Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
-
Observational Study
Epidural analgesia during labour and stress markers in the newborn.
Labour and modes of delivery can influence the plasma levels of stress hormones and cytokines involved in pathophysiologic cascade, potentially damaging brain development of the newborn. This prospective observational, single-centre, case-control, non-profit study aimed to detect potential differences in foetal well-being such as stress neuroendocrine responses. Quantitative determinations of the stress markers interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and β-endorphin were compared between the control group and the epidural analgesia group. ⋯ What do the results of this study add? This study found no significative differences in blood stress response markers between the epidural analgesia group and the control group. Under this study circumstances we found out that epidural analgesia does not significantly influence the newborn's well-being during labour and delivery. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? These findings must be confirmed by further studies to verify whether epidural analgesia is safe for the newborn's development.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of different end-tidal carbon dioxide levels in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in gynaecological patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
The aim of this study was to compare different end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) caused by increased intracranial pressure due to pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. A total of 60 female patients aged 25-50 years who would undergo laparoscopic gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia were randomised into two groups: group A (EtCO2: 26 - 35 mmHg, n = 30) and group B (EtCO2: 36 - 45 mmHg, n = 30). In both groups, ONSD and EtCO2 of the patients were measured at baseline after anaesthesia induction (Tb), at 5 min after pneumoperitoneum (TPP5), and at 10 min intervals after Trendelenburg position (TPP10, TPP20, TPP30). ⋯ What the results of this study add? Postoperative nausea and vomiting caused by intracranial pressure (ICP) increase due to carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in gynaecologic laparoscopic surgeries were decreased in the early postoperative period by low end-tidal carbon dioxide levels in the intraoperative period. It was shown that low end-tidal carbon dioxide levels have beneficial effects on ICP and PONV in laparoscopic gynaecologic operations. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This result indicates that low end-tidal carbon dioxide levels have beneficial effects on ICP and PONV in laparoscopic gynaecologic operations.
-
Observational Study
Analgesia nociception index as a tool to predict hypotension after spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section.
Arterial hypotension is the main disadvantage of spinal anaesthesia (SA) for caesarean delivery with deleterious effects on maternal-foetal outcomes. Recently, a non-invasive device 'analgesia nociception index' (ANI) has been developed to evaluate the parasympathetic component of the nervous autonomous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of ANI to predict the risk of hypotension after SA for elective caesarean section. ⋯ What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? ANI is an effective tool in predicting the risk of spinal anaesthesia-related hypotension. These findings are of potential clinical importance in the obstetrical anaesthesia setting. Further studies are required in order to implement this simple tool and optimise prophylactic measures especially vasopressors.
-
This investigation surveyed the gynaecologic services and management available to women experiencing early pregnancy complications in the province of Ontario, Canada. The Chiefs of Gynaecology/Obstetrics of 61 Ontario hospitals were invited to complete a 55-item, online questionnaire using modified Dillman methodology. Forty-three hospital site respondents completed the survey (a response rate of 70.5%). ⋯ Nonetheless, where EPAUs are available, they provide a structured referral system for women experiencing complications of early pregnancy that require gynaecologic assessment, such as ectopic pregnancy, providing close follow-up and predictable pathways of care for this patient population. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study highlights the need for hospitals in the province of Ontario to improve their current service delivery models for women experiencing early pregnancy complications. Further research should be undertaken to determine whether the positive health service outcomes of EPAUs are also relevant in the Canadian healthcare system.
-
Association between basal proteinuria levels and pregnancy outcomes in familial Mediterranean fever.
We aimed to investigate whether proteinuria in the first trimester of pregnancy in Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients has an impact on pregnancy outcome and perinatal and neonatal outcome of pregnancies. A total of 66 pregnant with FMF were compared with healthy controls at the same gestational weeks. Patients with FMF had a higher antenatal hospitalisation rate (34.8% vs. 6.1%, respectively, p < .01) and higher rate of 2 or more miscarriages. ⋯ However, our study population is relatively small. It will contribute to comprehensive studies involving a larger population. Future studies should be performed to investigate the effects of basal proteinuria in pregnancy with FMF.