Symphysiotomy: a lifesaving procedure.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
R B Johanson
Publications and source records attributed to R B Johanson.
The 'Severe Hypertensive Illness in Pregnancy' (SHIP) audit: promoting quality care using a high risk monitoring chart and eclampsia treatment pack.
We set out to measure the standards of care in a regional cohort of women with severe hypertensive illness of pregnancy and to subsequently improve the quality of care using a series of interventions. This was a multi centre cyclical criterion audit involving 21 maternity units in the West Midlands Region. Prospective data collection involved named co-ordinators in each unit using customised proformas. Intervention comprised feedback of baseline results to each hospital, a monitoring chart and eclampsia treatment pack. The first audit period (n = 183) was for a 4-month period between 1/9/96 and 31/12/96 and the second audit period (n = 111) was during the same 4-month period 1 year later. Although compliance with the audit standards set increased in all but one standard, there is clearly a need to make further improvements in the quality of care administered.
Adult↗
Caesarean section by choice could fulfil the inverse care law.
We have assessed knowledge about caesarean sections in a group of North Staffordshire Hospital professionals and patients. Those who were more interested in having a caesarean section without medical indication were the nulliparous health professionals, the majority of whom thought they should be able to choose this option. Paradoxically, this was also the group who were most likely to consider that caesarean section is more expensive and dangerous. The explanation may be that they also felt it to be an easier, less painful and more convenient option.
Attitude of Health Personnel↗
The West Midlands "Severe Hypertensive Illness in Pregnancy" (SHIP) audit.
OBJECTIVE: To study the management of a series of women presenting with acute-onset hypertension in the 21 maternity units in the West Midlands region, in order to measure the standard of care and the outcomes of these patients and their babies. DESIGN: Multicenter audit. SETTING: Twenty-one Maternity Units in the West Midlands region with 85,658 births during the audit period. METHODS: Prospective data collection by named coordinators (multidisciplinary) in each unit using customized proformas. The proformas were then forwarded to the Research Coordinator for input onto a database and observational analyses. RESULTS: The total number of cases was 516. Eighty-one percent were diagnosed as having severe preeclampsia, 14% HELLP syndrome, and 5% eclampsia. Seven percent were admitted to the intensive therapy unit. Seventy percent of births were preterm, 62% of babies were low birth weight (< 2.5 kg), 57% of babies were admitted to the neonatal unit, and the perinatal mortality rate was 5%. The commonest antihypertensive agents were hydralazine and nifedipine. In terms of compliance with audit standards, 61% had both oxygen saturation and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring, 47% had good fluid balance documentation, and 79% had no fluid mismanagement. Seventy-four percent were seen by a consultant obstetrician, 62% were seen by a member of an "expert team," 83% adhered to local guidelines, and 71% of eclamptics received magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that severe hypertensive illness of pregnancy remains an important cause of maternal mortality and perinatal mortality. This audit highlights areas in which standards of care can be improved.
Adult↗
The management of breech presentation at term.
Three to four percent of singleton pregnancies at term are complicated by breech presentation. The management options are to offer external cephalic version, to perform planned caesarean section or to aim for vaginal birth. There has been an increasing reluctance, in many centres, to allow vaginal birth. The publication of the Term Breech Trial will almost certainly accelerate this trend. For many, the choice now lies between external cephalic version and elective caesarean section. Perhaps the focus should now be on increasing the rate of offering external cephalic version, increasing its uptake and also its success.
Breech Presentation↗
Using village theatre to increase knowledge about eclampsia in Bangladesh.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a theatre based educational initiative on the knowledge and attitudes to eclampsia and its treatment in a rural Bangladeshi village. METHODS: An established theatre company, Theatre Centre for Social Development, performed scenarios regarding eclamptic pregnant women to a diverse audience of village observers. Before the performance 15 men and 15 women were randomly selected from the audience and asked a series of questions regarding eclampsia. After the performance the series of questions were repeated to the same people. RESULTS: The plays were enthusiastically received by the villagers. The level of knowledge of the villagers interviewed increased significantly after seeing the two plays. CONCLUSION: The intervention successfully raised both the awareness of eclampsia and the level of knowledge of effective treatments for eclampsia. Village theatre has shown the potential to be a very effective tool in Bangladeshi rural society.
Adolescent↗
A randomised controlled trial of epidural compared with non-epidural analgesia in labour.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible short and long term side effects of epidural analgesia, compared with non-epidural analgesia for pain relief in labour. DESIGN: Randomised controlled study, with long term follow up by questionnaire. Analysis by intention-to-treat. SETTING: Busy maternity unit within a district general hospital in England. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred and sixty nine primigravid women in labour were included (randomised allocation: epidural n = 184, non-epidural n = 185). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Backache at three and twelve months after delivery, instrumental delivery rates and maternal opinion of pain relief in labour. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the reported incidence of backache between the groups at three months: middle backache [22% vs 20%, chi2 = 0.057, P = 0.81; odds ratio (95% CI) 1.4(0.9-2.3)]; low backache [35% vs 34%, chi2 = 0.009, P = 0.92; odds ratio (95% CI) 1.0(0.6-1.6)]. Nor were there significant differences at 12 months: [middle backache 16% vs 16%, chi2 = 0.013, P = 0.91; odds ratio (95% CI) 1.0(0.5-1.8)]; or low backache [35% vs 27%, chi2 = 1.91, P = 0.17; odds ratio (95% CI) 1.4(0.9-2.3)]. The incidence of instrumental delivery was somewhat higher in the epidural group [30% vs 19%, odds ratio (95% CI) 1.77(1.09-2.86)]. Maternal satisfaction was not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided no evidence to support the suggestion of a direct association between the use of epidural anaesthesia in labour and the incidence of long term backache. Despite a significant proportion of women in each group not receiving their allocated analgesia, a significant difference in terms of instrumental delivery rates remained. Satisfaction in both groups of women was high.
Adult↗
Absorbable synthetic versus catgut suture material for perineal repair.
BACKGROUND: Approximately 70% of women will experience some degree of perineal trauma following vaginal delivery and will require stitches. This may result in perineal pain and superficial dyspareunia. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of absorbable synthetic suture material as compared with catgut on the amount of short and long term pain experienced by mothers following perineal repair. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing absorbable synthetic (polyglycolic acid and polyglactin) with plain or chromic catgut suture for perineal repair in mothers after vaginal delivery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by the second reviewer. MAIN RESULTS: Eight trials were included. Compared with catgut, the polyglycolic acid and polyglactin groups were associated with less pain in first three days (odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.54 to 0.71). There was also less need for analgesia (odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.52 to 0.77) and less suture dehiscence (odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 0.70). There was no significant difference in long term pain (odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 1.08). Removal of suture material was significantly more common in the polyglycolic acid and polyglactin groups (odds ratio 2.01, 95% confidence interval 1.56 to 2.58). There was no difference in the amount of dyspareunia experienced by women. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Absorbable synthetic suture material (in the form of polyglycolic acid and polyglactin sutures) for perineal repair following childbirth appears to decrease women's experience of short-term pain. The length of time taken for the synthetic material to be absorbed is of concern. A trial addressing the use of polyglactin has recently been completed and this has been included in this updated review.
Catgut↗
Vacuum extraction versus forceps for assisted vaginal delivery.
BACKGROUND: Proponents of vacuum delivery argue that it should be chosen first for assisted vaginal delivery, because it is less likely to injure the mother. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of vacuum extraction compared to forceps, on failure to achieve delivery and maternal and neonatal morbidity. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. Date of last search: February 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Acceptably controlled comparisons of vacuum extraction and forceps delivery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: Ten trials were included. The trials were of reasonable quality. Use of the vacuum extractor for assisted vaginal delivery when compared to forceps delivery was associated with significantly less maternal trauma (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.50) and with less general and regional anaesthesia. There were more deliveries with vacuum extraction (odds ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.31 to 2.19). Fewer caesarean sections were carried out in the vacuum extractor group. However the vacuum extractor was associated with an increase in neonatal cephalhaematomata and retinal haemorrhages. Serious neonatal injury was uncommon with either instrument. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Use of the vacuum extractor rather than forceps for assisted delivery appears to reduce maternal morbidity. The reduction in cephalhaematoma and retinal haemorrhages seen with forceps may be a compensatory benefit.
Extraction, Obstetrical↗
Continuous versus interrupted sutures for perineal repair.
BACKGROUND: Millions of women worldwide undergo perineal repair after childbirth and the type of repair may have an impact on pain and healing. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of continuous subcuticular versus interrupted transcutaneous sutures on women following perineal repair. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. Date of last search: June 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing continuous subcuticular versus interrupted transcutaneous sutures for the closure of perineal skin after vaginal delivery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by the second reviewer. Study authors were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: Four studies involving 1864 women were included. The trials were heterogeneous with respect to operator skill and training. Compared with interrupted sutures, a continuous subcuticular suture technique of perineal repair was associated with less pain for up to 10 days post partum (odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.53 to 0.86). No differences were seen in the need for analgesia, need for resuturing of the wound or in dyspareunia. Based on one trial only, there was no difference in long-term pain and failure to resume pain-free intercourse within three months of the birth. The continuous technique was associated with less need for the removal of sutures. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The continuous subcuticular technique of perineal repair may be associated with less pain in the immediate postpartum period than the interrupted suture technique. The long-term effects are less clear.
Delivery, Obstetric↗
Reducing maternal mortality from eclampsia, using magnesium sulphate.
Since the introduction of low dose magnesium sulphate to treat eclamptic patients at Dhaka Medical College, mortality rates have fallen from 16% to 8%. Personal communications from other centres in Bangladesh show similar findings.
Adult↗
One year survey of maternal mortality associated with eclampsia in Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Data was collected prospectively from 763 eclamptic patients hospitalised at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Comparisons were made between the patients that died and survivors based on determinants already known to be important. The cause of death was taken from the clinical history. The 'Case fatality rate' was 14.7%. The principle mortality risk factors were age, parity, number of convulsions and time between onset of convulsions and admission to hospital. Less than 10% in both groups had received antenatal care. The hospital mortality rate was significantly higher than that found in the Collaborative Eclampsia Study. Urgent interventions are required to increase public awareness of the need for antenatal care, to raise the level of understanding and improve attitudes and practice in relation to eclampsia.
Journal Article↗
Fluid management in severe preeclampsia (VESPA): survey of members of ISSHP.
OBJECTIVE: To determine international expert practice of fluid management and monitoring in severe preeclampsia. METHODS: The 447 members of the ISSHP (International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy) were issued a postal questionnaire to determine their views and practices of fluid management in severe preeclampsia. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-six (37%) completed questionnaires were received. Responses indicated that there is no consensus regarding most aspects of management of severe preeclamptic patients. In particular, there is no agreement about which fluid type to administer and how to assess circulatory status in these patients. There were also wide variations in the use of plasma volume expansion as a treatment modality. Statistical comparison of the use of Swan-Ganz catheters in "theoretical" and "actual" practice showed highly significant differences (p < 0.001). The majority of respondents were interested in participating in future research. CONCLUSION: The results reflect genuine uncertainty generated by a lack of evidence from randomized trials addressing the acute management of severe preeclamptic patients. Even where clinicians are confident "in theory" that a particular form of treatment is the best, they do not appear to have the resources or commitment to match this with "practice." The majority of respondents were very keen to develop the questions raised further in the context of multicenter clinical trials.
Acute Disease↗
Maternal and child health after assisted vaginal delivery: five-year follow up of a randomised controlled study comparing forceps and ventouse.
OBJECTIVE: To undertake a five year follow up of a cohort of women and children delivered by forceps or vacuum extractor in a randomised controlled study. DESIGN: Follow up of a randomised controlled trial. SETTING: District general hospital in the West Midlands. POPULATION: Follow up questionnaires were sent to 306 of the 313 women originally recruited at the North Staffordshire Hospital to a randomised controlled study comparing forceps and vacuum extractor for assisted delivery. Two hundred and twenty-eight women responded (74.5%) and all were included in the study; forceps (n = 115) and vacuum extractor (n = 113). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bowel and urinary dysfunction, child vision assessment, and child development. RESULTS: Maternal adverse symptoms at long term follow up were relatively common. Urinary incontinence of various severity was reported by 47%, bowel habit urgency was reported by 44% (98/225), and loss of bowel control 'sometimes' or 'frequently' by 20% of women (46/226). No significant differences between instruments were found in terms of either bowel or urinary dysfunction. Overall, 13% (20/158) of children were noted to have visual problems. There was no significant difference in visual function between the two groups: ventouse 11/86 (12.8%), compared with forceps 9/72 (12.5%); odds ratio 0.97, 95% CI 0.38-2.50. Of the 20 children with visual problems, a family history was known in 18, and 17/18 (94%) had a positive family history for visual problems. No significant differences in child development were found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence to suggest that at five years after delivery use of the ventouse or forceps has specific maternal or child benefits or side effects.
Adult↗
Occult anal sphincter trauma following randomized forceps and vacuum delivery.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of occult anal sphincter trauma 5 years after randomization to forceps and vacuum delivery. METHOD: Anal endosonography and manometry was performed in 44 of 313 women who had originally participated in one center of the Keele University Multicenter Assisted Delivery Trial at the North Staffordshire Maternity Hospital between September 1989 and May 1990. RESULTS: 50% admitted to defecatory symptoms and anal sphincter defects were identified in 61%. On the basis of intention to treat, 82% of forceps (n = 17) and 48% of vacuum deliveries (n = 27) had occult sphincter defects (P = 0.03). In four women, both instruments were used. However, the preponderance of defects in the forceps group persisted even when analysis was performed according to the final mode of delivery as well as in the group where only one instrument was used (n = 40). There was a significant fall in maximum squeeze anal pressure in the forceps group compared to the vacuum group (56 vs. 36 mmHg; P = 0.0007). Although twice as many in the forceps group suffered anal incontinence (32% vs. 16%) significance was not reached. CONCLUSIONS: Vacuum delivery appears to be associated with less occult anal sphincter trauma than forceps delivery. A large prospective randomized study is required to address the impact of specific situations, such as failed instrumentation with use of a second instrument and rotational delivery.
Adult↗
A random controlled trial of two different vacuum extractor pumps: new foot pump and electric pump.
Worldwide the vacuum extractor is the instrument used most commonly for assisted vaginal delivery. Many institutions use electric pumps in preference to the original hand pump, considered by some to be inefficient (requiring an assistant). A new foot pump has been developed. In a controlled comparison with a standard electric pump, no differences in efficiency were found.
Journal Article↗
Randomised trial comparing the upright and supine positions for the second stage of labour.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the maternal and neonatal effects of upright compared with recumbent positions during delivery, in terms of defined outcome variables. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. SETTING: St Monica's Nursing Home, a midwife based maternity unit in Cape Town, South Africa. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred and seventeen women of low obstetrical risk assigned to deliver at the nursing home. RESULTS: The trial showed that women who adopted the upright posture for delivery experienced less pain. perineal trauma and fewer episiotomies than those who delivered in the supine position. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that in women of low obstetrical risk, choice of posture during delivery may be encouraged.
Adolescent↗
Outcome in low risk pregnancies.
AIMS: To determine the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of a cohort of very low risk pregnancies in hospital, that would be suitable for home delivery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of computerised records covering five years from July 1988 to August 1993 of 32424 pregnant women who delivered at the North Staffordshire Maternity Hospital, Stoke on Trent, during that period. RESULTS: Of 32424 deliveries, only 1314 (4%) fulfilled our criteria for being low risk. Sixty seven (5.1%) of the low risk group had an operative delivery, with Caesarean section accounting for 32 (2.4%) cases, 16 (23.9%) babies were resuscitated and three were intubated. A normal vaginal delivery occurred in 1245 women, but a paediatrician attended 122 births (9.22%), assisted ventilation was provided in 65 cases (5.2%), and five babies were intubated (0.4%). Fourteen babies in total were admitted to the neonatal unit and one died. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that at least 5% of women suitable for delivery at home will require transfer in labour. Midwives attending home births must be skilled in bag and mask resuscitation as only rarely will an urgent intubation be required. The British Paediatric Association Working Party report on neonatal resuscitation suggests a need for resuscitation in only 0.2% of low risk deliveries: but these findings suggest that the need is greater.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation↗