Effect of major trauma on the expected number of births in Finnish women: A nationwide population-based public data and register analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of major trauma on subsequent fertility is poorly described. If women have lower fertility after trauma, they would have a lower risk of anti-D mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in a future pregnancy following the transfusion of RhD-positive blood to RhD-negative women during their resuscitation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data was obtained from the Care Register for Health Care, National Medical Birth Register, and open access data from Statistic Finland to evaluate the effect of major trauma (traumatic brain injuries, spine, pelvic, hip/thigh fractures) on the age-specific number of births during years 1998-2018. The total number of births before a specific maternal age for different trauma populations was calculated and these were compared to the corresponding number of births in the general population. RESULTS: There were 50,923 injured women in this study. All injured women, including when analyzed by the nature of their injury, demonstrated lower expected numbers of births starting at approximately 28 years of age compared to the general population of women in Finland. At age 49, the expected number of births in the general population was approximately 1.8, whereas for all injured women 0.6, women with TBIs and spine fractures 0.6, women with pelvic fractures 0.5, and women with hip or thigh fractures 0.3. DISCUSSION: Injured women are predicted to have lower fertility rates compared to the general population of Finnish women. The lower fertility rate should be considered when planning a blood product resuscitation strategy for injured women.

Fear of Childbirth After Major Orthopedic Traumas: A Nationwide Multi-Register Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between previous major traumas and the prevalence of fear of childbirth (FOC) and the subsequent effects of FOC on the intended mode of delivery. METHODS: In this nationwide retrospective register-based cohort study, data from the Care Register for Health Care were linked with the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) to evaluate the prevalence of FOC after major traumas. A total of 18,573 pregnancies met the inclusion criteria. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the effects of FOC on the intended mode of delivery. Women with major traumas before pregnancy were compared to individuals with wrist fractures. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs between the groups were compared. RESULTS: Of those pregnancies that occurred after major traumas, 785 (6.2%) women were diagnosed with FOC after traumatic brain injury (TBI), 111 (6.1%) women after spine fracture, 38 (5.0%) women after pelvic fracture, 22 (3.2%) women after hip or thigh fracture, and 399 (5.2%) women in the control group. Among those women diagnosed with FOC, the adjusted odds for elective CB as an intended mode of delivery were highest among women with previous spine fractures (aOR 2.28, CI 1.45-3.60) when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence of differences in maternal FOC in patients with preceding major traumas when compared to the control group. Therefore, it seems highly likely that the major trauma itself is the explanatory factor for the increased rate of elective CB.

Total joint arthroplasty for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is increasingly treated with total joint arthroplasty (TJA). We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits and harms of the TJA for thumb CMC OA compared with other treatment strategies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search on MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases on August 2, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of TJA in people with thumb CMC joint OA regardless of the stage or etiology of the disease or comparator. The outcomes were pooled with a random effect meta-analysis. RESULTS: We identified 4 studies randomizing 420 participants to TJA or trapeziectomy. At 3 months, TJA's benefits for pain may exceed the clinically important difference. However, after 1-year follow-up TJA does not improve pain compared with trapeziectomy (mean difference 0.53 points on a 0 to 10 scale; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.81). Furthermore, it provides a transient benefit in hand function at 3 months (measured with Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, scale 0-100, lower is better) compared with trapeziectomy with or without ligament reconstruction tendon interposition. The benefit in function diminished to a clinically unimportant level at 1-year follow-up (4.4 points better; CI 0.42-8.4). CONCLUSION: Transient benefit in hand function for TJA implies that it could be a preferable option over trapeziectomy for people who consider fast postoperative recovery important. However, current evidence fails to inform us if TJA carries long-term higher risks of revisions compared with trapeziectomy.

Trends in the epidemiology of fear of childbirth and association with intended mode of delivery: A nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland.

INTRODUCTION: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common obstetrical challenge that affects the health of women. The epidemiology of FOC has not been studied in Finland for the last decade. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and risk factors for FOC and to evaluate the association between FOC and the rate of elective cesarean section (CS) as an intended mode of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the National Medical Birth Register were used to evaluate the epidemiology of FOC and to determine the main risk factors for FOC in Finland between 2004 and 2018. Nulliparous and multiparous women were analyzed separately. Logistic regression model was used to determine the main risk factors for FOC. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the intended mode of delivery in those pregnancies with diagnosed maternal FOC. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1 million pregnancies were included. The annual rate of pregnancies with maternal FOC increased from 1.5% (CI: 1.4-1.6) in 2004 to 9.1% (CI: 8.7-9.3) in 2018 for all women. For nulliparous women, the rate increased from 1.1% (CI: 1.0-1.3) in 2004 to 7.1% (CI: 6.7-7.5) in 2018, and from 1.8% (CI: 1.7-2.0) in 2004 to 10.3% (10.0-10.7) in 2018 for multiparous women. The strongest risk factors for maternal FOC were higher maternal age and gestational diabetes. For multiparous women, the strongest risk factors were gestational diabetes and previous CS. The total odds for elective CS were notably higher among women with FOC (aOR 8.63, CI: 8.39-8.88). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of maternal FOC rose six-fold during our study period. However, the numbers of elective CS among women with this diagnosis, which had earlier risen in parallel, leveled off in 2014.

Multifetal gestations after traumatic brain injury: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of information regarding the association between traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and subsequent multifetal gestations. Since TBIs are known to negatively affect the neuroendocrine system, we hypothesized that the functions of the whole reproductive system might be disturbed as a result. The aim of this study is to determine the association between previous TBIs and the risk of multifetal gestations using nationwide registers. METHODS: In this retrospective register-based cohort study, data from the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) were combined with data from the Care Register for Health Care. All fertile-aged women (15-49 years) who had sustained a TBI before pregnancy were included in the patient group. Women with prior fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, and lower extremity were included in the control group. A logistic regression model was used to assess the risk for multifetal gestation after TBI. Odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the groups were compared. The model was adjusted by maternal age and maternal BMI during pregnancy and previous births. The risk for multifetal gestations were evaluated during different periods following the injury (0-3 years, 3-6 years, 6-9 years, and 9 + years). RESULTS: A total of 14 153 pregnancies occurred after the mother had sustained a TBI, and 23 216 pregnancies occurred after the mother had sustained fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, or lower extremity. Of these, 201 (1.4%) women had multifetal gestations after TBI and 331 (1.4%) women had multifetal gestations after fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, or lower extremity. Interestingly, the total odds of multifetal gestations were not higher after TBI when compared to fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, and lower extremity (aOR 1.04, CI 0.86-1.24). The odds were highest at 6-9 years (aOR 1.54, 1.03-2.29) and lowest at 0-3 years (aOR 0.84, CI 0.59-1.18). CONCLUSION: The risk for multifetal gestations after TBIs was not higher than after the other traumas included in this study. Our results provide good baseline information on the effects of TBIs on the risk for multifetal gestations, but further research is required on this topic.

Factors associated with fear of childbirth in a subsequent pregnancy: a nationwide case-control analysis in Finland.

BACKGROUND: Fear of childbirth can develop due to the concerns or adverse maternal or foetal outcomes experienced in a previous pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine the main risk factors associated with the development of fear of childbirth during subsequent pregnancies and deliveries. METHODS: In this case-control study, data from the National Medical Birth Register were used to evaluate the events in previous pregnancies that were potential risk factors for fear of childbirth in subsequent pregnancies. The first and second pregnancies of women registered during our study period (2004-2018) were included. The exposure variable was delivery mode, obstetric challenge or adverse neonatal outcomes during the first pregnancy. The outcome was the development of FOC during the second pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% CIs were used for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 13 064 pregnancies were included in the case group and 195 351 in the control group. Previous emergency caesarean section was the strongest risk factor for the development of FOC in the second pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio 5.27, CIs 4.83-5.75). In addition, unplanned CS (adjusted odds ratio 3.93, CIs 3.77-4.10) and vacuum delivery (adjusted odds ratio 1.69, CIs 1.61-1.77) also increased the odds of fear of childbirth. Of the obstetric complications, third- or fourth-degree tear of the perineum was the strongest risk factor (adjusted odds ratio 2.99, CIs 2.69-3.31), followed by shoulder dystocia (adjusted odds ratio 2.82, CIs 2.16-3.62). Neonatal mortality also increased the odds for the development of FOC (adjusted odds ratio 2.17, CIs 1.77-2.64). CONCLUSION: The main risk factors for the development of fear of childbirth in the second pregnancy were previous fear of childbirth, unplanned CS, vacuum delivery, perineal tear or shoulder dystocia. The results of this study can be used in a clinical setting to improve the prevention of fear of childbirth.

The rates of vaginal births after cesarean section have increased during the last decades: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland.

PURPOSE: Epidemiological studies assessing the effects of previous cesarean section (CS) on subsequent delivery mode using large nationwide study populations. This study aims to calculate the incidence rates of trial of labors after cesarean section (TOLACs) and evaluate the annual rates of vaginal births after cesarean section (VBAC) during the last decades in Finland. METHODS: Data from the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) were used to evaluate incidence rates of VABC in the Finnish population (1998-2018). All nulliparous women having their first and second pregnancy during our study period, and with the mode of delivery identified in both of these pregnancies were included in this study. Absolute annual numbers and incidence rates for TOLACs, elective CS, and VBAC were calculated. RESULTS: The absolute number of TOLACs had an increasing trend during our study period, increasing up to 2118 TOLACs in 2016. The incidence rates for elective CS after the first CS had a decreasing trend, decreasing from 45% in 1999, to 28% in 2018. The absolute number of VBACs had an increasing trend during our study period, peaking in 2016 (1466 VBACs). The rates for VBAC remained relatively constant, ranging between 38 and 52%, but a slightly increasing trend at the end of the study period was seen. CONCLUSION: Despite the increasing annual total number of deliveries with CS in the first pregnancy, the absolute numbers and rates for VBACs have increased towards the end of the study period in Finland. The epidemiology of TOLACs and VBACs should be better studied around the world, as with the rapidly increasing rate of CSs, these events are becoming more common challenges in health care.

Birth rate after major trauma in fertile-aged women: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Finland.

BACKGROUND: To date, only a few small studies have assessed the effects of major orthopedic traumas on the subsequent birth rate in fertile-aged woman. We assessed the incidences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fractures of the spine, pelvis, and hip or thigh and evaluated their association with the birth rate in fertile-aged woman. METHODS: In this retrospective register-based nationwide cohort study, data on all fertile-aged (15-44 years of age) women who sustained a TBI or fracture of the spine, pelvis, hip or thigh between 1998 and 2013 were retrieved from the Care Register for Health Care. A total of 22,780 women were included in TBI group, 3627 in spine fracture group, 1820 in pelvic fracture group, and 1769 in hip or thigh fracture group. The data were subsequently combined with data from the National Medical Birth Register. We used Cox regression model to analyze the hazard for a woman to give birth during 5-year follow-up starting from a major trauma. Women with wrist fractures (4957 women) formed a reference group. Results are reported as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: During 5-year follow-up after major trauma, 4324 (19.0%) women in the TBI group, 652 (18.0%) in the spine fracture group, 301 (16.5%) in the pelvic fracture group, 220 (12.4%) in the hip or thigh fracture group, and 925 (18.7%) in the wrist fracture group gave birth. The cumulative birth rate was lower in the hip or thigh fracture group in women aged 15-24 years (HR 0.72, CI 0.58-0.88) and 15-34 years (HR 0.65, CI 0.52-0.82). Women with pelvic fracture aged 25-34 years also had a lower cumulative birth rate (HR 0.79, CI 0.64-0.97). For spine fractures and TBIs, no reduction in cumulative birth rate was observed. Vaginal delivery was the primary mode of delivery in each trauma group. However, women with pelvic fractures had higher rate of cesarean section (23.9%), when compared to other trauma groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that women with thigh, hip, or pelvic fractures had a lower birth rate in 5-year follow-up. Information gained from this study will be important in clinical decision making when women with previous major trauma are considering becoming pregnant and giving birth.

To date, only a few small studies have assessed the effects of major orthopedic traumas on the subsequent birth rate in fertile-aged woman. We assessed the incidences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fractures of the spine, pelvis, and hip or thigh and evaluated their association with the birth rate in fertile-aged woman.Data on all fertile-aged (15­44 years of age) women who sustained a TBI or fracture of the spine, pelvis, hip or thigh between 1998 and 2013 were retrieved from the Care Register for Health Care and the data was then subsequently combined with data from the National Medical Birth Register.A total of 22,780 women were included in TBI group, 3627 in spine fracture group, 1820 in pelvic fracture group, 1769 in hip or thigh fracture group, and 4957 in wrist fracture group, which was used as control group. Of these, 4324 (19.0%) women in the TBI group, 652 (18.0%) in the spine fracture group, 301 (16.5%) in the pelvic fracture group, 220 (12.4%) in the hip or thigh fracture group, and 925 (18.7%) in the wrist fracture group gave birth during the 5-year follow-up.Our results suggest that women with thigh, hip, or pelvic fractures had a lower birth rate in 5-year follow-up. Information gained from this study will be important in clinical decision making when women with previous major trauma are considering becoming pregnant and giving birth.

Smoking is associated with an increased risk for fractures in women after childbirth: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Finland.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Smoking weakens bone health and increases the risk of fractures. We investigated the incidence of fractures in smoking, fertile-aged women and compared it with that of non-smoking, fertile-aged women using data from nationwide registers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective register-based nationwide cohort study from 1998 to 2018. We identified all women smoking during pregnancy from the Medical Birth Register and compared these with non-smokers. We gathered fractures for both groups from the Care Register for Health Care. Pregnancies with missing smoking or socioeconomic status were excluded. A Cox regression model was used to analyze adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for fractures during the 5-year follow-up starting from delivery. The model was adjusted for the age of the mother at the time of delivery and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: The smoking group included 110,675 pregnancies and the non-smoking group 628,085 pregnancies. The overall fracture rate was higher in smokers after 1-year follow-up (aHR 1.7, CI 1.5-2.0) and 5-year follow-up (aHR 1.7, CI 1.6-1.8). After 5-year follow-up, the fracture rates for polytraumas (aHR 2.3, CI 1.4-3.7), inpatient admitted fractures (aHR 2.0, CI 1.7-2.4), and non-admitted fractures (aHR 1.8, CI 1.7-1.9) were all higher among smoking women. CONCLUSION: Smoking in fertile-aged women was associated with a higher risk of fractures during the 1-year and 5-year follow-up after giving birth, also after adjusting for age and socioeconomic status. Whether the increased fracture risk is caused by direct effects of smoking on bone health or riskier behavior remains uncertain.

The incidence of floorball injuries-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Floorball is a swift sport; players perform multiple quick turns during practices and games. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of floorball injuries. In addition, we aimed to examine the differences in the incidences between sexes and anatomical locations. METHODS: The PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Web of Science (Clarivate), Scopus (Elsevier), and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) databases were searched from inception to January 6th, 2023. A study was eligible for analysis if the number of injuries per exposure time was reported. The study protocol was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023390659). RESULTS: The total pooled incidence of floorball injuries was 2.28 (confidence interval [CI] 1.27 to 4.10) injuries per 1000 h for all included studies. For females, the pooled incidence was 2.33 (CI 1.22 to 4.46) injuries per 1000 h, and for males, the incidence was 1.98 (CI 1.83 to 2.14) injuries per 1000-h. For adults, the pooled incidence was 3.11 (CI 1.58 to 6.12) injuries per 1000 h and for youths, the incidence was 1.40 (CI 0.50 to 3.94) injuries per 1000 h. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of floorball injuries is high, especially among women. When considering the growing popularity of floorball, these pooled incidences serve as reference values for future injury prevention programs.

Fear of childbirth prolongs interpregnancy interval: A nationwide register-based quantile logistic regression analysis.

Introduction: It is not well studied how fear of childbirth (FOC) influences the interpregnancy interval (IPI). Thus, we aimed to analyze the association between FOC and the length of the IPI. Methods: All women having their first and second pregnancies during the study period (2004-2018) were gathered from the Finnish Medical Birth Register. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between the FOC and subsequent length of the IPI. The length of the IPI was assessed separately for women with FOC in the first pregnancy, and for women who developed the FOC in the second pregnancy. IPIs with a length in the lower quartal were considered short IPIs, and length in the upper quartal as long IPIs. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% CIs were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 52 709 women with short IPI (<1.05 years), 105 604 women with normal IPI, and 52 889 women with long IPI (>2.57 years) were included. A total of 3606 women had FOC in the first pregnancy, and a total of 11 473 had their first FOC diagnosis in the second pregnancy. Women with FOC in the first pregnancy had lower odds for short IPI (aOR 0.88, CI 0.81-0.95) and higher odds for long IPI (aOR 1.30, CI 1.21-1.40). Women with the first FOC diagnosis in the second pregnancy had higher odds for long IPI (aOR 1.68, CI 1.61-1.75), When only vaginal deliveries in the first pregnancy were included, women with FOC in the second pregnancy had lower odds for long IPI (aOR 0.71, CI 0.66-0.75) and higher odds for long IPI (aOR 1.52, CI 1.41-1.62), when only cesarean section was included. Conclusion: The main finding of this study was that women with FOC had notably higher odds for long IPI. The etiologic and background factors behind FOC should be better recognized and prevented, and FOC should not only be considered as a complicating factor for pregnancy and delivery but also a factor that strongly affects the desire of women to get pregnant again.

The association between interpregnancy interval and gestational diabetes mellitus: A nationwide register-based study in Finland.

OBJECTIVE: Previous results on the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been contradictory. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the association between IPI and GDM using high-quality nationwide register data. METHODS: All women with first and second pregnancies during our study period from the National Medical Birth Register during 2004-2018 were considered. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between the length of the IPI and development of the GDM in the second pregnancy. Women were divided into three groups based on the length of the IPI: short IPI (0-11 months), normal IPI (12-47 months), and long IPI (48+ months). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% CI were compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 47 078 women were included in the study. We found no evidence of difference when women with short IPI were compared with women with normal IPI (aOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.05). Women with long IPI had increased odds for the development of GDM when compared with women with normal IPI (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.19-1.38). In the logistic regression model for continuous IPI, the total odds for the development of GDM increased as the IPI increased (aOR 1.05 per year, 95% CI 1.03-1.06). CONCLUSION: The odds for the development of GDM increased as the IPI increased. This study's results serve as a clarion call for proactive measures in GDM prevention. Moreover, they advocate for intensified investigation into the underlying factors contributing to GDM among women with extended IPI. It is imperative that these insights inform both clinical practice and further research agendas, as we strive to safeguard maternal health and well-being.

Randomized controlled trials reporting patient-reported outcomes with no significant differences between study groups are potentially susceptible to unjustified conclusions-a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Ceiling effect may lead to misleading conclusions when using patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores as an outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential source of ceiling effect-related errors in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting no differences in PROM scores between study groups. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A systematic review of RCTs published in the top 10 orthopedic journals according to their impact factors was conducted, focusing on studies that reported no significant differences in outcomes between two study groups. All studies published during 2012-2022 that reported no differences in PROM outcomes and used parametric statistical approach were included. The aim was to investigate the potential source of ceiling effect-related errors-that is, when the ceiling effect suppresses the possible difference between the groups. The proportions of patients exceeding the PROM scales were simulated using the observed dispersion parameters based on the assumed normal distribution, and the differences in the proportions between the study groups were subsequently analyzed. RESULTS: After an initial screening of 2343 studies, 190 studies were included. The central 95% theoretical distribution of the scores exceeded the PROM scales in 140 (74%) of these studies. In 33 (17%) studies, the simulated patient proportions exceeding the scales indicated potential differences between the compared groups. CONCLUSION: It is common to have a mismatch between the chosen PROM instrument and the population being studied increasing the risk of an unjustified "no difference" conclusion due to a ceiling effect. Thus, a considerable ceiling effect should be considered a potential source of error.

Preventive medication efficacy after 1-year follow-up for graft failure in coronary artery bypass surgery patients: Bayesian network meta-analysis.

To compare preventive medications against graft failures in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) patients after a 1-year follow-up. Systematic review with Bayesian network meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in February 2023 for randomized controlled trials, comparing preventive medications against graft failure in CABG patients. We included studies that reported outcomes at 1 year after surgery. Our primary outcome was graft failure After screening 11,898 studies, a total of 18 randomized trials were included. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) [odds ratios (OR) 0.51, 95% credibility interval (CrI) 0.28-0.95, meta-regression OR 0.54, 95% CrI 0.26-1.00], Clopidogrel + ASA (OR 0.27, 95% CrI 0.09-0.76, meta-regression OR 0.28, 95% CrI 0.09-0.85), dipyridamole + ASA (OR 0.50, 95% CrI 0.30-0.83, meta-regression OR 0.49, 95% CrI 0.26-0.90), ticagrelor (OR 0.40, 95% CrI 0.16-1.00, meta-regression OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.15-1.2), and ticagrelor + ASA (OR 0.26, 95% CrI 0.10-0.62, meta-regression OR 0.28, 95% CrI 0.10-0.68) were superior to placebo in preventing graft failure. Rank probabilities suggested the highest likelihood to be the most efficacious for ticagrelor + ASA [surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) 0.859] and clopidogrel + ASA (SUCRA 0.819). The 95% CrIs of ORs for mortality, bleeding, and major adverse cardio- and cerebrovascular events (MACE) were wide. A trend towards increased bleeding risk and decreased MACE risk was observed when any of the medication regimens were used when compared to placebo. Sensitivity analysis excluding studies with a high risk of bias yielded equivalent results. Of the reviewed medication regimens, dual antiplatelet therapy combining ASA with ticagrelor or clopidogrel was found to result in the lowest rate of graft failures.

The Influence of Adolescent health-related Behaviors on Degenerative Low Back Pain Hospitalizations and Surgeries in Adulthood: A Longitudinal Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal study. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the influence of adolescent health-related behaviors (physical activity, high BMI, drunkenness, smoking), self-reported chronic disease, and low socioeconomic status (SES) on the development of low back pain requiring hospitalization or surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The baseline data were surveys gathered biennially in 1981-1997 (the Adolescent Health and Lifestyle Survey) and individually linked with outcome data, degenerative low back pain hospitalizations, and spine surgeries retrieved from the Care Register for Health Care. A total of 47 724 participants were included. Explanatory variables included physical activity, high BMI, smoking, monthly drunkenness, chronic diseases, and family SES. METHODS: A logistic regression model was used to analyze the influence of adolescent health-related behaviors (physical activity, high BMI, drunkenness, smoking), self-reported chronic disease, and low socioeconomic status (SES) on degenerative low back pain hospitalization, lumbar disc herniation (LDH) hospitalization and/or spine surgery. Covariates were selected using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). RESULTS: A total of 5538 participants had degenerative low back pain hospitalizations, 2104 had LDH hospitalizations, and 913 had spinal surgery over an average of 27-years follow-up. High BMI (aOR 1.25, CI 1.12-1.38), smoking (aOR 1.53, CI 1.43-1.62), monthly drunkenness (aOR 1.17, CI 1.10-1.26), and chronic diseases (aOR 1.47, CI 1.35-1.61) in adolescence increased the odds of hospitalizations during follow-up. In addition, high BMI (aOR 1.37, CI 1.09-1.72), smoking (aOR 1.40, CI 1.21-1.61), and monthly drunkenness (aOR 1.19, CI 1.01-1.39) increased the odds of spine surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: We found that smoking, high BMI, monthly drunkenness, chronic diseases, and low family SES in adolescence increased the likelihood of degenerative low back pain hospitalizations in adulthood. In addition, high BMI, smoking, and monthly drunkenness in adolescence increased the odds of spinal surgeries.

Trends in the use for labor analgesia in twin pregnancies: A nationwide register-based analysis in Finland.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to calculate the trends in the use of labor analgesia in vaginal twin pregnancies at or after 37+0 weeks of gestation and evaluate the use of different labor analgesia in vaginal twin deliveries when compared to vaginal singleton pregnancies. Study design: Data from the National Medical Birth Register during the years 2004-2018 was used to evaluate the usage of labor analgesia in vaginal twin deliveries at or after 37+0 weeks of gestation when compared to a comparison group consisting of singleton deliveries at or after 37+0 weeks of gestation. These results are presented as adjusted risk ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (Cis). The model was adjusted by maternal age and gestational diabetes, year of the pregnancy, and labor induction. Results: A total of 3060 twin deliveries and 669 718 singleton deliveries (comparison group) were included in our study. The use of spinal analgesia in vaginal twin deliveries has shown a steadily growing trend increasing from 7.8% (95% Ci 4.8, 12.0) in 2004-24.8% (95% Ci 16.0, 33.0) in 2018. When compared to singleton deliveries, there was increased use of epidural analgesia (57.3% vs 46.1%, aOR 1.41; 95% Ci 1.31, 1.51), but lower use of spinal analgesia (12.3% vs 16.7%, aOR 0.66; 95% Ci 0.59, 0.73), another medical (7.9% vs 12.5%, aOR 0.55; 95% Ci 0.48, 0.63), and nonmedical analgesia (21.8% vs 30.2%, aOR 0.69, 95% Ci 0.63, 0.76) observed among women with twin pregnancies. Conclusions: The main finding of this study was that women with twin pregnancies had a higher rate of epidural analgesia than women with singleton pregnancies. The results of this study should be acknowledged by midwives, obstetricians, and anesthesiologists to provide optimal pain relief for mothers with twin pregnancies and encourage researchers to further research on this topic.

Prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury remains high despite advances in surgical techniques.

Aims: The aim of this study was to report the pooled prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and examine whether the risk of developing PTOA after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has decreased in recent decades. Methods: The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from 1 January 1980 to 11 May 2022. Patient series, observational studies, and clinical trials having reported the prevalence of radiologically confirmed PTOA after ACL injury, with at least a ten-year follow-up, were included. All studies were analyzed simultaneously, and separate analyses of the operative and nonoperative knees were performed. The prevalence of PTOA was calculated separately for each study, and pooled prevalence was reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using either a fixed or random effects model. To examine the effect of the year of injury on the prevalence, a logit transformed meta-regression analysis was used with a maximum-likelihood estimator. Results from meta-regression analyses were reported with the unstandardized coefficient (ß). Results: The pooled prevalence of PTOA was 37.9% (95% CI 32.1 to 44) for operatively treated ACL injuries with a median follow-up of 14.6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 10.6 to 16.7). For nonoperatively treated ACL injuries, the prevalence was 40.5% (95% CI 28.9 to 53.3), with a median of follow-up of 15 years (IQR 11.7 to 20.0). The association between the year of operation and the prevalence of PTOA was weak and imprecise and not related to the choice of treatment (operative ß -0.038 (95% CI -0.076 to 0.000) and nonoperative ß -0.011 (95% CI -0.101 to 0.079)). Conclusion: The initial injury, irrespective of management, has, by the balance of probability, resulted in PTOA within 20 years. In addition, the prevalence of PTOA has only slightly decreased during past decades. Therefore, further research is warranted to develop strategies to prevent the development of PTOA after ACL injuries.

Fear of childbirth and use of labor analgesia: A nationwide register-based analysis in Finland.

OBJECTIVE: To calculate the rates of labor analgesia among women with fear of childbirth (FOC) in multiparous and nulliparous women, because FOC might be associated with higher rates of labor analgesia. METHODS: In this retrospective register-based cohort study, data from the National Medical Birth Register was used to evaluate the usage of labor analgesia in pregnancies with FOC, when compared with those without. The analgesia methods were stratified into neuraxial analgesia, pudendal, paracervical, nitrous oxide, other medical, other non-medical, and no analgesia. RESULTS: A total of 19 285 pregnancies with diagnosed maternal FOC were found during our study period. The control group consisted of 757 997 pregnancies without diagnosed maternal FOC. Nulliparous women with diagnosed FOC had a higher rate of epidural analgesia (70.2% vs 67.1%), spinal analgesia (12.3% vs 7.6%), and pudendal block (17.6% vs 9.6%). Multiparous women with FOC had a notably higher rate for epidural analgesia (47.0% vs 29.0%). CONCLUSION: The main finding in this study was that women with diagnosed FOC had a higher rate of labor analgesia. The results of this study can be used by midwives, obstetricians, and anesthesiologists to provide optimal pain relief for mothers with FOC.

Use of labor analgesia in trials of labor after previous cesarean section: A nationwide register-based analysis in Finland.

OBJECTIVES: The literature concerning the overall use of labor analgesia among women with trials of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) is lacking. The primary aim of this study is to report the rate of different labor analgesia methods among women with TOLAC. The secondary aim was to compare the use of labor analgesia between women with the first TOLAC and control group consisting of nulliparous women. STUDY DESIGN: Data from the National Medical Birth Register was used to evaluate the usage of labor analgesia in TOLACs. The use of labor analgesia in the first TOLAC is compared to the pregnancies of nulliparous women. The analgesia methods were stratified into neuraxial analgesia, pudendal, paracervical, nitrous oxide, other medical, other non-medical, and no analgesia. These are analyzed as categorized dichotomy (yes or no) variables. RESULTS: A total of 38 596 TOLACs as second pregnancy of the mother was found during our study period. The control group consisted of a total of 327 464 pregnancies of nulliparous women. Epidural analgesia (61.6% vs 67.1%), nitrous oxide (56.1% vs 62.0%), and non-medical analgesia (30.1% vs 35.0%) were less consumed among women with TOLAC. The rate of spinal analgesia was higher among women with TOLAC (10.1% vs 7.6%) when compared to the control group. However, when only vaginal deliveries were included, the rate of labor analgesia increased especially in the TOLAC group. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of this study is that women with TOLAC had a generally lower rate of labor analgesia. However, the rate of spinal analgesia was higher among women with TOLAC when compared to the control group, however. The results of this study inform midwives, obstetricians, and anesthesiologists on current practices and how to improve the analgetic treatment in TOLAC.

High BMI and the risk of lower extremity fractures in fertile-aged women: A nationwide register-based study in Finland.

OBJECTIVES: Both high and low body mass index (BMI) is known to be associated with increased risk for osteoporotic fractures in the postmenopausal population. However, the association between BMI and risk for fracture in the fertile-aged (15-49 years) population is not well studied. We aim to examine how increased BMI affects the risk for fracture leading to hospitalization after delivery in fertile-aged women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this nationwide registry-based study, data on all women aged 15-49 years with fractures leading to hospitalization were retrieved from the Care Register for Health Care for the years 2004-2018. The data were linked with data from the National Birth Register, where the BMI status is collected for each pregnancy. Cox regression was used to examine the effect of increased BMI on the risk for fracture within five years after delivery. Risks were analyzed separately for upper extremity, spine and pelvis, and lower extremity fractures. The results were interpreted with hazard ratios (HR), adjusted hazard ratios (aHR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A total of 529 992 pregnant women with 3276 fractures leading to hospitalization within 5-year follow-up were included in this study. Of these, a total of 548 fractures required surgical treatment. Patients with BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more had a higher rate of fractures in the lower extremity (≥50%). In lower extremity fractures, risk for fracture increased with increasing BMI. The risk fracture was highest in the group with BMI of 35-40 kg/m2 (overall lower extremity aHR 2.43 95% CI 1.92-3.06; knee aHR 2.04, 95% CI 1.45-2.87; ankle aHR 3.01, 95% CI 2.16-4.20). CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI was associated to the increased risk for lower extremity fractures, especially ankle fractures, within five years of delivery. Information gained from this study is important in the clinical setting, as patients can be informed of the negative effect of obesity on the post-delivery risk for fractures.