Posttraumatic stress disorder 2 months after cesarean delivery: a multicenter prospective study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence and risk factors of posttraumatic stress disorder after cesarean delivery, outside high-risk contexts, remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess posttraumatic stress disorder prevalence and risk factors at 2 months postpartum among a general population of women with cesarean delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective ancillary cohort study of the Tranexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage after Cesarean Delivery (TRAAP2) trial, conducted in 27 French hospitals from 2018 to 2020, enrolling women expected to undergo cesarean delivery before or during labor at ≥34 weeks of gestation. After randomization, characteristics of the cesarean delivery and postpartum blood loss were prospectively collected. Two months after childbirth, posttraumatic stress disorder profile (presence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms) and provisional diagnosis (positive screening for diagnosis consistent with a posttraumatic stress disorder) were assessed by 2 self-administered questionnaires (Impact of Event Scale - Revised and Traumatic Event Scale). The corrected posttraumatic stress disorder prevalence was estimated with inverse probability weighting to take nonresponse into account. Associations between potential risk factors and posttraumatic stress disorder were analyzed by multivariate logistic or linear regression modeling according to the type of dependent variable.

RESULTS

In total, 2785 of 4431 women returned the Impact of Event Scale - Revised questionnaire and 2792 the Traumatic Event Scale (response rates of 62.9% and 63.0%). The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder profile was 9.0% (95% confidence interval, 7.8%-10.3%) and of provisional diagnosis 1.7% (95% confidence interval, 1.2%-2.4%). Characteristics associated with a higher risk of posttraumatic stress disorder profile were prepregnancy vulnerability factors (young age, high body mass index, and African-born migrant) and cesarean delivery-related obstetrical factors (cesarean delivery after induced labor [adjusted odds ratio, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.87], postpartum hemorrhage [adjusted odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.46] and high-intensity pain during the postpartum stay [adjusted odds ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-3.11]). Women who had immediate skin-to-skin contact with their newborn were at lower risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (adjusted odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.98), and women with bad memories of delivery on day 2 postpartum were at higher risk (adjusted odds ratio, 3.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.97-5.12). The Impact of Event Scale - Revised and the Traumatic Event Scale yielded consistent results.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 1 in 11 women with cesarean deliveries had posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms at 2 months postpartum. Some obstetrical interventions and components of cesarean delivery management may influence this risk.

Prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depression 2 months after a vaginal delivery: a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Very little is known about the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women with vaginal births without major pregnancy complications.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression and identify its characteristics 2 months after singleton vaginal delivery at or near term.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an ancillary cohort study of the TRanexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage After Vaginal Delivery randomized controlled trial, which was conducted in 15 French hospitals in 2015-2016 and enrolled women with singleton vaginal deliveries after 35 weeks of gestation. After randomization, the characteristics of labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum experience, including the experience of childbirth, were prospectively collected. Medical records provided women's other characteristics, particularly any psychiatric history. Of note, 2 months after childbirth, provisional postpartum depression diagnosis was defined as a score of ≥13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a validated self-administered questionnaire. The corrected prevalence of postpartum depression was calculated with the inverse probability weighting method to take nonrespondents into account. Associations between potential risk factors and postpartum depression were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Moreover, an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale cutoff value of ≥11 was selected to perform a sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was returned by 2811 of 3891 women (72.2% response rate). The prevalence rates of the provisional diagnosis were 9.9% (95% confidence interval, 8.6%-11.3%) defined by an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of ≥13 and 15.5% (95% confidence interval, 14.0%-17.1%) with a cutoff value of ≥11. The characteristics associated with higher risks of postpartum depression in multivariate analysis were mostly related to prepregnancy characteristics, specifically age of <25 years (adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.9) and advanced age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.6), migration from North Africa (adjusted odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-4.4), previous abortion (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.0), and psychiatric history (adjusted odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-4.8). Some characteristics of labor and delivery, such as induced labor (adjusted odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.0) and operative vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.0), seemed to be associated with postpartum depression. In addition, bad memories of childbirth in the immediate postpartum were strongly associated with postpartum depression symptoms at 2 months after giving birth (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.2).

CONCLUSION

Approximately 10% of women with vaginal deliveries have postpartum depression symptoms, assessed by a score of ≥13 on the depression scale that was used at 2 months. Prepregnancy vulnerability factors; obstetrical characteristics, such as induced labor and operative vaginal delivery; and bad memories of childbirth 2 days after delivery were the main factors associated with this provisional diagnosis. A screening approach that targets risk factors may help to identify women at risk of postpartum depression who could benefit from early intervention.

Uterine-sparing surgical procedures to control postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage remains one of the principal causes of maternal mortality in the United States and throughout the world. Its management, which must be multidisciplinary (obstetrics, midwifery, anesthesiology, interventional radiology, and nursing), depends on the speed of both diagnosis and implementation of medical and surgical treatment to control the hemorrhage. The aim of this work is to describe the various techniques of vessel ligation and of uterine compression for controlling and treating severe hemorrhage, and to present the advantages and disadvantages of each. It is not difficult to perform vessel ligation of the uterine arteries: O'Leary's bilateral ligation of the uterine artery, Tsirulnikov's triple ligation, and AbdRabbo's stepwise uterine devascularization (that is, stepwise triple ligation). These procedures are associated with a high success rate (approximately 90%) and a low complication rate. Bilateral ligation of the internal iliac (hypogastric) arteries is more difficult to perform and potentially less effective (approximately 70% effectiveness) than the previously mentioned procedures. Its complication rate is low, but the complications are most often serious. There is no evidence that future fertility or subsequent obstetrical outcomes are impaired by ligation of either the uterine or internal iliac arteries. There are many techniques used for uterine compression sutures, and none has shown clear superiority to another. Uterine compression suture has an effectiveness rate of approximately 75% after failure of medical treatment and approximately 80% as a second-line procedure after unsuccessful vessel ligation. The risk of synechiae after uterine compression suture has not yet been adequately evaluated, but is probably around 5%. The risk of synechiae after uterine compression suture has not yet been adequately evaluated, but probably ranges between 5% and 10%. The methodologic quality of the studies assessing uterine-sparing surgical procedures remains limited, with no comparative studies. Accordingly, no evidence suggests that any one of these methods is better than any other. Accordingly, the choice of surgical technique to control hemorrhage must be guided firstly by the operator's experience. If the hemorrhage continues after a first-line uterine-sparing surgical procedure and the patient remains hemodynamically stable, a second-line procedure can be chosen. Nonetheless, the application of these procedures must not delay the performance of a peripartum hysterectomy in cases of hemodynamic instability.

Closed- or open-glottis pushing for vaginal delivery: a planned secondary analysis of the TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery study

BACKGROUND

The effect on obstetrical outcomes of closed- or open-glottis pushing is uncertain among both nulliparous and parous women.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the association between open- or closed-glottis pushing and mode of delivery after an attempted singleton vaginal birth at or near term.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an ancillary planned cohort study of the TRAAP (TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery) randomized controlled trial, conducted in 15 French maternity units from 2015 to 2016 that enrolled women with an attempted singleton vaginal delivery after 35 weeks' gestation. After randomization, characteristics of labor and delivery were prospectively collected, with special attention to active second-stage pushing and a specific planned questionnaire completed immediately after birth by the attending care provider. The exposure was the mode of pushing, classified into 2 groups: closed- or open-glottis. The main endpoint was operative vaginal delivery. Secondary endpoints were items of maternal morbidity, including severe perineal laceration, episiotomy, postpartum hemorrhage, duration of the second stage of labor, and a composite severe neonatal morbidity outcome. We also assessed immediate maternal satisfaction, experience of delivery, and psychological status 2 months after delivery. The associations between mode of pushing and outcome were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding bias, with multilevel mixed-effects analysis, and a random intercept for center.

RESULTS

Among 3041 women included in our main analysis, 2463 (81.0%) used closed-glottis pushing and 578 (19.0%) open-glottis pushing; their respective operative vaginal delivery rates were 19.1% (n=471; 95% confidence interval, 17.6-20.7) and 12.5% (n=72; 95% confidence interval, 9.9-15.4; P<.001). In an analysis stratified according to parity and after controlling for available confounders, the rate of operative vaginal delivery did not differ between the groups among nulliparous women: 28.7% (n=399) for the closed-glottis and 27.5% (n=64) for the open-glottis group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.33; P=.7). The operative vaginal delivery rate was significantly lower for women using open- compared with closed-glottis pushing in the parous population: 2.3% (n=8) for the open- and 6.7% (n=72) for the closed-glottis groups (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.90; P=.03). Other maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ between the 2 modes of pushing among either the nulliparous or parous groups.

CONCLUSION

Among nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies at term, the risk of operative vaginal birth did not differ according to mode of pushing. These results will inform shared decision-making about the mode of pushing during the second stage of labor.

The ethics of induction of labor at 39 weeks in low-risk nulliparas in research and clinical practice

The "A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management" trial (ARRIVE trial) published in 2018 suggested that induction of labor can be considered a "reasonable option" for low-risk nulliparous women at ≥39 weeks of gestation. The study results led some professional societies to endorse the option for elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas, and this has begun to change obstetrical practice. The ARRIVE trial provided valuable information supporting the benefits of induction of labor; however, the trial is insufficient to serve as the primary justification for widespread elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas because of concerns about external validity. Thus, the French ARRIVE trial was designed to test the hypothesis in a different setting that elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas leads to a lower cesarean delivery rate than expectant management. This ongoing trial has been criticized as "pseudoscientific" and telling "women where, when, and how to give birth." We reject these allegations and extensively examine the ethical framework that should govern clinical and research interventions, including elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas. This study aimed to discuss the ethical issues that emerge from randomized trials of elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas and the ethics of the clinical practice itself. The analysis of existing evidence shows the importance of further research on induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk women. Certain aspects of research ethics in this area, particularly the consent of pregnant women in a context where autonomy remains fragile, call for vigilance. In addition, we emphasize that childbirth is not only a medical object but also a social phenomenon that cannot be regarded only from the perspective of a health risk to be managed by clinical research. Further research on this issue is needed to allow pregnant women to make informed decisions, and the results should be integrated with social issues. The perspective of women is required in constructing, evaluating, and implementing medical interventions in childbirth, such as induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation.

[Preeclampsia: Guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]

OBJECTIVE

To identify strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity related to preeclampsia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The quality of evidence of the literature was assessed following the GRADE® method with questions formulated in the PICO format (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) and outcomes defined a priori and classified according to their importance. An extensive bibliographic search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the evidence was assessed (high, moderate, low, very low) and recommendations were formulated as a (i) strong, (ii) weak or (iii) no recommendation. The recommendations were reviewed in two rounds with external reviewers (Delphi survey) to select the consensus recommendations.

RESULTS

Preeclampsia is defined by the association of gestational hypertension (systolic blood pressure≥140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure≥90mmHg) and proteinuria≥0.3g/24h or a Proteinuria/Creatininuria ratio≥30mg/mmol occurring after 20 weeks of gestation. Data from the literature do not show any benefit in terms of maternal or perinatal health from implementing a broader definition of preeclampsia. Of the 31 questions, there was agreement between the working group and the external reviewers on 31 (100%). In general population, physical activity during pregnancy should be encouraged to reduce the risk of preeclampsia (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence low) but an early screening based on algorithms (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence low) or aspirin administration (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence very low) is not recommended to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity related to preeclampsia. In women with preexisting diabetes or hypertension or renal disease, or multiple pregnancy, the level of evidence is insufficient to determine whether aspirin administration during pregnancy is useful to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity (No recommendation, Quality of the evidence low). In women with a history of vasculo-placental disease, low dose of aspirin (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate) at a dosage of 100-160mg per day (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence low), ideally before 16 weeks of gestation and not after 20 weeks of gestation (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence low) until 36 weeks of gestation (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence very low) is recommended. In a high-risk population, additional administration of low molecular weight heparin is not recommended (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate). In case of preeclampsia (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence low) or suspicion of preeclampsia (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate, the assessment of PlGF concentration or sFLT-1/PlGF ratio is not routinely recommended) in the only goal to reduce maternal or perinatal morbidity. In women with non-severe preeclampsia antihypertensive agent should be administered orally when the systolic blood pressure is measured between 140 and 159mmHg or diastolic blood pressure is measured between 90 and 109mmHg (Weak recommendation, Quality of the evidence low). In women with non-severe preeclampsia, delivery between 34 and 36+6 weeks of gestation reduces severe maternal hypertension but increases the incidence of moderate prematurity. Taking into account the benefit/risk balance for the mother and the child, it is recommended not to systematically induce birth in women with non-severe preeclampsia between 34 and 36+6 weeks of gestation (Strong recommendation, Quality of evidence high). In women with non-severe preeclampsia diagnosed between 37+0 and 41 weeks of gestation, it is recommended to induce birth to reduce maternal morbidity (Strong recommendation, Low quality of evidence), and to perform a trial of labor in the absence of contraindication (Strong recommendation, Very low quality of evidence). In women with a history of preeclampsia, screening maternal thrombophilia is not recommended (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate). Because women with a history of a preeclampsia have an increased lifelong risk of chronic hypertension and cardiovascular complications, they should be informed of the need for medical follow-up to monitor blood pressure and to manage other possible cardiovascular risk factors (Strong recommendation, Quality of the evidence moderate).

CONCLUSION

The purpose of these recommendations was to reassess the definition of preeclampsia, and to determine the strategies to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity related to preeclampsia, during pregnancy but also after childbirth. They aim to help health professionals in their daily clinical practice to inform or care for patients who have had or have preeclampsia. Synthetic information documents are also offered for professionals and patients.

Tranexamic acid for reduction of blood loss after Caesarean delivery: a cost-effectiveness analysis of the TRAAP2 trial

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid is associated with a reduction of blood loss after Caesarean delivery, but cost-effectiveness for this indication has not been assessed.

METHODS

We used data from the TRAAP2 trial, a multicentre, double-blinded, RCT aimed at estimating the efficacy of tranexamic acid for preventing postpartum haemorrhage among women undergoing Caesarean delivery. Women recruited at 27 French maternity hospitals from 2018 to 2020 were enrolled before the procedure if they had a Caesarean delivery before or during labour at 34 or more weeks of gestation. The main outcomes were the cost of hospital stay for delivery and the incremental cost per delivery without complication within 90 days after delivery with tranexamic acid compared with placebo. Differences in costs and the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) were estimated using linear regression models, and the cost-effectiveness probability of tranexamic acid compared with placebo was estimated through the parametric distribution of the INMB.

RESULTS

The proportion of women without complications at day 90 was 70.7% in the tranexamic acid group and 66.0% in the placebo group. Mean total costs until occurrence of a complication of interest were €3321 in the tranexamic acid group and €3260 in the placebo group, resulting in a difference between the two groups of 7.2% and €55 after multiple imputation. The adjusted incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was €762 per additional Caesarean delivery without a complication at 90 days after delivery. At a cost-effectiveness threshold of €10,000, the cost-effectiveness probability of tranexamic acid compared with placebo was 99.9%, varying from 5.8% to 100.0% for thresholds from €0 to €10,000 per additional delivery without a complication at day 90.

CONCLUSION

Tranexamic acid for the prevention of blood loss is cost-effective in reducing complications after Caesarean delivery at day 90 postpartum. However, the effect size (in cost and effectiveness) is very low.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03431805.

Predictors of shoulder dystocia at the time of operative vaginal delivery: a prospective cohort study

Our aim was to identify factors associated with shoulder dystocia following an attempted operative vaginal delivery (aOVD) in a prospective cohort study and to evaluate whether these factors can be used to accurately predict shoulder dystocia by building a score of shoulder dystocia risk. This was a planned secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of deliveries with aOVD at term from 2008-2013. Cases were defined as women with shoulder dystocia following an aOVD defined as a delivery that requires additional obstetric maneuvers following failure of gentle downward traction on the fetal head to effect delivery of the shoulders. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia occurred in 57 (2.7%) of the 2118 women included. In the whole cohort, women with shoulder dystocia more often had a history of shoulder dystocia (3.5% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.01), and there was a significant interaction between aOVD and gestational age and the duration of the second stage of labor: women with shoulder dystocia more often had a gestational age > 40 weeks and a second stage of labor longer than 3 h specifically for midpelvic aOVD. In multivariable analysis, a history of shoulder dystocia was the only factor independently associated with shoulder dystocia following aOVD (aOR 27.00, 95% CI 4.10-178.00). The AUC for the receiver operating characteristic curve generated using a multivariate model with term interaction with head station was 0.70 (95% CI 0.62-0.77). The model failed to accurately predict shoulder dystocia.

Tranexamic acid for the prevention of blood loss after cesarean among women with twins: a secondary analysis of the TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Cesarean Delivery randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Although prophylactic tranexamic acid administration after cesarean delivery resulted in a lower incidence of calculated estimated blood loss of >1000 mL or red cell transfusion by day 2, its failure to reduce the incidence of hemorrhage-related secondary clinical outcomes (TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Cesarean Delivery trial) makes its use questionable. The magnitude of its effect may differ in women at higher risk of blood loss, including those with multiple pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effect of tranexamic acid vs placebo to prevent blood loss after cesarean delivery among women with multiple pregnancies.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of the TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Cesarean Delivery trial data, a double-blind, randomized controlled trial from March 2018 to January 2020 in 27 French maternity hospitals, that included 319 women with multiple pregnancies. Women with a cesarean delivery before or during labor at ≥34 weeks of gestation were randomized to receive intravenously 1 g of tranexamic acid (n=160) or placebo (n=159), both with prophylactic uterotonics. The primary outcome was a calculated estimated blood loss of >1000 mL or a red blood cell transfusion by 2 days after delivery. The secondary outcomes included clinical and laboratory blood loss measurements.

RESULTS

Of the 4551 women randomized in this trial, 319 had a multiple pregnancy and cesarean delivery, and 298 (93.4%) had primary outcome data available. This outcome occurred in 62 of 147 women (42.2%) in the tranexamic acid group and 67 of 152 (44.1%) receiving placebo (adjusted risk ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.38; P=.86). No significant between-group differences occurred for any hemorrhage-related clinical outcomes: gravimetrically estimated blood loss, provider-assessed clinically significant hemorrhage, additional uterotonics, postpartum blood transfusion, arterial embolization, and emergency surgery (P>.05 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

Among women with a multiple pregnancy and cesarean delivery, prophylactic tranexamic acid did not reduce the incidence of any blood loss-related outcomes.

Who needs prenatal counselling with a pediatric surgeon? Experience from a large tertiary care university hospital

OBJECTIVES

To describe our experience with prenatal counselling for surgical anomalies in a large volume center. The secondary aim is to suggest a list of prenatal abnormalities warranting counselling by a pediatric surgeon.

METHODS

We reviewed all prenatal counselling consultations performed by the pediatric surgery team between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 169 patients or couples had a prenatal consultation with a pediatric surgeon. Prenatal work-up included a fetal MRI in 26% of cases, mainly for digestive and thoracic pathologies (56.1% of cases). Consultation with the pediatric surgeon led mainly to recommendations concerning the place of delivery. Induction for reasons related to the fetal anomaly occurred in 22.2% of cases. Most children were surgically treated within the first year of life (63.5%). Correlation between predicted prognosis and actual status at four years of life was 96.9%. Correlation between prenatal and postnatal diagnosis was 87.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal counselling by a pediatric surgeon allows couples to obtain clear information on the pathology of their unborn child, giving them greater autonomy in their decision to continue the pregnancy.

Mothers' perception of prenatal counseling following diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the urinary tract

Congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary tract are the most common sonographically identified malformations. Although prenatal diagnosis seldom modifies perinatal management, it can cause significant anxiety in parents. We aimed to assess how parents perceived the prenatal counseling they had received in our institution. Using a questionnaire, we evaluated by phone the mothers of 78 children diagnosed prenatally with urological tract anomalies between January 2018 and May 2019. Overall, mothers were satisfied and reassured by the prenatal counseling they received, although 19% of the mothers found the time from diagnosis to specialist consultation to be too long. Forty percent of the responders stated that the most important information they needed to hear during the specialist consultation was management and not diagnosis. Specialist counseling should focus on explaining postnatal management, should be offered as soon as possible, and should include practical aspects, especially concerning outpatient care.

Surgical treatment of postpartum haemorrhage: national survey of French residents of obstetrics and gynecology

Background

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Many medical treatments and interventions are available nowadays, but surgical treatment is sometimes required when less invasive methods are unsuccessful. This study aimed to assess the theoretical and practical knowledge of French residents of Obstetrics and Gynecology concerning the surgical treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

Study design

We performed a questionnaire study for senior residents of Obstetrics and Gynecology in France (fourth and fifth year of training). An anonymous survey was sent by email. Between December 2013 and April 2014, a total of 370 residents responded.

Result

The response rate was 47.6% (176/370). Only 156 questionnaires were fully completed and included for analysis. In all, 74% (115/156) of residents reported not mastering sufficiently or at all the technique for bilateral ligation of uterine arteries, 79% (123/156) for uterine compression sutures, 95% (148/156) for ligation of the internal iliac arteries, and 78% (122/156) for emergency peripartum hysterectomy. More than half of respondents (55%, 86/156) stated that they had not mastered any of these techniques.

Conclusion

An alarmingly high number of French senior residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology report that they have not acquired the sufficient surgical skills during their training to be able to perform the surgeries required for the management of PPH.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-019-2237-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Outcome of patients with uterine fibroids after 3-month ulipristal acetate therapy

OBJECTIVES

To determine the proportion and the characteristics of patients who did or did not respond after 3 months of ulipristal acetate (UPA) therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective cohort study conducted in the University Hospital of Bordeaux (France) and University Medical Center Ljubljana (Slovenia), symptomatic non-menopausal patients with fibroids that qualified for surgery were pretreated by 3 months of oral UPA 5 mg/day. Clinical success was defined by normalization of the bleeding score, and/or regression of pelvic pain, and/or abdominal distension. Imaging success was defined by reduction in fibroid volume ≥ 25%.

RESULTS

The clinical and imaging success rates were 54/66 (82%) and 39/66 (59%) respectively. The absence of previous pregnancy (p = 0.004) and the size of the dominant fibroid ≥ 80 mm (p = 0.004) were independent factors associated with clinical failure. Age <35 years (p = 0.02) was the only independent factor associated with imaging failure.

CONCLUSION

Young women developing fibroids and/or women with large fibroids may be resistant to ulipristal acetate therapy.