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Biomedical subjects

G J Hofmeyr

Publications and source records attributed to G J Hofmeyr.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Surgical methods for first trimester termination of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Different surgical methods for termination of pregnancy have evolved over the years: Dilatation and curettage, power operated vacuum aspiration, manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) or hysterotomy. Local or general anaesthesia is used for all methods. Preabortion medical or mechanical cervical preparation may reduce the incidence of cervical or uterine injuries. OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and efficacy of different surgical methods for first trimester abortion. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register has been searched. A search of the reference lists of identified trials was performed. An additional MEDLINE search was done using the Internet search service Pub Med. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing different surgical methods for first trimester abortion were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trials under consideration were evaluated for methodological quality and appropriateness for inclusion. Three trials were included, resulting in 2 comparisons: vacuum aspiration versus dilatation and curettage and flexible versus rigid vacuum aspiration cannula. Results are reported as odds ratio for dichotomous data and weighted mean differences for continuous data. MAIN RESULTS: There were no reports of maternal deaths and cases of uterine perforation in the trials identified. Vacuum aspiration versus dilatation and curettage: There were no statistically significant differences for excessive blood loss, blood transfusion, febrile morbidity, incomplete or repeat uterine evacuation procedure, re-hospitalisation, post operative abdominal pain or therapeutic antibiotic use. Duration of operation was statistically significantly shorter with vacuum aspiration compared to D&C in both gestational age subgroups : < 9 weeks: weighted mean difference (WMD) -1.84 minutes, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-2.542,-1.138]; =/> 9 weeks: WMD -0.600 minutes, 95% CI [-1.166,-0.034]). Flexible versus rigid vacuum aspiration cannula: There were no statistically significant differences with regard to cervical injuries, febrile morbidity, blood transfusion, therapeutic antibiotic use, or incomplete or repeat uterine evacuation procedure. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The included studies do not indicate a preference of providers for one or the other method. The trials included are small and lack power to to present meaningful differences for rare outcomes between the groups. outcomes such as women's satisfaction, the need for pain relief or surgeons preference for the instrument have been inadequately addressed. No data outcomes, such as fertility after surgical abortion, are available.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed2001

Hypovolaemic shock.

Measured blood loss up to 1000 ml is well tolerated by healthy pregnant women. This is partly due to physiological increases in plasma volume and red cell mass during pregnancy. Nevertheless, hypovolaemic shock is a major cause of maternal mortality. Management requires teamwork, co-ordination, speed and adequate facilities to be life-saving. The first priority is rapid fluid replacement. Evidence from randomized trials has established that crystalloids are the fluids of choice over colloids and particularly albumen, which was associated with increased mortality. Rapid access to blood or blood products for transfusion is necessary, as well as laboratory back-up. Further management includes accurate assessment of the site of bleeding; control of the bleeding; diagnosis and management of the underlying condition; supportive therapy; and monitoring of the clinical, haematological and biochemical response to treatment. Bedside diagnostic ultrasound has several applications in the evaluation of obstetric hypovolaemic shock.

Abruptio Placentae↗
PubMed2001

Induction of labour with misoprostol.

Misoprostol, an orally active prostaglandin E1 analogue, has been used widely by the vaginal and oral routes for labour induction at or near term. Several recent trials have confirmed that it is highly effective. Overall caesarean section rates appear to be reduced, despite a relative increase in caesarean sections for fetal heart rate abnormalities. Concern remains regarding increased rates of uterine hyperstimulation and meconium-stained amniotic fluid, although data on perinatal outcomes have been reassuring. Recent reports reviewed here have raised the possibility that postpartum haemorrhage may be increased after the induction of labour with misoprostol, and isolated reports of uterine rupture with or without previous caesarean section, continue to appear. Using small dosages appears to reduce adverse outcomes. Very large trials are needed to evaluate rare adverse outcomes.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Titrated oral misoprostol solution for induction of labour: a multi-centre, randomised trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of titrated oral misoprostol solution, compared with vaginal dinoprostone. STUDY DESIGN: Open, randomised clinical trial. SETTING: Academic hospitals in South Africa and Liverpool, UK. METHODS: Women undergoing induction of labour after 34 weeks of pregnancy were allocated by randomised, sealed opaque envelopes, to induction of labour with titrated oral misoprostol solution, or two doses of vaginal dinoprostone (2mg) administered six hours apart. Failure to deliver within 24 hours of randomisation was the primary outcome on which the sample size was based. The data were analysed by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety-five women were randomly allocated: 346 to oral misoprostol and 349 to vaginal dinoprostone. There were no significant differences in substantive outcomes. Vaginal delivery within 24 hours was not achieved in 38% of women in the oral misoprostol group and 36% in the vaginal dinoprostone group (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.89-1.31). The caesarean section rates were 16% and 20%, respectively (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.58-1.11). Hyperstimulation with fetal heart rate changes occurred in 4% of women in the oral misoprostol group and 3% after vaginal dinoprostone (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.59-2.98). The response to induction of labour in women with unfavourable cervices was somewhat slower with misoprostol when membranes were intact, and with dinoprostone when membranes were ruptured. There were no differences in neonatal outcome between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This new approach to oral misoprostol administration was successful in minimising the risk of uterine hyperstimulation, which has been a feature of misoprostol use for induction of labour, at the expense of a somewhat slower response in women with intact membranes and unfavourable cervices. Misoprostol is not registered for use in pregnant women, and further research is needed to confirm optimal and safe dosages.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed2001

Side-effects of oral misoprostol in the third stage of labour--a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Misoprostol, an inexpensive, stable, orally active prostaglandin analogue, has been suggested for use in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage. Potential side-effects, however, need to be quantified. OBJECTIVE: To compare the rate of postpartum shivering and pyrexia following oral misoprostol 600 micrograms and placebo. DESIGN: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Women in labour were randomly allocated to receive either misoprostol 600 micrograms orally or placebo after delivery. Conventional oxytocics were given immediately if blood loss was thought to be more than usual. Side-effects were recorded. Postpartum blood loss in the first hour was measured by collection in a special flat plastic bedpan. SETTING: The labour ward of an academic hospital in Johannesburg, with 7,000 deliveries per annum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Shivering and pyrexia. RESULTS: The groups were well matched. Misoprostol use was associated with more shivering (44% versus 11%, relative risk (RR) 4.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.85-5.70), pyrexia > or = 37.8 degrees C (38% v. 6%, RR 6.23, CI 3.89-9.97), 1-hour systolic blood pressure > or = 140 mmHg (33% v. 25%, RR 1.32, CI 1.03-1.70), and diastolic blood pressure > or = 90 mmHg (10.5% v. 3.0%, RR 3.44, CI 1.67-7.11). There were no other significant differences. The study was not designed to be large enough to assess a difference in blood loss > or = 1,000 ml (9% v. 9.7%, RR 0.93, CI 0.56-1.53). Possible effects on blood loss may have been obscured by the lesser use of additional oxytocics in the misoprostol group (14% v. 18%, RR 0.78, CI 0.54-1.13). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the association of postpartum oral misoprostol 600 micrograms with shivering, pyrexia and hypertension. The increased blood pressure, as for the trend towards increased abdominal pain, may be secondary to the uterotonic effect of misoprostol. Large randomised trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of misoprostol in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, against which the disadvantages demonstrated here can be weighed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Titrated oral misoprostol solution--a new method of labour induction.

BACKGROUND: Misoprostol, a cheap, stable, orally active prostaglandin analogue, is effective for labour induction when administered either vaginally or orally, but uterine hyperstimulation and rupture have been reported. Previous studies of oral misoprostol for labour induction have used fixed dosages 3-6-hourly. OBJECTIVES: To develop a new method of misoprostol use for labour induction using very small, frequent, titrated oral dosages, and to pilot effectiveness. STUDY DESIGN: Open clinical pilot study. SETTING: Coronation Hospital, an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS: We developed a method using 2-hourly titrated misoprostol doses commencing with 20 micrograms, increased after three doses to 40 micrograms. To administer such small doses we dissolved one misoprostol tablet in 200 ml water. A pilot study of this method was undertaken in 25 women with various indications for induction of labour. RESULTS: Eighteen women (72%) delivered vaginally within 32 hours of induction and two women developed uterine hyperstimulation. The caesarean section rate was 20%. CONCLUSIONS: Women may respond to much smaller dosages of misoprostol than are currently in use. A multicentre randomised trial of this method is underway. We emphasise the dangers inherent in the current unregistered use of misoprostol in clinical practice.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

Abdominal decompression for suspected fetal compromise/pre-eclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal decompression was developed as a means of pain relief during labour. It has also been used for complications of pregnancy, and in healthy pregnant women in an attempt to improve fetal wellbeing and intellectual development. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of antenatal abdominal decompression for maternal hypertension or impaired fetal growth, on perinatal outcome. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched. Date of last search: February 1998. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised trials comparing abdominal decompression with no decompression in women with pre-eclampsia and/or fetuses thought to be compromised. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by one reviewer. MAIN RESULTS: Three studies were included, all with the possibility of containing serious bias. Therapeutic abdominal decompression was associated with the following reductions: persistent pre-eclampsia (relative risk 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.72); fetal distress in labour (relative risk 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.19 to 0.71); low birthweight (relative risk 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.40 to 0. 63); Apgar scores less than six at one minute (relative risk 0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.56); and perinatal mortality (relative risk 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.22 to 0.71). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Due to the methodological limitations of the studies, the effects of therapeutic abdominal decompression are not clear. The apparent improvements in birthweight and perinatal mortality warrant further evaluation of abdominal decompression where there is impaired fetal growth and possibly for women with pre-eclampsia.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Amnioinfusion for umbilical cord compression in labour.

BACKGROUND: Amnioinfusion aims to prevent or relieve umbilical cord compression during labour by infusing a solution into the uterine cavity. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of amnioinfusion on maternal and perinatal outcome for potential or suspected umbilical cord compression or potential amnionitis. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of amnioinfusion compared with no amnioinfusion in women with babies at risk of umbilical cord compression; and women at risk of intrauterine infection. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by the reviewer. MAIN RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. Transcervical amnioinfusion for potential or suspected umbilical cord compression was associated with the following reductions: fetal heart rate decelerations (relative risk 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.43 to 0.68); caesarean section for suspected fetal distress (relative risk 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.24 to 0.52); neonatal hospital stay greater than 3 days (relative risk 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0. 26 to 0.62); maternal hospital stay greater than 3 days (relative risk 0.46, 95% 0.29 to 0.74). Transabdominal amnioinfusion showed similar results. Transcervical amnioinfusion to prevent infection in women with membranes ruptured for more than 6 hours was associated with a reduction in puerperal infection (relative risk 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.97). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Amnioinfusion appears to reduce the occurrence of variable heart rate decelerations and lower the use of caesarean section. However the studies were done in settings where fetal distress was not confirmed by fetal blood sampling. The results may therefore only be relevant where caesarean sections are commonly done for abnormal fetal heart rate alone. The trials reviewed are too small to address the possibility of rare but serious maternal adverse effects of amnioinfusion.

Amnion↗
PubMed2000

Amnioinfusion for meconium-stained liquor in labour.

BACKGROUND: Amnioinfusion aims to prevent or relieve umbilical cord compression during labour by infusing a solution into the uterine cavity. It is also thought to dilute meconium when present in the amniotic fluid and so reduce the risk of meconium aspiration. However it may be that the mechanism of effect is that it corrects oligohydramnios (reduced amniotic fluid), for which thick meconium staining is a marker. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of amnioinfusion for meconium-stained liquor on perinatal outcome. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing amnioinfusion with no amnioinfusion for women in labour with moderate or thick meconium-staining of the amniotic fluid. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by one reviewer. MAIN RESULTS: Ten studies, most involving small numbers of participants, were included. Under standard perinatal surveillance, amnioinfusion was associated with a reduction in the following: heavy meconium staining of the liquor (relative risk 0.03, 95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.15); variable fetal heart rate deceleration (relative risk 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.24 to 0. 90); and a trend to reduced caesarean section overall (relative risk 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.00). No perinatal deaths were reported. Under limited perinatal surveillance, amnioinfusion was associated with a reduction in the following: meconium aspiration syndrome (relative risk 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0. 12 to 0.48); neonatal hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (relative risk 0.07, 95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.56) and neonatal ventilation or intensive care unit admission (relative risk 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.39 to 0.79); there was a trend towards reduced perinatal mortality (relative risk 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.11 to 1.06). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Amnioinfusion is associated with improvements in perinatal outcome, particularly in settings where facilities for perinatal surveillance are limited. The trials reviewed are too small to address the possibility of rare but serious maternal adverse effects of amnioinfusion.

Amnion↗
PubMed2000

Bed rest in hospital for suspected impaired fetal growth.

BACKGROUND: Bed rest in hospital or at home is widely advised for many complications of pregnancy. The increased clinical supervision needs to be balanced with the risk of thrombosis, the stress on the pregnant women, as well as the costs to families and health services. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of bed rest in hospital for women with suspected impaired fetal growth. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of last search: December 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing a policy of bed rest in hospital with ambulatory management for women with suspected impaired fetal growth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality was assessed. MAIN RESULTS: One study involving 107 women was included. Allocation of treatment was by odd or even birth date. There were differences in baseline fetal weights and birth weights, but these were not statistically significant (mean estimated fetal weight deviation at enrolment was -21.7% for the bed rest group and -20.7% for the ambulatory group; mean estimated birth weight was -19.7% for the bed rest group and -20.6% for the ambulatory group). No differences were detected between bed rest and ambulatory management for fetal growth parameters (relative risk 0.43, 95% confidence interval: 0.15 to 1. 27) and neonatal outcomes. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of a bed rest in hospital policy for women with suspected impaired fetal growth.

Bed Rest↗
PubMed2000

Tocolytics for suspected intrapartum fetal distress.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic tocolysis with betamimetics and other agents has become widespread as a treatment for fetal distress. Uterine relaxation may improve placental blood flow and therefore fetal oxygenation. However there may also be adverse maternal cardiovascular effects. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of tocolytic therapy for suspected fetal distress on fetal, maternal and perinatal outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of last search: February 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing tocolytic therapy with no treatment or treatment with another tocolytic agent for suspected fetal distress. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Three studies were included. Compared with no treatment, there were fewer failed improvements in fetal heart rate abnormalities with tocolytic therapy (relative risk 0.26, 95% 0.13 to 0.53). Betamimetic therapy compared with magnesium sulphate showed a non-significant trend towards reduced uterine activity (relative risk 0.07, 95% confidence interval 0.00 to 1.10). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Betamimetic therapy appears to be able to reduce the number of fetal heart rate abnormalities and perhaps reduce uterine activity. However there is not enough evidence based on clinically important outcomes to evaluate the use of betamimetics for suspected fetal distress.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Betamimetics for suspected impaired fetal growth.

BACKGROUND: Betamimetic drugs may promote fetal growth by increasing the availability of nutrients and by decreasing vascular resistance. They may also induce adverse effects via their effects on carbohydrate metabolism. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of betamimetic therapy for suspected impaired fetal growth on fetal growth and perinatal outcome. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of the latest search: December 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of betamimetic therapy compared with no betamimetic therapy or placebo in women with suspected impaired fetal growth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eligibility and trial quality was assessed. MAIN RESULTS: Two studies of 118 women were included. No differences were found between the betamimetic groups and the control groups for low birth weight (relative risk 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.75 to 1.83), other anthropometric or neonatal morbidity and mortality measures. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of betamimetics in promoting fetal growth. Larger studies are needed to investigate possible adverse effects of long-term betamimetic administration.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed2000

Tocolysis for preventing fetal distress in second stage of labour.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic tocolysis with betamimetics and other agents has become widespread as a treatment for fetal distress. Uterine relaxation may improve placental blood flow and therefore fetal oxygenation. However there may also be adverse maternal cardiovascular effects. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of prophylactic betamimetic therapy during the second stage of labour on perinatal outcome. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched. Date of last search: February 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing prophylactic intravenous betamimetic therapy during the second stage of labour with placebo or no treatment in uncomplicated pregnancies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: One study involving 100 women was included. Compared to placebo, prophylactic betamimetic therapy was associated with an increase in forceps deliveries (relative risk 1.83, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 3. 29). There were no clear effects on postpartum haemorrhage, neonatal irritability, feeding slowness, umbilical arterial pH values or Apgar scores at 2 minutes. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence to support the prophylactic use of betamimetics during the second stage of labour.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed2000

Calcium channel blockers for potential impaired fetal growth.

BACKGROUND: Calcium channel blockers may increase the blood flow to the fetus or may improve fetal-placental cellular energy generation. This could enhance fetal growth. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this review were to assess the effects of calcium channel blockers on fetal growth and neonatal morbidity and mortality in pregnancies where impaired fetal growth is suspected. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of the last search: December 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Acceptably controlled trials of calcium channel blockers in women with potential impaired fetal growth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eligibility and trial quality were assessed. MAIN RESULTS: One study of 100 women (all smokers) was included. Mean birth weight was significantly higher in women receiving flunarizine compared to the control group. No other significant differences were found. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of calcium channel blockers for impaired fetal growth. The apparent beneficial effect of calcium channel blockers on birthweight warrants further investigation.

Calcium Channel Blockers↗
PubMed2000

Cephalic version by postural management for breech presentation.

BACKGROUND: It is possible that maternal posture may influence fetal position. Many postural techniques have been used to promote cephalic version. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of postural management of breech presentation on measures of pregnancy outcome. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register and Controlled Trials Register were searched. Date of last search: February 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing postural management with pelvic elevation for breech presentation, with a control group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by both reviewers. MAIN RESULTS: Three studies involving a total of 192 women were included. Postural management was associated with a non-significant trend towards fewer non-cephalic births (relative risk 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0. 73 to 1.12). No differences were detected for caesarean sections or Apgar scores below seven at one minute. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of postural management for breech presentation.

Breech Presentation↗
PubMed2000

Transcutaneous electrostimulation for suspected placental insufficiency (diagnosed by Doppler studies).

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrostimulation is thought to be able to improve blood flow and so it has been suggested that it may help to promote fetal growth. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess the effects of transcutaneous electrostimulation in suspected placental insufficiency on the promotion of fetal growth. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of last search: December 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Acceptably controlled trials of transcutaneous electrostimulation compared with placebo or no treatment in women with suspected impaired fetal growth or placental insufficiency. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality was assessed. MAIN RESULTS: No studies were included. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of transcutaneous electrostimulation in the management of women with suspected placental insufficiency.

Electric Stimulation Therapy↗