Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstétrique et gynécologie du Canada : JOGC
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J Obstet Gynaecol Can · Jul 2004
Quality of life evaluations of caregivers of ovarian cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment.
(1) To examine the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of women undergoing chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancers, and (2) to correlate the QOL measures of caregivers to those of the women undergoing chemotherapy. ⋯ Standard chemotherapy for ovarian cancer does not worsen a caregiver's QOL. There is a direct relationship between the QOL of women with cancer and that of their caregivers. Future research is required to identify how best to integrate the results of QOL assessments in cancer treatment protocols and to examine the long-term effects of ovarian cancer and its treatment on both caregivers and the women for whom they care.
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J Obstet Gynaecol Can · Jul 2004
Practice Guideline GuidelineGuidelines for vaginal birth after previous Caesarean birth.
To provide evidence-based guidelines for the provision of a trial of labour (TOL) after Caesarean section. ⋯ 1. Provided there are no contraindications, a woman with 1 previous transverse low-segment Caesarean section should be offered a trial of labour after Caesarean with appropriate discussion of maternal and perinatal risks and benefits. The process of informed consent with appropriate documentation should be an important part of the birth plan in a woman with a previous Caesarean section. (II-2B) 2. The intention of a woman undergoing a TOL after Caesarean should be clearly stated and documentation of the previous uterine scar should be clearly marked on the prenatal record. (II-2B) 3. For a safe labour after Caesarean section, the woman should deliver in a hospital where an immediate Caesarean section is available. The woman and her health-care provider must be aware of the hospital resources and the availability of obstetric, anaesthesia, pediatric, and operating-room staff. (II-2A) 4. Each hospital should have a written policy in place regarding the notification and/or consultation for the physicians responsible for a possible immediate Caesarean. (III B) 5. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring of women attempting a TOL after Caesarean is recommended. (II-2A) 6. Suspected uterine rupture requires urgent attention and expedited laparotomy in order to attempt to decrease maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. (II-2A) 7. Oxytocin augmentation is not contraindicated in women undergoing a TOL after Caesarean. (II-2A) 8. Medical induction of labour with oxytocin may be associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture and should be used carefully after appropriate counselling. (II-2B)9. Medical induction of labour with prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) is associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture and should not be used except in rare circumstances after appropriate counselling. (II-2B) 10. Prostaglandin E1 (misoprostol) is associated with a high risk of uterine rupture and should not be used as part of a TOL after Caesarean. (II-2A) 11. A foley catheter may be used safely to ripen the cervix in a woman planning a TOL after Caesarean. (II-2A) 12. The available data suggest that a trial of labour in women with more than one previous Caesarean section is likely to be successful but is associated with a higher risk of uterine rupture. (II-2B) 13. Multiple gestation is not a contraindication to a TOL after Caesarean. (II-2B) 14. Diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication to TOL after Caesarean. (II-2B) 15. Suspected fetal macrosomia is not a contraindication to a TOL after Caesarean. (II-2B) 16. Women delivering within 18 to 24 months of a Caesarean section should be counselled about an increased risk of uterine rupture in labour. (II-2B) 17. Postdatism is not a contraindication to a TOL after Caesarean. (II-2B) 18. Every effort should be made to obtain the previous Caesarean section operative report to determine the type of uterine incision used. In situations where the scar is unknown, information concerning the circumstances of the previous delivery is helpful in determining the likelihood of a low transverse incision. If the likelihood of a lower transverse incision is high, TOL after Caesarean can be offered. (II-2B) VALIDATION: These guidelines were approved by the Clinical Practice Obstetrics and Executive Committees of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
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J Obstet Gynaecol Can · May 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of carbetocin and oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage following vaginal delivery:a double-blind randomized trial.
To compare the efficacy of a single 100 micro g intramuscular (IM) carbetocin injection, a long-acting oxytocin agonist, to a 2-hour 10 IU oxytocin intravenous (IV) infusion, in reducing the incidence and severity of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in women at risk for this condition. ⋯ Population profile and risk factors for PPH were similar for each group. No significant difference was observed in the number of women requiring additional uterotonic medication (12 in each group). However, in the carbetocin group, 36 of the 83 women (43.4%) required at least 1 uterine massage compared to 48 of the 77 women (62.3%) in the oxytocin group (P <.02). Overall, uterotonic intervention was clinically indicated in 37 of the women (44.6%) receiving carbetocin compared to 49 of the women (63.6%) given an IV oxytocin infusion (P <.02). There were no differences in laboratory PPH indicators between the 2 groups.