The level of unpleasantness of pain influences the choice of home treatment during medical abortion

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satu Suhonen ◽  
Marja Tikka ◽  
Seppo Kivinen ◽  
Timo Kauppila
Keyword(s):  
Medical Abortion ◽  
Nulliparous Women ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Vaginal Deliveries ◽  
Multiparous Women ◽  
Induced Abortions ◽  
Pain Drawings ◽  
Nonopioid Analgesics ◽  
Post Abortion ◽  
At Home

AbstractBackground and aimsMedical abortion is often performed at outpatient clinics or gynaecological wards. Yet, some women may stay at home during medical abortion. Pain has been reported to be one of the main side effects of the procedure.MethodsWe studied whether perceived abortion pain was related to the subjectively evaluated ability to stay at home during medical abortion. The size of the study group was 29 women. We also studied how well these women remembered the intensity and unpleasantness of the abortion pain in a control visit performed 3–6 weeks after abortion.ResultsEspecially, the unpleasantness associated with the pain during abortion was an important predictor when women evaluated their ability to stay at home during medical abortion. In those women who might have been able to stay at home in their own view, midwives looking after these women at the outpatient clinic estimated the pain intensity and unpleasantness also about 50% lower than in those who were not able to stay home in their own view. There were no significant differences in intensity, unpleasantness in hindsight of menstruation pain, or the area of this pain in the pain drawings in those women who considered that they might have stayed at home during medical abortion when compared with those who did not. No difference was found in age, gestational age, magnitude of previous pregnancies, miscarriages, vaginal deliveries, induced abortions, Beck’s Depression Index (BDI), Beck’s Anxiety Index (BAI) or AUDIT scores between those who could have stayed at home or those who would not have been able to stay at home during abortion. Components of abortion pain decreased significantly during the second post-abortion day. The more deliveries the subject had experienced the less pain she had during abortion. Multiparous women reported less than a fourth of the pain magnitude of the nulliparous women during abortion. Parity explained both intensity and unpleasantness of abortion pain better than the expected ability to stay at home. The remembrance of the intensity or unpleasantness of abortion pain correlated with actual pain reported at the time of abortion. However, this remembrance did not correlate with the ability to stay at home during the medical abortion.ConclusionsThe unpleasantness of pain during and immediately after abortion was recalled, not as a measure of the pain itself, but as a deciding factor in their judgement of whether or not they would be able to undergo medical abortion at home. Abortion pain is an important factor in enhancing home-based management of medical abortions. Medical staff may be able to detect those women who do not cope at home during the process by observing the intensity of pain. Therefore, proper treatment of pain might reduce the need for hospital-based medical abortions.ImplicationsThese patients need better care and guidelines for the care of women undergoing medical abortions should include clear recommendations for analgesic treatments, at the least adequate doses of nonopioid analgesics such as paracetamol in combination with NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac.

scholarly journals Impact factors on fetal descent rates in the active phase of labor: a retrospective cohort study

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 579-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Kimmich ◽  
Jana Juhasova ◽  
Christian Haslinger ◽  
Nicole Ochsenbein-Kölble ◽  
Roland Zimmermann
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Total Duration ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Nulliparous Women ◽  
Vaginal Deliveries ◽  
Multiparous Women

Abstract Aim: To assess fetal descent rates of nulliparous and multiparous women in the active phase of labor and to evaluate significant impact factors. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study at the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, we evaluated 6045 spontaneous vaginal deliveries with a singleton in vertex presentation between January 2007 and July 2014 at 34 0/7 to 42 0/7 gestational weeks. Median fetal descent rates and their 10th and 90th percentiles were assessed in the active phase of labor and different impact factors were evaluated. Results: Fetal descent rates are exponentially increasing. Nulliparous women have slower fetal descent than multiparous women (P<0.001), ranging from 0 to 5.81 cm/h and from 0 to 15 cm/h, respectively. The total duration of fetal descent in labor is 5.42 h for nulliparous and 2.71 h for multiparous women. Accelerating impact factors are a lower fetal station, multiparity, increasing maternal weight and fetal occipitoanterior position, whereas epidural anesthesia decelerates fetal descent (P<0.001). Conclusions: Fetal descent is a hyperbolic increasing process with faster descent in multiparous women compared to nulliparous women, is highly inter individual and is associated with different impact factors. The diagnosis of labor arrest or prolonged labor should therefore be based on such rates as well as on individual evaluation of every parturient.

scholarly journals Episiotomy practices in France: epidemiology and risk factors in non-operative vaginal deliveries

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clesse Christophe ◽  
Cottenet Jonathan ◽  
Lighezzolo-Alnot Joelle ◽  
Goueslard Karine ◽  
Scheffler Michele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Breech Presentation ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Nulliparous Women ◽  
Vaginal Deliveries ◽  
Multiparous Women ◽  
Scarred Uterus ◽  
Hospital Teams

AbstractEpisiotomy use has decreased due to the lack of evidence on its protective effects from maternal obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Indications for episiotomy vary considerably and there are a great variety of factors associated with its use. The aim of this article is to describe the episiotomy rate in France between 2013 and 2017 and the factors associated with its use in non-operative vaginal deliveries. In this retrospective population-based cohort study, we included vaginal deliveries performed in French hospitals (N = 584) and for which parity was coded. The variable of interest was the rate of episiotomy, particularly for non-operative vaginal deliveries. Trends in the episiotomy rates were studied using the Cochran-Armitage test. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with episiotomy according to maternal age and parity. Between 2013 and 2017, French episiotomy rates fell from 21.6 to 14.3% for all vaginal deliveries (p < 0.01), and from 15.5 to 9.3% (p < 0.01) for all non-operative vaginal deliveries. Among non-operative vaginal deliveries, epidural analgesia, non-reassuring fetal heart rate, meconium in the amniotic fluid, shoulder dystocia, and newborn weight (≥ 4,000 g) were risk factors for episiotomy, both for nulliparous and multiparous women. On the contrary, prematurity reduced the risk of its use. For nulliparous women, breech presentation was also a risk factor for episiotomy, and for multiparous women, scarred uterus and multiple pregnancies were risk factors. In France, despite a reduction in episiotomy use over the last few years, the factors associated with episiotomy have not changed and are similar to the literature. This suggests that the decrease in episiotomies in France is an overall tendency which is probably related to improved care strategies that have been relayed by hospital teams and perinatal networks.

scholarly journals Mapping the trajectories for women and their babies from births planned at home, in a birth centre or in a hospital in New South Wales, Australia, between 2000 and 2012

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa L. Scarf ◽  
Rosalie Viney ◽  
Serena Yu ◽  
Maralyn Foureur ◽  
Chris Rossiter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Home Birth ◽  
Vaginal Birth ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Birth Centre ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Nulliparous Women ◽  
Multiparous Women ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background In New South Wales (NSW) Australia, women at low risk of complications can choose from three birth settings: home, birth centre and hospital. Between 2000 and 2012, around 6.4% of pregnant women planned to give birth in a birth centre (6%) or at home (0.4%) and 93.6% of women planned to birth in a hospital. A proportion of the woman in the home and birth centre groups transferred to hospital. However, their pathways or trajectories are largely unknown. Aim The aim was to map the trajectories and interventions experienced by women and their babies from births planned at home, in a birth centre or in a hospital over a 13-year period in NSW. Methods Using population-based linked datasets from NSW, women at low risk of complications, with singleton pregnancies, gestation 37–41 completed weeks and spontaneous onset of labour were included. We used a decision tree framework to depict the trajectories of these women and estimate the probabilities of the following: giving birth in their planned setting; being transferred; requiring interventions and neonatal admission to higher level hospital care. The trajectories were analysed by parity. Results Over a 13-year period, 23% of nulliparous and 0.8% of multiparous women planning a home birth were transferred to hospital. In the birth centre group, 34% of nulliparae and 12% of multiparas were transferred to a hospital. Normal vaginal birth rates were higher in multiparous women compared to nulliparous women in all settings. Neonatal admission to SCN/NICU was highest in the planned hospital group for nulliparous women (10.1%), 7.1% for nulliparous women planning a birth centre birth and 5.1% of nulliparous women planning a homebirth. Multiparas had lower admissions to SCN/NICU for all thee settings (hospital 6.3%, BC 3.6%, home 1.6%, respectively). Conclusions Women who plan to give birth at home or in a birth centre have high rates of vaginal birth, even when transferred to hospital. Evidence on the trajectories of women who choose to give birth at home or in birth centres will assist the planning, costing and expansion of models of care in NSW.

scholarly journals Experiences of women in Ireland who accessed abortion by travelling abroad or by using abortion medication at home: a qualitative study

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail R A Aiken ◽  
Dana M Johnson ◽  
Kathleen Broussard ◽  
Elisa Padron
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Health ◽  
Medical Abortion ◽  
Safe Abortion ◽  
Abortion Law ◽  
Abortion Laws ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Post Abortion ◽  
The Impact ◽  
At Home

BackgroundThe Republic of Ireland has one of the world’s most restrictive abortion laws, allowing abortion only to preserve a pregnant woman’s life. We examined the impact of the law on women’s options for accessing abortion, their decision-making regarding whichpathway to follow, and their experiences with their chosen approach.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 38 women who had either travelled abroad to access abortion in a clinic or had self-managed a medical abortion at home using online telemedicine, between 2010 and 2017. We coded interview transcripts according to an iteratively developed coding guide and performed a thematic analysis to identify key themes.ResultsWe identified four key themes: (1) self-managing a medical abortion at home using online telemedicine can be a preference over travelling abroad to access abortion services; (2) regardless of the pathway chosen, women experience a lack of pre- and post-abortion support in the Irish healthcare system; (3) feelings of desperation while searching for safe abortion care can lead to considering or attempting dangerous methods; and (4) Irish abortion law and attitudes have impacts beyond physical health considerations, engendering shame and stigma.ConclusionsDespite the country’s restrictive abortion law, women in Ireland do obtain abortions, using methods that are legal and safe elsewhere. However, the law negatively impacts women’s ability to discuss their options with their healthcare professionals and to seek follow-up care, and can have serious implications for their physical and emotional health. This study’s findings provide evidence to inform public and policy discourse on Ireland’s abortion laws.

scholarly journals Effectiveness, safety and acceptability of medical abortion at home versus in the clinic: a systematic review and meta-analysis in response to COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. e003934
Author(s):  
Katherine Gambir ◽  
Camille Garnsey ◽  
Kelly Ann Necastro ◽  
Thoai D Ngo
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Medical Abortion ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Assessment Development ◽  
Evaluation Approach ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
At Home

BackgroundIncreased access to home-based medical abortion may offer women a convenient, safe and effective abortion method, reduce burdens on healthcare systems and support social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Home-based medical abortion is defined as any abortion where mifepristone, misoprostol or both medications are taken at home.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies (NRSs) were conducted. We searched databases from inception to 10 July 2019 and 14 June 2020. Successful abortion was the main outcome of interest. Eligible studies were RCTs and NRSs studies with a concurrent comparison group comparing home versus clinic-based medical abortion. Risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% CIs were calculated. Estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess risk of bias by outcome and to evaluate the overall quality of the evidence.ResultsWe identified 6277 potentially eligible published studies. Nineteen studies (3 RCTs and 16 NRSs) were included with 11 576 women seeking abortion up to 9 weeks gestation. Neither the RCTs nor the NRS found any difference between home-based and clinic-based administration of medical abortion in having a successful abortion (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.01, I2=0%; RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.01, I2=52%, respectively). The certainty of the evidence for the 16 NRSs was downgraded from low to very low due to high risk of bias and publication bias. The certainty of the evidence for the three RCTs was downgraded from high to moderate by one level for high risk of bias.ConclusionHome-based medical abortion is effective, safe and acceptable to women. This evidence should be used to expand women’s abortion options and ensure access to abortion for women during COVID-19 and beyond.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020183171.

scholarly journals Dying at home of Covid-19: Meeting the need for home-based care

2020 ◽  
pp. 106409
Author(s):  
Cara Kiernan Fallon ◽  
Madison K. Kilbride
Keyword(s):  
Home Based ◽  
Dying At Home ◽  
Home Based Care ◽  
At Home

scholarly journals A two-centre survey of caregiver perspectives on opioid use for children’s acute pain management

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Esther Jun ◽  
Samina Ali ◽  
Maryna Yaskina ◽  
Kathryn Dong ◽  
Manasi Rajagopal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Willingness To Accept ◽  
Moderate Pain ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Opioid Medication ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Nonopioid Analgesics ◽  
Ongoing Pain ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
At Home

Abstract Background Given the current opioid crisis, caregivers have mounting fears regarding the use of opioid medication in their children. We aimed to determine caregivers’ a) willingness to accept, b) reasons for refusing, and c) past experiences with opioids. Methods A novel electronic survey of caregivers of children aged 4 to 16 years who had an acute musculoskeletal injury and presented to two Canadian paediatric emergency departments (ED) (March to November 2017). Primary outcome was caregiver willingness to accept opioids for moderate pain for their children. Results Five hundred and seventeen caregivers participated; mean age was 40.9 (SD 7.1) years with 70.0% (362/517) mothers. Children included 62.2% (321/516) males with a mean age of 10.0 (SD 3.6) years. 49.6% of caregivers (254/512) reported willingness to accept opioids for ongoing moderate pain in the ED, while 37.1% (190/512) were ‘unsure’; 33.2% (170/512) of caregivers would accept opioids for at-home use, but 45.5% (233/512) were ‘unsure’. Caregivers’ primary concerns were side effects, overdose, addiction, and masking of diagnosis. Caregiver fear of addiction (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.25) and side effects (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.42) affected willingness to accept opioids in the emergency department; fears of addiction (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32), and overdose (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.27) affected willingness to accept opioids for at-home use. Conclusions Only half of the caregivers would accept opioids for moderate pain, despite ongoing pain following nonopioid analgesics. Caregivers’ fears of addiction, side effects, overdose, and masking diagnosis may have influenced their responses. These findings are a first step in understanding caregiver analgesic decision making.

scholarly journals Initiation of therapy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a randomized comparison of outcomes of telemetry-supported home-based vs. sleep lab-based therapy initiation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Fietze ◽  
Sebastian Herberger ◽  
Gina Wewer ◽  
Holger Woehrle ◽  
Katharina Lederer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sleep Laboratory ◽  
Home Therapy ◽  
Home Management ◽  
Therapy Initiation ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
At Home

Abstract Purpose Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea are traditionally performed in sleep laboratories with polysomnography (PSG) and are associated with significant waiting times for patients and high cost. We investigated if initiation of auto-titrating CPAP (APAP) treatment at home in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and subsequent telemonitoring by a homecare provider would be non-inferior to in-lab management with diagnostic PSG, subsequent in-lab APAP initiation, and standard follow-up regarding compliance and disease-specific quality of life. Methods This randomized, open-label, single-center study was conducted in Germany. Screening occurred between December 2013 and November 2015. Eligible patients with moderate-to-severe OSA documented by polygraphy (PG) were randomized to home management or standard care. All patients were managed by certified sleep physicians. The home management group received APAP therapy at home, followed by telemonitoring. The control group received a diagnostic PSG, followed by therapy initiation in the sleep laboratory. The primary endpoint was therapy compliance, measured as average APAP usage after 6 months. Results The intention-to-treat population (ITT) included 224 patients (110 home therapy, 114 controls); the per-protocol population (PP) included 182 patients with 6-month device usage data (89 home therapy, 93 controls). In the PP analysis, mean APAP usage at 6 months was not different in the home therapy and control groups (4.38 ± 2.04 vs. 4.32 ± 2.28, p = 0.845). The pre-specified non-inferiority margin (NIM) of 0.3 h/day was not achieved (p = 0.130); statistical significance was achieved in a post hoc analysis when NIM was set at 0.5 h/day (p < 0.05). Time to APAP initiation was significantly shorter in the home therapy group (7.6 ± 7.2 vs. 46.1 ± 23.8 days; p < 0.0001). Conclusion Use of a home-based telemonitoring strategy for initiation of APAP in selected patients with OSA managed by sleep physicians is feasible, appears to be non-inferior to standard sleep laboratory procedures, and facilitates faster access to therapy.

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