Conhecimento, atitude e prática dos médicos residentes de ginecologia e obstetrícia de Pernambuco sobre anticoncepção / Knowledge, attitude and practice of resident physicians in gynecology and obstetrics in Pernambuco about contraception

Resumo Introdução: Anticoncepção corresponde ao uso de métodos e técnicas com a finalidade de impedir que o relacionamento sexual resulte em gravidez. O médico residente em ginecologia e obstetrícia deve estar intimamente familiarizado com as múltiplas opções contraceptivas existentes, o modo de uso, os efeitos colaterais e suas contraindicações. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos identificar o nível de conhecimento, atitude e prática dos médicos residentes de ginecologia e obstetrícia do estado de Pernambuco sobre anticoncepção, determinar sua autopercepção em indicar e contraindicar os métodos contraceptivos, avaliar as melhores indicações clínicas, como prescrevê-los e orientar seu uso. Método: Foi realizado um estudo de inquérito, do tipo corte transversal, com componente analítico. Durante o período de maio a julho de 2022, aplicou-se um questionário à população-alvo, composta pelos médicos residentes de ginecologia e obstetrícia do estado de Pernambuco, e obteve-se um tamanho amostral de 157 respostas, que foram analisadas no programa estatístico Stata, versão 12.0. Resultado: Os métodos contraceptivos mais utilizados por eles foram o ACO, o DIU Mirena, a camisinha peniana e o DIU de cobre. Mais de 90% da amostra afirmou conhecer os critérios de elegibilidade e o índice de Pearl, e pouco mais da metade respondeu corretamente aos casos clínicos sobre contracepção; 52,9% relataram que não faziam uso da dupla proteção, e 40,1% da amostra mencionou que nunca usava camisinha. A maioria dos entrevistados atestou possuir uma boa prática com LARC e com esterilização cirúrgica; uma boa parcela dos residentes entrevistados considerou-se apta a orientar todos os métodos anticoncepcionais. Conclusão: O conhecimento das indicações e contraindicações pode ser considerado satisfatório, apesar de chamar a atenção a presença de uma disparidade entre a autopercepção do saber e os acertos das questões a respeito de casos clínicos específicos. Em relação à atitude, as respostas foram controversas. No âmbito da prática, obtiveram-se os melhores resultados de autopercepção de habilidade, com destaque para a prática com os LARC e a esterilização cirúrgica. As autoavaliações demonstraram que mais da metade da amostra considerou seus conhecimentos, suas atitudes e suas práticas muito satisfatórios e/ou adequados.

Abstract Introduction: Contraception corresponds to the use of methods and techniques with the purpose of preventing sexual intercourse from resulting in pregnancy. The resident physician in gynecology and obstetrics must be intimately familiar with the multiple existing contraceptive options, how to use them, their side effects and contraindications. Objectives: To identify the level of knowledge, attitude and practice among Gynecology and Obstetrics residents in the state of Pernambuco regarding contraception, determine their self-perception in indicating and contraindicating contraceptive methods, evaluating the best clinical indications, how to prescribe them and offer guidance for their use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study with an analytical component. During the period from May to July 2022, a test was applied to the target population, composed by resident physicians of Gynecology and Obstetrics in the state of Pernambuco. A sample size of 157 responses was obtained, which were analyzed in the program STATA statistics, version 12.0. Results: The contraceptive methods most used by the resident physicians were the ACO, Mirena IUD, penile condom and copper IUD. More than 90% of the sample claimed to know the Eligibility Criteria and the Pearl Index, and just over half correctly answered the clinical cases on contraception; 52.9% reported not using double protection and 40.1% of the sample stated that they never used condoms. Most interviewees attested to having a good practice with LARC and with surgical sterilization; a good portion of the interviewed residents considered themselves able to guide all contraceptive methods. Conclusion: The knowledge of indications and contraindications can be considered satisfactory, despite a disparity between self-perceived knowledge and correct answers to questions regarding specific clinical cases; regarding attitude, the answers were controversial; within the scope of practice, the best results of self-perceived ability were obtained, with emphasis on the practice with LARC and surgical sterilization. Self-assessments showed that more than half of the sample considered their knowledge, attitudes and practices very satisfactory and/or adequate.

Comparison between 200 µg and 800 µg of vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening before operative hysteroscopy: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare between 200 and 800 µg of vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening before operative hysteroscopy. METHODS: Quadruple-blind randomized clinical trial conducted between November 2019 and September 2020 involving 76 patients undergoing cervical dilatation before surgical hysteroscopy at teaching hospitals in Pernambuco, Brazil. Women received the vaginal misoprostol dosage of 200 or 800 µg,10-12 h before operative hysteroscopy. The cervical width was the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, adverse effects, surgical complications, and duration of cervical dilatation. Chi-square tests of association, Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were used with an α error of <5%. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the groups in the mean of the cervical width (800 µg: 6.5 ± 1.6 mm vs 200 µg: 5.8 ± 1.8 mm, P = 0.055), patient satisfaction, and surgical findings, but the duration of cervical dilatation was lower in the 800-µg group (28.16 ± 28.5 s vs 41.97 ± 31.0 s, P = 0.035). Among the adverse effects, diarrhea was more frequent in the 800-µg group with statistical difference (100% vs 0%; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: For cervical ripening, 200 µg misoprostol is equally effective with fewer adverse effects than 800 µg before operative hysteroscopy. CLINICALTRIALS: gov: NCT04152317. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04152317.

Frequency and Factors Associated with Urinary Incontinence in Pregnant Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall frequency of urinary incontinence in pregnant adolescents, focusing particularly on the presence of symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and coital incontinence (CI), and to describe the biological, sociodemographic, clinical, urinary, reproductive, sexual, and lifestyle factors associated with incontinence. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, descriptive study. SETTING: The outpatient clinic for high-risk pregnancies at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) in Recife, Pernambuco, in the Northeast of Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 103 pregnant adolescents who attended for prenatal consultations during the study period. INTERVENTIONS: Data were collected on the participants' characteristics and information based on the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of urinary incontinence and possible correlations between the women's characteristics and SUI and CI symptoms. RESULTS: Mean age (±standard deviation) was 16.76 ± 1.8 years. Urinary incontinence was present in 60.1% of the patients. Of these, 37.8% had SUI and 33.9% CI. In addition, 30.8% of the patients with CI also had SUI. There were statistically significant associations between CI and the occurrence of SUI prior to pregnancy (100%; PR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.48-2.13; P = .011), between SUI and chronic coughing (60%; PR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.23-3.09; P = .009), and between CI and height (41.9%; PR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.27-1.00; P = .036). CONCLUSION: Urinary incontinence is a dysfunction that may affect pregnant adolescents, with symptoms possibly beginning as early as the first trimester of pregnancy.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with and without hypertensive syndromes submitted to induction of labor with misoprostol.

OBJECTIVES: To determine maternal and perinatal outcomes according to the mode of delivery in normotensive and hypertensive women bearing a live, full-term fetus, who were submitted to labor induction with misoprostol. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. The endpoints were tachysystole, uterine hyperstimulation, indications for cesarean section, severe maternal morbidity, side effects, maternal death, 1st/5th minute Apgar, neonatal death, requirement for neonatal intensive care, and birth weight (grams). The chi-square or Fisher's exact test was applied at a significance level of 5%. Risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in maternal outcome as a function of mode of delivery. First-minute Apgar score <7 was less common with vaginal deliveries in normotensive women (RR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.18-0.90), this being the only significant difference in perinatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Maternal and perinatal outcomes were similar in hypertensive and normotensive women submitted to labor induction with misoprostol.

Native vaginal tissue repair for genital prolapse surgical treatment: a minimum of 30 months of results.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of using native vaginal tissue repair as a surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on quality of life using validated questionnaires. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-one women underwent surgical POP repair. All of the women were evaluated by physical examination using the POP-Q, ICIQ-VS and P-QoL questionnaires prior to surgery as well as six and at least 30 months after surgery. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients returned for assessment at least 30 months after surgery (median 36 months, range 30-50 months). There was significant improvement in most points - Aa, Ba, C, Bp, Ap, and hg - and at the stage of prolapse. There were statistically significant improvements in bulge symptoms after surgery (p<0.001), and significant differences were also seen regarding questions related to urinary and bowel symptoms. Indeed, most quality of life questionnaire domains showed significant differences before and after surgery. CONCLUSION: Native vaginal tissue repair improved POP-related symptoms and quality of life after 30-50 months of assessment.

Near miss materno em unidade de terapia intensiva: aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos / Maternal near miss in the intensive care unit: clinical and epidemiological aspects

RESUMOObjetivos:Analisar o perfil clínico epidemiológico de mulheres com near miss materno segundo os novos critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde.Métodos:Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, tipo corte transversal, analisando- se os prontuários das pacientes admitidas na unidade de terapia intensiva obstétrica de um hospital terciário do Recife (Brasil), em um período de quatro anos. Foram incluídas as mulheres que apresentavam pelo menos um dos critérios de near miss. As variáveis estudadas foram: idade, raça/cor, estado civil, escolaridade, procedência, número de gestações e consultas de pré-natal, complicações e procedimentos realizados, via de parto, idade gestacional no parto e critérios de near miss materno. A análise descritiva foi executada utilizando-se o programa Epi-Info 3.5.1.Resultados:Foram identificados 255 casos de near miss materno, totalizando uma razão de near miss materno de 12,8/1.000 nascidos vivos. Dentre esses casos, 43,2% das mulheres apresentavam ensino fundamental incompleto; 44,7% eram primigestas e 20,5% tinham realizado cesariana prévia. Quanto aos diagnósticos específicos, houve predominância dos distúrbios hipertensivos (62,7%), sendo que muitos deles foram complicados pela síndrome HELLP (41,2%). Os critérios laboratoriais de near miss foram os mais observados (59,6%), em função, principalmente, da elevada frequência de plaquetopenia aguda (32,5%).Conclusões:Evidenciou-se uma frequência elevada de mulheres com baixa escolaridade e primigestas. Com os novos critérios propostos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, os distúrbios hipertensivos da gestação continuam sendo os mais comuns entre os casos de near miss materno. Destaca-se ainda a elevada frequência da síndrome HELLP, o que contribuiu para que a trombocitopenia aguda fosse o critério mais frequente de near miss.

ABSTRACTObjective:To analyze the epidemiological clinical profile of women with maternal near miss according to the new World Health Organization criteria.Methods:A descriptive crosssectional study was conducted, in which the records of patients admitted to the obstetric intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Recife (Brazil) over a period of four years were analyzed. Women who presented at least one near miss criterion were included. The variables studied were age, race/color, civil status, education, place of origin, number of pregnancies and prenatal consultations, complications and procedures performed, mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery, and maternal near miss criteria. The descriptive analysis was performed using the program Epi-Info 3.5.1.Results:Two hundred fifty-five cases of maternal near miss were identified, with an overall ratio of maternal near miss of 12.8/1,000 live births. Among these cases, 43.2% of the women had incomplete primary education, 44.7% were primiparous, and 20.5% had undergone a previous cesarean section. Regarding specific diagnoses, there was a predominance of hypertensive disorders (62.7%), many of which were complicated by HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome (41.2%). The laboratory near miss criteria were the most often observed (59.6%), due mainly to the high frequency of acute thrombocytopenia (32.5%).Conclusions:A high frequency of women who had a low level of education and who were primiparous was observed. According to the new criteria proposed by the World Health Organization, hypertensive pregnancy disorders are still the most common among maternal near miss cases. The high frequency of HELLP syndrome was also striking, which contributed to acute thrombocytopenia being the most frequent near miss criterion.

Maternal near miss in the intensive care unit: clinical and epidemiological aspects.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological clinical profile of women with maternal near miss according to the new World Health Organization criteria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, in which the records of patients admitted to the obstetric intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Recife (Brazil) over a period of four years were analyzed. Women who presented at least one near miss criterion were included. The variables studied were age, race/color, civil status, education, place of origin, number of pregnancies and prenatal consultations, complications and procedures performed, mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery, and maternal near miss criteria. The descriptive analysis was performed using the program Epi-Info 3.5.1. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-five cases of maternal near miss were identified, with an overall ratio of maternal near miss of 12.8/1,000 live births. Among these cases, 43.2% of the women had incomplete primary education, 44.7% were primiparous, and 20.5% had undergone a previous cesarean section. Regarding specific diagnoses, there was a predominance of hypertensive disorders (62.7%), many of which were complicated by HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome (41.2%). The laboratory near miss criteria were the most often observed (59.6%), due mainly to the high frequency of acute thrombocytopenia (32.5%). CONCLUSIONS: A high frequency of women who had a low level of education and who were primiparous was observed. According to the new criteria proposed by the World Health Organization, hypertensive pregnancy disorders are still the most common among maternal near miss cases. The high frequency of HELLP syndrome was also striking, which contributed to acute thrombocytopenia being the most frequent near miss criterion.

Factors associated with vaginal delivery in hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women submitted to labor induction with misoprostol: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with vaginal delivery in hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women submitted to induction of labor with misoprostol. METHODS: A cohort study. RESULTS: The factors associated with vaginal delivery in both normotensive and hypertensive women were, respectively, Bishop score ≥ 4 (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.06-3.29; p = 0.03) and (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.25-4.28; p = 0.008) and parity ≥ 1 (OR = 4.36; 95% CI: 2.16-8.80; p < 0.0001) and (OR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.36-5.04; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The factors associated with vaginal delivery were Bishop score ≥ 4 and parity ≥ 1 irrespective of whether or not the women were hypertensive.

Fascial surgical repair for vaginal prolapse: effect on quality of life and related symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on quality of life and on bladder, vaginal and bowel symptoms using validated questionnaires such as the prolapse quality of life questionnaire (P-QoL). STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-five women underwent surgical POP repair. All were evaluated by physical examination and by the use of ICIQ-VS and P-QoL questionnaires before surgery as well as three and six months after surgery. RESULTS: The preoperative scores of all domains on the ICIQ-VS and P-QoL questionnaires and the scores obtained from quantification of the urinary, sexual and bowel symptoms were higher than those at three and six months after surgery (p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the domain scores for the ICIQ-VS and P-QoL questionnaires at three and at six months after surgery (p>0.05). The preoperative staging was higher than that at three and six months after surgery (p<0.001), and there was no difference in staging between the two postoperative time points (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery with fascial repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse improved health-related quality of life, as assessed by the P-QoL and ICIQ-VS, as well as urinary, vaginal and intestinal symptoms.

Fetal and neonatal deaths among cases of maternal near miss.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of fetal and neonatal deaths among patients with maternal near miss and the factors associated with this fatal outcome. METHODS: The authors conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, analyzing medical records of patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary obstetric Recife (Brazil), between January 2007 and December 2010, who had at least one criterion of near miss defined by WHO. Statistical analysis was performed with Epi-Info 3.3.2, using chi-square and Fisher's exact test, considering a significance level of 5%. For multivariate analysis was constructed as a hierarchical model with the response variable fetal and neonatal deaths. RESULTS: We included 246 cases of maternal near miss. Among women in the study, hypertensive disorders occurred in 62.7% to 41.2% in HELLP syndrome and the laboratory criteria for near miss in 59.6%. There were 48 (19.5%) stillbirths and 19 (7.7%) neonatal deaths. After analyzing the variables that remained statistically associated with fetal and neonatal deaths were: severe preeclampsia, placental abruption, endometritis, cesarean delivery, prematurity and the laboratory criteria for maternal near miss. CONCLUSION: The high incidence of fetal and neonatal deaths among patients with maternal near miss. Among these women there is an overlap of factors contributing to this fatal outcome, in our study, those who had severe preeclampsia, placental abruption, endometritis, premature birth or laboratory criteria positively associated with deaths.

Óbitos fetais e neonatais entre casos de near miss materno / Fetal and neonatal deaths among cases of maternal near miss

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência dos óbitos fetais e neonatais entre as pacientes com near miss materno e os fatores associados a esse desfecho fatal. MÉTODOS: Realizou-seumestudo descritivo, tipo corte transversal, analisando-se prontuários das pacientes admitidas na UTI obstétrica de um hospital terciário do Recife (Brasil), entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2010, que apresentavam pelo menos um critério de near miss definido pela OMS. A análise estatística foi realizada com o programa Epi-Info 3.3.2, usando os testes Qui-quadrado de associação e exato de Fisher, considerando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Para análise multivariada foi construído um modelo hierarquizado tendo como variável resposta os óbitos fetais e neonatais. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 246 casos de near miss. Entre as mulheres do estudo, os distúrbios hipertensivos ocorreram em 62,7%, a síndrome HELLP em 41,2% e os critérios laboratoriais de near miss em 59,6%. Ocorreram 48 (19,5%) óbitos fetais e 19 (7,7%) óbitos neonatais. Após a análise estatística as variáveis que permaneceram associadas aos óbitos fetais e neonatais foram: pré-eclâmpsia grave, DPP, endometrite, cesariana, prematuridade e os critérios laboratoriais de near miss materno. CONCLUSÃO: É elevada a ocorrência de óbitos fetais e neonatais entre as pacientes com near miss materno. Entre essas mulheres há uma sobreposição de fatores que contribuem para esse desfecho fatal, em nosso estudo aquelas que apresentaram pré-eclâmpsia grave, DPP, endometrite, parto prematuro ou critérios laboratoriais apresentam associação positiva com os óbitos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of fetal and neonatal deaths among patients with maternal near miss and the factors associated with this fatal outcome. METHODS: The authors conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, analyzing medical records of patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary obstetric Recife (Brazil), between January 2007 and December 2010, who had at least one criterion of near miss defined by WHO. Statistical analysis was performed with Epi-Info 3.3.2, using chi-square and Fisher's exact test, considering a significance level of 5%. For multivariate analysis was constructed as a hierarchical model with the response variable fetal and neonatal deaths. RESULTS: We included 246 cases of maternal near miss. Among women in the study, hypertensive disorders occurred in 62.7% to 41.2% in HELLP syndrome and the laboratory criteria for near miss in 59.6%. There were 48 (19.5%) stillbirths and 19 (7.7%) neonatal deaths. After analyzing the variables that remained statistically associated with fetal and neonatal deaths were: severe preeclampsia, placental abruption, endometritis, cesarean delivery, prematurity and the laboratory criteria for maternal near miss. CONCLUSION: The high incidence of fetal and neonatal deaths among patients with maternal near miss. Among these women there is an overlap of factors contributing to this fatal outcome, in our study, those who had severe preeclampsia, placental abruption, endometritis, premature birth or laboratory criteria positively associated with deaths.

Indução do trabalho de parto: conceitos e particularidades / Induction of labor: concepts and particularities

O manejo das pacientes em indução do parto deve ser cuidadoso, observando-se as principais contraindicações, os riscos e as precauções. São contraindicações absolutas para indução do parto: a presença de causas obstrutivas do parto, o risco de morbidade perinatal grave e o risco materno. As contraindicações relativas são: frequência cardíaca fetal não-tranquilizadora, macrossomia fetal, gestação gemelar, apresentação pélvica, doença cardíaca materna, polidrâmnio, grande multiparidade, oligo-hidrâmnio e cesariana segmentar anterior. Suas possíveis complicações são a ruptura uterina, infecção intracavitária, prolapso de cordão umbilical, prematuridade iatrogênica, sofrimento ou morte fetal e falha da indução. A explicação e a discussão do que ocorrerá com a gestante, a seleção do local para a realização da indução do parto (de preferência com uma enfermeira por paciente) e a monitorização da vitalidade fetal são precauções importantes para evitar complicações. Diante de taquissistolia ou hiperestimulação uterina decorrente da indução do trabalho de parto, algumas medidas devem ser realizadas. Retirar o agente indutor resolve a maioria das situações. Não resolvendo, a tocólise é indicada. Caso ocorram alterações na frequência cardíaca fetal, medidas de ressuscitação intrauterina, apesar de não haver evidências suficientes de seu real benefício, podem ser tentadas. A indução em gestações com cesariana anterior é bastante controversa na literatura. Apesar de não haver evidências suficientes quanto aos riscos e benefícios, a atual recomendação é de que a indução com misoprostol seja evitada, podendo ser utilizada a ocitocina e sonda de Foley.

Management of patients submitted to labor induction must be careful with special attention to the main contraindications, risks and precautions. Absolute contraindications for labor induction include obstructive factors and increased risk of maternal or perinatal morbidity and mortality. Relative contraindications are non-reassuring fetal heart rate, fetal macrosomia, twin pregnancy, breech presentation, maternal cardiac disease, polyhydramnios, GREAT multiparity, oligohydramnios and previous segmental cesarean section. Possible complications are uterine rupture, intrauterine infectious, cord prolapsed, iatrogenic prematurity, fetal distress or death and failed induction. Some precautions are essential to avoid complications, such as discussing all the procedures with the pregnant women, defining the best local to conduct the induction (if possible, with one nurse by patient) and monitoring fetal well-being. When tachysystole or uterine hyperstimulation syndrome occurs as consequence of labor induction, some measures should be taken. Suspension of induction agent solves most of the cases, but acute tocolysis is indicated when the pattern of abnormal uterine contractility remains. In the presence of non-reassuring fetal heart rate, intrauterine resuscitation techniques may be carried out, although there is not enough evidence of their real benefits. Induction of labor in pregnancies with previous cesarean section remains controversial. Even though enough evidences about risks and benefits are not available yet, the current recommendation is to avoid induction with misoprostol but oxytocin and Foley catheter could be used in such cases.

Análise crítica dos métodos não-farmacológicos de indução do trabalho de parto / Critical analysis of non-pharmacological methods for induction of labor

A indução do trabalho de parto tem se tornado prática corrente na Obstetrícia moderna. Vários métodos têm sido propostos, e dentre eles os não-farmacológicos merecem destaque. Estes métodos podem ser classificados como naturais e artificiais. Os estudos realizados para avaliar os diversos métodos naturais, como homeopatia, acupuntura, óleo de rícino, enema, banho quente de imersão, relações sexuais e estimulação mamária para indução do trabalho de parto, são heterogêneos e ainda não existe evidência suficiente de que possam ser utilizados na prática clínica. Dentre os métodos artificiais, o descolamento das membranas encontra-se associado à indução efetiva do parto, porém, o procedimento é doloroso e pode ser desconfortável para as mulheres. A capacidade máxima de dilatação da laminária ocorre entre 12 e 24 horas, entretanto tem sido pouco utilizada devido ao surgimento de métodos mais efetivos. A sonda de Foley constitui um procedimento efetivo que pode ser usado na presença de contraindicações para os métodos farmacológicos, especialmente em gestantes com cesárea anterior, porém persistem preocupações quanto ao risco de infecção materna e fetal. Por outro lado, a ruptura artificial das membranas e os métodos mecânicos ainda não podem ser recomendados, porque as evidências sobre sua efetividade e segurança são insuficientes, mesmo quando associados à administração intravenosa de ocitocina.

Induction of labor has been currently a routine practice in Obstetrics. Several methods have been proposed and among them the non-pharmacological methods deserve consideration. These methods are classified as natural and artificial ones. Studies conducted to evaluate natural methods, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, ricin oil, enema, hot water immersion, sexual intercourse and nipple stimulation for labor induction, are heterogeneous and there is no enough evidence yet to support their use in clinical practice. Among artificial methods, membrane sweeping is associated with success on labor induction but can be a painful procedure, which is considered uncomfortable by several women. The maximum dilation of laminaria occurs between 12 and 24 hours, but this method has been less used because other methods are more effective. Foley catheter is a safe and effective procedure that can be used in the presence of contraindications for pharmacological methods, especially in pregnant women with previous cesarean section. Notwithstanding, there are still concerns about the risk of maternal/fetal infection. On the other hand, artificial rupture of membranes (amniotomy) cannot be recommended so far because evidences about its effectiveness and safety are insufficient, even when associated with intravenous administration of oxytocin.

O uso do misoprostol para indução do trabalho de parto / Use of misoprostol for induction of labor

Atualmente, estão disponíveis diversos métodos de indução do parto. Entretanto, ainda não há consenso sobre o mais efetivo e com menor frequência de efeitos adversos. O misoprostol administrado por via vaginal tem sido utilizado rotineiramente tanto para amadurecimento como para indução do parto, porém outras formas de administração vêm sendo propostas, como comprimido oral, sublingual, bucal, retal e, mais recentemente, solução oral com dose escalonada. A via de administração recomendada pelas diretrizes de sociedades de ginecologia e obstetrícia continua sendo a vaginal, porém ainda é necessário definir qual a melhor e a menor dosagem capaz de desencadear o trabalho de parto, com a menor incidência de complicações. A dose recomendada atualmente é de 25 ug a cada quatro ou seis horas. A administração oral do misoprostol apresenta efetividade semelhante à vaginal, porém novos estudos ainda são necessários para determinar o melhor esquema terapêutico. As vias de administração bucal, sublingual e retal devem ser reservadas a protocolos de pesquisas, devendo ser estimulada a realização de novos estudos para determinar se existem vantagens em relação à via vaginal, além de definir a menor dose eficaz e o perfil de segurança.

Currently, several methods for induction of labor are available, but it remains uncertain which is more effective and safe with less frequency of adverse effects. Vaginal misoprostol has been utilized routinely for both preparation of cervix and induction of labor. However, other routes of administration have been proposed, like oral, sublingual, buccal, rectal and, recently, a titrated oral solution. Guidelines continue to recommend vaginal administration, but it is necessary to define the best and lowest dose capable of starting labor with fewer complications. The current recommended dose of vaginal misoprostol is 25 ug each four or six hours. Oral misoprostol has effectiveness similar to vaginal misoprostol, but new trials are still necessary to determine the ideal therapeutic schema. Buccal, sublingual and rectal routes should be restricted to research protocols. Randomized controlled trials should be conducted to determine whether there are advantages of these alternative routes in relation to vaginal administrations and to define their safety profile, as well as the ideal dose for labor induction

Farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica do misoprostol em Obstetrícia / Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of misoprostol in Obstetrics

Nos últimos anos a antecipação do parto vem sendo uma prática frequente na Obstetrícia. O misoprostol é um produto sintético, metil análogo da prostaglandina E1 que tem recebido maior atenção, principalmente para a indução do trabalho de parto e do abortamento, além de outras indicações, como controle da hemorragia pós-parto e para promover modificações na cérvice uterina, facilitando a realização de procedimentos como histeroscopia e colocação de dispositivo intrauterino. A administração do misoprostol atualmente é realizada por diferentes vias: oral, vaginal, bucal, sublingual e retal. Assim, é prudente o conhecimento da farmacologia, dos efeitos e mecanismos de ação do misoprostol nas diferentes formas de administração, com base nas evidências científicas e de acordo com os graus de recomendação. O maior pico do nível plasmático de misoprostol, em ordem decrescente, é do grupo sublingual, oral, vaginal com adição de água e vaginal. A biodisponibilidade é também maior na via sublingual. Entretanto, o nível plasmático é mantido por um maior período de tempo quando a via vaginal é utilizada.

Anticipation of delivery has been a frequent practice in Obstetrics nowadays. Misoprostol is a synthetic metyl analogue of prostaglandin E1 that has been used mainly for induction of labor and abortion, as well as for other indications like prevention and control of postpartum hemorrhage. In Gynecology, its use has been introduced to induce cervical modifications for facilitating gynecologic procedures as hysteroscopy and intrauterine device insertion. Misoprostol administration can be done by different routes: oral, vaginal, buccal, sublingual and rectal. Therefore, it is prudent to study pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this drug and its various routes of administration, according to scientific evidences and grades of recommendation. The highest plasmatic peak of misoprostol, in decreasing order, is sublingual, oral, vaginal and vaginal plus water administration route. Bioavailability is also greater for sublingual route. Notwithstanding, plasmatic levels are maintained for more time when vaginal route is used.

Conduta no cisto simples de ovário na pós-menopausa / Management of simple ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women

Os cistos simples ovarianos são ocorrências relativamente comuns em mulheres após a menopausa, com uma incidência que varia entre 2,5 a 17%. O percentual de remissão espontânea do cisto simples de ovário é muito alto na literatura mundial (49 a 74%) e o potencial de malignidade muito baixo (0,6 a 1%), o que permite conduta conservadora na maioria dos casos. O acompanhamento deve ser realizado com ultrassonografia e dosagem sérica de CA125. São desnecessários o Doppler colorido e a tomografia computadorizada ou ressonância magnética pélvica para este seguimento.(AU)

Simple ovarian cysts are common in postmenopausal women, with an incidence of 2.5 to 17%. The spontaneous remission of simple ovarian cysts percentage is high (49 to 74%) and the malignant potential is low (0.6 to 1%), which allows a conservative management in most cases. The follow-up is with ultrasonography and serum CA 125 levels. The color Doppler and magnetic resonance or computed tomography of the pelvis is not necessary.(AU)

Nitroglicerina transdérmica versus nifedipina oral para inibição do trabalho de parto prematuro: ensaio clínico randomizado / Transdermal nitroglycerin versus oral nifedipine administration for tocolysis: a randomized clinical trial

OBJETIVO: comparar a efetividade da nitroglicerina transdérmica com a nifedipina oral na inibição do trabalho de parto prematuro. MÉTODOS: foi realizado um ensaio clínico com 50 mulheres em trabalho de parto prematuro, randomizadas em dois grupos, 24 para nifedipina oral (20 mg) e 26 para nitroglicerina transdérmica (patch 10 mg). Foram selecionadas as pacientes com gestação única, entre a 24ª e 34ª semanas e diagnóstico de trabalho de parto prematuro. Foram excluídas pacientes com malformações fetais e com doenças clínicas ou obstétricas. As variáveis analisadas foram tocólise efetiva, tempo necessário para tocólise, frequência de recorrência, progressão para parto prematuro e efeitos colaterais. RESULTADOS: a eficácia da tocólise nas primeiras 12 horas foi semelhante entre os grupos (nitroglicerina: 84,6 por cento versus nifedipina: 87,5 por cento; p=0,5). A média do tempo para tocólise também foi semelhante (6,6 versus 5,8 horas; p=0,3). Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à recorrência de parto prematuro (26,9 versus 16,7 por cento; p=0,3) e nem na frequência de parto prematuro dentro de 48 horas (15,4 versus 12,5 por cento; p=0,5). Entretanto, a frequência de cefaleia foi significativamente maior no grupo que usou nitroglicerina (30,8 versus 8,3 por cento; p=0,04). CONCLUSÕES: a nitroglicerina transdérmica apresentou efetividade semelhante à nifedipina oral para inibição do trabalho de parto prematuro nas primeiras 48 horas, porém com maior frequência de cefaleia.

PURPOSE: to compare the effectiveness of transdermal nitroglycerin with oral nifedipine in the inhibition of preterm delivery. METHODS: a clinical essay has been performed with 50 women in preterm delivery, randomly divided into two groups, 24 receiving oral nifedipine (20 mg), and 26, transdermal nitroglycerin (10 mg patch). Patients with a single gestation, between the 24th and the 34th weeks and diagnosis of preterm delivery were selected. Women with fetal malformation and clinical or obstetric diseases were excluded. The variables analyzed were: effective tocolysis, time needed for tocolysis, recurrence frequency, progression to preterm delivery, and side effects. RESULTS: tocolysis efficacy in the first 12 hours was similar between the groups (nitroglycerin: 84.6 percent versus nifedipine: 87.5 percent; p=0.50). The time average time needed for tocolysis was also similar (6.6 versus 5.8 hours; p=0.30). There was no difference between the groups, concerning the recurrence of preterm delivery (26.9 versus 16.7 percent; p=0.30), and neither in the rate of preterm delivery within 48 hours (15.4 versus 12.5 percent; p=0.50). Nevertheless, the cephalea rate was significantly higher in the Nitroglycerin Group (30.8 versus 8.3 percent; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: transdermal nitroglycerin has presented similar effectiveness to oral nifedipine to inhibit preterm delivery in the first 48 hours, however with higher cephalea frequency.

[Transdermal nitroglycerin versus oral nifedipine administration for tocolysis: a randomized clinical trial]. / Nitroglicerina transdérmica versus nifedipina oral para inibição do trabalho de parto prematuro: ensaio clínico randomizado.

PURPOSE: to compare the effectiveness of transdermal nitroglycerin with oral nifedipine in the inhibition of preterm delivery. METHODS: a clinical essay has been performed with 50 women in preterm delivery, randomly divided into two groups, 24 receiving oral nifedipine (20 mg), and 26, transdermal nitroglycerin (10 mg patch). Patients with a single gestation, between the 24th and the 34th weeks and diagnosis of preterm delivery were selected. Women with fetal malformation and clinical or obstetric diseases were excluded. The variables analyzed were: effective tocolysis, time needed for tocolysis, recurrence frequency, progression to preterm delivery, and side effects. RESULTS: tocolysis efficacy in the first 12 hours was similar between the groups (nitroglycerin: 84.6% versus nifedipine: 87.5%; p=0.50). The time average time needed for tocolysis was also similar (6.6 versus 5.8 hours; p=0.30). There was no difference between the groups, concerning the recurrence of preterm delivery (26.9 versus 16.7%; p=0.30), and neither in the rate of preterm delivery within 48 hours (15.4 versus 12.5%; p=0.50). Nevertheless, the cephalea rate was significantly higher in the Nitroglycerin Group (30.8 versus 8.3%; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: transdermal nitroglycerin has presented similar effectiveness to oral nifedipine to inhibit preterm delivery in the first 48 hours, however with higher cephalea frequency.