Archives of gynecology and obstetrics
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Arch. Gynecol. Obstet. · Jun 2011
Influence of the mode of delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a comparison between elective cesarean section and planned vaginal delivery in a low-risk obstetric population.
The aim of the study was to compare the maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with elective cesarean sections with planned vaginal delivery. ⋯ The increased maternal morbidity in elective cesarean section included puerperal febrile morbidity, wound infections as well as breastfeeding problems in the postpartum period. Women should be sufficiently counseled regarding the increased risk of these complications.
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Arch. Gynecol. Obstet. · Jun 2011
Comparative StudyVisual estimation versus gravimetric measurement of postpartum blood loss: a prospective cohort study.
One of the major problems in international literature is how to measure postpartum blood loss with accuracy. We aimed in this research to assess the accuracy of visual estimation of postpartum blood loss (by each of two main health-care providers) compared with the gravimetric calculation method. ⋯ Health-care providers tend to underestimate the volume of postpartum blood loss by about 30%. Training and continuous auditing of the diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage is needed to avoid missing cases and thus preventing associated morbidity and mortality.
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Arch. Gynecol. Obstet. · Jun 2011
Are maternal and fetal parameters related to perinatal mortality in HELLP syndrome?
We designed this retrospective study to evaluate the association between maternal and fetal parameters and perinatal mortality in hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. ⋯ Maternal laboratory and clinical parameters were not associated with fetal mortality. Fetal prematurity, low birth weight, and low Apgar scores were significantly associated with fetal mortality. The HELLP syndrome and severe preeclampsia may be life threatening to the mother; therefore, the accepted treatment is expeditious delivery. Our study indicates that prevention of prematurity must be the main priority for the fetus in pregnancies complicated by the HELLP syndrome. This can be efficaciously achieved using glucocorticoid therapy for lung maturity and ensuring that delivery is at an experienced hospital with a multidisciplinary approach including a neonatal intensive care unit.