Puerperium Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(11):862-869
The puerperium is a complex period that begins with placental delivery and lasts for 6 weeks, during which readaptation of the female organism and redistribution of blood volume occur. This period is conducive to the occurrence of thromboembolic events. In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the virus responsible for COVID-19, the attention of the scientific community and health professionals has been focused on obtaining insights on different aspects of this disease, including etiology, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. Regarding the pregnancy-postpartum cycle, it is opportune to review the clinical conditions that can occur during this period and to investigate dyspnea as a postpartum symptom in order to avoid its immediate association with COVID-19 without further investigation, which can lead to overlooking the diagnosis of other important and occasionally fatal conditions.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(11):862-869
The puerperium is a complex period that begins with placental delivery and lasts for 6 weeks, during which readaptation of the female organism and redistribution of blood volume occur. This period is conducive to the occurrence of thromboembolic events. In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the virus responsible for COVID-19, the attention of the scientific community and health professionals has been focused on obtaining insights on different aspects of this disease, including etiology, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. Regarding the pregnancy-postpartum cycle, it is opportune to review the clinical conditions that can occur during this period and to investigate dyspnea as a postpartum symptom in order to avoid its immediate association with COVID-19 without further investigation, which can lead to overlooking the diagnosis of other important and occasionally fatal conditions.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(11):512-515
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005434
To assess the chemotactic activity and phagocytic response of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes among women in the first five days postpartum.
A prospective, cross-sectional clinical-laboratory study was conducted. Data of 31 postpartum women during the first five days after vaginal delivery were compared with those of 24 healthy non-pregnant non-postpartum women matched for age. The inclusion criteria were postpartum, clinically and obstetrically healthy women; vaginal delivery, singleton pregnancy carried to term; non-hypertensive, hyperglycemic, allergic, malnourished or with autoimmune or neoplastic diseases; not having received vaccines or blood products in the last three months. The Control Group was chosen according to the same inclusion criteria but involving non-pregnant non-postpartum women. The chemotactic activity of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes was assessed by determining the distance from directed migration to bacterial lipopolysaccharide, in three Boyden chamber assays. The phagocytic response was identified by assessing the Zymosan particles' ingestion in three assays carried out in Leighton tubes. The Student's t- test was used in the statistical analysis, adopting a 5% level of significance.
The chemotactic activity of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes from postpartum women in the presence of homologous (73.2±6.9) and autologous (78.6±13.9) sera showed a significant increase compared to the values observed in the Control Group (64.1±4.1 and 66.6±5.4). Both chemotactic response and phagocytosis ingestion phase of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes were significantly increased (p<0.05) in postpartum women compared to healthy non-pregnant and non-postpartum women.
There was an increase in the chemotactic activity and phagocytic response of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes during the first five days after vaginal delivery in women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(11):512-515
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005434
To assess the chemotactic activity and phagocytic response of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes among women in the first five days postpartum.
A prospective, cross-sectional clinical-laboratory study was conducted. Data of 31 postpartum women during the first five days after vaginal delivery were compared with those of 24 healthy non-pregnant non-postpartum women matched for age. The inclusion criteria were postpartum, clinically and obstetrically healthy women; vaginal delivery, singleton pregnancy carried to term; non-hypertensive, hyperglycemic, allergic, malnourished or with autoimmune or neoplastic diseases; not having received vaccines or blood products in the last three months. The Control Group was chosen according to the same inclusion criteria but involving non-pregnant non-postpartum women. The chemotactic activity of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes was assessed by determining the distance from directed migration to bacterial lipopolysaccharide, in three Boyden chamber assays. The phagocytic response was identified by assessing the Zymosan particles' ingestion in three assays carried out in Leighton tubes. The Student's t- test was used in the statistical analysis, adopting a 5% level of significance.
The chemotactic activity of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes from postpartum women in the presence of homologous (73.2±6.9) and autologous (78.6±13.9) sera showed a significant increase compared to the values observed in the Control Group (64.1±4.1 and 66.6±5.4). Both chemotactic response and phagocytosis ingestion phase of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes were significantly increased (p<0.05) in postpartum women compared to healthy non-pregnant and non-postpartum women.
There was an increase in the chemotactic activity and phagocytic response of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes during the first five days after vaginal delivery in women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(8):368-372
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000800006
PURPOSE: To compare the degree of peripheral facial palsy of pregnant women and puerperae at admission and at discharge and to evaluate related factors. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional study, with analysis of medical records of pregnant and postpartum women with facial palsy, over a period of 12 months, with application of a standardized protocol for patient evaluation and of the House-Brackmann scale on the occasion of the first visit and at discharge. RESULTS: Six patients were identified, mean age of 22.6 years. Five cases were classified as stage IV and one as stage II on the House-Brackmann scale, being two of them puerperae and four pregnant. All showed improvement on the House-Brackmann scale. CONCLUSION: The Bell's palsy has a good prognosis even in pregnant and postpartum women, being important to perform the correct treatment to reduce the sequelae in this group identified as more susceptible to peripheral facial palsy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(8):368-372
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000800006
PURPOSE: To compare the degree of peripheral facial palsy of pregnant women and puerperae at admission and at discharge and to evaluate related factors. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional study, with analysis of medical records of pregnant and postpartum women with facial palsy, over a period of 12 months, with application of a standardized protocol for patient evaluation and of the House-Brackmann scale on the occasion of the first visit and at discharge. RESULTS: Six patients were identified, mean age of 22.6 years. Five cases were classified as stage IV and one as stage II on the House-Brackmann scale, being two of them puerperae and four pregnant. All showed improvement on the House-Brackmann scale. CONCLUSION: The Bell's palsy has a good prognosis even in pregnant and postpartum women, being important to perform the correct treatment to reduce the sequelae in this group identified as more susceptible to peripheral facial palsy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1998;20(5):289-292
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031998000500009
Pneumoperitoneum, abdominal pain and paralytic ileus in the postoperative period are usually related to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. The authors present a case of a patient submitted to cesarean section (abruptio placentae) who had a postoperative course of abdominal distention and abdominal pain. Abdominal X-ray showed important dilatation of the colon and small bowel. Pneumoperitoneum was seen on chest X-ray. An exploratory laparotomy was performed because of suspicion of intestinal perforation. The operation showed a marked dilatation of bowel, pneumoperitoneum, and infected hemoperitoneum and subaponeurotic hematoma (Escherichia coli), without any perforation. Postoperative recovery was good and antibiotics were given for 4 days (ceftriaxone + metronidazole). The patient was diseharged from hospital on the 7th day after laparotomy. After review of the literature the authors concluded that this case of pneumoperitoneum was probably related to infection by a gas-producing bacterium in a patient with clinical findings of paralytic ileus.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1998;20(5):289-292
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031998000500009
Pneumoperitoneum, abdominal pain and paralytic ileus in the postoperative period are usually related to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. The authors present a case of a patient submitted to cesarean section (abruptio placentae) who had a postoperative course of abdominal distention and abdominal pain. Abdominal X-ray showed important dilatation of the colon and small bowel. Pneumoperitoneum was seen on chest X-ray. An exploratory laparotomy was performed because of suspicion of intestinal perforation. The operation showed a marked dilatation of bowel, pneumoperitoneum, and infected hemoperitoneum and subaponeurotic hematoma (Escherichia coli), without any perforation. Postoperative recovery was good and antibiotics were given for 4 days (ceftriaxone + metronidazole). The patient was diseharged from hospital on the 7th day after laparotomy. After review of the literature the authors concluded that this case of pneumoperitoneum was probably related to infection by a gas-producing bacterium in a patient with clinical findings of paralytic ileus.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1999;21(5):267-272
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000500004
Purpose: to check if physiotherapy immediately after childbirth may contribute to early diastasis reduction. Methods: longitudinal and randomized study with 50 parturient women recruited in the Maternidade-Escola Hilda Brandão of the Santa Casa of Belo Horizonte, from April to September 1998. The control group (N = 25) was submitted to evaluation and measurement (6 h and 18 h after labor), and the treatment group (N = 25) was submitted to the same evaluation and measurement as above, as well as to a protocol for physiotherapeutic assistance, 6 and 18 h after labor. For the evaluations, a pachymeter, a precision instrument, was used to measure diastasis. Results: at 18 h after parturition, the control group presented a diastasis reduction of 5.4%, and the treatment group of 12.5%, as related to the first measure (6 h after delivery) (p<0.001, with a confidence interval of 99%). Conclusions: these results show that the physiotherapeutic assistance immediately after childbirth determines a significant reduction in the diastasis of the recti abdominis muscles (DRAM) after every treatment session, as well as a relevant reduction when compared to the control group, positively contributing to the earlier recovery of the recti abdominis muscles.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1999;21(5):267-272
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000500004
Purpose: to check if physiotherapy immediately after childbirth may contribute to early diastasis reduction. Methods: longitudinal and randomized study with 50 parturient women recruited in the Maternidade-Escola Hilda Brandão of the Santa Casa of Belo Horizonte, from April to September 1998. The control group (N = 25) was submitted to evaluation and measurement (6 h and 18 h after labor), and the treatment group (N = 25) was submitted to the same evaluation and measurement as above, as well as to a protocol for physiotherapeutic assistance, 6 and 18 h after labor. For the evaluations, a pachymeter, a precision instrument, was used to measure diastasis. Results: at 18 h after parturition, the control group presented a diastasis reduction of 5.4%, and the treatment group of 12.5%, as related to the first measure (6 h after delivery) (p<0.001, with a confidence interval of 99%). Conclusions: these results show that the physiotherapeutic assistance immediately after childbirth determines a significant reduction in the diastasis of the recti abdominis muscles (DRAM) after every treatment session, as well as a relevant reduction when compared to the control group, positively contributing to the earlier recovery of the recti abdominis muscles.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(8):456-460
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000800004
PURPOSE: to analyze the effectiveness and safety of exclusive hospital parenteral antibiotic therapy to treat puerperal endometritis in a population of low socioeconomic level. METHODS: a prospective clinical trial evaluated 21 puerperae with a diagnosis of postpartum endometritis, whose deliveries occurred at a university hospital by cesarean section (52.4%) or normal delivery (47.6%). The sample was characterized by low socioeconomic and educational levels. The patients were submitted to a regimen of exclusive parenteral antibiotic, only during the hospitalization period (ATP-EX group). These results were compared with results obtained in a historical cohort in the same hospital (20 cases) submitted to a regimen of hospital parenteral antibiotic therapy complemented with ambulatory oral treatment (ATP+VO group). The patients were evaluated clinically on the occasion of periodic return visits in order to identify cases of recurrence and infectious complications. RESULTS: one patient from the ATP+VO group needed to be readmitted to the hospital on the 6th day after her discharge from the hospital with a diagnosis of endometritis recrudescence. No complications were observed among patients from ATP-EX group. CONCLUSION: for the treatment of puerperal endometritis, there was no additional advantage in using supplementary oral antibiotic therapy after patient discharge. The results using exclusive parenteral antibiotic treatment during hospitalization time indicate that it is effective and can be safely used in a population of low socioeconomic level.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(8):456-460
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000800004
PURPOSE: to analyze the effectiveness and safety of exclusive hospital parenteral antibiotic therapy to treat puerperal endometritis in a population of low socioeconomic level. METHODS: a prospective clinical trial evaluated 21 puerperae with a diagnosis of postpartum endometritis, whose deliveries occurred at a university hospital by cesarean section (52.4%) or normal delivery (47.6%). The sample was characterized by low socioeconomic and educational levels. The patients were submitted to a regimen of exclusive parenteral antibiotic, only during the hospitalization period (ATP-EX group). These results were compared with results obtained in a historical cohort in the same hospital (20 cases) submitted to a regimen of hospital parenteral antibiotic therapy complemented with ambulatory oral treatment (ATP+VO group). The patients were evaluated clinically on the occasion of periodic return visits in order to identify cases of recurrence and infectious complications. RESULTS: one patient from the ATP+VO group needed to be readmitted to the hospital on the 6th day after her discharge from the hospital with a diagnosis of endometritis recrudescence. No complications were observed among patients from ATP-EX group. CONCLUSION: for the treatment of puerperal endometritis, there was no additional advantage in using supplementary oral antibiotic therapy after patient discharge. The results using exclusive parenteral antibiotic treatment during hospitalization time indicate that it is effective and can be safely used in a population of low socioeconomic level.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(5):391-398
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000500008
OBJECTIVE: to analyze the maternal blood pressure and heart rate variation of primigravid women during labor and early puerperium. METHODS: sixty primigravid women were included in the study, and submitted to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) with SpaceLabs 90207 monitor during labor and the first 12 h of puerperium. The records of blood pressure and heart rate were done every 15 min during labor and every 30 min during the first 12 h of puerperium. Three periods during labor (until cervix dilated 7 cm, cervix dilated between 8 cm and total dilatation, and delivery period) and two during puerperium (first and twelfth hours), were analyzed. First of all the results were analyzed without considering the kind of analgesia used and then the patients were divided into three groups, according to the anesthetic technique: local, lumbar extradural or subarachnoid. Results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired Student's t-test for blood pressure and heart rate in each group during labor and puerperium. The nonpaired Student's t-test was used to compare different groups. A p value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: when the results were analyzed without considering the analgesic procedure, the values of systolic blood pressure during labor were significantly higher than in early puerperium. During labor, systolic blood pressure values were higher in the periods of later cervical dilatation and delivery than during early cervical dilatation. In the 12th h of puerperium the systolic blood pressure was lower than in the first hour. Diastolic blood pressure did not change during labor and was higher than in early puerperium. Heart rate increased during labor and decreased during puerperium. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were the same both in local or lumbar extradural anesthesia groups; however, in the subarachnoid group the systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change during labor. CONCLUSIONS: labor increased systolic blood pressure and heart rate. During labor, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher than in early puerperium. Both blood pressure and heart rate significantly fell from the first to the 12th hour of puerperium. The different anesthetic techniques did not affect blood pressure or heart rate, as compared with the primigravid group when the anesthetic technique was not taken into consideration.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(5):391-398
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000500008
OBJECTIVE: to analyze the maternal blood pressure and heart rate variation of primigravid women during labor and early puerperium. METHODS: sixty primigravid women were included in the study, and submitted to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) with SpaceLabs 90207 monitor during labor and the first 12 h of puerperium. The records of blood pressure and heart rate were done every 15 min during labor and every 30 min during the first 12 h of puerperium. Three periods during labor (until cervix dilated 7 cm, cervix dilated between 8 cm and total dilatation, and delivery period) and two during puerperium (first and twelfth hours), were analyzed. First of all the results were analyzed without considering the kind of analgesia used and then the patients were divided into three groups, according to the anesthetic technique: local, lumbar extradural or subarachnoid. Results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired Student's t-test for blood pressure and heart rate in each group during labor and puerperium. The nonpaired Student's t-test was used to compare different groups. A p value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: when the results were analyzed without considering the analgesic procedure, the values of systolic blood pressure during labor were significantly higher than in early puerperium. During labor, systolic blood pressure values were higher in the periods of later cervical dilatation and delivery than during early cervical dilatation. In the 12th h of puerperium the systolic blood pressure was lower than in the first hour. Diastolic blood pressure did not change during labor and was higher than in early puerperium. Heart rate increased during labor and decreased during puerperium. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were the same both in local or lumbar extradural anesthesia groups; however, in the subarachnoid group the systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change during labor. CONCLUSIONS: labor increased systolic blood pressure and heart rate. During labor, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher than in early puerperium. Both blood pressure and heart rate significantly fell from the first to the 12th hour of puerperium. The different anesthetic techniques did not affect blood pressure or heart rate, as compared with the primigravid group when the anesthetic technique was not taken into consideration.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(9):543-549
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000900002
Purpose: to compare the efficiency between magnesium sulfate and phenytoin in the control of convulsions in patients with eclampsia and to evaluate the effects of magnesium sulfate and phenytoin on the maternal and perinatal prognosis in patients with eclampsia. Methods: this is a prospective, randomized and controlled study in which the results obtained with the use of anticonvulsive treatment in 77 women with eclampsia, treated with either magnesium sulfate or phenytoin, were analyzed comparatively. The drugs which were used in both therapeutic schemes were distributed in a one to one ratio, in randomly numbered boxes which presented similar characteristics. When a patient was admitted, a box was opened and its contents were given to the patient. Results: in the group whose patients were treated with magnesium sulfate, 19.5% had recurrent convulsions while in the group whose patients used phenytoin, 36.1% had new crises (p<0,05). The patients who were treated with magnesium sulfate showed a greater prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage (14,7%) than those to whom phenytoin was administered (2.7%) (p<0.05). In relation to the newborns, 17.0% of the group from mothers treated with magnesium sulfate presented respiratory distress as opposed to the group of newborns from mothers treated with phenytoin (11.8%), (p> 0,05). Conclusion: magnesium sulfate is shown to be more efficient than phenytoin in the control and the prevention of convulsions in patients with eclampsia. However, its utilization showed a higher prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage and respiratory distress. Phenytoin should be used in cases where the use of magnesium sulfate is contraindicated.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(9):543-549
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000900002
Purpose: to compare the efficiency between magnesium sulfate and phenytoin in the control of convulsions in patients with eclampsia and to evaluate the effects of magnesium sulfate and phenytoin on the maternal and perinatal prognosis in patients with eclampsia. Methods: this is a prospective, randomized and controlled study in which the results obtained with the use of anticonvulsive treatment in 77 women with eclampsia, treated with either magnesium sulfate or phenytoin, were analyzed comparatively. The drugs which were used in both therapeutic schemes were distributed in a one to one ratio, in randomly numbered boxes which presented similar characteristics. When a patient was admitted, a box was opened and its contents were given to the patient. Results: in the group whose patients were treated with magnesium sulfate, 19.5% had recurrent convulsions while in the group whose patients used phenytoin, 36.1% had new crises (p<0,05). The patients who were treated with magnesium sulfate showed a greater prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage (14,7%) than those to whom phenytoin was administered (2.7%) (p<0.05). In relation to the newborns, 17.0% of the group from mothers treated with magnesium sulfate presented respiratory distress as opposed to the group of newborns from mothers treated with phenytoin (11.8%), (p> 0,05). Conclusion: magnesium sulfate is shown to be more efficient than phenytoin in the control and the prevention of convulsions in patients with eclampsia. However, its utilization showed a higher prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage and respiratory distress. Phenytoin should be used in cases where the use of magnesium sulfate is contraindicated.
