Maternal obesity and Caesarean delivery in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify maternal obesity as a risk factor for Caesarean delivery in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis using 31 nationally representative cross-sectional data sets from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). RESULTS: Maternal obesity was a risk factor for Caesarean delivery in sub-Saharan Africa; a clear dose-response relationship (where the magnitude of the association increased with increasing BMI) was observable. Compared to women of optimal weight, overweight women (BMI 25-29 kg/m(2) ) were significantly more likely to deliver by Caesarean (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.33, 1.78), as were obese women (30-34.9 kg/m(2) (OR: 2.39; 95%CI: 1.96-2.90); 35-39.9 kg/m(2) (OR: 2.47 95%CI: 1.78-3.43)) and morbidly obese women (BMI ≥40 kg/m(2) OR: 3.85; 95% CI: 2.46-6.00). CONCLUSIONS: BMI is projected to rise substantially in sub-Saharan Africa over the next few decades and demand for Caesarean sections already exceeds available capacity. Overweight women should be advised to lose weight prior to pregnancy. Furthermore, culturally appropriate prevention strategies to discourage further population-level rises in BMI need to be designed and implemented.

The free delivery and caesarean policy in Morocco: how much do households still pay?

BACKGROUND: The Free Deliveries and Caesarean Policy (FDCP) entitles all women in Morocco to deliver free of charge within public hospitals. This study assesses the policy's effectiveness by analysing household expenditures related to childbirth, by delivery type and quintile. METHODS: Structured exit survey of 973 women in six provinces at five provincial hospitals, two regional hospitals, two university hospitals and three primary health centres with maternity units. RESULTS: Households reported spending a median of US$ 59 in total for costs inside and outside of hospitals. Women requiring caesareans payed more than women with uncomplicated deliveries (P < 0.0001). The median cost was US$45 for a uncomplicated delivery, US$50 for a complicated delivery and US$65 for a caesarean section. The prescription given upon exiting the hospital comprised 62% of the total costs. Eighty-eight per cent of women from the poorest quintiles faced catastrophic expenditures. The women's perception of their hospital stay and the FDCP policy was overwhelmingly positive, but differences were noted at the various sites. CONCLUSION: The policy has been largely but not fully effective in removing financial barriers for delivery care in Morocco. More progress should also be made on increasing awareness of the policy and on easing the financial burden, which is still borne by households with lower incomes.

Quality of anaesthesia for Caesarean sections: a cross-sectional study of a university hospital in a low-income country.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of anaesthesia for Caesarean sections at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHOD: We developed an instrument consisting of 40 quality indicators using an expert group process based on the existing literature. Using the instrument, we observed 50 Caesarean sections. Twenty-eight of the indicators were structural indicators, such as essential drugs, oxygen supply and anaesthetic equipment. Twelve were process indicators such as evaluation of airway, blood pressure assessment or insertion of an intravenous line. RESULTS: The median patient age was 28.5 years. A total of 75% (range 61-82%) of the structural indicators were present in the operating theatres, and 55% (range 33-83%) of the process indicators were performed. The neonates' median Apgar score was 9 (range 3-10). Seven babies required ventilation, four babies were stillborn, and all others were alive at follow-up 2 days after partus. All mothers were alive 2 days post-surgery. CONCLUSION: The low process score suggests that quality improvement initiatives should focus on the processes of anaesthesia for Caesarean sections rather than new drugs and equipment.

Trends in health facility deliveries and caesarean sections by wealth quintile in Morocco between 1987 and 2012.

OBJECTIVES: To examine trends in the utilisation of facility-based delivery care and caesareans in Morocco between 1987 and 2012, particularly among the poor, and to assess whether uptake increased at the time of introduction of policies or programmes aimed at improving access to intrapartum care. METHODS: Using data from nationally representative household surveys and routine statistics, our analysis focused on whether women delivered within a facility, and whether the delivery was by caesarean; analyses were stratified by relative wealth quintile and public/private sector where possible. A segmented Poisson regression model was used to assess whether trends changed at key events. RESULTS: Uptake of facility-based deliveries and caesareans in Morocco has risen considerably over the past two decades, particularly among the poor. The rate of increase in facility deliveries was much faster in the poorest quintile (annual increase RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.07-1.11) than the richest quintile (annual increase RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.02-1.02). A similar pattern was observed for caesareans (annual increase among poorest RR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-1.19 vs. annual increase among richest RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06-1.10). We found no significant acceleration in trend coinciding with any of the events investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Morocco's success in improving uptake of facility deliveries and caesareans is likely to be the result of the synergistic effects of comprehensive demand and supply-side strategies, including a major investment in human resources and free delivery care. Equity still needs to be improved; however, the overall trend is positive.

[Surgical site infections: prevention, surveillance and use of dialkylcarbomoylchloride (DACC) coated dressings]. / Infecciones quirúrgicas postparto: prevención, monitoreo y uso de apósitos con cloruro de dialquilcarbamilo (DACC).

La región de América Latina y el Caribe tiene el mayor índice de partos por cesárea del mundo. El dato no es novedoso, pero los riesgos de infección relacionados con esta operación siguen generando preocupación. Sobre todo, en tiempos donde la resistencia a los antibióticos es considerada una de las mayores amenazas para la salud mundial. En Reino Unido, una conferencia sobre prevención de infecciones postparto resaltó esta problemática, presentó las últimas técnicas para el manejo y prevención de infecciones quirúrgicas después de una cesárea, y recomendó diferentes apósitos a la hora de elegir un tratamiento que no favorezca la resistencia a los antibióticos. La necesidad de enfrentar los desafíos que presentan las infecciones postparto, sumada a la importancia de contar con profesionales de la salud entrenados en el cuidado de las heridas y la selección de apósitos, fueron los mensajes claves.The Latin America and Caribbean region has the highest rates of caesarean deliveries in the world. The data is not new, but the risks of surgical site infection (SSI) associated with this practice continue to generate concern­especially, in times where antibiotic resistance is considered one of the greatest threats to global health. In the UK, a conference on prevention of postpartum infection highlighted this issue, presenting the latest techniques in the management of SSI and introducing different types of dressings when choosing a treatment that does not favour resistance to antibiotics. The need to take action and face the challenges around postpartum infection, coupled with the importance of having health professionals trained in wound care and dressing selection, were among the key takeaway messages.

[Surgical site infections: prevention, surveillance and use of dialkylcarbomoylchloride (DACC) coated dressings]. / Infecciones quirúrgicas postparto: prevención, monitoreo y uso de apósitos con cloruro de dialquilcarbamilo (DACC).

SINOPSIS: La región de América Latina y el Caribe tiene el mayor índice de partos por cesárea del mundo. El dato no es novedoso, pero los riesgos de infección relacionados con esta operación siguen generando preocupación. Sobre todo, en tiempos donde la resistencia a los antibióticos es considerada una de las mayores amenazas para la salud mundial. En Reino Unido, una conferencia sobre prevención de infecciones postparto resaltó esta problemática, presentó las últimas técnicas para el manejo y prevención de infecciones quirúrgicas después de una cesárea, y recomendó diferentes apósitos a la hora de elegir un tratamiento que no favorezca la resistencia a los antibióticos. La necesidad de enfrentar los desafíos que presentan las infecciones postparto, sumada a la importancia de contar con profesionales de la salud entrenados en el cuidado de las heridas y la selección de apósitos, fueron los mensajes claves. ABSTRACT: The Latin America and Caribbean region has the highest rates of caesarean deliveries in the world. The data is not new, but the risks of surgical site infection (SSI) associated with this practice continue to generate concern­especially, in times where antibiotic resistance is considered one of the greatest threats to global health. In the UK, a conference on prevention of postpartum infection highlighted this issue, presenting the latest techniques in the management of SSI and introducing different types of dressings when choosing a treatment that does not favour resistance to antibiotics. The need to take action and face the challenges around postpartum infection, coupled with the importance of having health professionals trained in wound care and dressing selection, were among the key takeaway messages.

Perinatal factors associated with the development of cow's milk protein allergy.

UNLABELLED: The prevalence of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) has increased in recent years, and is associated with antimicrobial use during the perinatal period, prematurity, the type of childbirth, and the decrease in breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to analyze whether there is any association between these factors and the development of CMPA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, comparative, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted by reviewing the case records of 101 children diagnosed with CMPA and seen at the Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition of the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría within the time frame of January 2012 and August 2013. The following variables were included: age, sex, weeks of gestation, history of maternal infection and antimicrobial use during the pregnancy, type of delivery, and feeding with human milk, and its duration. Likewise, the case records of 90 children were reviewed as a control group on not having CMPA or any other allergy. The chi-square test was used for proportions, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparing means in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The factors associated with CMPA were the use of antimicrobials during gestation and breastfeeding duration in months. Both factors were statistically significant (P<.001). No association was found between CMPA and gestational age or type of delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The statistically significant associated factors were breastfeeding duration and the use of antimicrobials during the gestational stage. These results underline the necessity for prospective studies.

[Classification of caesarean sections by 10 Robson groups in a second level hospital]. / Clasificación de cesáreas por 10 grupos de Robson en hospital de segundo nivel.

Background: In recent years, cesarean section (CS) rates have increased alarmingly. The World Health Organization (WHO) proposes to use the Robson classification system as a global standard, which contributes to a better analysis of CS indications, making it possible to establish strategies to reduce them. Objective: To analyze the classification of CS by Robson groups from July to September 2020 at the Hospital General de Zona No. 4 (District General Hospital [DGH] No. 4), in Celaya, Guanajuato. Material and methods: Retrospective study which included 160 records of women undergoing CS. Robson's group classification was used, and descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were performed to better understand the classification groups. Results: The average age was 27.6 ± 5.6 years. 53.1% had secondary school; 46.9% was a housewife; 46.3% was laborer; 42.8% were cohabitating; 50% had 1 or more births; 42.5% previous CS; 96.9% 1 fetus; 91.9% cephalic presentation; 78.8% 37 weeks of gestational age or more. Robson's group 5 (previous CS) had the highest percentage (42.5%), followed by group 2 (primiparous) with 20.6%, and group 10 (premature) 13.1%. Cluster analysis formed 3 groups, where cluster 1 and 3 contained group 5 of Robson's classification. Conclusions: DGH No. 4 must carry out the necessary strategies so that women with a previous cesarean section can have a vaginal delivery, without compromising the well-being of the mother-child pair, in addition to interventions to avoid primary CS, because women in group 1 and 2 will potentially belong to group 5, in the next obstetric event.

Introducción: recientemente las tasas de cesárea han aumentado de manera alarmante. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) propone utilizar el sistema de clasificación Robson como estándar global, lo cual contribuye a un mejor análisis de las indicaciones de cesárea y posibilita el establecimiento de estrategias para reducirlas. Objetivo: analizar la clasificación de cesáreas por grupos de Robson de julio a septiembre de 2020 en el Hospital General de Zona (HGZ) No. 4, en Celaya, Guanajuato. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo que incluyó 160 expedientes de mujeres sometidas a cesárea. Se utilizó la clasificación por grupo de Robson y se usó estadística descriptiva y análisis de clúster para entender mejor los grupos de clasificación. Resultados: la edad promedio fue 27.6 ± 5.6 años; 53.1% tenía secundaria; 46.9% era ama de casa; 46.3% obrera; 42.8% vivía en unión libre; 50% tuvo 1 o más partos; 42.5% cesárea previa; 96.9% un feto; 91.9% presentación cefálica, y 78.8% 37 semanas de gestación o más. El grupo 5 de Robson (cesárea previa) tuvo el mayor porcentaje (42.5%); el grupo 2 (primigestas) tuvo 20.6%, y el grupo 10 (prematuros) 13.1%. El análisis de clúster creó 3 agrupaciones, donde el clúster 1 y 3 contuvieron el grupo 5 de la clasificación de Robson. Conclusiones: el HGZ No. 4 debe establecer estrategias necesarias para que las mujeres con cesárea previa puedan tener un parto vaginal sin comprometer el bienestar del binomio madre-hijo, además de intervenciones para evitar la cesárea primaria, dado que las mujeres del grupo 1 y 2 potencialmente formarán parte del grupo 5 en el próximo evento obstétrico.

Prevalence, causes, and clinical course of patients with surgical reintervention due to complications during cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to identify the prevalence, causes, and clinical evolution of patients with surgical reintervention due to complications during cesarean section. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The file of the Toco-Surgical Unit of the Gynecological Obstetrics Hospital No. 3 of the National Medical Center "La Raza" Mexican Institute of Social Security was reviewed to know the total number of patients undergoing cesarean section from January to December 2019 and cases with reintervention due to complications during cesarean section were selected. Their general data, the cause of reintervention, stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), hospital stay, and mortality were studied. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using the statistical program SPSS version 20. RESULTS: It was found that 3371 patients underwent cesarean section, of which 1.60% (54 cases) underwent reoperation for the following reasons: Unpacking 27.79%, obstetric hemorrhage 20.37%, bleeding due to uterine atony 20.37%, hysterotomy commissure hematoma 18.52%, uterine infiltration 3.70%, vascular injury 3.70%, bladder injury 3.70%, and colonic injury 1.85%. The ICU stay was 3.79 ± 2.03 days, hospital stay was 13.67 ± 11.16 days, and mortality was 1.85%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of reintervention was reduced, bleeding was the main cause, and the clinical evolution was satisfactory with low mortality.

OBJETIVO: Identificar la prevalencia, causas y evolución clínica de las pacientes con reintervención quirúrgica por complicaciones durante la cesárea. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se revisó el archivo de la Unidad de Toco-Quirúrgica del Hospital Ginecobstetricia No. 3 del Centro Médico Nacional "La Raza" Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social para conocer el total de pacientes sometidas a cesárea desde enero hasta diciembre de 2019 y se seleccionaron los casos con reintervención por complicaciones durante la cesárea. Se estudiaron sus datos generales, la causa de reintervención, estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), estancia en hospital y la mortalidad. Los datos se analizaron con estadística descriptiva utilizando el programa estadístico SPSS versión 20. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que 3371 pacientes fueron sometidas a cesárea de las cuales 1.60% (54 casos) se reintervinieron por las siguientes causas: desempaquetamiento 27.79%, hemorragia obstétrica 20.37%, sangrado por atonía uterina 20.37%, hematoma de la comisura de histerotomía 18.52%, infiltración uterina 3.70%, lesión vascular 3.70%, lesión vesical 3.70% y lesión colónica 1.85%. La estancia en UCI fue 3.79 ± 2.03 días, estancia en hospital 13.67 ± 11.16 días y mortalidad 1.85%. CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de reintervención fue reducida, el sangrado fue la principal causa y la evolución clínica resultó satisfactoria con baja mortalidad.

[Acceptance of family planning methods in birth, cesarean and curettage]. / Aceptación de los métodos de planificación familiar en parto, cesárea y legrado.

Background: More than 120 million women worldwide want to avoid pregnancy, but most are not using contraception. This could be because they may not have received clear instructions on how to use the method properly, may not have obtained the most appropriate method for their needs, or may not have been aware of the side effects. Objective: To compare the acceptance of family planning methods (FPM) in women attended for childbirth, caesarean section, and curettage. Material and methods: Cross-sectional, analytical, prolective study. Women between 18 and 40 years of age in the immediate puerperium attended at a third level hospital were included. A survey which included 5 items with multiple choice answers and 7 with open answers was applied. General data were gathered, included the acceptance or not of some planning method, and the reason for its use or rejection. In addition, it was identified which methods they knew, if they received counseling and the perspective of effectiveness. Results: A total of 648 women were included; 216 women in each group. It was found that there is a higher percentage of acceptance of FPM in women attended by cesarean section, compared to those attended by delivery and curettage (p = 0.0158). Conclusions: Women attended by cesarean section are more willing to approve FPM, compared to those attended by delivery and curettage. Those patients who receive counseling are the most informed and the ones who approve FPM. Nurses and family physicians are the health workers who offer more counseling.

Introducción: más de 120 millones de mujeres en el mundo quieren evitar el embarazo, pero la mayoría no están empleado algún método anticonceptivo. Esto puede deberse a que no hayan recibido instrucciones claras acerca de cómo utilizar el método de manera adecuada, no hayan conseguido el anticonceptivo más apropiado a sus necesidades o no conocieran los efectos secundarios. Objetivo: comparar la aceptación de los métodos de planificación familiar (MPF) de mujeres atendidas de parto, cesárea y legrado. Material y métodos: estudio transversal, analítico, prolectivo. Se incluyeron mujeres entre 18 y 40 años que estaban en puerperio inmediato y que fueron atendidas en un hospital de tercer nivel. Se aplicó una encuesta que incluía 5 ítems con respuesta de opción múltiple y 7 con respuestas abiertas. Se tomaron datos generales, la aceptación o no de algún método de planificación, el motivo de su uso o rechazo. Además, se identificaron cuáles métodos conocían, si recibieron consejería y la perspectiva de la efectividad. Resultados: se incluyeron 648 mujeres, 216 por cada grupo. Se encontró que hay un mayor porcentaje de aceptación de los MPF en mujeres atendidas por cesárea, en comparación con aquellas atendidas por parto y legrado (p = 0.0158). Conclusiones: las mujeres atendidas por cesárea aceptan más los MPF, en comparación con aquellas atendidas por parto y legrado. Las pacientes que reciben consejería son las más informadas y las que aceptan más los MPF. Enfermería y médicos familiares son el personal de salud que más otorga consejería.

[Prenatal diagnosis of placenta acretta by ultrasound and its histopathological association]. / Diagnóstico prenatal de acretismo placentario por ultrasonido y su asociación histopatológica.

Background: Anomalous adhesions of the placenta, known as placenta accreta and its variants, are the cause of obstetric hemorrhages that put the pregnant woman at risk. Accretism is strongly associated with a history of uterine surgery (cesarean section, myomectomy, curettage), as well as ultrasonographic signs, such as the presence and size of placental lacunae, loss of the placenta/bladder interface, location on the anterior face of the placenta, and presence of Doppler flow; these markers can be assessed by prenatal ultrasound. Objective: To analyze the association of prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta by ultrasound with the histopathological result using the Tovbin index. Material and methods: Observational, cross-sectional and analytical study. 63 patients who had placenta accreta data by ultrasound measured with the Tovbin index and by means of the histopathological result obtained from the platform of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS) were included. The association between the two studies with the presence of placenta accreta was analyzed. Results: 63 patients were analyzed; the Tovbin index was positive in 89% of the patients with a diagnosis of placenta accreta confirmed by histopathology. Both the Tovbin index and the histopathology report showed a statistically significant association with a p value of 0.04 for the diagnosis of placenta accreta. Conclusion: The Tovbin index as an ultrasonographic prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta has a statistically significant association with histopathology diagnosis.

Introducción: las adherencias anómalas de la placenta, conocidas como acretismo, y sus variantes son causa de hemorragias obstétricas que ponen en riesgo a la gestante. El acretismo se asocia firmemente con antecedentes de cirugías uterinas (cesárea, miomectomía, legrados), así como con signos ultrasonográficos como presencia y tamaño de lagunas placentarias, pérdida de la interfaz placenta/vejiga, localización en cara anterior de la placenta y presencia de flujo Doppler; estos marcadores pueden ser valorados mediante ecografía prenatal. Objetivo: analizar la asociación de diagnóstico prenatal de acretismo placentario por ultrasonido con el resultado histopatológico utilizando el Índice de Tovbin. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal y analítico. Se incluyeron 63 pacientes que tenían datos de acretismo placentario por ultrasonido medido con el Índice de Tovbin y mediante el resultado histopatológico obtenido de la plataforma del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Se analizó la asociación de ambos estudios con la presencia de acretismo placentario. Resultados: se analizaron 63 pacientes; el Índice de Tovbin fue positivo en un 89% de las pacientes con diagnóstico de acretismo placentario confirmado por histopatología. Tanto el Índice de Tovbin como el reporte de histopatología mostraron una asociación estadísticamente significativa con un valor de p de 0.04 para el diagnóstico de acretismo placentario. Conclusión: el Índice de Tovbin como diagnóstico prenatal ultrasonográfico de acretismo placentario tiene asociación estadísticamente significativa con el diagnóstico de histopatología.

Placenta accreta spectrum in early and late pregnancy from an imaging perspective. A scoping review.

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders (with increasing order of the depth of invasion: accreta, increta, percreta) are quite challenging for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Pathological examination or imaging evaluation are not very dependable when considered as stand-alone diagnostic tools. On the other hand, timely diagnosis is of great importance, as maternal and fetal mortality drastically increases if patient goes through the third phase of delivery in a not well-suited facility. A multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis (incorporating clinical, imaging, and pathological evaluation) is mandatory, particularly in complicated cases. For imaging evaluation, the diagnostic modality of choice in most scenarios is ultrasound (US) exam; patients are referred for MRI when US is equivocal, inconclusive, or not visualizing placenta properly. Herewith, we review the reported US and MRI features of PAS disorders (mainly focusing on MRI), going over the normal placental imaging and imaging pitfalls in each section, and lastly, covering the imaging findings of PAS disorders in the first trimester and cesarean section pregnancy (CSP).

Anaesthetic considerations for elective cesarean section in a patient with a giant Tarlov cyst.

Tarlov cysts are a pathological dilatation of the meninges. Their incidence is more frequent in women between 30 and 50 years of age. The imaging test of choice for diagnosis is MRI. Of unknown etiology, most cases are asymptomatic, but symptoms of radicular irritation, among others, may occur. The therapeutic possibilities are multiple, reserving surgical excision as the last option. We report a case of successful spinal anaesthesia for elective cesarean section in a patient with a giant Tarlov cyst but with potential airway compromise, in whom the risks of general anaesthesia would be increased. Anaesthetic management presents a challenge for the anesthesiologist, especially in situations where the patient presents an increased anaesthetic risk for general anaesthesia, as is the case in the obstetric patient.

[Efficacy of collagen infiltrations in the pelvic pain caused by episiotomy and caesarean scars. Pilot randomized clinical trial]. / Eficacia de las infiltraciones con colágeno en el dolor pélvico causado por cicatrices de episiotomía y cesáreas. Ensayo clínico piloto aleatorizado.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pelvic pain is a frequently consulted symptom in pelvic floor rehabilitation units. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of collagen infiltrations in pain and the appearance of scars from perineal tears, episiotomies and caesarean sections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pilot randomized, controlled and single-blind clinical trial. Control group (CG) patients received conventional rehabilitation treatment. Additionally, those in the intervention group (IG) received 3-5 collagen infiltrations. The patients were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention. The main outcome was pain and it was evaluated with the visual analog scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire. As secondary outcomes, the appearance of the scar was evaluated by Vancouver Scar Scale and the Patient Scar Assessment Scale. A sample of 15 women was analyzed, 8 in the CG and 7 in the IG. RESULTS: The mean age was 33.1 years (SD 4.1). The intragroup analysis showed a significant decrease of the visual analog scale punctuation and total McGill Pain Questionnaire score and the PRI-Emotional dimension of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. In the IG, a significant decrease was also observed in the PRI-Sensorial and PRI-Evaluative dimensions in comparison with baseline situation. In both groups, a significant improvement in the appearance of the scar was observed. In the intergroup analysis, a greater decrease in pain was observed in PRI-Sensorial subscale of the McGill Pain Questionnairein the IG (-15.1 vs. -6; P=.040). CONCLUSIONS: Collagen infiltrations may improve pain and the appearance of painful scars.

Massive deep vein thrombosis in pregnant women: The importance of individualizing the action plan.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a potentially lethal condition to be taken into account in pregnant women, where the situation is favored by the characteristic physiological changes of the pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium. The management of this pathology in this type of patient is based on anticoagulation, with the benefits and drawbacks that this implies. We present the case of a pregnant woman with massive DVT and the issues are discussed, such as the method of delivery (vaginal vs. cesarean section) or the management of treatment (LMWH vs. UFH) in order to obtain the safest situation for the patient.

Anesthetic planning and management for a caesarian section in a pregnant woman affected by SARS-COV-2 pneumonía. / Planificación y manejo anestésico para cesárea en gestante con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2.

Pregnant women experience physiological and immunological changes which make them more prone to all kind of viral and bacterial infections, this is because they have been considered as vulnerable group if infected by SARS-CoV-2. They could even deploy a severe form of this disease which may require to end pregnancy to improve oxygenation and to safeguard foetal wellbeing the in case the mother situation gets worse. In this scenario, any intervention would require a detailed planning by the whole surgical team, and, specifically, by the anaesthesiologists, in order to guarantee both mother and child wellbeing and to prevent from infections all the healthcare team. We describe the case of 37week pregnant woman, admitted in our Critical Care Unit with respiratory high flows device support, due to severe respiratory failure due to COVID-19 which needed an urgent caesarean section.

Epidural anesthesia for cesarean section with 0.125% versus 0.25% bupivacaine: An Ecuadorian prospective cohort.

ANTECEDENTES: En una cesárea se puede emplear analgesia epidural con bupivacaína 0.125% and lidocaína 1.5% ó bupivacaína 0.25% and lidocaína 1.0%. Una concentración mayor de bupivacaína alcanza mayor analgesia con más eventos adversos. OBJETIVO: evaluar la analgesia y seguridad de bupivacaína 0.125% and lidocaína 1.5% ó bupivacaína 0.25% and lidocaína 1.0%. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Cohorte prospectivo estratificado según ambas concentraciones de bupivacaína. RESULTADOS: Se recuperó cien gestantes a término (cincuenta por cohorte). A los 20 y 30 minutos tras la administración epidural hubo más casos con mayor bloqueo motor en quienes se empleó bupivacaína 0.125% and lidocaína 1.5% (p = 0.0229 y p = 0.0006, respectivamente). No hubo diferencia significativa respecto al bloqueo sensitivo. Bupivacaína 0.25% and lidocaína 1.5% mostró una tencencia a la hipotensión (p < 0.001) y a la bradicardia (p = 0.4100). De la cohorte de bupivacaína 0.125% and lidocaína 1.5%, 25 casos (50%) presentaron cuando menos un evento adverso, en contraste con 44/50 (88%) de la cohorte de bupivacaína 0.25% and lidocaína 1.0% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: En la analgesia epidural durante cesárea, bupivacaína 0.125% and lidocaína 1.5% está asociado con un efecto analgésico similar a bupivacaína 0.25% and lidocaína 1.0%. Sin embargo, mayores concentraciones están significativamente relacionadas con mayor tasa de eventos adversos (especialmente hipotensión). BACKGROUND: In a cesarean section, epidural analgesia with 0.125% bupivacaine and 1.5% lidocaine or 0.25% bupivacaine with 1.0% lidocaine concentrations can be used. A higher concentration of bupivacaine reaches better analgesia but with a higher rate of drug-related adverse events. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess analgesia and safety of 0.125% bupivacaine and 1.5% lidocaine or 0.25% bupivacaine with 1.0% lidocaine during cesarean. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort stratified following both bupivacaine concentrations. RESULTS: One hundred women with full-term pregnancies were selected (fifty per cohort). At 20 and 30 min after epidural administration, there was a higher proportion of motor blockade cases from the 0.125% bupivacaine and 1.5% lidocaine cohort (p = 0.0229 and p = 0.0006, respectively). There was no significant difference among sensitive blockage. A 0.25% bupivacaine and 1.0% lidocaine concentration showed a tendency to hypotension (p < 0.001) and bradycardia (p = 0.4100). From 0.125% bupivacaine and 1.5% lidocaine cohort, 25 cases (50%) presented at least one adverse event; in contrast with 44/50 (88%) from 0.25% bupivacaine and 1.0% lidocaine cohort (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In epidural analgesia during cesarean, using 0.125% bupivacaine and 1.5% lidocaine presented similar analgesia than 0.25% bupivacaine and 1.0% lidocaine. However, a higher bupivacaine concentration is significantly related to more frequent drug-related adverse events (especially hypotension).

Dilemmas in primary spinal glioblastoma management during pregnancy. / Dilemas en el manejo de glioblastoma espinal primario durante el embarazo.

Primary spinal glioblastoma (GBM) is a clinically rare entity with rapid progression and a dismal outcome despite aggressive treatment. In a pregnant woman, this malignancy is particularly dramatic because the potential benefits to the mother offered by standard GBM treatment must be balanced against the risks to the fetus. There is little guidance in the literature on how to manage pregnant patients with malignant neuraxial tumours and, to the authors' knowledge, no reports have been published so far regarding this specific neoplasm in such population. This case report describes the management of a pregnant patient with a previously undiagnosed and rapidly progressive intramedullary GBM submitted to an elective caesarean delivery to allow subsequent onset of oncological treatment. Dilemmas faced by anaesthetists are discussed in hope to provide guidance for future decisions and optimize outcomes.

Strategies of analgesic treatment after cesarean delivery. Current state and new alternatives. / Estrategias de tratamiento analgésico tras cesárea. Estado actual y nuevas alternativas.

The number of caesarean sections performed worldwide is increasing, and with it, the need for the optimal analgesia strategies. Deficient postoperative analgesia increases the need for opioids, delays recovery, and is associated with chronic pain and postpartum depression. It is essential to find good postoperative pain control strategies that facilitate early mobility, early recovery, and early hospital discharge with minimal side effects on the mother and infant. Multimodal analgesia based on neuroaxial anaesthesia with morphine in combination with non-opioids such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol, gives the best post-caesarean analgesia outcome, and allows anaesthesiologists to reserve opioids, corticoids, gabapentin, magnesium or ketamine for situations where neuroaxial anaesthesia cannot be performed, for high-risk patients, or when pain is difficult to control. Peripheral nerve block techniques can also be added, such as transverse abdominis plane block, erector spinae block, or continuous wound infiltration.

Pregnancy after transverse plication lipoabdominoplasty, undermining halted at umbilicus, liposuction without restrictions, umbilicoplasty with a skin graft, and low transverse scar localization (TULUA). Literature review and case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a pregnant woman with a history of transverse plication abdominoplasty (TULUA) and to conduct a review of the available literature on the impact of this intervention on the course of gestation and vice versa. METHODS: Case report of a 23-year-old pregnant woman with a history of TULUA abdominoplasty performed eight months before pregnancy. A literature search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Library, SciELO, LILACS, BVS and Google Scholar, with no restriction by language or date of publication. Studies of any design were included, including case reports. Book chapters and clinical practice guidelines were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, 1,158 studies were identified, of which 13 case reports or case series met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, for a total of 111 patients. No reports of TULUA before pregnancy were found. Age at the time of delivery ranged between 19 and 37 years and all births were at term, with newborns of adequate birth weight. Eleven studies described the route of delivery, including 7 cases of cesarean section and 4 vaginal deliveries. Two studies described the development of cervical prolapse, one at 15 weeks of gestation and the second at the time of labor. Three patients experienced impaired abdominal wall nerve block during the cesarean section. Regarding cosmetic results after delivery, there is a paucity of data about potential relapse in the form of skin laxity or diastasis. However, satisfactory cosmetic results were reported in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: There is a paucity of literature on the topic of pregnancy following abdominoplasty, and it is limited to case reports. The literature suggests that abdominoplasty could increase the frequency of cervical prolapse and cesarean section, although the impact on perinatal outcome is not clear. It appears that abdominal wall repair is maintained. Additional studies focusing on perinatal outcomes in women with abdominoplasty and the impact of gestation on the results of the intervention are required.

TITULO: EMBARAZO DE PLICATURA TRANSVERSA, SIN DISECCIÓN SUPRAUMBILICAL, LIPOSUCCIÓN IRRESTRICTA, NEOUMBILICOPLASTIA Y COLOCACIPON BAJA DE CICATRIZ (TULUA): REPORTE DE CASO Y REVISIÓN DE LA LITERATURA. OBJETIVO: Reportar el caso de una gestante con antecedente de abdominoplastia con plicatura transversa (transverse plication lipoabdominoplasty, undermining halted at umbilicus, liposuction without restrictions, umbilicoplasty with a skin graft, and low transverse scar localization - TULUA) y revisar la literatura disponible en torno al efecto queproduce la abdominoplastia sobre el embarazo y el impacto de la gestación sobre el resultado estético en una paciente con esta intervención. METODOS: Se reporta el caso de una mujer de 23 años, en estado de gestación, con antecedente de abdominoplastia ocho meses antes de su embarazo. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en Medline vía PubMed, Cochrane library, SciELO, LILACS, BVS y Google Scholar, sin restricción por tipo de idioma o fecha de publicación. Se incluyeron estudios de cualquier diseño, incluyendo reporte de casos. Se excluyeron capítulos de libro y guías de práctica clínica. RESULTADOS: La búsqueda identificó 1.158 estudios, de los cuales 13 cumplieron los criterios de inclusióny de exclusión, estos fueron series o reportes de caso, para un total de 111 pacientes. No se encontraron reportes de TULUA antes de embarazo. El rango de edad al momento del parto fue de 19 a 37 años y todos los neonatos fueron a término con peso adecuado para la edad gestacional. Once estudios describieron la vía de parto, siete por cesárea y cuatro por vía vaginal; dos estudios reportaron el desarrollo de prolapso cervical uterino, uno de ellos a las 15 semanas de gestación y otro al momento del trabajo de parto; tres pacientes experimentaron deficiente bloqueo nervioso en la pared abdominal durante la cesárea. En lo que respecta a los resultados estéticos después del parto, la literatura es limitada a la hora de describir una posible recidiva de laxitud cutánea o diástasis. No obstante, dos reportes de caso señalaron un resultado estético satisfactorio. CONCLUSIONES: la literatura sobre embarazo posterior a una abdominoplastia es escasa y se limita a reportes de caso. La abdominoplastia podría incrementar la frecuencia de prolapso cervical y de cesárea, sin que se conozca con precisión el impacto de la intervención sobre los resultados perinatales. La reparación de la pared abdominal aparentemente se mantiene. Se requieren más estudios que aborden el resultado perinatal en mujeres con abdominoplastia y el impacto de la gestación sobre los resultados de la intervención.