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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nov 2023Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion affects up to 35% of women. Unlike obstetric anal sphincter injury, LAM avulsion is not diagnosed immediately after vaginal delivery,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion affects up to 35% of women. Unlike obstetric anal sphincter injury, LAM avulsion is not diagnosed immediately after vaginal delivery, however, has a profound impact on quality of life. The management of pelvic floor disorders is in growing demand yet the significance of LAM avulsion in the context of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is poorly understood. This study collates information on success of treatment for LAM avulsion to establish the best options for management of women.
METHODS
MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library were searched for articles that evaluated the management techniques used to treat LAM avulsion. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021206427).
RESULTS
Natural healing of LAM avulsion occurs in 50% of women. Conservative measures, including pelvic floor exercises and pessary use are poorly studied. Pelvic floor muscle training for major LAM avulsions was of no benefit. Post-partum pessary use was only of benefit in the first three months for women. Surgeries for LAM avulsion are poorly researched but studies suggest they may provide benefit for 76-97% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Whilst some women with PFD secondary to LAM avulsion improve spontaneously, 50% continue to have pelvic floor symptoms 1 year following delivery. These symptoms result in a significant negative impact on quality of life, however, it is not clear whether conservative or surgical methods are helpful. There is a pressing need for research to find effective treatments and explore appropriate surgical repair techniques for women with LAM avulsion.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Postpartum Period; Anal Canal; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Delivery, Obstetric; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 36808288
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06955-4 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Apr 2024Prediction of pregnancies at risk of preterm birth (PTB) may allow targeted prevention strategies. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Prediction of pregnancies at risk of preterm birth (PTB) may allow targeted prevention strategies.
OBJECTIVES
To assess quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and identify areas of agreement and contention in prediction and prevention of spontaneous PTB.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched for CPGs regarding PTB prediction and prevention in asymptomatic singleton pregnancies without language restriction in January 2024.
SELECTION CRITERIA
CPGs included were published between July 2017 and December 2023 and contained statements intended to direct clinical practice.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
CPG quality was assessed using the AGREE-II tool. Recommendations were extracted and grouped under domains of prediction and prevention, in general populations and high-risk groups.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 37 CPGs from 20 organizations; all were of moderate or high quality overall. There was consensus in prediction of PTB by identification of risk factors and cervical length screening in high-risk pregnancies and prevention of PTB by universal screening and treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria, screening and treatment for BV in high-risk pregnancies, and use of preventative progesterone and cerclage. Areas of contention or limited consensus were the role of PTB clinics, universal cervical length measurement, biomarkers and cervical pessaries.
CONCLUSIONS
This review identified strengths and limitations of current PTB CPGs, and areas for future research.
PubMed: 38619379
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15514 -
International Urogynecology Journal Jul 2022To clarify which parameters are associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) at up to 3 months follow-up. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To clarify which parameters are associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) at up to 3 months follow-up.
METHODS
Embase, PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL library were searched in May 2020. Inclusion criteria were: (1) pessary fitting attempted in women with symptomatic POP; (2) pessary fitting success among the study outcomes with a maximal follow-up of 3 months; (3) baseline parameters compared between successful and unsuccessful group. A meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model.
MAIN RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Parameters associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting were: age (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56-0.86); BMI (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08-1.70); menopause (OR 0.65 95% CI 0.47-0.88); de novo stress urinary incontinence (OR 5.59, 95% CI 2.24-13.99); prior surgery, i.e. hysterectomy (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.48-2.40), POP surgery (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.34-3.38), pelvic surgery (OR 1.81, 05% CI 1.01-3.26) and incontinence surgery (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.08-3.25); Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 scores (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.22-3.02); solitary predominant posterior compartment POP (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08-2.35); total vaginal length (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.97); wide introitus (OR 4.85, 95% CI 1.60-14.68); levator ani avulsion (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.35-4.53) and hiatal area on maximum Valsalva (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.27-2.80).
CONCLUSION
During counselling for pessary treatment a higher risk of failure due to the aforementioned parameters should be discussed and modifiable parameters should be addressed. More research is needed on the association between anatomical parameters and specific reasons for unsuccessful pessary fitting.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pessaries; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Vagina
PubMed: 35037973
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-05015-2 -
AJOG Global Reports May 2024The incidence of preterm delivery is much higher in twin pregnancies than in singletons and even higher if a short cervical length is detected in the second trimester.... (Review)
Review
The effect of cervical pessary on increasing gestational age at delivery in twin pregnancies with asymptomatic short cervix: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
The incidence of preterm delivery is much higher in twin pregnancies than in singletons and even higher if a short cervical length is detected in the second trimester. Studies are contradictory regarding the efficacy of a cervical pessary to decrease preterm birth in twin pregnancies and short cervical length. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of cervical pessary in prolonging gestation, preventing preterm birth, and reducing adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with an asymptomatic short cervix.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.org were searched for randomized controlled trials from inception to June 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
In this study, randomized controlled trials comparing the cervical pessary to expectant management in the pregnant population with twin gestations and asymptomatic short cervix were included.
METHODS
The Cochrane risk-of-bias-2 tool for randomized controlled trials was used for the evaluation of the risk of bias in included studies. A meta-analysis was performed by calculating risk ratio and mean difference with their 95% confidence interval using the random effects model or fixed effect model on the basis of heterogeneity and accounting for potential covariates among the included randomized controlled trials.
RESULTS
A total of 6 randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Cervical pessary did not significantly increase the gestational age at delivery in twin pregnancies with asymptomatic patients (mean difference, 0.36 weeks [-0.27 to 0.99]; =.270; I=72.0%). Moreover, the cervical pessary use did not result in a reduction of spontaneous or all-preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation (risk ratio, 0.88 [0.77-1.00]; =.061; I=0.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in the composite neonatal adverse outcomes (risk ratio, 1.001 [0.86-1.16]; =.981; I=20.9%), including early respiratory morbidity, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and confirmed sepsis.
CONCLUSION
The use of cervical pessary in twin pregnancies with asymptomatic short cervix does not seem to be effective in increasing the gestational age at delivery, preventing preterm birth, or reducing adverse neonatal outcomes. This indicates that alternative interventions should be sought for the management of this patient population.
PubMed: 38655568
DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100347 -
Neurourology and Urodynamics Sep 2020To identify the factors associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting and reasons for discontinuation for women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
To identify the factors associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting and reasons for discontinuation for women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
METHODS
This systematic review is registered at the PROSPERO database. We have included all studies, regardless of the study design whose primary outcomes were factors associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting and discontinuation for symptomatic POP women. Exclusion criteria were case series, literature reviews, other forms of conservative treatment. Data selection/extraction was performed by two investigators. For pessary fitting, a meta-analysis was performed for at least two studies pooled in a forest plot. The risk of bias was classified by the ROBINS-I and ROB-2 classification.
RESULTS
From 409 studies retrieved after data search, only twenty-one articles remained for final analysis (18 cohort studies, 1 cross-sectional study, and 2 RCTs). Meta-analysis was performed in nine studies for pessary fitting and the associated factors were: higher body mass index (BMI) (MD = 0.688 [0.233-1.143]; P = .03; i = 0%), previous reconstructive surgery (OR = 1.705 [1.016-2.860]; P = .043; i = 69%) and advanced POP (OR = 4.2 [2.9-6.1]; P < .05; i = 92%). Older age, larger total vaginal length (TVL), and genital hiatus and previous hysterectomy were not associated factors. Regarding discontinuation, thirteen reasons were quoted, and the most frequent were: the desire for surgical treatment (111/3.601), pessary extrusion (385/3.601), and pain/discomfort (163/3.601).
CONCLUSION
Obese, previously reconstructive pelvic surgery, advanced prolapse are at risk for unsuccessful pessary fitting. Pain is the most quoted reason for discontinuation. These pooled data may help clinicians to identify patients that may not succeed in their attempt for pessary treatment.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pessaries; Treatment Failure; Urologic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 32649024
DOI: 10.1002/nau.24458 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Jan 2023This study was to assess the effectiveness of cervical pessary combined with vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB). Ten studies about singleton... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study was to assess the effectiveness of cervical pessary combined with vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB). Ten studies about singleton [five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), vs vaginal progesterone; four cohorts, vs vaginal progesterone; two cohorts, vs cervical cerclage + vaginal progesterone] and two cohort studies about multiple pregnancies (vs vaginal progesterone) were included after searching electronic databases. For singleton pregnancies, the meta-analysis of three non-RCTs [relative risk (RR) = 0.41, p = 0.001] or total trials in non-Asian country (RR = 0.56, p = 0.03) revealed that compared with vaginal progesterone alone, cervical pessary + vaginal progesterone treatment had significant effectiveness on preventing PTB < 34 weeks, but not for five RCTs; meta-analysis of two trials showed that cervical pessary + vaginal progesterone had no significant prevention effects of PTB compared with cervical cerclage + vaginal progesterone. For multiple pregnancies, meta-analysis of two trials showed that compared with vaginal progesterone, cervical pessary + vaginal progesterone treatment increased neonatal birth weight (standardized mean difference = 0.50, p = 0.01). Trial sequential analysis implied additional studies were required. Four studies vs other controls (pessary, three-combined, tocolysis, conservative or no treatment; one study, each) were selected for systematic review. In conclusion, cervical pessary combined with vaginal progesterone may be safe and effective to prevent PTB in singleton pregnancies and increase neonatal birth weight in the multiple pregnancies compared with vaginal progesterone alone.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Progesterone; Premature Birth; Pessaries; Birth Weight; Cervix Uteri; Administration, Intravaginal
PubMed: 35352330
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00926-x -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Oct 2022To evaluate the existing evidence on the efficacy of pessaries in improving quality of life when used for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the existing evidence on the efficacy of pessaries in improving quality of life when used for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
DATA SOURCES
We searched for the terms "pelvic organ prolapse" and "pessar/y/ies/ium or vaginal support device," and "safety or safe or outcome or complication or efficacy or effective or effectiveness" in PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL on March 16, 2020. A search was also performed on ClinicalTrials.gov , with no studies fitting our strict inclusion and exclusion criteria.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
Studies that reported pretreatment and posttreatment mean scores and SDs after pessary treatment for standardized questionnaires were included. Studies performed in pediatric populations, pregnancy, and use of pessaries not for prolapse were excluded. Three reviewers independently screened studies.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
Data abstraction was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Data were pooled for meta-analysis when reported by at least three studies. The primary study outcome was change in mean pretreatment and posttreatment questionnaire scores, which included those for the PFDI-20 (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory- Short Form 20), PFIQ-7 (Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - Short Form 7), and subscale POPIQ (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire Long Form). A random-effects model was used to combine estimates and capture between-study heterogeneity using the I 2 -statistic. Eight studies including 627 patients were included for systematic review. The mean (SD) age was 63.0±12.2 years, and the majority of patients had stage III prolapse (48.1%) followed by stage II prolapse (43.2%) when reported. Although variable, the majority of studies conducted 3-month follow-up. A negative change in pretreatment and posttreatment scores was noted, signifying improvement after pessary use: PFDI-20 mean change -46.1 (95% CI -65.4 to -26.8); PFIQ-7 mean change -36.0 (95% CI -46.0 to -26.0); POPIQ-7 (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire-7) mean change -16.3 (95% CI -26.8 to -5.7). No significant heterogeneity was found.
CONCLUSION
Based on improvements in standardized questionnaire scores, pessaries are effective treatment options for POP.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, CRD42020172618.
Topics: Female; Child; Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Pessaries; Quality of Life; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pelvic Floor; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36075076
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004931 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Jun 2018Preterm births occur frequently in multiple pregnancies with a short cervix. The cervical pessary is a potential intervention for prevention of preterm births. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Preterm births occur frequently in multiple pregnancies with a short cervix. The cervical pessary is a potential intervention for prevention of preterm births.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of cervical pessary in the prevention of preterm births in multiple pregnancies with a short cervix (<25 mm).
SEARCH STRATEGY
Major databases from 2006 to 20th November 2016 were searched for relevant terms.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of cervical pessary on pregnancy outcomes in multiple pregnancies with a short cervix.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Risk ratio was used as the summary measure with random effects model. We assessed heterogeneity between studies using the I index. Quality assessment was done based on Cochrane Handbook Method.
MAIN RESULTS
Pooled data showed no benefit of using cervical pessary in the prevention of preterm births, birth weights less than 1500 g, less than 2500 g, adverse neonatal events and fetal/neonatal deaths in twin pregnancies with a short cervix.
CONCLUSION
We are unable to show benefit of using cervical pessary in preventing preterm births in twin pregnancies with a short cervix. However, as cervical pessary is a reasonable intervention, there is a need for more randomized controlled trials in this area.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pessaries; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Multiple; Premature Birth
PubMed: 28412851
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1319930 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Apr 2019Recent progesterone trials call for an update of previous syntheses of interventions to prevent preterm birth. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Vaginal progesterone, oral progesterone, 17-OHPC, cerclage, and pessary for preventing preterm birth in at-risk singleton pregnancies: an updated systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Recent progesterone trials call for an update of previous syntheses of interventions to prevent preterm birth.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the relative effects of different types and routes of administration of progesterone, cerclage, and pessary at preventing preterm birth in at-risk women overall and in specific populations.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science up to 1 January 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised trials of progesterone, cerclage or pessary for preventing preterm birth in at-risk singleton pregnancies.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used a piloted data extraction form and performed Bayesian random-effects network meta-analyses with 95% credibility intervals (CrI), as well as pairwise meta-analyses, rating the quality of the evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 40 trials (11 311 women). In at-risk women overall, vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth <34 (OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.20-0.81) and <37 weeks (OR 0.51, 95% CrI 0.34-0.74), and neonatal death (OR 0.41, 95% CrI 0.20-0.83). In women with a previous preterm birth, vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth <34 (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.68) and <37 weeks (OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.23-0.74), and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduced preterm birth <37 weeks (OR 0.53, 95% CrI 0.27-0.95) and neonatal death (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.95). In women with a short cervix (≤25 mm), vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth <34 weeks (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.84).
CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal progesterone was the only intervention with consistent effectiveness for preventing preterm birth in singleton at-risk pregnancies overall and in those with a previous preterm birth.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
In updated NMA, vaginal progesterone consistently reduced PTB in overall at-risk pregnancies and in women with previous PTB.
Topics: 17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate; Administration, Intravaginal; Administration, Oral; Cerclage, Cervical; Cervical Length Measurement; Cervix Uteri; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Network Meta-Analysis; Perinatal Death; Pessaries; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, High-Risk; Premature Birth; Progesterone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30480871
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15566 -
Neurourology and Urodynamics Aug 2021To systematically evaluate the content and quality of national and international clinical guidelines on pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
AIMS
To systematically evaluate the content and quality of national and international clinical guidelines on pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
METHODS
We searched medical databases and organizations websites, to identify national and international guidelines on diagnosis and management of POP. Five authors independently assessed guidelines using the validated AGREE II tool. Its six domains include (1) scope and purpose, (2) stakeholder involvement, (3) rigor of development, (4) clarity of presentation, (5) applicability, and (6) editorial independence.
RESULTS
Eight guidelines met the inclusion criteria. Three hundred and thirteen different recommendations were identified. One hundred and ninety-nine recommendations were comparable across guidelines. Thirty-one recommendations were not supported by research evidence. Assessment by history and physical examination using the POP quantification system and consideration of imaging were recommendations featuring in all guidelines. Conservative treatment recommendations namely pelvic floor muscle training and vaginal pessaries were also found in all guidelines. Regarding surgical management, patient counseling, treating only symptomatic POP, consideration of apical fixation during surgical treatment, and use of biological or synthetic implants in recurrent cases were recommendations in all guidelines. Overall, the highest median scores were in the domains "scope and purpose" and "rigor of development". The lowest median score was for applicability (28.3%). Although the median score of "editorial independence" was high (85.4%), variability was also substantial (interquartile range: 12.5-100).
CONCLUSION
We identified variations in quality and deficiencies in certain areas, especially "applicability" and "editorial independence." Improvements in these key domains may enhance the quality and clinical impact of clinical practice guidelines.
Topics: Female; Humans; Databases, Factual; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 34350610
DOI: 10.1002/nau.24709