Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) due to vaginal delivery is related to tear of levator ani muscle (LAM) that potentially lead to the impairment of quality of life among women. A number of attempts to predict LAM injury after vaginal delivery had been conducted. This study aims to appraise
the accuracy of several prediction index determining LAM injury after vaginal delivery. We conducted a search in Cochrane Library®, Pubmed®, and Medline® with the keywords of “pelvic floor dysfunction” AND “vaginal delivery”
AND “prediction.” Critical appraisal determining the validity, importance, and applicability (VIA) was conducted by 2 independent authors. After 6 weeks to 3 months’ duration of follow up, the incidence of LAM avulsion was varied from 15.4% to 35.6% from three studies. Multivariate
analysis showed that forceps delivery, OASIS, and active second stage (OR 3.8; 3.1; 1.61; respectively) as the most influential factors for LAM incidence. Maternal age and time spent in active pushing were also contributed to LAM incidence. OASIS and second stage of labor could be used as
the most influential components of prediction index for LAM incidence. Prediction indexes for LAM incidence are developed. OASIS and second stage of labor are acknowledged as two most influential variables among three appraised studies.
Longitudinal follow-up of levator ani muscle avulsion: does a second delivery affect it?
