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Clinicians and patients have traditionally believed that elective cesarean section may protect against certain previously ineluctable consequences of labor, including a plethora of urinary, anorectal and sexual dysfunctions. We aimed to evaluate fecal, urinary and sexual symptoms 6 years postpartum, comparing uncomplicated vaginal delivery and elective cesarean delivery, and to assess their impact on quality of life. We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare perineal functional symptomatology between women having singleton elective cesarean deliveries (eCS) and singleton uncomplicated vaginal deliveries (uVD). Women who delivered 6 years before this study were chosen randomly from our hospital database. This database includes demographic, labor, and delivery information, as well as data regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes, all of which is collected at the time of delivery by the obstetrician. Four validated self-administrated questionnaires were sent by post to the participants: the short forms of the Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Wexner fecal incontinence scale, and Female Sexual Function Index. Current socio-demographic details, physical characteristics, obstetrical history and mode of delivery at subsequent births were also registered using a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 309 women with uVD and 208 with eCS returned postal questionnaires. The response rate was 49%. Socio-demographic characteristics and fecal incontinence were similar between groups. After eCS, women reported significantly less urgency urinary incontinence (adjusted Relative Risk 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.88) and stress incontinence (adjusted Relative Risk 0.53; 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.80) than after uVD. No difference in total Incontinence Impact Questionnaire score was found between both modes of delivery. Lower abdominal or genital pain (adjusted Relative Risk 1.58; 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.49) and pain related to sexual activity (adjusted Relative Risk 2.50; 95% confidence interval 1.19–5.26) were significantly more frequent after eCS than uVD. Six years postpartum, uVD is associated with urinary incontinence, while eCS is associated with sexual and urination pain.

This study intend to compare the long-term psychological impact (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder) on both partners between patients that underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) and uneventful deliveries. Women who experienced severe PPH treated by UAE in our institution between 2003 and 2013 were identified in our obstetrical database. These cases were matched to controls with uneventful deliveries. Matching criteria were maternal age, parity, ethnicity, year of delivery, birthweight, gestational age and mode of delivery. Patients and their partners completed validated questionnaires measuring post-traumatic stress (TSQ), as well as depression symptoms (MINI). A total of 63 cases of PPH and 189 matched controls (1:3) participated in a study exploring gynecological and obstetrical outcomes. With a mean of 8 years post-index delivery, patients after PPH showed increased risk of depression (p = 0.015) and post-traumatic stress disorder (22.2% versus 4.8%, p < 0.005) compared to controls. PPH remains strongly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, even after adjustment for depression (adjusted odds ratio 5.1; 95% confidence intervals 1.5–17.5). Similarly, partners of patients with PPH showed a propensity to depression (p = 0.029) and post-traumatic stress disorder (11.5% versus 1.5%, p = 0.019). In conclusion, both women and their partners are at increased risk of long-term psychological adverse outcomes after PPH. Couples may benefit from psychological support.

In this case control study, long-term gynecological, reproductive and sexual outcomes after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) were evaluated. The study was performed in a single referral hospital for PPH in Lausanne from 2003 to 2013. Each woman whose delivery was complicated by PPH and treated by UAE was included, and compared to a control group of women whose delivery was uncomplicated. Cases were matched by maternal age, parity, ethnicity, year and mode of delivery, birth weight and gestational age in a 1–3 ratio. A total of 77 patients treated by UAE for PPH were identified in our obstetrical database. Among them, 63 were included and compared to 189 matched patients (no PPH). The mean interval time between UAE and this study was 8.1 years. Time to menstrual cycle recovery after delivery (3.9 vs 5.6 months, p = 0.66), spotting (7.9% vs 7.2%, p = 0.49), dysmenorrhea (25.4% vs 22.2%, p = 0.60) and amenorrhea (14.3% vs 12.2%, p = 0.66) were similar between the two groups. There was no difference in the FSFI score between the groups (23.2 ± 0.6 vs 23.8 ± 0.4; p = 0.41). However, the interval time to subsequent pregnancy was longer for patients after UAE than the control group (35 vs 18 months, p = 0.002). In case of pregnancy desire, the success rate was lower after UAE compared to controls (55% vs 93.5%, p < 0.001). The rate of PPH was higher in those with previous PPH (6.6% vs 36.4%, p = 0.010). Patients treated by UAE for PPH did not report higher rates of gynecological symptoms or sexual dysfunction compared to patients with uneventful deliveries. The inter-pregnancy interval was increased and the success rate was reduced. In subsequent pregnancies, a higher rate of PPH was observed in those that underwent UAE.

BackgroundAnorectal malformation is a spectrum of congenital defects of the distal bowel, mostly diagnosed at birth.ObjectiveTo describe the prenatal imaging findings of anorectal malformations, explore the causes of the low rates of prenatal diagnosis, compare the accuracy of prenatal ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonnance imaging [MRI] and evaluate the relevance of information obtained at MRI.Materials and methodsChildren treated for anorectal malformation at our hospital and with available prenatal studies were retrospectively identified and included in the study. We reviewed prenatal imaging exams, listed findings suggestive of the diagnosis, and compared results with the final classification.ResultsFourteen fetuses and neonates — eight with intermediate–high type anorectal malformation and six with cloacae — fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All had associated congenital anomalies. Prenatal exams included 13 US and 8 MRI exams, with 7 children having both exams. Suggestive findings for anorectal malformation were detected in 50% of the cases prenatally and in 85% upon review. They were prospectively detected in 31% and 50% of the cases at US and MRI and retrospectively in 62% and 100% at US and MRI, respectively. MRI was superior to US because it improved the diagnosis, especially in cloacae, and provided relevant additional information that changed management in two cases.ConclusionThe most important signs suggesting anorectal malformation are an absent target sign and anomalous distal bowel wall and rectal fluid. Complementary prenatal MRI improves the diagnosis of anorectal malformation.

PurposePatient blood management [PBM] has been acknowledged and successfully introduced in a wide range of medical specialities, where blood transfusions are an important issue, including anaesthesiology, orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery, or traumatology. Although pregnancy and obstetrics have been recognized as a major field of potential haemorrhage and necessity of blood transfusions, there is still little awareness among obstetricians regarding the importance of PBM in this area. This review, therefore, summarizes the importance of PBM in obstetrics and the current evidence on this topic.MethodWe review the current literature and summarize the current evidence of PBM in pregnant women and postpartum with a focus on postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) using PubMed as literature source. The literature was reviewed and analysed and conclusions were made by the Swiss PBM in obstetrics working group of experts in a consensus meeting.ResultsPBM comprises a series of measures to maintain an adequate haemoglobin level, improve haemostasis and reduce bleeding, aiming to improve patient outcomes. Despite the fact that the WHO has recommended PBM early 2010, the majority of hospitals are in need of guidelines to apply PBM in daily practice. PBM demonstrated a reduction in morbidity, mortality, and costs for patients undergoing surgery or medical interventions with a high bleeding potential. All pregnant women have a significant risk for PPH. Risk factors do exist; however, 60% of women who experience PPH do not have a pre-existing risk factor. Patient blood management in obstetrics must, therefore, not only be focused on women with identified risk factor for PPH, but on all pregnant women. Due to the risk of PPH, which is inherent to every pregnancy, PBM is of particular importance in obstetrics. Although so far, there is no clear guideline how to implement PBM in obstetrics, there are some simple, effective measures to reduce anaemia and the necessity of transfusions in women giving birth and thereby improving clinical outcome and avoiding complications.ConclusionPBM in obstetrics is based on three main pillars: diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions during pregnancy, during delivery and in the postpartum phase. These three main pillars should be kept in mind by all professionals taking care of pregnant women, including obstetricians, general practitioners, midwifes, and anaesthesiologists, to improve pregnancy outcome and optimize resources.

Postpartum hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, cumulative incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage are commonly monitored within and compared across maternity hospitals or countries for obstetrical safety improvement. These indicators are usually based on hospital discharge data though their accuracy is seldom assessed. We aimed to measure postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage using electronic health records and hospital discharge data separately and compare the detection accuracy of these methods to manual chart review, and to examine the temporal trends in cumulative incidence of these potentially avoidable adverse outcomes. We analyzed routinely collected data of 7904 singleton deliveries from a large Swiss university hospital for a three year period (2014-2016). We identified postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage in electronic health records by text mining discharge letters and operative reports and calculating drop in hemoglobin from laboratory tests. Diagnostic and procedure codes were used to identify cases in hospital discharge data. A sample of 334 charts was reviewed manually to provide a reference-standard and evaluate the accuracy of the other detection methods. Sensitivities of detection algorithms based on electronic health records and hospital discharge data were 95.2% (95% CI: 92.6% 97.8%) and 38.2% (33.3% to 43.0%), respectively for postpartum hemorrhage, and 87.5% (85.2% to 89.8%) and 36.2% (26.3% to 46.1%) for severe postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage cumulative incidence based on electronic health records decreased from 15.6% (13.1% to 18.2%) to 8.5% (6.7% to 10.5%) from the beginning of 2014 to the end of 2016, with an average of 12.5% (11.8% to 13.3%). The cumulative incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage remained at approximately 4% (3.5% to 4.4%). Hospital discharge data-based algorithms provided significantly underestimated incidences. Hospital discharge data is not accurate enough to assess the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage at hospital or national level. Instead, automated algorithms based on structured and textual data from electronic health records should be considered, as they provide accurate and timely estimates for monitoring and improvement in obstetrical safety. Furthermore, they have the potential to better code for postpartum hemorrhage thus improving hospital reimbursement.

BackgroundScreening ultrasound (US) has increased the detection of congenital vascular anomalies in utero. Complementary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may improve the diagnosis, but its real utility is still not well established.ObjectivesWe aimed to describe the imaging findings on prenatal US and MRI of the most frequent congenital vascular anomalies (lymphatic malformations and congenital hemangiomas) to assess the accuracy of prenatal US and MRI exams for diagnosis and to evaluate the relevance of the additional information obtained by complementary fetal MRI.Materials and methodsAll confirmed postnatal congenital vascular anomalies detected in the last 10 years at 3 university hospitals were retrospectively identified. The prenatal diagnosis was compared with the final diagnosis for both methods and the clinical relevance of additional MRI information was evaluated. A second MRI in advanced pregnancy was performed in fetuses with lesions in a sensitive anatomical location and the clinical relevance of the additional information was evaluated.ResultsTwenty-four cases were included in the study, 20 lymphatic malformations and 4 hemangiomas. MRI slightly improved the diagnosis of lymphatic malformation, 85% vs. 80% at US, especially for abdominal lesions. Both methods had a low identification rate (25%) for tumors. MRI performed late in five fetuses with lymphatic malformation allowed optimized management at birth.ConclusionMRI improves the diagnosis of congenital lymphatic malformations whereas hemangiomas remain difficult to identify in utero. The main role of MRI is to provide high-defined anatomical data to guide management at birth.

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) exposes mothers and their offspring to short and long-term complications. The objective of this study was to identify the importance of potentially modifiable predictors of adverse outcomes in pregnancies with GDM. We also aimed to assess the relationship between maternal predictors and pregnancy outcomes depending on HbA1c values and to provide a risk stratification for adverse pregnancy outcomes according to the prepregnancy BMI (Body mass index) and HbA1c at the 1st booking. Methods This prospective study included 576 patients with GDM. Predictors were prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain (GWG), excessive weight gain, fasting, 1 and 2-h glucose values after the 75 g oral glucose challenge test (oGTT), HbA1c at the 1st GDM booking and at the end of pregnancy and maternal treatment requirement. Maternal and neonatal outcomes such as cesarean section, macrosomia, large and small for gestational age (LGA, SGA), neonatal hypoglycemia, prematurity, hospitalization in the neonatal unit and Apgar score at 5 min < 7 were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses and probability analyses were performed. Results One-hour glucose after oGTT and prepregnancy BMI were correlated with cesarean section. GWG and HbA1c at the end pregnancy were associated with macrosomia and LGA, while prepregnancy BMI was inversely associated with SGA. The requirement for maternal treatment was correlated with neonatal hypoglycemia, and HbA1c at the end of pregnancy with prematurity (all p  < 0.05). The correlations between predictors and pregnancy complications were exclusively observed when HbA1c was ≥5.5% (37 mmol/mol). In women with prepregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 and HbA1c ≥ 5.5% (37 mmol/mol) at the 1st booking, the risk for cesarean section and LGA was nearly doubled compared to women with BMI with < 25 kg/m 2 and HbA1c <  5.5% (37 mmol/mol). Conclusions Prepregnancy BMI, GWG, maternal treatment requirement and HbA1c at the end of pregnancy can predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM, particularly when HbA1c is ≥5.5% (37 mmol/mol). Stratification based on prepregnancy BMI and HbA1c at the 1st booking may allow for future risk-adapted care in these patients.

Background Lack of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) knowledge among healthcare professionals has been proven to be the main threat to pregnant women's awareness, preventing them from reducing the risk of infection. The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge and practices of French-speaking Swiss perinatal professionals in terms of CMV prevention, as well as the sociodemographic-professional factors that influence them. Methods This observational study used a cross-sectional design to collect data-via an anonymous electronic questionnaire in French distributed to gynecologists-obstetricians, general practitioners and midwives via various channels: e-mails and social networks of partner centers, professional associations, and conferences. The 41-item questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic and professional characteristics, general CMV knowledge, national recommendation knowledge and prevention practices. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Results A total of 110 gynecologist-obstetricians, 5 general practitioners and 226 midwives participated in the study. While more than 80% of practitioners were familiar with protective hygiene measures, significant gaps were highlighted concerning the transmission routes, as well as the signs of short- and long-term congenital CMV infection. Regarding practice, 63.3% of participants provided information on CMV to their patients, mainly during the first antenatal visit. Among those who did not, lack of knowledge and forgetfulness were the two main reasons cited. Concerning systematic screening, 45.7% of participants offered it to their patients, and 37.3% only offered it to “at risk” groups. The existence of national guidelines on CMV was known by 62.0% of participants. Multivariable analysis revealed that working as a gynecologist-obstetrician was independently associated with higher score of preventive practices, while performing ultrasound or preconception consultations was independently associated with a higher score of general CMV knowledge, and working in a university hospital was independently associated with a higher score of Swiss recommendation knowledge. A level of training higher than the basic medical or midwifery diploma and participation in fetal medicine symposia both promote a higher score of CMV knowledge and prevention practices in line with current recommendations. Conclusion This study confirms the significant gaps in CMV knowledge among French-speaking Swiss caregivers along with the heterogeneity of their prevention practices. To raise awareness among pregnant women and reduce the burden of congenital CMV infections, improving professional knowledge through access to specific training and standardizing practices should be a national priority.

ObjectiveHyperglycaemia during pregnancy is associated with cardiometabolic risks for the mother and the offspring. Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have signs of subclinical atherosclerosis, including increased carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT). We assessed whether GDM is associated with increased CIMT in the offspring at birth.Design and settingMySweetHeart Cohort is a prospective cohort study conducted in Switzerland.Participants, exposure and outcome measuresThis work included pregnant women with and without GDM at 24–32 weeks of gestation and their singleton live-born offspring with data on the primary outcome of CIMT. GDM was diagnosed based on the criteria of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups. Offspring’s CIMT was measured by ultrasonography after birth (range 1–19 days).ResultsData on CIMT were available for 99 offspring of women without GDM and 101 offspring of women with GDM. Maternal age ranged from 18 to 47 years. Some 16% of women with GDM and 6% of women without GDM were obese. Smoking during pregnancy was more frequent among women with GDM (18%) than among those without GDM (4%). Neonatal characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The difference in CIMT between offspring of women with and without GDM was of 0.00 mm (95% CI −0.01 to 0.01; p=0.96) and remained similar on adjustment for potential confounding factors, such as maternal prepregnancy body mass index, maternal education, smoking during pregnancy, family history of diabetes, as well as offspring’s sex, age, and body surface area (0.00 mm (95% CI −0.02 to 0.01; p=0.45)).ConclusionsWe found no evidence of increased CIMT in neonates exposed to GDM. A longer-term follow-up that includes additional vascular measures, such as endothelial function or arterial stiffness, may shed further light on the cardiovascular health trajectories in children born to mothers with GDM.Trial registration numberNCT02872974; Pre-results.