Long-term function and morphology of the anal sphincters and the pelvic floor after primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injury.

AIM: More than 50% of women experience deteriorating continence over time following primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries. The objectives of this study were to assess the function and morphology of the anal sphincters and pelvic floor in women with long-term faecal incontinence after sphincter repair (primary end-point) and to evaluate their correlation with severity of incontinence (secondary end-point). METHOD: The participants in this prospective study were recruited from a cohort of all women who sustained third or fourth degree obstetric sphincter injury reconstruction (cases) from January 1976 to November 1991. The women who delivered immediately before and after each case, without sustaining obstetric damage, were included as controls. Cases and controls were stratified into three categories: (i) continent; (ii) minor incontinence; and (iii) severe incontinence. The function and morphology of the anal sphincters and pelvic floor were evaluated by MRI, three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography and anorectal physiology tests. RESULTS: Fifty-nine women (29 cases/30 controls; mean age 51/53 years; mean follow-up 23.7/24.1 years, respectively) were assessed. Morphologically, cases had a significantly shorter anterior external anal sphincter length compared with controls when evaluated by three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (8.6 vs 10.2 mm; P = 0.03). Functionally, cases with severe incontinence had a significantly shorter anterior sphincter length compared with cases with minor incontinence (7.7 vs 10.4 mm; P = 0.04). No correlation could be found between anal pressures and severity of incontinence in the case group. CONCLUSIONS: Cases had a significantly shorter anterior external anal sphincter length. Functionally, anterior sphincter length correlated with increased severity of incontinence.

Subjective and objective results of anterior vaginal wall repair in an outpatient clinic: a 5-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This prospective follow-up study evaluates long-term subjective and objective outcome of conventional anterior vaginal wall repair in an outpatient setting. METHODS: Eighty-two women were operated. At 5-year follow-up anatomical results were evaluated by clinical examination. Furthermore, the women filled in a validated symptom and quality of life questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventy (85%) women attended the follow-up visit. Eleven percent of these had been reoperated for anterior vaginal wall prolapse and was considered a separate group in the analysis. Thirty-four percent had no pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Twenty-nine percent had stage 1 POP whereas 24% had stage 2 and 2% stage 3 at follow-up. Seventy-eight percent of the women had no bulge symptoms, and 73%of the women considered their condition improved. CONCLUSIONS: At 5-year follow-up 78 % was relieved from their bulge symptoms by an operation using local anesthesia. Eleven percent of the women had been reoperated.

Plasma cell-free DNA levels in children on peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Plasma levels of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are elevated in various clinical conditions including cancer, stroke, trauma, myocardial infarction, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy-associated complications. Previously, increased cfDNA levels were reported during hemodialysis. However, there is limited data regarding cfDNA levels in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of cfDNA in children on PD. METHODS: Twenty-one children on PD (median age: 12; range: 4-18 years) and 21 healthy children (median age: 10; range: 6-16 years) were enrolled into the study. Plasma cfDNA was measured using a real-time quantitative PCR for the beta-globin gene. RESULTS: The median concentrations of cfDNA in the plasma of PD patients and healthy controls were 2,205 genome-equivalents/ml of plasma (range: 39-5,845) and 1,033 genome-equivalents/ml of plasma (range: 254-5,116), respectively (p = 0.026). A significant positive correlation was observed between C-reactive protein levels and plasma cfDNA levels (r: 0.52, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data have demonstrated for the first time that cfDNA is increased in children on PD treatment. However, the mechanism by which the levels of cfDNA is increased and the clinical significance of this finding in PD patients is unclear. Further studies are warranted to clarify the precise mechanism and clinical significance of elevated cfDNA in children on PD.

A new intravaginal device for stress incontinence in women.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two versions of the same type of disposable intravaginal device (the Conveen Continence Guard, CCG, and the Contrelle Continence Tampon, CCT, Coloplast a/s, Humlebaek, Denmark) for treating stress incontinence in women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women with the predominant symptom of stress incontinence were recruited from four centres in Denmark, Australia and the UK. The women were assessed using a 24-h pad-test, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume and a voiding diary before treatment, and after 5 weeks using each of the two devices. Vaginal swabs and specimens of urine were sent for culture, and a questionnaire about the subjective effect and adverse events completed at each visit. In all, 94 women were recruited, of whom 62 (66%) completed the study. RESULTS: Both devices reduced the amount of leakage significantly, but the CCT reduced urine loss significantly more than the CCG. Uroflowmetry values and residual urine volume were unchanged when using the two devices. Vaginal culture showed no abnormality during the study period, and only one woman was treated for a urinary tract infection. Side-effects were few and not serious. The women found both devices easy to prepare, insert and use; two-thirds preferred the CCT to the CCG. CONCLUSION: The new intravaginal device (CCT) is more effective for treating stress incontinence than the currently available version (CCG), and patient acceptability of the new device seems to be superior.

Flatus and faecal incontinence: prevalence and risk factors at 16 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of anal incontinence at 16 weeks of gestation and to identify possible maternal and obstetrical risk factors. DESIGN: Cross sectional study and cohort study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: Cross sectional study: 7,557 women attending antenatal care. Cohort study: a subgroup of 1,726 pregnant women with one previous delivery at our department. RESULTS: The prevalence of anal incontinence within the preceding year was 8.6%. Incontinence of liquid and solid stools was reported in 2.3% and 0.6%, respectively. Isolated flatus incontinence at least once a week was reported in 4.2%. The risk of flatus incontinence at least once a week was increased with age > 35 years (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.4) and with previous lower abdominal or urological surgery (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1-1-2.1) in a logistic regression model controlling for maternal factors. Increasing parity did not increase the risk. The risk of flatus incontinence was increased after anal sphincter tear and birthweight > 4,000 g in a logistic regression model controlling for maternal and obstetric variables. Episiotomy was insignificantly associated, while spontaneous perineal tear > 3 cm and a number of other intrapartum factors were not associated. CONCLUSION True faecal incontinence is rare among younger women. However, an age > 35 years and previous lower abdominal or urological surgery increased the risk of flatus incontinence in contrast to increasing parity. This suggests that childbirth plays a minor role compared with age. However, when analysing obstetric variables separately, a birthweight > 4,000 g, and anal sphincter tears were significant risk factors for flatus incontinence.

[Genital prolapse]. / Descensus genitalis.

The prevalence of genital prolapse in women is unknown. The development of prolapse is dependent on the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue. Risk factors are vaginal birth, obstipation, high abdominal pressure and surgical procedures. Preventive measures are discussed. The classification of prolapse is somewhat difficult. Conservative treatment with pessaries and pelvic floor muscle exercises and various surgical procedures are discussed.

The effect of passive smoking on pulmonary function during childhood.

Passive smoking, especially of maternal origin, is known to influence adversely the development of children's pulmonary function. In this study, the effect of parental smoking on the pulmonary function of 360 primary school children aged 9-13 (mean 10.8 +/- 0.7) years was investigated. Information on parental smoking history was collected using a questionnaire, and spirometric measurements were performed on the children. All spirometric indices were lower in children who had been passively exposed to parental tobacco smoke than those not exposed. The percentage of households in which at least one parent smoked was 81.5%. This figure was significantly lower for mothers (27.5%) than for fathers (79%). Paternal smoking was associated with reduced levels of forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and flow rates after 50% and 75% of vital capacity expired (p < 0.05). Maternal smoking did not have statistically significant adverse effects on children's pulmonary function. This result might be due to the low occurrence of either pre- or post-natal smoking among mothers and confirms that, in our population, the main target group for antitobacco campaigns should be fathers.

Age and anorectal sensibility in normal women.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to study associations between age and anorectal sensibility in healthy women. METHODS: Seventy-five women, with a mean age of 50 (range, 20-83) years, and mean parity of 2 (range, 0-4), were studied. Anal mucosa electrosensitivity (AME) was measured 1 and 2 cm from the anal verge. Rectal sensibility was also measured (minimum perceived volume (MPV), desire to defaecate (DD), and urgency (U)). Associations between anorectal sensibility and age were corrected for parity by using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Threshold values of AME increased with age (P = 0.03) (1 cm) and P = 0.01 (2 cm)). Rectal sensibility threshold values were also positively associated with age (MPV, P = 0.003; DD, P = 0.04; and U, P = 0.06). Changes in AME were greater after menopause, whereas associations between rectal sensibility and age seemed linear. CONCLUSION: Impairment of the anorectal sensibility appears to be part of the normal ageing process, thus increasing the risk of faecal incontinence in old women.

Multiple vaginal deliveries increase the risk of permanent incontinence of flatus urine in normal premenopausal women.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the risk of permanent flatus or urinary incontinence after repeated vaginal deliveries. METHODS: In 1989 a questionnaire on obstetric history and urinary and fecal incontinence was sent to a sample of 304 women selected from the birth records from 1976 to 1988; 242 responded (80 percent). RESULTS: Participants had one, two, or three vaginal deliveries, all without an obstetric tear of the anal sphincter. After the first, second, and third deliveries, 1.2, 1.5, and 8.3 percent developed permanent flatus incontinence. The risk was significantly increased after the third delivery compared with the first and second deliveries (odds ratio, 6.6; confidence interval, 2.4-18.3). Permanent urinary incontinence after the first, second, and third delivery developed in 3.3, 1.0, and 6.8 percent. The risk was significantly increased after the third delivery compared with the first and second (odds ratio, 3.2; confidence interval, 1.1-9.1). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that repeated vaginal deliveries increase the risk of minor anal and urinary incontinence, which were found to be a common problem in premenopausal women.

[Changes in the use of episiotomy--methods and consequences]. / Aendringer i anvendelsen af episiotomi--metoder og konsekvenser.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of feedback by graphical profiles of rates of episiotomy and the impact on clinical practice and perineal state after spontaneous vaginal deliveries assisted by midwives with different attitudes towards episiotomy. We defined an observation period in our labour ward followed by feedback to the midwives concerning their own and the other midwives' use of episiotomies. The periods prior to and following the intervention were compared. All women (n = 3919) delivering during the two periods assisted by one of 30 midwives with at least 20 deliveries during each period were included. The overall rate of episiotomy during the observation period was 37.1%. During the second period the rate was 6.6% lower (95% confidence interval (CI):3.6-9.6%) corresponding to a relative decrease of 17.8% (CI:10.1-24.7%). Higher rates of episiotomy during the observation period were associated with larger reductions in the second period. The decrease could be explained by the less frequent use of episiotomy in deliveries with rigid perineum or impending perineal tear. Compared with the observation period, 3.2% more women (CI:0.3-6.3%) had an intact perineum after delivery in the second period, and 3.4% more women (CI:0.4-6.2%) experienced perineal tears. The overall frequency of tears of the anal sphincter remained unchanged. However, women had slightly reduced frequency of tears of the anal sphincter if they were delivered by midwives who reduced a medium or high initial rate of episiotomy; and a tendency towards increased frequency of tears if they were assisted by midwives who reduced low initial rates (around 20%) of episiotomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting as protein--losing enteropathy (case report).

Eosinophilic gastroenteropathy is an uncommon, idiopathic disease in children that is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation of the intestine. Predominant involvement of the mucosa is associated with diarrhea and less commonly gastrointestinal protein and fat malabsorption. A seven-year-old female was diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis. This condition was proven by biopsies attained through an endoscope. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, diarrhea and edema. The patient had no eosinophilia. Her serum immunoglobulin E level was increased (1590 mg/dl). Barium studies revealed mucosal thickening of the antrum, distal jejunum and proximal ileum and prominent mucosal folds of the colon. Ultrasound examination revealed thickening of the colonic wall. The patient was treated with prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day). The symptoms subsided and serum immunoglobulin E decreased to 500 mg/dl 45 days later. The patient is being followed with a small maintenance dose of prednisolone with no relapse.

Methods and consequences of changes in use of episiotomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of feedback by graphical profiles of rates of episiotomy and the impact on clinical practice and perineal state after spontaneous vaginal deliveries assisted by midwives with different attitudes towards episiotomy. DESIGN: Observation period in labour ward followed by feedback to midwives about their own and other midwives' use of episiotomies. The periods before and after the intervention were compared. SUBJECTS: All women (n = 3919) delivering during the two periods who had been assisted by one of 30 midwives; each midwife supervised at least 20 deliveries during each period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall rates of episiotomies and indications, incidence of intact perineums, perineal lacerations, and tears of anal sphincter. RESULTS: The overall rate of episiotomy during the observation period was 37.1% (615). During the second period the rate was 6.6% lower (95% confidence interval 3.6% to 9.6%), corresponding to a relative decrease of 17.8% (10.1% to 24.7%). Higher rates of episiotomy during the observation period were associated with larger reductions in the second period. The decrease could be explained by less use of episiotomy in deliveries with rigid perineum or impending perineal tear. Compared with the observation period, in the second period 3.2% more women (0.3% to 6.3%) had an intact perineum after delivery and 3.4% (0.4% to 6.2%) experienced perineal tears. The overall incidence of tears of the anal sphincter remained unchanged. Women had a slightly reduced incidence of tears of the anal sphincter, however, if they were delivered by midwives who reduced a medium or high initial rate of episiotomy and a tendency towards an increased incidence of tears if they were assisted by midwives who reduced low initial rates (around 20%) of episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the use of episiotomy induced by awareness of clinical practice among midwives seem to increase the incidence of parturients with intact perineum without a concomitant rise in tears of the anal sphincter. To avoid the increase of such tears these changes should probably be restricted to midwives with rates of episiotomies above 30%.

[Episiotomy and perineal lesions in spontaneous vaginal delivery]. / Episiotomi og perineale laesioner ved spontane vaginale fødsler.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of mediolateral episiotomy on the perineal state after spontaneous, singleton vaginal deliveries with the foetus in the occiput anterior position. The design was that of a population based, observational study. Two approaches were used in the analyses: Initially, we considered the parturients as quasi-randomised to one of three equally sized groups of midwives with different attitudes towards episiotomy. Secondly, we studied the effect of episiotomy on the state of the anal sphincter, controlling for birth weight, parity, and duration of second stage of labour. The subjects were 2188 pregnant women delivering consecutively, and the main outcome measures were perineal lacerations and tearing of the anal sphincter. Women allocated to the group of midwives with the lowest rate of episiotomy were more likely to have an intact perineum after delivery (OR = 1.8 (1.4-2.2)), had a slight tendency towards more perineal lacerations (OR = 1.3 (1.0-1.5)), but no increased risk of tearing of the anal sphincter, compared with the women allocated to the two groups of midwives with higher frequencies of episiotomy. The second approach showed that episiotomy was related to an increased risk of tearing of the anal sphincter (OR = 2.3 (1.2-4.6)). However, this relation was not found among the group of parturients delivered by the midwives with the lowest rate of episiotomy (22%). Our results encourage a conservative approach to the use of mediolateral episiotomy, and in the light of previous findings, it seems reasonable to suggest that episiotomy should ideally be used in about one in five spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

Episiotomy and perineal lesions in spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of mediolateral episiotomy on the perineal state after spontaneous, singleton vaginal deliveries with fetus in the occiput anterior position. DESIGN: The study was a population based, observational study. Two approaches were used in the analyses. Initially, we considered the parturients as quasi-randomised to one of three equally sized groups of midwives with different attitudes towards episiotomy. Secondly, we studied the effect of episiotomy on the state of the anal sphincter, controlling for birthweight, parity, and duration of second stage of labour. SUBJECTS: 2188 pregnant women delivering consecutively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perineal lacerations and tear of the anal sphincter. RESULTS: Women allocated to the group of midwives with the lowest rate of episiotomy were more likely to have intact perineum after delivery (OR = 1.8 (1.4-2.2)), had a slight tendency towards more perineal lacerations (OR = 1.3 (1.0-1.5)), but no increase risk of having tear of the anal sphincter, compared with the women allocated to the two groups of midwives with higher frequencies of episiotomy. The second approach showed that episiotomy was related to an increased risk of tear of the anal sphincter (OR = 2.3 (1.2-4.6)). However, this relation was not found among the group of parturients delivered by the midwives with the lowest rate of episiotomy (22%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results encourage a conservative approach to the use of mediolateral episiotomy, and in the light of previous findings, it seems reasonable to suggest that episiotomy should ideally be used in about one in five spontaneous vaginal deliveries.

Intervention during labor: risk factors associated with complete tear of the anal sphincter.

Among 41,200 consecutive deliveries there were 152 cases of complete tear of the anal sphincter (complete tear). In a case-control design, the association between interventions during labor (forceps, vacuum extraction, use of oxytocin and prostaglandins and mediolateral episiotomy) and complete tear, were evaluated by confounder control using multiple logistic regression analysis. Controls chosen were the patients delivering just before and after the index patient with complete tear. Use of Kielland forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, shoulder dystocia and nulliparity were significantly associated with complete tear. Maternal age, presentation in labor, duration of second stage of labor and the indication for instrumental deliveries and episiotomy had no significant association with complete tear.

Risks of anal incontinence from subsequent vaginal delivery after a complete obstetric anal sphincter tear.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of various risk factors on long term anal incontinence in women with a complete obstetric tear of the anal sphincter. DESIGN: Postal questionnaire. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. SUBJECTS: 152 women with complete obstetric tear of the anal sphincter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Occurrence and duration of anal incontinence in relation to any delivery. RESULTS: 56 of 121 respondents had experienced a subsequent vaginal delivery; 23 (41%) of these had had transient anorectal incontinence directly after the complete tear and four (7%) had permanent anorectal incontinence. In the 23 women with transient anorectal incontinence directly after the complete tear, 9 (39%; 95% CI 19%-59%) developed anorectal incontinence after the next delivery, and this was permanent in four (17.4%; 95% CI 2%-33%). In the 29 women without anorectal incontinence after complete tear, two had transient incontinence of flatus but for less than 14 days after the next delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Transient anal incontinence after a complete tear is a predictor of anal incontinence after subsequent vaginal delivery. The major long term problem in our study of premenopausal women was incontinence of flatus. This possibility should be discussed with the women when a further pregnancy is planned.

C-reactive protein during normal pregnancy.

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is determined in a prospective longitudinal study of 60 low-risk pregnant women. CRP is also measured in umbilical-cord blood after delivery. The serum CRP concentrations seem to be independent of pregnancy and gestational age. The 95th percentile is estimated to be 20 mg/l, and this value is considered as the upper limit of normal. A rise in CRP level is considered more predictive of infection than a determination of a single high value. CRP does not cross the placental barrier, and may therefore be useful in diagnosing infections in newborns.