Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira
Intrapartum rectovaginal distance as a predictor of obstetric anal sphincter injury: a prospective cohort study
By Bademci EG, Erdim YŞ, Özsoy EY and 1 others.
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between intrapartum rectovaginal distance measured by transperineal ultrasonography and obstetric anal sphincter injury severity and second-stage labor duration in nulliparous women undergoing vaginal delivery.
Methods
This prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral center in Istanbul, between September 2021 and January 2022. Of 200 consecutive nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies at ≥37 weeks' gestation, 148 who underwent vaginal delivery were included in the primary analysis. Intrapartum rectovaginal distance was measured in the midsagittal plane by 2D transperineal ultrasonography using a single operator during the inter-contraction rest period, at a fetal head station ranging from -1 to +1. Angle of progression and levator ani anteroposterior diameter were also recorded. Obstetric injury was graded per American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2016 criteria; grade 3-4 laceration (severe obstetric anal sphincter injury) was the primary outcome.