandins versus oxytocin for prelabour rupture of membranes at or near term.

BACKGROUND: The conventional method of induction of labour is with intravenous oxytocin. More recently, induction with prostaglandins, followed by an infusion of oxytocin if necessary, has been used. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of induction of labour with prostaglandins compared with oxytocin, at or near term. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of early stimulation of uterine contractions with prostaglandins (with or without oxytocin) versus with oxytocin alone (not combined with prostaglandins) in women with spontaneous rupture of membranes before labour (34 weeks or more gestation). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Seventeen trials were included. Most of the trials were of moderate to good quality. Based on six trials, prostaglandins compared with oxytocin were associated with increased chorioamnionitis (odds ratio of 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 2.09) and maternal nausea/vomiting. Based on eight trials, prostaglandins were associated with a decrease in epidural analgesia, odds ratio of 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.73 to 0.98 and internal fetal heart rate monitoring (based on one trial). Caesarean section, endometritis and perinatal mortality were not significantly different between the groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Women with prelabour rupture of membranes at or near term having their labour induced with prostaglandins appear to have a lower risk of epidural analgesia and fetal heart rate monitoring. However there appears to be an increased risk of chorioamnionitis and nausea/vomiting with prostaglandins compared to oxytocin.[This abstract has been prepared centrally.].

WITHDRAWN: Prostaglandins versus oxytocin for prelabour rupture of membranes at term.

BACKGROUND: The conventional method of induction of labour is with intravenous oxytocin. More recently, induction with prostaglandins, followed by an infusion of oxytocin if necessary, has been used. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of induction of labour with prostaglandins versus oxytocin for prelabour rupture of membranes at term. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of early stimulation of uterine contractions with prostaglandins (with or without oxytocin) versus with oxytocin alone (not combined with prostaglandins) in women with spontaneous rupture of membranes at term (37 weeks or more gestation). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Eight trials were included. Based on three trials, prostaglandins compared to oxytocin were associated with increased chorioamnionitis (odds ratio of 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 2.12) and neonatal infections (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 2.66). Based on four trials, prostaglandins were associated with a decrease in epidural analgesia (odds ratio of 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.73 to 1.00) and internal fetal heart rate monitoring (based on one trial). Caesarean section, endometritis and perinatal mortality were not significantly different between the groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Women with prelabour rupture of membranes at term having their labour induced with prostaglandins appear to have a lower risk of epidural analgesia and fetal heart rate monitoring. However there appears to be an increased risk of chorioamnionitis and neonatal infections after prostaglandin induction compared to oxytocin.[This abstract has been prepared centrally.].

WITHDRAWN: Prostaglandins for prelabour rupture of membranes at or near term.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labour after prelabour rupture of membranes may reduce the risk of neonatal infection. However an expectant approach may be less likely to result in caesarean section. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of induction of labour with prostaglandins versus expectant management for prelabour rupture of membranes at or near term. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing early use of prostaglandins (with or without oxytocin) with no early use of prostaglandins in women with spontaneous rupture of membranes before labour, and 34 weeks or more of gestation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trials were assessed for quality and data were abstracted. MAIN RESULTS: Fifteen trials were included. Most were of moderate to good quality. Different forms of prostaglandin preparations were used in these trials and it may be inappropriate to combine their results. Induction of labour by prostaglandins was associated with a decreased risk of chorioamnionitis (odds ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.97) based on eight trials and admission to neonatal intensive care (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.94) based on seven trials. No difference was detected for rate of caesarean section, although induction by prostaglandins was associated with a more frequent maternal diarrhoea and use of anaesthesia and/or analgesia. Based on one trial, women were more likely to view their care positively if labour was induced with prostaglandins,. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Induction of labour with prostaglandins appears to decrease the risk of maternal infection (chorioamnionitis) and admission to neonatal intensive care. Induction of labour with prostaglandins does not appear to increase the rate of caesarean section, although it is associated with more frequent maternal diarrhoea and pain relief.

Women's views of their experiences in the CHIPS (Control of Hypertension in Pregnancy Study) Pilot Trial.

BACKGROUND: Satisfaction with maternity care is strongly related to the patient-caregiver relationship and involvement in the decision-making process. We sought to compare women's views about their care in a randomized trial of 'less tight' vs. 'tight' control of non-proteinuric pre-existing or gestational hypertension in pregnancy. METHODS: In the CHIPS Pilot Trial, women completed a postpartum questionnaire to assess their likes and dislikes about their blood pressure (BP) management and trial participation. Comparisons were descriptive. RESULTS: Baseline information was similar for the 'less tight' and 'tight' control groups. Of 132 women, 126 (95.5%) from 17 centers completed a postpartum questionnaire, usually within days of delivery. At least 90% of women in both groups were satisfied with their care, and would be willing to participate again or recommend participation to a friend. Women in both the 'less tight' and 'tight' groups were satisfied with BP management (98.4% vs. 95.1%), and the frequency of tests of maternal and fetal well being. Half of women in both groups perceived that their BP was too high and that caregivers thought that their BP was too high. More women in the 'less tight' (vs. the 'tight') control group took less medication than expected (71.7% vs. 38.2%). More women in the 'tight' (vs. the 'less tight') group took more medication than they expected (60.0% vs. 22.2%). At least 60% of all women used home BP monitoring. CONCLUSION: In the CHIPS Pilot Trial, while women stated that they were satisfied with their BP management and care, a surprising 50% in both groups thought that their BP was too high. The majority of women used home BP monitoring, the role of which must be further defined in hypertensive pregnancies.

Does prolonged preterm premature rupture of the membranes predispose to abruptio placentae?

The association between prolonged preterm premature rupture of the membranes and abruptio placentae was investigated in a case-control study. The incidence of abruptio placentae among 143 women with singleton pregnancies at less than 34 weeks' gestation who had ruptured membranes for at least 24 hours was 5.6%, significantly higher than the 1.4% observed among 143 randomly selected controls without preterm rupture of the membranes (P less than .05). Among patients with prolonged preterm premature rupture of the membranes, those who experienced vaginal bleeding before the onset of labor had a significantly higher risk for abruptio placentae than women who did not bleed (24 versus 2.5%; P less than .001). Regardless of the mechanism by which this association is produced, the clinician should be aware of this potential complication, especially in patients who have recurrent bleeding episodes during the period of expectant management.

Tocolytics for preterm labor: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of any tocolytic compared with a placebo or no tocolytic for preterm labor. DATA SOURCES: We checked MEDLINE (1966-1998) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register for articles, using the search terms "randomized controlled trial" (RCT), "preterm labor," "tocolysis," "betamimetics," "ritodrine," "terbutaline," "hexaprenaline," "isoxuprine," "prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors," "indomethacin," "sulindac," "calcium channel blockers," "nifedipine," "oxytocin receptor blockers," "atosiban," "nitroglceride," and "magnesium sulfate." METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We included all RCTs that compared effect of a tocolytic with a placebo or no tocolytic in women in preterm labor, and reported perinatal, neonatal, or maternal outcomes. Studies were excluded if loss to follow-up exceeded 20% of those originally enrolled, or if data were not reported on a per-patient-treated basis. Eighteen of 76 articles retrieved met the inclusion criteria. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Two authors independently reviewed the articles and abstracted the data. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Meta-analyses (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) were done for each outcome for all trials and for specific types of tocolytic therapy when possible. Tocolytics decreased the risk of delivery within 7 days (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38, 0.95). Betamimetics, indomethacin, atosiban, and ethanol, but not magnesium sulfate, were associated with significant prolongations in pregnancy. Tocolytics were not associated with improved perinatal outcomes. Maternal side effects significantly associated with tocolytic use were palpitations, nausea, tremor, chorioamnionitis, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and need to discontinue treatment. CONCLUSION: Although tocolytics prolong pregnancy, they have not been shown to improve perinatal or neonatal outcomes and have adverse effects on women in preterm labor.