Reproducibility of results Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(11):520-525
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005438
To translate, to adapt and to validate the Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) for the Brazilian population.
Women in the climacteric phase, residents in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, located in the Brazilian Northeast, were randomly selected. UQOL and SF-36 questionnaires were used, and the translation from English to Portuguese was made by three teachers, while the adaptation stage of the translated version was made by applying the questionnaire to 35 women, which could mark the answer choice "I did not understand the question"; reproducibility measurements (test-retest) and construct validity were used to validate, following international methodological standards.
The Brazilian version was fully recognized by the target population, which was comprised of 151 women, as no question showed a percentage of "non-understanding" equal to or greater than 20%. The results for intra and interobserver reproducibility demonstrated significant agreement on all the questionnaire items. This version showed consistency above the required criteria (>70), demonstrating its accuracy, while the construct validity was obtained by statistically significant correlations between the domains occupation, health and emotional of UQOL and the SF-36 domains. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole instrument was 0.82, representing good accuracy. Item-total correlation analysis showed the scale homogeneity
From the steps taken, the UQOL questionnaire was translated and adapted for its use in Brazil, with high reproducibility and validity. Thus, it can be included and used in Brazilian studies that aim at evaluating the quality of life of women during the peri- and postmenopausal.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(11):520-525
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005438
To translate, to adapt and to validate the Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) for the Brazilian population.
Women in the climacteric phase, residents in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, located in the Brazilian Northeast, were randomly selected. UQOL and SF-36 questionnaires were used, and the translation from English to Portuguese was made by three teachers, while the adaptation stage of the translated version was made by applying the questionnaire to 35 women, which could mark the answer choice "I did not understand the question"; reproducibility measurements (test-retest) and construct validity were used to validate, following international methodological standards.
The Brazilian version was fully recognized by the target population, which was comprised of 151 women, as no question showed a percentage of "non-understanding" equal to or greater than 20%. The results for intra and interobserver reproducibility demonstrated significant agreement on all the questionnaire items. This version showed consistency above the required criteria (>70), demonstrating its accuracy, while the construct validity was obtained by statistically significant correlations between the domains occupation, health and emotional of UQOL and the SF-36 domains. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole instrument was 0.82, representing good accuracy. Item-total correlation analysis showed the scale homogeneity
From the steps taken, the UQOL questionnaire was translated and adapted for its use in Brazil, with high reproducibility and validity. Thus, it can be included and used in Brazilian studies that aim at evaluating the quality of life of women during the peri- and postmenopausal.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(10):473-479
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005354
To validate the instrument Body Image Relationship Scale (BIRS) for Brazilian women with breast cancer
The instrument was administered by trained interviewers to 139 women who used the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). All of them had been submitted to cancer treatments between 2006 and 2010. The instrument was validated considering internal consistency and reliability. In order to compare the techniques, the same factorial analysis as used in the original paper was carried out
The Spearman-Brown correlation value was 0.8, indicating high internal reliability. The Cronbach's alpha found was 0.9, indicating a high level of internal consistency. Factorial analysis showed that four items had low factorial load and no discriminatory power, and another five items were relocated to other factors. When the instrument was applied, it showed variability to that of the original instrument
The Brazilian version of the Body Image Relationship Scale (BIRS), namedEscala de Relacionamento e Imagem Corporal (ERIC), showed evidence of adequate reliability and internal consistency, making this instrument suitable to be recommended for application to Brazilian women with breast cancer, despite some limitations.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(10):473-479
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005354
To validate the instrument Body Image Relationship Scale (BIRS) for Brazilian women with breast cancer
The instrument was administered by trained interviewers to 139 women who used the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). All of them had been submitted to cancer treatments between 2006 and 2010. The instrument was validated considering internal consistency and reliability. In order to compare the techniques, the same factorial analysis as used in the original paper was carried out
The Spearman-Brown correlation value was 0.8, indicating high internal reliability. The Cronbach's alpha found was 0.9, indicating a high level of internal consistency. Factorial analysis showed that four items had low factorial load and no discriminatory power, and another five items were relocated to other factors. When the instrument was applied, it showed variability to that of the original instrument
The Brazilian version of the Body Image Relationship Scale (BIRS), namedEscala de Relacionamento e Imagem Corporal (ERIC), showed evidence of adequate reliability and internal consistency, making this instrument suitable to be recommended for application to Brazilian women with breast cancer, despite some limitations.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(1):40-45
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032014000100009
To analyze the cytological findings of women with cervical adenocarcinoma, taking
into account the patient's history in the year prior to diagnosis and the
histopathological aspects of the lesions.
A retrospective comparative study was conducted using data from women with
cervical adenocarcinoma or squamous carcinoma detected between 2002 and 2008. The
cytological reports were synthesized according to the Bethesda System revised in
2001 and were compared to the histopathological findings of cervical
adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma. The distributions of cytological findings
were calculated, as well as the global agreement and chance-corrected agreement
using the Cohen's Kappa Coefficient. For this purpose, the cytological findings
were grouped according to the epithelial origin, forming the glandular cell and
squamous cell groups, with the histopathologically confirmed tumor types
(adenocarcinoma versus squamous carcinoma) being used as the gold
standard.
A total of 284 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed during the study period.
The effectively studied cases were 27 and 54 patients with adenocarcinoma and
squamous carcinoma, respectively. The adenocarcinoma group represented 9.5% of the
total cases diagnosed, and 56.0% of the women in this group were younger than 50
years. Cervical cytology was collected on average 92 days before the cancer
diagnosis (range: 19 days to 310 days). In 41.6% of cases the cytological results
were consistent with glandular alterations such as adenocarcinoma cells or
atypical glandular cells. The global agreement and Cohen's Kappa Coefficient were
73.7 and 48.7%, suggesting substantial and moderate agreement, respectively.
In this population, the cytological smears had an important role in screening
women with adenocarcinoma, although some of them were referred to clarify the
clinical symptoms. The agreement between cytological and histopathological
findings was moderate.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(1):40-45
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032014000100009
To analyze the cytological findings of women with cervical adenocarcinoma, taking
into account the patient's history in the year prior to diagnosis and the
histopathological aspects of the lesions.
A retrospective comparative study was conducted using data from women with
cervical adenocarcinoma or squamous carcinoma detected between 2002 and 2008. The
cytological reports were synthesized according to the Bethesda System revised in
2001 and were compared to the histopathological findings of cervical
adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma. The distributions of cytological findings
were calculated, as well as the global agreement and chance-corrected agreement
using the Cohen's Kappa Coefficient. For this purpose, the cytological findings
were grouped according to the epithelial origin, forming the glandular cell and
squamous cell groups, with the histopathologically confirmed tumor types
(adenocarcinoma versus squamous carcinoma) being used as the gold
standard.
A total of 284 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed during the study period.
The effectively studied cases were 27 and 54 patients with adenocarcinoma and
squamous carcinoma, respectively. The adenocarcinoma group represented 9.5% of the
total cases diagnosed, and 56.0% of the women in this group were younger than 50
years. Cervical cytology was collected on average 92 days before the cancer
diagnosis (range: 19 days to 310 days). In 41.6% of cases the cytological results
were consistent with glandular alterations such as adenocarcinoma cells or
atypical glandular cells. The global agreement and Cohen's Kappa Coefficient were
73.7 and 48.7%, suggesting substantial and moderate agreement, respectively.
In this population, the cytological smears had an important role in screening
women with adenocarcinoma, although some of them were referred to clarify the
clinical symptoms. The agreement between cytological and histopathological
findings was moderate.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(10):469-474
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001000008
PURPOSE: It was to test the validity and reliability of an online version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: An online version of the FSFI was compared to the pen and paper traditional version. Physiotherapy students in three cities were randomly allocated to two groups - G-pp/ol (n=126) and G-ol/pp (n=147). G-pp/ol women replied to th FSFI using the traditional pen and paper method, while G-ol/pp women answered an online version of the same questionnaire. Data were collected ageing after 15 days, when G-pp/ol women answered the online version while G-ol/pp women answered on paper. All data were transferred to SPSS software. Demographic differences between the test two groups were determined by Student's t-test or Fisher exact (95%CI; p>0.05). Association and correlation between the responses of G-pp/ol and G-ol/pp were assessed for each sample by the t-test and Pearson's coefficient. An identical strategy was used for intragroup comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 273 women participated in the study and 28 (10.2%) giving up the second collection. There were no demographic differences between groups. Fifteen of the 19 FSFI questions were associated and correlated between the two groups in both test and the retest. The intragroup analysis revealed that all FSFI questions and scores were associated and weakly correlated for the same group during both test and retest. CONCLUSION: The online version of the FSFI showed acceptable validity and reliability when compared to the paper version, and can justify the choice of this modality, especially in studies involving private questions.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(10):469-474
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001000008
PURPOSE: It was to test the validity and reliability of an online version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: An online version of the FSFI was compared to the pen and paper traditional version. Physiotherapy students in three cities were randomly allocated to two groups - G-pp/ol (n=126) and G-ol/pp (n=147). G-pp/ol women replied to th FSFI using the traditional pen and paper method, while G-ol/pp women answered an online version of the same questionnaire. Data were collected ageing after 15 days, when G-pp/ol women answered the online version while G-ol/pp women answered on paper. All data were transferred to SPSS software. Demographic differences between the test two groups were determined by Student's t-test or Fisher exact (95%CI; p>0.05). Association and correlation between the responses of G-pp/ol and G-ol/pp were assessed for each sample by the t-test and Pearson's coefficient. An identical strategy was used for intragroup comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 273 women participated in the study and 28 (10.2%) giving up the second collection. There were no demographic differences between groups. Fifteen of the 19 FSFI questions were associated and correlated between the two groups in both test and the retest. The intragroup analysis revealed that all FSFI questions and scores were associated and weakly correlated for the same group during both test and retest. CONCLUSION: The online version of the FSFI showed acceptable validity and reliability when compared to the paper version, and can justify the choice of this modality, especially in studies involving private questions.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(3):123-129
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000300006
PURPOSE: To determine anatomical and functional pelvic floor measurements performed with three-dimensional (3-D) endovaginal ultrasonography in asymptomatic nulliparous women without dysfunctions detected in previous dynamic 3-D anorectal ultrasonography (echo defecography) and to demonstrate the interobserver reliability of these measurements. METHODS: Asymptomatic nulliparous volunteers were submitted to echo defecography to identify dynamic dysfunctions, including anatomical (rectocele, intussusceptions, entero/sigmoidocele and perineal descent) and functional changes (non-relaxation or paradoxical contraction of the puborectalis muscle) in the posterior compartment and assessed with regard to the biometric index of levator hiatus, pubovisceral muscle thickness, urethral length, anorectal angle, anorectal junction position and bladder neck position with the 3-D endovaginal ultrasonography. All measurements were compared at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver, and perineal and bladder neck descent was determined. The level of interobserver agreement was evaluated for all measurements. RESULTS: A total of 34 volunteers were assessed by echo defecography and by 3-D endovaginal ultrasonography. Out of these, 20 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The 14 excluded subjects were found to have posterior dynamic dysfunctions. During the Valsalva maneuver, the hiatal area was significantly larger, the urethra was significantly shorter and the anorectal angle was greater. Measurements at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver differed significantly with regard to anorectal junction and bladder neck position. The mean values for normal perineal descent and bladder neck descent were 0.6 cm and 0.5 cm above the symphysis pubis, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.62-0.93. CONCLUSIONS: Functional biometric indexes, normal perineal descent and bladder neck descent values were determined for young asymptomatic nulliparous women with the 3-D endovaginal ultrasonography. The method was found to be reliable to measure pelvic floor structures at rest and during Valsalva, and might therefore be suitable for identifying dysfunctions in symptomatic patients.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(3):123-129
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000300006
PURPOSE: To determine anatomical and functional pelvic floor measurements performed with three-dimensional (3-D) endovaginal ultrasonography in asymptomatic nulliparous women without dysfunctions detected in previous dynamic 3-D anorectal ultrasonography (echo defecography) and to demonstrate the interobserver reliability of these measurements. METHODS: Asymptomatic nulliparous volunteers were submitted to echo defecography to identify dynamic dysfunctions, including anatomical (rectocele, intussusceptions, entero/sigmoidocele and perineal descent) and functional changes (non-relaxation or paradoxical contraction of the puborectalis muscle) in the posterior compartment and assessed with regard to the biometric index of levator hiatus, pubovisceral muscle thickness, urethral length, anorectal angle, anorectal junction position and bladder neck position with the 3-D endovaginal ultrasonography. All measurements were compared at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver, and perineal and bladder neck descent was determined. The level of interobserver agreement was evaluated for all measurements. RESULTS: A total of 34 volunteers were assessed by echo defecography and by 3-D endovaginal ultrasonography. Out of these, 20 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The 14 excluded subjects were found to have posterior dynamic dysfunctions. During the Valsalva maneuver, the hiatal area was significantly larger, the urethra was significantly shorter and the anorectal angle was greater. Measurements at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver differed significantly with regard to anorectal junction and bladder neck position. The mean values for normal perineal descent and bladder neck descent were 0.6 cm and 0.5 cm above the symphysis pubis, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.62-0.93. CONCLUSIONS: Functional biometric indexes, normal perineal descent and bladder neck descent values were determined for young asymptomatic nulliparous women with the 3-D endovaginal ultrasonography. The method was found to be reliable to measure pelvic floor structures at rest and during Valsalva, and might therefore be suitable for identifying dysfunctions in symptomatic patients.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(2):72-76
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000200004
PURPOSE: to translate into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapt the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire (SPEQ) to climacteric women. METHODS: the original English version from the University of Melbourne, Australia, was initially translated into Portuguese and back-translated into English. A sociocultural adaptation of vocabulary and linguistic constructions was performed to facilitate comprehension. The questionnaire was then pretested in successive stages in 50 women, until no doubts remained. The final version of the adapted instrument was self-responded by 378 Brazilian-born women, between 40 to 65 years old, with 11 years or more of schooling in a population-based study. The reliability (internal consistency as measured by Cronbach's alpha), the construct validity (correlation coefficients between the items comprising the SPEQ and selected variables) and the criterion validity (correlation coefficient between sexual dysfunction score and overall score of sexual life classification) were analyzed. RESULTS: one hundred and eight women answered all the questions of the SPEQ and were included in the study. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for all the nine SPEQ items ranged from 0.55 to 0.77 and the general alpha was 0.68. In the construct validity analysis, most of the correlation coefficients were significant (p<0.005). The criterion validity analysis showed significant correlation coefficients in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: following the adaptation process, the Portuguese version of the SPEQ was deemed useful and appropriate for collecting data on sexual function and dyspareunia in Brazilian women, aged 45 to 65 years, with at least 11 years of schooling.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(2):72-76
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000200004
PURPOSE: to translate into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapt the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire (SPEQ) to climacteric women. METHODS: the original English version from the University of Melbourne, Australia, was initially translated into Portuguese and back-translated into English. A sociocultural adaptation of vocabulary and linguistic constructions was performed to facilitate comprehension. The questionnaire was then pretested in successive stages in 50 women, until no doubts remained. The final version of the adapted instrument was self-responded by 378 Brazilian-born women, between 40 to 65 years old, with 11 years or more of schooling in a population-based study. The reliability (internal consistency as measured by Cronbach's alpha), the construct validity (correlation coefficients between the items comprising the SPEQ and selected variables) and the criterion validity (correlation coefficient between sexual dysfunction score and overall score of sexual life classification) were analyzed. RESULTS: one hundred and eight women answered all the questions of the SPEQ and were included in the study. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for all the nine SPEQ items ranged from 0.55 to 0.77 and the general alpha was 0.68. In the construct validity analysis, most of the correlation coefficients were significant (p<0.005). The criterion validity analysis showed significant correlation coefficients in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: following the adaptation process, the Portuguese version of the SPEQ was deemed useful and appropriate for collecting data on sexual function and dyspareunia in Brazilian women, aged 45 to 65 years, with at least 11 years of schooling.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(10):504-510
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008001000005
PURPOSE: to translate from English into Portuguese, adapt culturally and validate the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: knowing the objectives of this research, two Brazilian translators have prepared a version each from the FSFI into Portuguese. Both versions have then been retro-translated into English by two English translators. After harmonizing the differences, they have been pre-tested in a pilot study. The final versions from the FSFI and from another questionnaire, the Short-Form Health Survey, which had already been translated and published in Portuguese, have then been simultaneously administered to one hundred patients, to test the FSFI psychometric proprieties concerning reliability (internal consistency and testing-retesting) and construct validity. Retesting was done after four weeks from the first interview. RESULTS: the process of cultural adaptation has not altered the Portuguese version of the FSFI, as compared to the original. The FSFI standardized Cronbach alpha was 0.96, and the evaluation by domains has varied from 0.31 to 0.97. As a measure of test-retest confidentiality, it was applied the intra-class coefficient, which has been considered strong and identical (1.0). Pearson's correlation coefficient between the FSFI and the Short-Form Health Survey was positive, but weak in most of the interrelated domains, varying from 0.017 to 0.036. CONCLUSIONS: the FSFI English version has been translated into Portuguese and culturally adapted, being reliable to evaluate the sexual response of Brazilian women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(10):504-510
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008001000005
PURPOSE: to translate from English into Portuguese, adapt culturally and validate the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: knowing the objectives of this research, two Brazilian translators have prepared a version each from the FSFI into Portuguese. Both versions have then been retro-translated into English by two English translators. After harmonizing the differences, they have been pre-tested in a pilot study. The final versions from the FSFI and from another questionnaire, the Short-Form Health Survey, which had already been translated and published in Portuguese, have then been simultaneously administered to one hundred patients, to test the FSFI psychometric proprieties concerning reliability (internal consistency and testing-retesting) and construct validity. Retesting was done after four weeks from the first interview. RESULTS: the process of cultural adaptation has not altered the Portuguese version of the FSFI, as compared to the original. The FSFI standardized Cronbach alpha was 0.96, and the evaluation by domains has varied from 0.31 to 0.97. As a measure of test-retest confidentiality, it was applied the intra-class coefficient, which has been considered strong and identical (1.0). Pearson's correlation coefficient between the FSFI and the Short-Form Health Survey was positive, but weak in most of the interrelated domains, varying from 0.017 to 0.036. CONCLUSIONS: the FSFI English version has been translated into Portuguese and culturally adapted, being reliable to evaluate the sexual response of Brazilian women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(3):142-148
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008005000004
PURPOSE: to compare the intra and interobserver reproducibility of the total thickness measurement of the inferior uterine segment (IUS), through the abdominal route, and of the muscle layer measurement, through the vaginal route, using bi and tridimensional ultrasonography. METHODS: the IUS thickness measurement of 30 women, between the 36th and 39th weeks of gestation with previous caesarean section, done by two observers, was studied. Abdominal ultrasonography with the patient in both supine and lithotomy position was performed. In the sagittal section, the IUS was identified and four bidimensional images and two tridimensional blocks of the total thickness were collected through the abdominal route, and the same for the muscle layer, through the vaginal route. Tridimensional acquisitions were manipulated in the multiplanar mode. The time was measured with a chronometer. Reproducibility was evaluated by the computation of the absolute difference between measurements, the ratio of differences smaller than 1 mm, the intraclass coefficient (ICC), and the Bland and Altman's concordance limits. RESULTS: the average bidimensional measurement of IUS thickness was 7.4 mm through the abdominal and 2.7 mm through the vaginal route, and the tridimensional measurement was 6.9 mm through the abdominal and 5.1 mm through the vaginal route. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of vaginal versus abdominal route: smaller absolute difference (0.2-0.4 mm versus 0.8-1.5 mm), greater ratio of differences (85.8-97.8% versus 48.7-72,8%), with p<0,0001, higher ICC (0.8-0.9 versus 0.6-0.8) and lower concordance limits (-0.9 to 1.5 versus -3.8 to 4 mm) for the vaginal route. Tri versus bidimensional ultrasonography: lower absolute difference (0.2-1.4 versus 0.4-1.5 mm), higher ratio of differences (57.7-97.8% versus 48.7-91.7%) with p>0.05[A1] and similar lower concordance limits (-38 to 3.4 versus -3.6 to 4 mm) for tridimensional ultrasonography and ICC (0.6-0.9 versus 0.7-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: from the above, we came to the conclusion that the measurement of the IUS muscle layer, through the vaginal route using tridimensional ultrasonography is more reproducible. Nevertheless, our results do not indicate that this measurement shows any clinical evidence to predict uterine tear, as that was not the aim of this study. The only work that has correlated the UIS thickness with risk of uterine tear, without interfering in the obstetrician behavior or anticipating delivery, was done by bidimensional abdominal measurements of the total thickness.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(3):142-148
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008005000004
PURPOSE: to compare the intra and interobserver reproducibility of the total thickness measurement of the inferior uterine segment (IUS), through the abdominal route, and of the muscle layer measurement, through the vaginal route, using bi and tridimensional ultrasonography. METHODS: the IUS thickness measurement of 30 women, between the 36th and 39th weeks of gestation with previous caesarean section, done by two observers, was studied. Abdominal ultrasonography with the patient in both supine and lithotomy position was performed. In the sagittal section, the IUS was identified and four bidimensional images and two tridimensional blocks of the total thickness were collected through the abdominal route, and the same for the muscle layer, through the vaginal route. Tridimensional acquisitions were manipulated in the multiplanar mode. The time was measured with a chronometer. Reproducibility was evaluated by the computation of the absolute difference between measurements, the ratio of differences smaller than 1 mm, the intraclass coefficient (ICC), and the Bland and Altman's concordance limits. RESULTS: the average bidimensional measurement of IUS thickness was 7.4 mm through the abdominal and 2.7 mm through the vaginal route, and the tridimensional measurement was 6.9 mm through the abdominal and 5.1 mm through the vaginal route. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of vaginal versus abdominal route: smaller absolute difference (0.2-0.4 mm versus 0.8-1.5 mm), greater ratio of differences (85.8-97.8% versus 48.7-72,8%), with p<0,0001, higher ICC (0.8-0.9 versus 0.6-0.8) and lower concordance limits (-0.9 to 1.5 versus -3.8 to 4 mm) for the vaginal route. Tri versus bidimensional ultrasonography: lower absolute difference (0.2-1.4 versus 0.4-1.5 mm), higher ratio of differences (57.7-97.8% versus 48.7-91.7%) with p>0.05[A1] and similar lower concordance limits (-38 to 3.4 versus -3.6 to 4 mm) for tridimensional ultrasonography and ICC (0.6-0.9 versus 0.7-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: from the above, we came to the conclusion that the measurement of the IUS muscle layer, through the vaginal route using tridimensional ultrasonography is more reproducible. Nevertheless, our results do not indicate that this measurement shows any clinical evidence to predict uterine tear, as that was not the aim of this study. The only work that has correlated the UIS thickness with risk of uterine tear, without interfering in the obstetrician behavior or anticipating delivery, was done by bidimensional abdominal measurements of the total thickness.
