Clinical nursing value of predictive nursing in reducing complications of pregnant women undergoing short-term massive blood transfusion during cesarean section

BACKGROUND Cesarean hemorrhage is one of the serious complications,and short-term massive blood transfusion can easily cause postoperative infection and physical stress response.However,predictive nursing intervention has important clinical significance for it.AIM To explore the effect of predictive nursing intervention on the stress response and complications of women undergoing short-term mass blood transfusion during cesarean section(CS).METHODS A clinical medical record of 100 pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during sections from June 2019 to June 2021.According to the different nursing methods,patients divided into control group(n=50)and observation group(n=50).Among them,the control group implemented routine nursing,and the observation group implemented predictive nursing intervention based on the control group.Moreover,compared the differences in stress res-ponse,complications,and pain scores before and after the nursing of pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during CS.RESULTS The anxiety and depression scores of pregnant women in the two groups were significantly improved after nursing,and the psychological stress response of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The heart rate and mean arterial pressure(MAP)of the observation group during delivery were lower than those of the control group,and the MAP at the end of delivery was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,different pain scores improved significantly in both groups,with the observation group considerably less than the control group(P<0.05).After nursing,complications such as skin rash,urinary retention,chills,diarrhea,and anaphylactic shock in the observation group were 18%,which significantly higher than in the control group(4%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Predictive nursing intervention can effectively relieve the pain,reduce the incidence of complications,improve mood and stress response,and serve as a reference value for the nursing of women undergoing rapid mass transfusion during CS.

Vaginal Birth after a Cesarean Section at Good Shepherd Mission Hospital at Tshikaji in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Background: The success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section with a single cesarean scar is greater than 50%, the lack of the information about the safety of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery pushes most of obstetricians to increase the num ber of cesarean sections following a previous cesarean section. Guidelines for Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) indicate that TOLAC offers women with no contraindications and one previous transverse low-segment cesarean. The objective of the current study was to study the outcome of trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC), the indications for emergency repeat cesarean section and to determine the maternal and fetal prognosis in vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) at Tshikaji Mission Hospital. Patients, Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of the records of 126 women were selected to undergo the TOLAC in the department of gynecology and obstetrics at the Tshikaji Mission Hospital over the period from January 1st to December 31st, 2021. The data on demography, antenatal care, labour and delivery and outcomes were collected from the maternity unit of this hospital. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 2.0. Results: The TOLAC in 126 studied women. The course of work allowed vaginal delivery 107 parturient women, a success rate of successful VBAC of 85% after the TOLAC. The repeat emergency cesarean section was necessary for delivery in 15% of cases for failed TOLAC. There was no maternal mortality, but we recorded one fetal death or 0.8% of perinatal mortality, 2 cases of cicatricial dehiscence, the incidence of 1.6%. Maternal morbidity after delivery on cicatricial uterus was dominated by postpartum hemorrhages, with 19 cases or 15.1% of cases. Cervical dilatation of more than 3 cm at the time of admission, the parity more than 3 and were the significant factors in favor of a successful VBAC. Birth weight of more than 3500 g, fetal distress and malpresentation were associated with a lower success rate of VBAC. The TOLAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. Conclusion: Pregnancy on a cicatricial uterus represents a high-risk pregnancy. Trial of VBAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. There is a significantly high vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) success rate among selected women undergoing trial of scar in Tshikaji Hospital. TOLAC remains the option for childbirth in low resource settings as Kasai region in DRC. Adequate patient education and counselling in addition to appropriate patient selection for TOLAC remain the cornerstone to achieving high VBAC success rate.

Effects of intravenous infusion of esketamine on analgesia and postpartum antidepressant after cesarean section

Objective:Postpartum depression and postoperative pain affect postpartum physical and psychological rehabilitation.Esketamine,as a dexer of ketamine,has analgesic and antidepressant effects.This study was to investigate the effect of intravenous infusion of esmololone on postoperative analgesia and postpartum depression in parturients undergoing cesarean section.Methods:435 parturients undergoing cesarean section under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia were randomly divided into three groups.All of the subjects were given continuous intravenous infusion 5 minutes after delivery of the fetus.HE:0.4 mg/kg esketamine;LE:0.2 mg/kg esketamine;C:saline.Intraoperative records of MAP and HR at entry operating room(T0),skin resection(T1),beginning of test drug pumping(T2),10 min of pumping(T3)20min of pumping(T4),end of pumping(T5),end of operation(T6)and the adverse reactions before leaving the room were recorded.Postoperative analgesia with intravenous analgesia pump:2.5 ug/kg Sufentanil+8 mg Ondansetron+100 mL Saline.VAS score and sufentanil consumption and adverse reactions were recorded at 2 h(T0’)4 h(T1’)、8 h(T2’)、12 h(T3’)、24 h(T4’)after operation.The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale(EPDS)was used to evaluate the depression status of pregnant women 1 day before operation,1 d,3 d,1 w and 6 w after operation.Result:There was no significant difference in mean arterial pressure(MAP)and heart rate(HR)among the three groups(P>0.05).Compared with C,the incidence of dizziness and diplopia was higher in HE and LE(P<0.05).Compared with C,VAS scores,the sufentanil dosage,and EPDS scores decreased at 1 and 3d postoperatively in both the HE and LE.(P<0.05).Conclusion:The analgesic effect of esketamine after cesarean section is remarkable,which can reduce the use of opioids and improve the short-term depression of pregnant women.

Effect of Height Adjusted Dose of Intrathecal Hyperbaric Bupivacine for Elective Cesarean Section: A Study of 2 Different Concentrations

Introduction: Study compare spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacine (0.5% - 0.75%) between fixed dose and height adjusted dose during elective cesarean section. Methods: Hundred parturients who had given their consent and were scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, were divided into four groups—first group received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacine fixed dose, the second group received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacine in a dose adjusted to the height, the third received 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacine fixed dose, the fourth group received 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacine in a dose adjusted to height. The anesthesia onset time, haemodynamic changes, side effects and fetal outcome observed. Results: Spinal block provide excellent surgical anesthesia in all patients. Anesthesia onset time is longer in adjusted than fixed groups, in 0.5% (5 ± 0.816 vs. 3.84 ± 0.746) (P Conclusion: Adjusting dose of hyperbaric bupivacine (0.5% - 0.75%) to patient’s height, decreases the dose of bupivacine in use, it also provide adequate anesthesia for elective cesarean section with decrease the use of vasopressors, the incidence and severity of maternal hypotention also markedly reduced.

Prevalence of Cesarean Section at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Guyana: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

The International Healthcare Community recommends that countries do not exceed a 15% rate for cesarean section (CS). Our objective was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with CS at GPHC from July to September 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out and data were collected from 1296 mothers, who met the inclusion criteria, through face-to-face interviews after obtaining prior informed consent. We performed descriptive analyses both for the outcome and independent variables. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with CS with a p-value Results: The prevalence of CS at GPHC was 28.9% (95%CI: 26.5-31.5). Factors associated factors with CS were mothers aged 20 to 34 years (AOR: 1.56, 95%CI: 1.02 - 2.39, P = 0.039);mothers who received more than three minimum wages (AOR: 1.95, 95%CI: 1.29 - 2.97, P = 0.002) and who attended prenatal care at both public and private health facilities (AOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.19 - 5.22, P = 0.022). Likewise, the highest Odds of CS were observed in mothers with gestational hypertension (AOR: 2.00, 95%CI: 1.35 - 2.96, P Conclusion: The prevalence of CS is higher than the ideal rate recommended by the International Healthcare Community. More studies are needed to understand the reasons for such high prevalence at GPHC.

Cesarean Sections according to the Robson’s Classification in Two University Hospitals of Yaoundé: Indications and Maternofetal Outcome

Introduction: Cesarean section is a surgical intervention which consists in the extraction of a fetus from the uterus after its incision. The rate of cesarean section varies depending on the country and the health facility. For this reason, in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of Robson’s classification to evaluate the practice of cesarean sections in order to identify the groups of women who had abnormally high rates. The objective of our study was to evaluate cesarean sections using the Robson’s classification in CHRACERH and in the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH). Methodology: We carried out a retrospective cross sectional and descriptive study in two (02) university hospitals in Yaoundé which took place from December 2017 to May 2018. We included in our study all women who gave birth over a period of two (02) years from January 2016 to December 2017 in these two health facilities. Our sampling was exhaustive over the study period. The parturients’ information was collected using an anonymous and pretested questionnaire. The Robson’s group of every parturient was determined. Descriptive parameters like mean and proportions were calculated. We compared the rates and indications of cesarean sections between the both hospitals using Chi2 test. Results: Out of 330 deliveries realized in CHRACERH, we had 90 cesarean sections;hence, a rate of 27.2%. Out of 1863 deliveries carried out at the YCH, 462 were by cesarean section, hence a rate of 24.8%. The women who belonged to groups 1, 3 and 5 contributed to the highest rates of cesarean sections in both hospitals: in CHRACERH, group 5 (31.1%), group 3 (20%) and group 1 (15.6%), at YCH: group 3 (22.5%), group 1 (21.6%) and group 5 (17.3%). The indications of the cesarean sections varied depending on the Robson’s group and the hospital, the principal indication in group 1 was acute fetal distress (28.6%) in CHRACERH and cephalopelvic disproportion (36.7%) at YCH. Cephalopelvic disproportion was the predominant indication in groups 3 of CHRACERH (44.4%) and YCH (39.2%). In groups 5, CHRACERH and of YCH, a scarred uterus was the principal indication for the cesarean section at 82.4% and 78.4% respectively. At CHRACERH, the maternofetal complications were more frequent in groups 1 and 2 at the YCH, this was the case mostly in groups 1 and 3. Conclusion: The Robson’s classification is an adequate tool for the evaluation and comparison of the rates of cesarean sections. The rates of cesarean section in CHRACERH (27.2%) and at YCH (24.8%) were higher than the rates recommended by WHO. Robson’s groups 1, 3 and 5 were identified as the groups most at risk for cesarean sections in the both hospitals.

The Effect of Early versus Traditional Hospital Discharge on Activities of Daily Living for Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section. An Observational Cohort Study

Background: Cesarean section is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide and its consequences and complications represent a major public health concern. The policy of enhanced recovery after surgery has been implemented after cesarean section to optimize perioperative care. Enhanced recovery also aims to reduce the length of hospital stay, which might imply substantial healthcare savings. Rising hospital costs are one of the factors in early discharge. Patients & Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. 158 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study, 81 patients were discharged after 48 hours and 77 patients were discharged after 24 hours. All patients received the same postoperative care and instructions. All the study participants received a phone call 1, 3, and 5 days after discharge to objectively assess the activities of daily living through Katz index of independence in activities of daily living. All patients were offered a postpartum visit 1 week after discharge during which the wound was assessed by the Southampton wound assessment scale. Moreover, other maternal complications such as mastitis, puerperal sepsis, or pyelonephritis were assessed and cases who were readmitted were documented. Initiation of successful breastfeeding and neonatal readmission were reported as well. Results: 158 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study. There was no significant difference between the two arms of the study regarding baseline characteristics. Katz index of independence showed that the resumption of activities of daily living after CS was similar in both arms of the study on days 1, 3 and 5 after discharge. Time till the passage of flatus and stool after the cesarean section was significantly shorter among the early discharge arm (9.31 VS 14.68, p value < 0.001 & 13.25 VS 24.82, p value < 0.001 respectively). Maternal readmission was not significantly higher among the early discharge arm and at the 1-week postpartum visit, objective wound assessment by Southampton wound scoring assessment was made and there was no significant difference between the two arms of the study. Initiation of successful breastfeeding, and neonatal readmission were similar in both groups. Conclusion: The policy of early discharge can be adopted in low-risk cases scheduled for elective uncomplicated CS provided that the mother and the neonate are in good general condition and proper instructions regarding red flag manifestations are given.

Evaluation of Puerperal and Postpartum Infections after Cesarean Section and Their Clinical Outcomes

Puerperal and postpartum infections after cesarean section are a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Postpartum infections account for a significant, and often preventable, portion of the global healthcare burden. Puerperal sepsis is one of the top five causes of maternal deaths worldwide and accounts for 10% - 15% of deaths in the postpartum period. Postpartum infections also present a significant social burden: they increase maternal anxiety and the risk of postpartum depression, interfere with bonding, and negatively impact breastfeeding. To prevent complications and improve outcomes, the evaluation of these infections must be accurate and prompt. This review provided a summary of causes, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, imaging modalities, treatment options, complications, and prognosis of puerperal and postpartum infections following cesarean section. Future directions in the evaluation of these infections were also discussed, including the development of novel diagnostic assays, the use of point-of-care testing and risk factors responsible for the onset of infections. This review emphasized the significance of early diagnosis and prompted treatment of these infections in order to prevent complications and enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes. This article also provided an exhaustive overview of the evaluation and management of puerperal and postpartum infections and the clinical outcome of infections for both mother and neonate.

Problem-solving model guided by stimulus-organism-response theory:State of mind and coping styles of depressed mothers after cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND The use of a problem-solving model guided by stimulus-organism-response(SOR)theory for women with postpartum depression after cesarean delivery may inform nursing interventions for women with postpartum depression.AIM To explore the state of mind and coping style of women with depression after cesarean delivery guided by SOR theory.METHODS Eighty postpartum depressed women with cesarean delivery admitted to the hospital between January 2022 and October 2023 were selected and divided into two groups of 40 cases each,according to the random number table method.In the control group,the observation group adopted the problem-solving nursing model under SOR theory.The two groups were consecutively intervened for 12 weeks,and the state of mind,coping styles,and degree of post-partum depression were analyzed at the end of the intervention.RESULTS The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale-24-item scores of the observation group were lower than in the control group after care,and the level of improvement in the state of mind was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The level of coping with illness in the observation group after care(26.48±3.35)was higher than that in the control group(21.73±3.20),and the level of avoidance(12.04±2.68)and submission(8.14±1.15)was lower than that in the control group(15.75±2.69 and 9.95±1.20),with significant differences(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Adopting the problem-solving nursing model using SOR theory for postpartum depressed mothers after cesarean delivery reduced maternal depression,improved their state of mind,and coping level with illness.

Neuroanatomical Basis of Postoperative Pain and Assessment of Its Management in a Series of Patients Undergoing Caesarean Sections

Introduction: In recent decades, the cost of postoperative pain has been the subject of many studies based on protocols developed by scientific societies for its assessment and optimization. At the Regional Hospital of Saint-Louis (Senegal), several protocols have been developed for pain management, but no study has focused on the assessment of postoperative pain management specifically. We therefore initiated this work, the objectives of which were to remind the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of postoperative pain, and to analyze the assessment and management of this pain in patients who have undergone a caesarean section. Materials and methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study, which took place in the gynecology-obstetrics department, over a period from January 2019 to July 2020. All patients who gave birth by cesarean section were included. The data was collected from a survey sheet written for this purpose. For each of the patients, the information was taken every day throughout the duration of postoperative hospitalization. Results: It appears from our work that after a cesarean section, the pain felt evolves on the first postoperative days with a peak during the second day. As in the data reported in the literature, there does not seem to be a difference in terms of pain intensity and analgesia dosage between scheduled and emergency caesarean sections. However, young age and female gender—for other types of surgeries—are risk factors associated with high postoperative pain scores. This trend is probably related to the low pain experience of tested patients. Our initial hypothesis was that acute post-operative pain after caesarean sections could be linked to defects in the perception and processing of pain by caregivers. Indeed, we have shown that awareness-raising, information, and training actions have made it possible to significantly improve the management of pain after a cesarean section. Conclusion: After a cesarean section the pain is intense, especially when the effects of the morphine wear off. However, in our context where morphine and its derivatives are only slightly used, the post-operative pain is maximal rapidly. This pain therefore needs to be researched and treated appropriately. After a campaign to raise awareness among healthcare personnel, it is possible to significantly improve the systematic administration of analgesics.

Effect of Cesarean Section on the Severity of Postpartum Hemorrhage in Chinese Women： The Shanxi Study

Postpartum hemorrhage （PPH） is one of the most adverse obstetric outcomes. Our aim is to detect the risks of multilevel PPH in different cesarean section （CS） groups [including nulliparous CS with indications, nulliparous CS without indications, repeat cesarean （RC）, vaginal birth after cesarean （VBAC）, cesarean after vaginal birth （CAVB）]. We conducted a retrospective cohort study, and the data on 127 145 women collected from January 2014 to May 2016 and from 35 tertiary hospitals in Shanxi province, China, were reviewed. Based on the measuring results of PPH, an ordered logistic regression model was used to analyze the adjusted PPH risks for each of the CS groups, and comparisons were drawn between them. Finally, a total of 99 066 nulliparous （77.92%） and 28 079 multiparous （22.08%） women were observed. The number of CS cases was 61 117, and the rate for CS was 48.07%. A total of 10 029 women did not show indications for CS and accounted for 16.41% of the CS parturient, whereas 9103 women underwent a repeated cesarean, with a CS frequency of 14.89%. The number of VBAC cases was 989, whose rate was 9.88% in prior CS women. The number （proportions） of PPH was 3658 （2.88%） in L1 （PPH volume： ≥900 and 〈1500 mL）, 520 （0.41%） in L2 （PPH volume： ≥1500 and〈2100 mL）, and 201 （0.16%） in L3 （PPH volume： ≥2100 mL）. The Ln （n= 1, 2, 3, etc.） represented the increasing order of PPH severity. In the adjusted results, compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery （SVD） as the reference group, in the adjusted result for nulliparous, there was a decreased PPH risk in CS with indications （OR： 2.32; CI： 2.04-2.62）, which was lower than that of CS without indications （OR： 2.50; CI： 2.01-2.96）. The highest PPH risk in all subgroups （i.e. nulliparous and multiparous groups） was observed in the RC （OR： 3.61; CI： 3.16-4.17）, which was nearly twice higher than that of the VBAC （OR： 1.82; CI： 1.33-2.52）. CAVB （OR： 1.03; CI： 0.65-1.62） showed no significant difference with the reference group. Thus, we deemed that CS should be avoided in nulliparous pregnancies unless indicated, to prevent or reduce the rates for the use of RC or VBAC which are high risks of severe PPH to the parturient women.

Diagnosing early scar pregnancy in the lower uterine segment after cesarean section by intracavitary ultrasound

BACKGROUND Early scar pregnancy(CSP)in the lower uterine segment after cesarean section is a type of ectopic pregnancy that can cause major complications if left untreated.Transabdominal ultrasound is a common procedure but is influenced by external factors.Thus,intracavitary ultrasound may have better diagnostic efficiency for CSP.AIM To assess the value of intracavitary ultrasound for diagnosing CSP in the lower uterine segment after cesarean section.METHODS Patients diagnosed with CSP in our hospital from October 2019 to April 2021 were recruited.Transabdominal and intracavitary ultrasound examinations were performed to compare the diagnostic differences for CSP and its types.RESULTS Sixty-three patients were diagnosed during the study period.The diagnostic accuracy for CSP was higher in intracavitary ultrasound(96.83%)than in transabdominal ultrasound(84.13%)(P<0.05).The missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis rates did not differ among the ultrasound types(intra:0.00%and 3.17%;trans:4.76%and 11.11%,respectively;P>0.05).For the diagnostic rates for the CSP types,the rates for gestational sac(100.00%vs 90.48%),heterogeneous mass(93.75%vs 75.00%),and part of the uterine cavity(80.00%vs 60.00%)were higher in intracavitary ultrasound than in transabdominal ultrasound,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).For gestational sac CSP patients,intracavitary ultrasound showed that the gestational sac was located in the lower uterine segment scar with abundant peripheral blood flow;the distance between the gestational sac and the serosal layer was 2.42±0.50 cm.Intracavitary ultrasound for heterogeneous mass CSP patients indicated that the mass mainly occurred in the lower anterior uterine wall,protruding into the bladder,and was surrounded by abundant internal and peripheral blood flow;the distance between the mass and serosal layer was 1.79±0.30 cm.For CSP type partly located in the uterine cavity,the gestational sac was partly located in the lower uterine cavity and partly in the scar with abundant internal and peripheral blood flow;the distance between the gestational sac and the serosal layer was 2.29±0.28 cm.CONCLUSION Intracavitary ultrasound had a higher diagnostic accuracy and application value for diagnosing CSP than transabdominal ultrasound,with reduced risk of missed diagnoses and misdiagnosis,thereby preventing delayed treatment.

Induction of labor using double balloon cervical device in women with previous cesarean section: Experience and review

Induction of labour remains one of the most challenging interventions in current obstetrics. Different pharmaceuticals have been used for cervical ripening such as prostaglandins;however they can lead to a number of potential inconvenient risks namely uterine tachysystole and pathological fetal cardiotocography (CTG). In cases of women with previous caesarean births, using prostaglandins would pose even higher risks such as uterine rupture and perinatal mortality. A mechanical method of cervical ripening could represent an alternative for these women. We report the use of the extra-amniotic double balloon cervical device (Cook’s device) for ripening of unfavourable cervix in seventeen women attempting vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). Using Bishop scoring system to assess cervical dilatetion, position, consistency, fetal station and effacement, the unfavourable cervix is the cervix that scores less than 6. We review the relevant literature discussing this method of induction focusing on its effectiveness, simplicity, safety and efficacy, low cost and any associated serious side effects. Conclusion: Success was estimated to be over 50% with no serious life threatening maternal or fetal complications. We considered the process satisfactory and practical. We recommend larger studies to assess safety and efficacy of Cook’s device in vaginal birth after caesarean section before embarking on routine elective caesarean delivery. Objectives: To estimate success rate for vaginal delivery after previous caesarean section using cervical double balloon device (Cook’s device). Design: Three-year observational study. Setting: Maternity unit in district general hospital, UK. Population: Women who had one previous lower segment caesarean section and unfavourable cervix identified as having Bishop Score less than 6. Methods: Data were obtained from the birth registry over 3 years from January 2008 until December 2010. Main outcome: Measure successful vaginal delivery. Results: Out of 25 cases that had induction of labour with history of one previous lower segment caesarean section, 17 patients did fit in the inclusion criteria and were studied. 53% had a successful vaginal delivery while 47% had to have cesarean section either due to failure to progress or pathological cardiotocography. 82% required to have syntocinon infusion for augmentation as per local unit protocol. All newborn babies were in good condition and did not require admission to neonatal intensive care unit.

Effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section on post-spinal hypotension and neonatal hemodynamic parameters: nonrandomized controlled clinical trial

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section (CS) on post-spinal hypotension (PSH) and neonatal hemodynamic parameters.Methods: This study is a nonrandomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the cesarean delivery unit of the National Medical institute,Damanhour,Egypt.The sample included 120 parturients (60 intervention and 60 control).The researchers developed three tools for data collection: sociodemographic data and reproductive history interview schedule,electronic monitoring of maternal hemodynamic parameters,and neonatal hemodynamic assessment sheet.All parturients received ordinary preoperative care.For the intervention group,a long elastic stocking (ordinary pressure 20-30 mmHg,1 mmHg =0.133 kPa) was applied on both legs during cesarean section.The control group received the same care without the elastic stocking.Results: Systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly higher in the intervention group throughout the entire operation period except in the last 5 -15 min.Heart rate was significantly lower in the intervention group.Only 13.3% of the intervention group took ephedrine compared with 45% of the control group.Apgar score was higher among neonates of intervention group compared with the control group at 1 min.Neonatal acidosis was significantly higher in the control group than in the contral group.Conclusion: Lower leg compression technique can effectively reduce PSH and neonatal acidosis.

Reproductive Outcomes in Women with Prior Cesarean Section Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization:A Retrospective Case-control Study

The impact of prior cesarean section（CS） on the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer（IVF-ET） was investigated. A retrospective analysis was performed on 144 patients with prior CS between January 2013 and December 2015. The pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes of patients who had previous CS delivery and received IVF-ET were analyzed. The control group comprised 166 patients who had only previous vaginal delivery（VD） and received IVF-ET during the same period. The results showed that the basal follicle stimulating hormone level, estradiol level on human chorionic gonadotropin（h CG） day, gonadotrophin dosage, duration of stimulation, retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate, multiple birth rate, abortion rate and ectopic pregnancy rate had no significant difference between the two groups（P〉0.05）. The pregnancy rate（40.28% vs. 54.22%） and implantation rate（24.01% vs. 34.67%） were significantly lower（P〈0.05）, and the ratio of embryo difficulty transfer（9/144 vs. 0/166） was significantly higher in CS group than in VD group. The risk of pernicious placenta previa and postpartum hemorrhage in twin deliveries was significantly increased in CS group as compared with that in VD group（P〈0.05）, and gestational age and neonatal birth weight were significantly reduced in twin deliveries as compared with singleton deliveries in both groups（P〈0.05）. It was suggested that the existence of CS scar may impact embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy outcome, and increase the difficulty of ET. We should limit the number of transfer embryos to avoid multiple pregnancies and strengthen gestational supervision in patients with cesarean scar.

Neuraxial adjuvants for prevention of perioperative shivering during cesarean section: A network meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines

BACKGROUND Perioperative shivering is clinically common during cesarean sections under neuraxial anesthesia,and several neuraxial adjuvants are reported to have preventive effects on it.However,the results of current studies are controversial and the effects of these neuraxial adjuvants remain unclear.AIM To evaluate the effects of neuraxial adjuvants on perioperative shivering during cesarean sections,thus providing an optimal choice for clinical application.METHODS A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis) guidelines.Analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14.0.We searched PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,and Cochrane Central databases for eligible clinical trials assessing the effects of neuraxial adjuvants on perioperative shivering and other adverse events during cesarean sections.Perioperative shivering was defined as the primary endpoint,and nausea,vomiting,pruritus,hypotension,and bradycardia were the secondary outcomes.RESULTS Twenty-six studies using 9 neuraxial adjuvants for obstetric anesthesia during caesarean sections were included.The results showed that,compared with placebo,pethidine,fentanyl,dexmedetomidine,and sufentanil significantly reduced the incidence of perioperative shivering.Among the four neuraxial adjuvants,pethidine was the most effective one for shivering prevention (OR = 0.15,95%CI: 0.07-0.35,surface under the cumulative ranking curve 83.9),but with a high incidence of nausea (OR = 3.15,95%CI: 1.04-9.57) and vomiting (OR = 3.71,95%CI: 1.81-7.58).The efficacy of fentanyl for shivering prevention was slightly inferior to pethidine (OR = 0.20,95%CI: 0.09-0.43),however,it significantly decreased the incidence of nausea (OR = 0.34,95%CI: 0.15-0.79) and vomiting (OR = 0.25,95%CI: 0.11-0.56).In addition,compared with sufentanil,fentanyl showed no impact on haemodynamic stability and the incidence of pruritus.CONCLUSION Pethidine,fentanyl,dexmedetomidine,and sufentanil appear to be effective for preventing perioperative shivering in puerperae undergoing cesarean sections.Considering the risk-benefit profiles of the included neuraxial adjuvants,fentanyl is probably the optimal choice.

Effect of Body Mass Index on Anesthesia Characteristics and Vasopressor Requirements during Spinal Anesthesia for Elective Cesarean Section

Background: There is a debate about the dose of hyperbaric bupivacine for spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery in obese parturients. While it is concessive that the dose of spinal bupivacine is reduced in pregnant compared with non-pregnant parturient due to many factors. But it is still controversial whether local anesthetic should further reduce in obese patients or not. In this perspective, observation study, we tested the influence of BMI on vasopressor requirements and block height. Methods: Three groups of 40 parturients, group A (Body mass index (BMI) 2), group B (BMI 30 - 45 Kg/m2) and group C (BMI > 45 kg/m2) requiring elective cesarean section were recruited all patients received 12.5 mg subarachnoid hyperbaric bupivacine combined with 20 ug fentanyl. Dermatomal levels were assessed after subarachnoid injection using touch sensation at 2 minutes interval for first 10 minutes then every 5 minutes. Vasopressor requirements in the first 45 minutes after subarachnoid injection, and maximum block heights using touch sensation were assessed as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were extent of motor block (peak flow rate), technique difficulty (number of attempts), maternal side effects and neonatal outcomes. Results: There was no significant difference in mean blood pressure (MBP) between group A and B but the difference was significant in group C in relation to other two groups, mean number of hypotensive episodes was significantly higher in group C than group A, B with no significant difference in incidence between group A and B (P Conclusion: Sensory testing using touch modality to detect extent of anesthesia, showed at 25 minutes after spinal anesthesia induction, significantly higher level in group C than the other two groups. Vasopressor requirements during the first 45 minutes of spinal anesthesia were not different between group A, B but significantly higher in group C. Time for regression of anesthesia was longer in group C, which may be helpful regarding longer surgical time. Single shots spinal anesthesia of 12.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacine produce clinically equivalent effect in parturients with BMI 2 with no need for dose reduction but caution and dose adjustment recommended in parturients with BMI > 45 Kg/m2.

Effects of auricular-plaster therapy on pain and serum levels of cortisol and IL-6 after cesarean section

Purpose:To evaluate APT(APT)for its analgesic effects and influence on serum cortisol and IL-6 levels after cesarean section.Methods:108 puerperae prepared for cesarean section were randomly divided into three treatment groups:APT,patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA),and a combination of APT and PCIA.The degrees of incision pain(including pain at rest and pain evoked by changing position in bed)and oxytocin-mediated uterine cramping pain were determined using a visual analogue scale(VAS).The serum concentrations of cortisol and IL-6 were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.Results:Uterine cramping pain was lower in the APT group than the PCIA group and lowest in the combination therapy group.Incision pain was similar between the APT group and the PCIA group but lower in the combination therapy group.On the second morning after surgery,the serum concentrations of cortisol and IL-6 were similar between the APT group and the PCIA group but lower in the combination therapy group.The extent of pain was highly related to cortisol levels and moderately related to IL-6 levels.Conclusion:APT can relieve uterine cramping pain after cesarean section,and in combination with PCIA can decrease serum levels of cortisol and IL-6.

Understanding Midwives’ Perspective on Care of Post Cesarean Section Women at the University Teaching Hospital—Women and Newborn, Lusaka

Background: A cesarean section is a major obstetric surgical procedure performed for the purpose of delivering a live baby when vaginal delivery would put the mother and the baby at risk due to complications of pregnancy, labour and delivery. Although caesarean section is a life saving procedure, it is associated with a number of risks or problems in the postoperative period. The aim of the study was to understand the Midwives’ perspective on the care of postpartum mothers who had cesarean section at the University Teaching Hospital—Women and Newborn in Lusaka District. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital—Women and Newborn in Lusaka. 51 Midwives working in postnatal wards were consecutively selected to participate in the study. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire with a 4 point Likert scale and also some closed and open ended questions. SPSS version 20 statistical package was used to analyse data, expressed as descriptive summary measures. Results: All the 51 Midwives were female and they scored themselves highly on a 4 point Likert scale as always performing all the immediate post-operative care on the postpartum mothers who had a caesarean section while the score was much lower during the subsequent post-operative period. Staffing levels and medical-surgical materials were found to be low and affect care of Postpartum mothers (P-0.050). The majority (94.2%) of the Midwives also indicated that C-section mothers were not given any form of written materials or standardized instructions to take home as reference material during the Information, Education Communication sessions on discharge (P-0.001) and home/domiciliary visits to postpartum mothers who had C-sections on postpartum were not being undertaken. Conclusion: There was need to improve the care rendered to the postpartum women who had complicated labour and delivery including caesarean sections in order to promote good health and to prevent postpartum complications.

Uterine incision dehiscence 3 mo after cesarean section causing massive bleeding:A case report

BACKGROUND The traditional definition of late postpartum hemorrhage is a massive uterine hemorrhage from 24 h after delivery to the puerperal period.Here,we report a case of late postpartum hemorrhage that occurred 3 mo after cesarean section and endangered the patient's life.The cause of the case we are reporting was poor incision healing.By reporting this case,we hope to make doctors aware that late postpartum hemorrhage due to poor incision healing may happen as late as 3 mo after cesarean section.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old woman complained of acute,severe vaginal bleeding for 1 h;the patient had a history of cesarean section 3 mo prior.After receiving antiinflammatory treatment,fluid supplementation,blood transfusion,oxytocin administration,and hemostatic treatment,the vaginal bleeding ceased,and the patient’s clinical status improved.Unfortunately,she experienced recurrent massive vaginal bleeding,and uterine contractile agents did not decrease the persistent bleeding.To save the patient’s life,she was admitted for emergency laparotomy.At exploratory laparotomy,dehiscence and necrosis of the previous cesarean section scar were noted;the dehiscence penetrated through the entire thickness of the uterine muscle wall and extended to the left uterine artery.Ultimately,we performed a total hysterectomy.CONCLUSION Late postpartum hemorrhage due to poor incision healing after cesarean section may occur in the 3 mo after cesarean section or even later.Therefore,obstetricians-gynecologists should monitor for this potential complication in all patients post–cesarean section.Such hemorrhages can be severe enough to endanger the patient's life.