Training for the surgical management of postpartum hemorrhage: a multicenter survey of resident physicians.

BACKGROUND: To actively address maternal morbidity and mortality in Mexico, proficiency among obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) residents in the surgical management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a priority. However, the capacity of programs to provide this training is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The self-reported knowledge, education, and proficiency of common surgical techniques for the management of PPH among OBGYN residents in Mexico was evaluated. Educational resources, perceived barriers to acquiring skills, and clinical decision-making were explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In July of 2018, an anonymous electronic survey was sent to 86 residents at four hospitals throughout Mexico. Surgical techniques queried included uterine tamponade (UT), uterine compression sutures (UCS), uterine devascularization (UD), hypogastric artery ligation (HAL), and gravid hysterectomy (HT). Participants also answered case-based questions about a patient with PPH. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 59.3% (51/86). Seventy-nine percent of residents reported understanding the rationale and techniques for the surgical intervention of PPH. However, 43.9% reported limited ability to perform these procedures with autonomy. Eighty-six percent of residents reported exposure to these techniques while performing a rescue procedure during PPH and 49% reported learning these procedures while performing prophylactic techniques in patients without PPH. Only 25.5% had been exposed to simulation training. Lack of a training module for these skills in their curriculum was noted by 74.5%. The majority of the participants chose UCS, UD, HAL, and HT as the first, second, third, and fourth rescue procedures to perform for PPH, respectively. CONCLUSION: Most residents reported theoretical knowledge of surgical interventions for PPH, but their self-rated ability to independently perform such skills and a curriculum focused on PPH management was suboptimal.

Oxidative stress equilibrium during obstetric event in normal pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as an oxidative stress marker and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in pregnancy before and after perinatal event. METHODS: This study was performed on 200 healthy full-term pregnant women admitted to pregnancy resolution in Maternal-Child Hospital of Durango, Mexico. Oxidative stress and TAC were assessed through detection of lipid peroxidation by quantitation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and TAC through ferric reducing ability of the plasma (FRAP). RESULTS: Our results showed increased levels of MDA after vaginal delivery (VD). TAC was also increased after obstetric event, but it did not differ between VD and caesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that MDA concentrations are increased two hours after obstetric event, and this increase correlates with VD. The TAC was increased as a compensatory mechanism during obstetric event. Another important finding is that women receiving analgesia administration in VD, as well as dexamethasone administration in caesarean section, experienced a protector effect that decreased MDA levels.