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Life (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2022Paediatric second-degree burn injuries are a significant source of medical challenges to the population that may cause severe, lifelong complications. Currently, there... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Paediatric second-degree burn injuries are a significant source of medical challenges to the population that may cause severe, lifelong complications. Currently, there are dozens of therapeutic modalities and we aimed to summarise their reported outcomes and determine their effectiveness, compared to the widely used silver sulphadiazine (SSD).
METHODS
We conducted the meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which investigated the performance of dressings in acute paediatric partial-thickness burns. The evaluated endpoints were time until wound closure, grafting and infection rate, number of dressing changes and length of hospitalisation.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine RCTs were included in the qualitative and 25 in the quantitative synthesis, but only three trials compared SSD directly to the same intervention (Biobrane). Data analysis showed a tendency for faster healing times and a reduced complication rate linked to biosynthetic, silver foam and amnion membrane dressings. A substantial difference was found between the number of dressing changes associated with less pain, narcosis and treatment duration.
CONCLUSIONS
Considerable between-study heterogeneity was caused by the unequal depth subcategory ratio and surface area of the injuries; therefore, no significant difference was found in the main outcomes. Further research is necessary to establish the most effective treatment for these burns.
PubMed: 35629287
DOI: 10.3390/life12050619 -
PloS One 2022To systematically assess the effect of discontinued vs continued oxytocin after active stage of labour is established. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To systematically assess the effect of discontinued vs continued oxytocin after active stage of labour is established.
METHODS
Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched to 18 April 2021. The risk ratio or mean difference with corresponding 95% confidence interval were computed to investigate the effect of intervention or control on maternal and fetus outcomes. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42021249635.
RESULTS
Discontinuing oxytocin when the active labour was established might decrease the risk of cesarean delivery [RR (95% CI): 0.84 (0.72-0.98), P = 0.02]. However, when we restricted our analysis to women who performed cesarean section after the active phase was reached, the difference was no longer significant [RR (95% CI): 0.82 (0.60-1.10), P = 0.19]. The incidence of uterine tachysystole [RR (95% CI): 0.36 (0.27-0.49)], postpartum hemorrhage [RR (95% CI): 0.78 (0.65-0.93)], and non-reassuring fetal heart rate [RR (95% CI): 0.66 (0.58-0.76)] were significantly lower in the oxytocin discontinuation group. We also found a possible decrease in the risk of chorioamnionitis in discontinued oxytocin group [RR (95% CI): 2.77 (1.02-5.08)]. An increased duration of active [MD (95% CI): 2.28 (2.86-41.71)] and second [MD (95% CI): 5.36 (3.18-7.54)] phase of labour was observed in discontinued oxytocin group, while the total delivery time was not significantly different [MD (95% CI): 20.17 (-24.92-65.26)].
CONCLUSION
After the active labor is reached, discontinuation of oxytocin could be considered a new recommendation for the improved maternal and fetal outcomes without delaying labour.
Topics: Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Labor, Induced; Labor, Obstetric; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35499990
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267461 -
Pediatric Research Jul 2022To summarise the association between perinatal inflammation (PI) exposure and electroencephalography (EEG) features in preterm infants.
BACKGROUND
To summarise the association between perinatal inflammation (PI) exposure and electroencephalography (EEG) features in preterm infants.
METHODS
This systematic review included clinical studies of preterm infants born <37 weeks of gestational age (GA), who had both a PI exposure and an EEG assessment performed during the neonatal period. Studies were identified from Medline and Embase databases on the 15th of September 2021. PI was defined by histological chorioamnionitis, clinical chorioamnionitis, or early-onset neonatal infection (EONI). The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tool. A narrative approach was used to synthesise results. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement.
RESULTS
Two cross-sectional studies enrolling 130 preterm children born <32 weeks of GA assessed with one-channel amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) during the first four days of life were included. A PI exposure was described in 39 (30%) infants and was associated with a decrease in amplitude and a reduced incidence of sleep-wake cycling patterns.
CONCLUSION
These results should be interpreted with caution because of the small number of included studies and their heterogeneity. Further clinical studies evaluating the association of PI with EEG findings are needed.
IMPACT
A method to assess developmental trajectories following perinatal inflammation is required. Insufficient data exist to determine EEG features associated with perinatal inflammation. Further clinical studies evaluating this association are needed.
Topics: Chorioamnionitis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Electroencephalography; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Inflammation; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35365760
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02038-3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2022Routine vaginal examinations are undertaken at regular time intervals during labour to assess whether labour is progressing as expected. Unusually slow progress can be... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Routine vaginal examinations are undertaken at regular time intervals during labour to assess whether labour is progressing as expected. Unusually slow progress can be due to underlying problems, described as labour dystocia, or can be a normal variation of progress. Evidence suggests that if mother and baby are well, length of labour alone should not be used to decide whether labour is progressing normally. Other methods to assess labour progress include intrapartum ultrasound and monitoring external physical and behavioural cues. Vaginal examinations can be distressing for women, and overdiagnosis of dystocia can result in iatrogenic morbidity due to unnecessary intervention. It is important to establish whether routine vaginal examinations are effective, both as an accurate measure of physiological labour progress and to distinguish true labour dystocia, or whether other methods for assessing labour progress are more effective. This Cochrane Review is an update of a review first published in 2013.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the effectiveness, acceptability, and consequences of routine vaginal examinations compared with other methods, or different timings, to assess labour progress at term.
SEARCH METHODS
For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Trials Register (which includes trials from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and conference proceedings) and ClinicalTrials.gov (28 February 2021). We also searched the reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of vaginal examinations compared with other methods of assessing labour progress and studies assessing different timings of vaginal examinations. Quasi-RCTs and cluster-RCTs were eligible for inclusion. We excluded cross-over trials and conference abstracts.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed all studies identified by the search for inclusion in the review. Four review authors independently extracted data. Two review authors assessed risk of bias and certainty of the evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four studies that randomised a total of 755 women, with data analysed for 744 women and their babies. Interventions used to assess labour progress were routine vaginal examinations, routine ultrasound assessments, routine rectal examinations, routine vaginal examinations at different frequencies, and vaginal examinations as indicated. We were unable to conduct meta-analysis as there was only one study for each comparison. All studies were at high risk of performance bias due to difficulties with blinding. We assessed two studies as high risk of bias and two as low or unclear risk of bias for other domains. The overall certainty of the evidence assessed using GRADE was low or very low. Routine vaginal examinations versus routine ultrasound to assess labour progress (one study, 83 women and babies) Study in Turkey involving multiparous women with spontaneous onset of labour. Routine vaginal examinations may result in a slight increase in pain compared to routine ultrasound (mean difference -1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.10 to -0.48; one study, 83 women, low certainty evidence) (pain measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) in reverse: zero indicating 'worst pain', 10 indicating no pain). The study did not assess our other primary outcomes: positive birth experience; augmentation of labour; spontaneous vaginal birth; chorioamnionitis; neonatal infection; admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Routine vaginal examinations versus routine rectal examinations to assess labour progress (one study, 307 women and babies) Study in Ireland involving women in labour at term. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as very low. Compared with routine rectal examinations, routine vaginal examinations may have little or no effect on: augmentation of labour (risk ratio (RR) 1.03, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.68; one study, 307 women); and spontaneous vaginal birth (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.06; one study, 307 women). We found insufficient data to fully assess: neonatal infections (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.07; one study, 307 babies); and admission to NICU (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.47 to 3.73; one study, 307 babies). The study did not assess our other primary outcomes: positive birth experience; chorioamnionitis; maternal pain. Routine four-hourly vaginal examinations versus routine two-hourly examinations (one study, 150 women and babies) UK study involving primiparous women in labour at term. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as very low. Compared with routine two-hourly vaginal examinations, routine four-hourly vaginal examinations may have little or no effect, with data compatible with both benefit and harm, on: augmentation of labour (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.57; one study, 109 women); and spontaneous vaginal birth (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.26; one study, 150 women). The study did not assess our other primary outcomes: positive birth experience; chorioamnionitis; neonatal infection; admission to NICU; maternal pain. Routine vaginal examinations versus vaginal examinations as indicated (one study, 204 women and babies) Study in Malaysia involving primiparous women being induced at term. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as low. Compared with vaginal examinations as indicated, routine four-hourly vaginal examinations may result in more women having their labour augmented (RR 2.55, 95% CI 1.03 to 6.31; one study, 204 women). There may be little or no effect on: • spontaneous vaginal birth (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.59; one study, 204 women); • chorioamnionitis (RR 3.06, 95% CI 0.13 to 74.21; one study, 204 women); • neonatal infection (RR 4.08, 95% CI 0.46 to 35.87; one study, 204 babies); • admission to NICU (RR 2.04, 95% CI 0.63 to 6.56; one study, 204 babies). The study did not assess our other primary outcomes of positive birth experience or maternal pain.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Based on these findings, we cannot be certain which method is most effective or acceptable for assessing labour progress. Further large-scale RCT trials are required. These should include essential clinical and experiential outcomes. This may be facilitated through the development of a tool to measure positive birth experiences. Data from qualitative studies are also needed to fully assess whether methods to evaluate labour progress meet women's needs for a safe and positive labour and birth, and if not, to develop an approach that does.
Topics: Chorioamnionitis; Dystocia; Female; Gynecological Examination; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Labor, Obstetric; Pain; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35244935
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010088.pub3 -
Frontiers in Reproductive Health 2021Robust data summarizing the prevalence of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in low- and middle-income countries are critically important for studies evaluating...
Pooled Prevalence of Adverse Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe: Results From a Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses to Inform Trials of Novel HIV Prevention Interventions During Pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Robust data summarizing the prevalence of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in low- and middle-income countries are critically important for studies evaluating investigational products for HIV prevention and treatment in pregnant and breastfeeding women. In preparation for studies evaluating the safety of the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention in pregnancy, we conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analyses to summarize the prevalence of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
METHODS
Ten individual systematic literature reviews were conducted to identify manuscripts presenting prevalence data for 12 pregnancy and neonatal outcomes [pregnancy loss, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birthweight (LBW), neonatal mortality, congenital anomaly, chorioamnionitis, postpartum endometritis, postpartum hemorrhage, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia, and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)]. Studies included in the meta-analyses were published between January 1, 1998, and July 11, 2018, provided numerator and denominator data to support prevalence estimation, and included women of any HIV serostatus. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome overall, by country, and by HIV status.
RESULTS
A total of 152 manuscripts were included across the 12 outcomes. Overall, the frequency of stillbirth ( = 75 estimates), LBW ( = 68), and preterm birth ( = 67) were the most often reported. However, fewer than 10 total manuscripts reported prevalence estimates for chorioamnionitis, endometritis, or PPROM. The outcomes with the highest pooled prevalence were preterm birth (12.7%, 95%CI 11.2-14.3), LBW (11.7%, 95%CI 10.6-12.9), and gestational hypertension (11.4%, 95%CI 7.8-15.7). Among the outcomes with the lowest pooled prevalence estimates were neonatal mortality (1.7%, 95%CI 1.4-2.1), pregnancy loss [1.9%, 95%CI 1.1-2.8, predominately studies (23/29) assessing losses occurring after the first trimester], PPROM (2.2%, 95%CI 1.5-3.2), and stillbirth (2.5%, 95%CI 2.2-2.7).
CONCLUSIONS
Although this review identified numerous prevalence estimates for some outcomes, data were lacking for other important pregnancy-related conditions. Additional research in pregnant populations is needed for a thorough evaluation of investigational products, including for HIV prevention and treatment, and to inform better estimates of the burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes globally.
PubMed: 35187529
DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.672446 -
BioMed Research International 2021Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infections during pregnancy. It is associated with different maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes such as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infections during pregnancy. It is associated with different maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, still birth, preeclampsia, maternal anemia, sepsis, and amnionitis, even when the infection is asymptomatic. However, in Ethiopia, it is represented with fragmented and inconclusive pocket studies. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of UTI and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia.
METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and local sources were used to access eligible studies. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was applied for critical appraisal. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using statistic, funnel plot asymmetry, and Egger's tests. Random effect model was employed to estimate the pooled burden of UTI and its associated factors among pregnant women with its corresponding odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULT
From all systematically searched articles, 14 studies were eligible for this analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of UTI among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 15.37% (95% CI: 12.54, 18.19). Family monthly income (OR = 3.8 and 95% CI: 1.29, 11.23), parity (OR = 1.59 and 95% CI: 1.01, 2.50), history of catheterization (OR = 2.76 and 95% CI: 1.31, 5.84), and history of UTI (OR = 3.12 and 95% CI: 1.74, 5.60) were factors significantly associated with UTI among pregnant women in Ethiopia.
CONCLUSION
The overall pooled estimate of UTI among pregnant women in Ethiopia was higher compared with CDC estimation which was 8%. Family monthly income < 1000ETB, multipara, previous history of catheterization, and history of UTI were factors increased burden of UTI during pregnancy. So, strategies targeting in economic reforms, universal access of family planning, and standardized prenatal care service should be addressed to alleviate this high prevalence of UTI during pregnancy.
Topics: Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Prevalence; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 34901276
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6551526 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2021Genome-wide transcriptomic studies on gestational tissues in labor provide molecular insights in mechanism of normal parturition. This systematic review aimed to...
Genome-wide transcriptomic studies on gestational tissues in labor provide molecular insights in mechanism of normal parturition. This systematic review aimed to summarize the important genes in various gestational tissues around labor onset, and to dissect the underlying molecular regulations and pathways that trigger the labor in term pregnancies. PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 2021. Untargeted genome-wide transcriptomic studies comparing the gene expression of various gestational tissues in normal term pregnant women with and without labor were included. Every differentially expressed gene was retrieved. Consistently expressed genes with same direction in different studies were identified, then gene ontology and KEGG analysis were conducted to understand molecular pathways and functions. Gene-gene association analysis was performed to determine the key regulatory gene(s) in labor onset. A total of 15 studies, including 266 subjects, were included. 136, 26, 15, 7, and 3 genes were significantly changed during labor in the myometrium (seven studies, = 108), uterine cervix (four studies, = 64), decidua (two studies, = 42), amnion (two studies, = 44) and placenta (two studies, = 41), respectively. These genes were overrepresented in annotation terms related to inflammatory and immune responses. TNF and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways were overrepresented in all mentioned tissues, except the placenta. was the only gene included in both pathways, the most common reported gene in all included studies, and also the gene in the central hub of molecular regulatory network. This systematic review identified that genes involved in immunological and inflammatory regulations are expressed in specific gestational tissues in labor. We put forward the hypothesis that IL6 might be the key gene triggering specific mechanism in different gestational tissues, eventually leading to labor onset through inducing uterine contraction, wakening fetal membranes and stimulating cervical ripening. Identifier [CRD42020187975].
PubMed: 34566691
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.730030 -
PloS One 2021Four in five neonatal deaths of preterm births occur in low and middle income countries and placental histopathology examination can help clarify the pathogenesis....
Four in five neonatal deaths of preterm births occur in low and middle income countries and placental histopathology examination can help clarify the pathogenesis. Infection is known to play a significant role in preterm birth. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the association between placental histopathological abnormality and preterm birth in the presence of confirmed infection. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase were searched using the keywords related to preterm birth, placental histopathology and infection. Titles and abstracts were screened and the full texts of eligible articles were reviewed to extract and summarise data. Of 1529 articles, only 23 studies (13 bacterial, 6 viral and 4 parasitic) were included, and they used 7 different gestational age windows, and 20 different histopathological classification systems, precluding data pooling. Despite this, histopathological chorioamnionitis, and funisitis (when examined) were commonly observed in preterm birth complicated by confirmed bacterial or viral, but not parasitic, infection. The presence of malaria parasites but not pigment in placenta was reported to increase the risk of PTB, but this finding was inconclusive. One in three studies were conducted in low and middle income countries. An array of: definitions of preterm birth subgroups, histological classification systems, histopathologic abnormalities and diagnostic methods to identify infections were reported in this systematic review. Commitment to using standardised terminology and classification of histopathological abnormalities associated with infections is needed to identify causality and potential treatment of preterm birth. Studies on preterm birth needs to occur in high burden countries and control for clinical characteristics (maternal, fetal, labor, and placental) that may have an impact on placental histopathological abnormalities.
Topics: Bacterial Infections; Chorioamnionitis; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Malaria; Placenta; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 34383833
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255902 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2021Infectious keratitis (IK) is the 5th leading cause of blindness globally. Broad-spectrum topical antimicrobial treatment is the current mainstay of treatment for IK,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Infectious keratitis (IK) is the 5th leading cause of blindness globally. Broad-spectrum topical antimicrobial treatment is the current mainstay of treatment for IK, though adjuvant treatment or surgeries are often required in refractory cases of IK. This systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for treating IK. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central, were searched for relevant articles. All clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled studies and case series (n > 5), were included. Primary outcome measure was time to complete corneal healing and secondary outcome measures included corrected-distance-visual-acuity (CDVA), uncorrected-distance-visual-acuity (UDVA), corneal vascularization and adverse events. A total of twenty-eight studies (including four RCTs) with 861 eyes were included. When compared to standard antimicrobial treatment alone, adjuvant AMT resulted in shorter mean time to complete corneal healing (- 4.08 days; 95% CI - 6.27 to - 1.88; p < 0.001) and better UDVA (- 0.26 logMAR; - 0.50 to - 0.02; p = 0.04) at 1 month follow-up in moderate-to-severe bacterial and fungal keratitis, with no significant difference in the risk of adverse events (risk ratio 0.80; 0.46-1.38; p = 0.42). One RCT demonstrated that adjuvant AMT resulted in better CDVA and less corneal vascularization at 6 months follow-up (both p < 0.001). None of the RCTs examined the use of adjuvant AMT in herpetic or Acanthamoeba keratitis, though the benefit was supported by a number of case series. In conclusion, AMT serves as a useful adjuvant therapy in improving corneal healing and visual outcome in bacterial and fungal keratitis (low-quality evidence). Further adequately powered, high-quality RCTs are required to ascertain its therapeutic potential, particularly for herpetic and Acanthamoeba keratitis. Future standardization of the core outcome set in IK-related trials would be invaluable.
Topics: Amnion; Animals; Disease Management; Disease Susceptibility; Humans; Keratitis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34155280
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92366-x -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Jun 2021To estimate the risk of maternal and neonatal sepsis associated with chorioamnionitis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the risk of maternal and neonatal sepsis associated with chorioamnionitis.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, BIOSIS, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for full-text articles in English from inception until May 11, 2020.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
We screened 1,251 studies. Randomized controlled trials, case-control, or cohort studies quantifying a relationship between chorioamnionitis and sepsis in mothers (postpartum) or neonates born at greater than 22 weeks of gestation were eligible. Studies were grouped for meta-analyses according to exposures of histologic or clinical chorioamnionitis and outcomes of maternal or neonatal sepsis.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
One hundred three studies were included, and 55 met criteria for meta-analysis (39 studies of preterm neonates, 10 studies of general populations of preterm and term neonates, and six studies of late preterm and term neonates). Study details and quantitative data were abstracted. Random-effects models were used to generate pooled odds ratios (ORs); most studies only reported unadjusted results. Histologic chorioamnionitis was associated with confirmed and any early-onset neonatal sepsis (unadjusted pooled ORs 4.42 [95% CI 2.68-7.29] and 5.88 [95% CI 3.68-9.41], respectively). Clinical chorioamnionitis was also associated with confirmed and any early-onset neonatal sepsis (unadjusted pooled ORs 6.82 [95% CI 4.93-9.45] and 3.90 [95% CI 2.74-5.55], respectively). Additionally, histologic and clinical chorioamnionitis were each associated with higher odds of late-onset sepsis in preterm neonates. Confirmed sepsis incidence was 7% (early-onset) and 22% (late-onset) for histologic and 6% (early-onset) and 26% (late-onset) for clinical chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates. Three studies evaluated chorioamnionitis and maternal sepsis and were inconclusive.
CONCLUSION
Both histologic and clinical chorioamnionitis were associated with early- and late-onset sepsis in neonates. Overall, our findings support current guidelines for preventative neonatal care. There was insufficient evidence to determine the association between chorioamnionitis and maternal sepsis.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, CRD42020156812.
Topics: Chorioamnionitis; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Incidence; Infant, Newborn; Neonatal Sepsis; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Sepsis; Term Birth; Time Factors
PubMed: 33957655
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004377