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Forensic Science International Aug 2021Forensic age estimation is routinely applied in investigations involving identification of individuals. Over the past century a myriad of methods have been devised for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Forensic age estimation is routinely applied in investigations involving identification of individuals. Over the past century a myriad of methods have been devised for age estimation. One such method, proposed by Suchey and Brooks in 1990, groups the observed changes occurring in the pubic symphysis into six phases, each defined by a corresponding age range. The present study was piloted with the focussed question being to empirically determine the accuracy of the Suchey-Brooks method in computed tomographic age estimation by analysing morphological changes occurring in the pubic symphysis. Original articles pertaining to the use of the Suchey-Brooks method for CT based age estimation were extracted from four different databases- PubMed, CENTRAL, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. Research papers which were answering the focussed question were selected for data analysis. After assessing the risk of bias of the selected articles, the data was subjected to Meta-analysis. Pooled analysis of correctly/accurately aged individuals/remains using the random and fixed effect models yielded a prediction percentage of 78% and 86%, respectively. Higher percentages were obtained for phase-wise and subgroup analysis, indicating that the Suchey-Brooks method is a reliable method for age estimation.
Topics: Age Determination by Skeleton; Forensic Anthropology; Humans; Pubic Symphysis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34229142
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110811 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology :... Oct 2020Bivariate diagnostic meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of symphysis-fundal height (SFH) for identifying large-for-gestational- age (LGA) (i.e.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Bivariate diagnostic meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of symphysis-fundal height (SFH) for identifying large-for-gestational- age (LGA) (i.e. birth weight >90th centile according to gestational age) and macrosomia (i.e. birth weight >4000 g). Ten databases, e.g. PubMed (MEDLINE), were searched to include English-language studies providing true- and false-positive and true- and false-negative results for this identification. Study quality was assessed using the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Synthetic evidence from good quality studies suggested that SFH to identify LGA and macrosomia ( = 23 and 3, respectively) provided a low sensitivity (0.76 and 0.30, respectively), specificity (0.67 and 0.80, respectively) and diagnostic odds ratio (6 and 4, respectively) and 'neither exclusion nor confirmation' strategy (positive and negative likelihood ratios <10 and >0.1, respectively). In conclusion, there is no evidence that SFH is useful to identify LGA or macrosomia.Impact Statement Synthetic evidence has shown that symphysis-fundal height (SFH) is not useful for the detection of low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age babies mainly in developing countries. In the present study bivariate diagnostic meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value of SFH for identifying large-for-gestational age (LGA) and macrosomia. SFH to identify LGA and macrosomia provided a low sensitivity (0.76 and 0.30, respectively), specificity (0.67 and 0.80, respectively) and diagnostic odds ratio (6 and 4, respectively) and 'neither exclusion nor confirmation' strategy (positive and negative likelihood ratios <10 and >0.1, respectively).There is no evidence that SFH is useful to identify LGA or macrosomia. Further studies are required to provide more generalisable findings to evaluate the identification of LGA or macrosomia and whether the results can be extrapolated toward the subpopulations that subgroup analysis did not evaluate in this meta-analysis.
Topics: Anthropometry; Birth Weight; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pubic Symphysis; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity; Uterus
PubMed: 31814480
DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1673713 -
Physiotherapy Research International :... Jan 2018Pelvic girdle pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder which affects women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. In previous years, physiotherapists have focused... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pelvic girdle pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder which affects women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. In previous years, physiotherapists have focused on managing pelvic girdle pain through stabilizing exercises.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to systematically review studies investigating the effectiveness of the stabilizing exercises for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
METHODS
The following electronic databases were utilized to search for eligible studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined a priori. The quality assessment was performed by the two reviewers independently using the PEDro scale (Physiotherapy Evidence-based Database).
RESULTS
Six studies were identified as eligible with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies evaluated the pain as an outcome measure. The evidence conflicted between the studies. Two studies showed that stabilizing exercises decrease pain and improve the quality of life for pregnant women when they are carried out on a regular basis. There is some limited evidence that stabilizing exercises decrease pain for postpartum women too.
CONCLUSION
In summary, there is limited evidence for the clinician to conclude on the effectiveness of stabilizing exercises in treating pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy and the postpartum periods.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Pelvic Girdle Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Quality of Life
PubMed: 29115735
DOI: 10.1002/pri.1699 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Apr 2017Avulsion fractures of the pelvic apophyses typically occur in adolescent athletes due to a sudden strong muscle contraction while growth plates are still open. The main... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
Operative versus conservative treatment of apophyseal avulsion fractures of the pelvis in the adolescents: a systematical review with meta-analysis of clinical outcome and return to sports.
BACKGROUND
Avulsion fractures of the pelvic apophyses typically occur in adolescent athletes due to a sudden strong muscle contraction while growth plates are still open. The main goals of this systematic review with meta-analysis were to summarize the evidence on clinical outcome and determine the rate of return to sports after conservative versus operative treatment of avulsion fractures of the pelvis.
METHODS
A systematic search of the Ovid database was performed in December 2016 to identify all published articles reporting outcome and return to preinjury sport-level after conservative or operative treatment of avulsion fractures of the pelvis in adolescent patients. Included studies were abstracted regarding study characteristics, patient demographics and outcome measures. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the Coleman Methodology Score (CMS).
RESULTS
Fourteen studies with a total of 596 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 14.3 ± 0.6 years and 75.5% of patients were male. Affected were the anterior inferior iliac spine (33.2%), ischial tuberosity (29.7%), anterior superior iliac spine (27.9%), iliac crest (6.7%) lesser trochanter (1.8%) and superior corner of the pubic symphysis (1.2%). Mean follow-up was 12.4 ± 11.7 months and most of the patients underwent a conservative treatment (89.6%). The overall success rate was higher in the patients receiving surgery (88%) compared to the patients receiving conservative treatment (79%) (p = 0,09). The rate of return to sports was 80% in conservative and 92% in operative treated patients (p = 0,03). Overall, the methodological quality of the included studies was low, with a mean CMS of 41.2.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of the present meta-analysis, the overall success and return to sports rate was higher in the patients receiving surgery. Especially in patients with fragment displacement greater 15 mm and high functional demands, surgical treatment should be considered.
Topics: Adolescent; Athletic Injuries; Clinical Decision-Making; Conservative Treatment; Female; Fractures, Avulsion; Humans; Male; Orthopedic Procedures; Pelvic Bones; Return to Sport; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28420360
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1527-z -
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and... 2015Symphysis pubis diastasis (SPD) is an infrequent complication of labor that can impair womens' general health through failure of the passive stability of the pelvic... (Review)
Review
Symphysis pubis diastasis (SPD) is an infrequent complication of labor that can impair womens' general health through failure of the passive stability of the pelvic girdle. Although conservative approaches are often used to decrease symptoms and interpubic separation, notably few studies have analyzed the effect of these methods on managing the symptoms of women with SPD. The purpose of this study was to review the available literature on the conservative treatment of SPD during pregnancy and labor. A computer-based search using PubMed, PEDro, and CINAHL was performed up to November 2014. We selected all studies that considered women with SPD during pregnancy or labor and treated them with conservative methods and excluded those that included surgical intervention. Eighteen studies were selected, most of which were case reports. Although the overall results of conservative treatment were unclear because of the type and design of the obtained studies, most of the studies reported bed rest in the lateral decubitus position and a pelvic girdle as basic treatments. Additionally, the few clinical trials reported recommended additional physiotherapy, including strengthening and stabilizing exercises, to reduce SPD symptoms.
Topics: Analgesics; Bed Rest; Braces; Female; Humans; Patient Positioning; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pregnancy; Pubic Symphysis Diastasis
PubMed: 26560443
DOI: 10.1682/JRRD.2014.12.0302 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2015Symphysis fundal height (SFH) measurement is commonly practiced primarily to detect fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Undiagnosed IUGR may lead to fetal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Symphysis fundal height (SFH) measurement is commonly practiced primarily to detect fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Undiagnosed IUGR may lead to fetal death as well as increase perinatal mortality and morbidity.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review is to compare SFH measurement with serial ultrasound measurement of fetal parameters or clinical palpation to detect abnormal fetal growth (IUGR and large-for-gestational age), and improving perinatal outcome.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (14 July 2015) and reference lists of retrieved articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials including quasi-randomised and cluster-randomised trials involving pregnant women with singleton fetuses at 20 weeks' gestation and above comparing tape measurement of SFH with serial ultrasound measurement of fetal parameters or clinical palpation using anatomical landmarks.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy.
MAIN RESULTS
One trial involving 1639 women was included. It compared SFH measurement with clinical abdominal palpation.There was no difference in the two reported primary outcomes of incidence of small-for-gestational age (risk ratio (RR) 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 to 1.90, low quality evidence) or perinatal death.(RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.38 to 4.07; participants = 1639, low quality evidence). There were no data on the neonatal detection of large-for-gestational age (variously defined by authors). There was no difference in the reported secondary outcomes of neonatal hypoglycaemia, admission to neonatal nursery, admission to the neonatal nursery for IUGR (low quality evidence), induction of labour and caesarean section (very low quality evidence). The trial did not address the other outcomes specified in the 'Summary of findings' table (intrauterine death; neurodevelopmental outcome in childhood). GRADEpro software was used to assess the quality of evidence, downgrading of evidence was based on including a small single study with unclear risk of bias and a wide confidence interval crossing the line of no effect.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to determine whether SFH measurement is effective in detecting IUGR. We cannot therefore recommended any change of current practice. Further trials are needed.
Topics: Abdomen; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Palpation; Pregnancy; Pubic Symphysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Uterus
PubMed: 26346107
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008136.pub3 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Feb 2015Fetal growth restriction is among the most common and complex problems in modern obstetrics. Symphysis-fundus (SF) height measurement is a non-invasive test that may... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Fetal growth restriction is among the most common and complex problems in modern obstetrics. Symphysis-fundus (SF) height measurement is a non-invasive test that may help determine which women are at risk. This study is a systematic review of the literature on the accuracy of SF height measurement for the prediction of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) status at birth in unselected and low-risk pregnancies.
METHODS
The Medline, Embase, Cinahl, SweMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched with no limitation on publication date (through September 2014), which returned 722 citations. Two reviewers then developed a short list of 51 publications of possible relevance and assessed them using the following inclusion criteria: cohort study of test accuracy performed in a routine prenatal care setting; SF height measurement for all participants; classification of SGA, defined as birth weight (BW) < 10th, 5th, or 3rd percentile or ≥ one or two standard deviations below the mean; study conducted in Northern, Western, or Central Europe; USA; Canada; Australia; or New Zealand; and sufficient data for 2 × 2 table construction. Quality of the included studies was assessed in duplicate using criteria suggested by the Cochrane Collaboration. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to analyze the data, including plotting of summary receiver operating curve spaces.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included in the final dataset and seven were included in summary analyses. The sensitivity of SF height measurement for SGA (BW < 10(th) percentile) prediction ranged from 0.27 to 0.76 and specificity ranged from 0.79 to 0.92. Positive and negative likelihood ratios ranged from 1.91 to 9.09 and from 0.29 to 0.83, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
SF height can serve as a clinical indicator along with other clinical findings, information about medical conditions, and previous obstetric history. However, SF height has high false-negative rates for SGA. Clinicians must understand the limitations of this test. The protocol has been registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews, PROSPERO (Registration No. CRD42014008928, http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42014008928 ).
Topics: Adult; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pubic Symphysis; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 25884884
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-015-0461-z -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2012Symphysiotomy is an operation in which the fibres of the pubic symphysis are partially divided to allow separation of the joint and thus enlargement of the pelvic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Symphysiotomy is an operation in which the fibres of the pubic symphysis are partially divided to allow separation of the joint and thus enlargement of the pelvic dimensions during childbirth. It is performed with local analgesia and does not require an operating theatre nor advanced surgical skills. It may be a lifesaving procedure for the mother or the baby, or both, in several clinical situations. These include: failure to progress in labour when caesarean section is unavailable, unsafe or declined by the mother; and obstructed birth of the aftercoming head of a breech presenting baby. Criticism of the operation because of complications, particularly pelvic instability, and as being a 'second best' option has resulted in its decline or disappearance from use in many countries. Several large observational studies have reported high rates of success, low rates of complications and very low mortality rates.
OBJECTIVES
To determine, from the best available evidence, the effectiveness and safety of symphysiotomy versus alternative options for obstructed labour in various clinical situations.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (7 July 2012).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized trials comparing symphysiotomy with alternative management, or alternative techniques of symphysiotomy, for obstructed labour or obstructed aftercoming head during breech birth.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Planned methods included evaluation of studies against objective quality criteria for inclusion, extraction of data, and analysis of data using risk ratios or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. The primary outcomes were maternal death or severe morbidity, and perinatal death or severe morbidity.
MAIN RESULTS
We found no randomized trials of symphysiotomy.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Because of controversy surrounding the use of symphysiotomy, and the possibility that it may be a life-saving procedure in certain circumstances, professional and global bodies should provide guidelines for the use (or non-use) of symphysiotomy based on the best available evidence (currently evidence from observational studies). Research is needed to provide robust evidence of the effectiveness and safety of symphysiotomy compared with no symphysiotomy or comparisons of alternative symphysiotomy techniques in clinical situations in which caesarean section is not available; and compared with caesarean section in clinical situations in which the relative risks and benefits are uncertain (for example in women at very high risk of complications from caesarean section).
Topics: Cephalopelvic Disproportion; Female; Humans; Pelvimetry; Pregnancy; Pubic Symphysis; Symphysiotomy
PubMed: 23076913
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005299.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2012Symphysis fundal height (SFH) measurement is commonly practiced primarily to detect fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Undiagnosed IUGR may lead to fetal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Symphysis fundal height (SFH) measurement is commonly practiced primarily to detect fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Undiagnosed IUGR may lead to fetal death as well as increase perinatal mortality and morbidity.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review is to compare SFH measurement with serial ultrasound measurement of fetal parameters or clinical palpation to detect abnormal fetal growth (IUGR and large-for-gestational age), and improving perinatal outcome.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (20 January 2012) and reference lists of retrieved articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials including quasi-randomised and cluster-randomised trials involving pregnant women with singleton fetuses at 20 weeks' gestation and above comparing tape measurement of SFH with serial ultrasound measurement of fetal parameters or clinical palpation using anatomical landmarks.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, trial quality and extracted data. Data were checked for accuracy.
MAIN RESULTS
One trial involving 1639 women was included. It compared SFH measurement with clinical abdominal palpation.There was no difference in the two reported primary outcomes of incidence of small-for-gestational age (risk ratio (RR) 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 to 1.90) or perinatal death. There was no difference in the reported secondary outcomes of neonatal hypoglycaemia, admission to neonatal nursery, admission to the neonatal nursery for IUGR, induction of labour and caesarean section.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to determine whether SFH measurement is effective in detecting IUGR. We cannot therefore recommended any change of current practice. Further trials are needed.
Topics: Abdomen; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Palpation; Pregnancy; Pubic Symphysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Uterus
PubMed: 22786513
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008136.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2010Symphysiotomy is an operation in which the fibres of the pubic symphysis are partially divided to allow separation of the joint and thus enlargement of the pelvic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Symphysiotomy is an operation in which the fibres of the pubic symphysis are partially divided to allow separation of the joint and thus enlargement of the pelvic dimensions during childbirth. It is performed with local analgesia and does not require an operating theatre nor advanced surgical skills. It may be a lifesaving procedure for the mother or the baby, or both, in several clinical situations. These include: failure to progress in labour when caesarean section is unavailable, unsafe or declined by the mother; and obstructed birth of the aftercoming head of a breech presenting baby. Criticism of the operation because of complications, particularly pelvic instability, and as being a 'second best' option has resulted in its decline or disappearance from use in many countries. Several large observational studies have reported high rates of success, low rates of complications and very low mortality rates.
OBJECTIVES
To determine, from the best available evidence, the effectiveness and safety of symphysiotomy versus alternative options for obstructed labour in various clinical situations.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 August 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 3) and PubMed (1966 to 31 August 2010).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized trials comparing symphysiotomy with alternative management, or alternative techniques of symphysiotomy, for obstructed labour or obstructed aftercoming head during breech birth.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Planned methods included evaluation of studies against objective quality criteria for inclusion, extraction of data, and analysis of data using risk ratios or mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. The primary outcomes were maternal death or severe morbidity, and perinatal death or severe morbidity.
MAIN RESULTS
We found no randomized trials of symphysiotomy.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Because of controversy surrounding the use of symphysiotomy, and the possibility that it may be a life-saving procedure in certain circumstances, professional and global bodies should provide guidelines for the use (or non-use) of symphysiotomy based on the best available evidence (currently evidence from observational studies). Research is needed to provide robust evidence of the effectiveness and safety of symphysiotomy compared with no symphysiotomy or comparisons of alternative symphysiotomy techniques in clinical situations in which caesarean section is not available; and compared with caesarean section in clinical situations in which the relative risks and benefits are uncertain (for example in women at very high risk of complications from caesarean section).
Topics: Cephalopelvic Disproportion; Female; Humans; Pelvimetry; Pregnancy; Symphysiotomy
PubMed: 20927742
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005299.pub2