Peripartum genital tract injuries (PVT) are common after vaginal delivery and can lead to physical, psychological, and functional sequelae. While several risk factors have been established in the literature, the link between epidural analgesia and these injuries remains controversial. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of epidural analgesia on the occurrence of PVT. Secondary objectives were to examine its association with instrumentation, episiotomy, and induction of labor, to identify independent risk factors for PVT, and to develop a predictive model for the risk of these injuries.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
8,516
Data collection from medical files
CHU Brugmann
Brussels, Belgium
Rate of peripartum genital tract trauma
Peripartum genital tract trauma is defined as any obstetric injury occurring during vaginal delivery, including perineal tears, episiotomies, and uterine ruptures.
Time frame: At delivery
Type of peripartum genital tract trauma
Distribution and severity of trauma (perineal tears from D1 to D4 according to OMS CIM-10 classification, D1 being superficial damage, versus episiotomies versus uterine ruptures).
Time frame: At delivery
Instrumentation rate
Use of forceps, suction cup, spatulas.
Time frame: At delivery
Labor induction rate
Labor induction
Time frame: At delivery
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.