Improving the Caesarean Decision by Robson Classification: A Population-Based Study by 5,323,500 Livebirth Data.

Background: Caesarean section is a major obstetric intervention for saving lives of women and their newborns from pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications. C-Section rate is considered an important indicator for measuring obstetric services in any country, region, or institution. In many countries, based on population, all-cause C-Section rates have increased steadily during the past half century. The high and rising C-Section rate is certainly a cause for concern, and evidence-based information is needed as to how or why the C-Section rate has increased and what needs to be done. In this study, we tried to demonstrate how the Robson Classification can be used as a common starting point to audit caesarean deliveries. Objectives: Given the lack of a scientifically proven classification system to observe and compare caesarean rates, the WHO proposes adopting the Robson's criteria-related grouping as an internationally applicable C-Section classification system. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to look into the relation of Robson Criteria and C-Section. Our four years of study encompass 5,323,500 livebirths in Turkey and provide an important source of information for evaluating statistical data. Findings: We analysed pregnancies according to the percentage of live births in Robson's groups and the caesarean rate within the Robson's groups. In total, 2,764,373 pregnant women have undergone caesarean over 4 years with a 51.9% C-Section rate. According to our findings, as time progresses, the R5 group are expanding due to the caesarean sections groups R1-R4.The R5 group C-Section rate increased regularly from 22.2% in 2013 to 24.3% in 2016. Caesarean sections performed in R1-R4 groups cause subsequent pregnancies of these women to result in caesarean section. Conclusions: Our results suggest the Robson classification system will help in analysing, screening, auditing, and comparing caesarean rates across different hospitals, countries, or regions and will help to create and implement effective strategies specifically to reach WHO recommended C-Section rates.

Neuropathic pain in pregnant Turkish women with lumbopelvic pain and its impact on health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of neuropathic pain in pregnant women and to state its influence on the functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in terms of physical, social, and emotional functioning. METHODS: A total of 90 pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain (LPP) and non-pregnant and healthy controls were included. The presence of neuropathic pain was determined using the Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANNS) questionnaire. The HRQoL was assessed using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and the functional status was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The severity of pain was measured using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: The LANNS score was ≥12 in 34 pregnant women (37.8%). The prevalence of neuropathic pain was higher in pregnant women with LPP (odds ratio=6.22; 95% confidence interval=2.68-14.44) (p<0.001) than in controls. The LANNS score was found to be correlated with the physical mobility subgroup in the NHP at high levels (p=0.002, r=0.32) and with the ODI and pain subgroup in the NHP at moderate levels (p=0.013, r=0.26 and p=0.038, r=0.22, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study is the first to demonstrate that neuropathic pain is associated with pregnancy-related LPP and strongly correlated with functional impairment and deterioration in the HRQoL. A better understanding of neuropathic pain mechanisms in pregnancy-related LPP will help us find more effective treatment strategies.