Patient preferences for disposable and reusable vaginal specula and their willingness to compromise in the era of climate change: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction on gynaecological examination with metal, plastic and biobased plastic vaginal specula, and to investigate whether patients are willing to compromise on comfort for a more sustainable healthcare system.

Design: Cross-sectional study: population-based survey.

Setting: Gynaecological outpatient clinics in five Dutch hospitals.

Effect of Intrapartum Maternal Hemoglobin on Mode of Delivery and Short-Term Neonatal Outcome: A Systematic Review.

Importance: Maternal anemia in pregnancy is a common condition worldwide and is considered a risk factor for adverse neonatal and maternal outcome. Also high hemoglobin (Hb) levels are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, studies regarding the influence of intrapartum maternal Hb on mode of delivery and short-term neonatal outcome are limited and contradicting.

The effect of intrauterine resuscitation by maternal hyperoxygenation on perinatal and maternal outcome: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Maternal hyperoxygenation is widely used during labor as an intrauterine resuscitation technique. However, robust evidence regarding its beneficial effect and potential side effects is scarce, and previous studies show conflicting results.

Objective: To assess the effect of maternal hyperoxygenation upon suspected fetal distress during the second stage of term labor on fetal heart rate, neonatal outcome, maternal side effects, and mode of delivery.

Maternal hemoglobin level and its relation to fetal distress, mode of delivery, and short-term neonatal outcome: a retrospective cohort study.

We aimed to investigate if the risk of fetal distress during term labor is related to the intrapartum maternal hemoglobin (Hb) level. Second, we investigated the relation between mode of delivery, reason for instrumental delivery and short-term neonatal outcome and maternal Hb. Third, we aimed to identify factors influencing intrapartum maternal Hb level.

Correction to: Intrauterine resuscitation during the second stage of term labour by maternal hyperoxygenation versus conventional care: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (INTEREST O2).

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors noticed that the sample size for the study group was incorrectly reported in the Methods section.

Intrauterine resuscitation during the second stage of term labour by maternal hyperoxygenation versus conventional care: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (INTEREST O2).

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is, even in developed countries, one the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, if foetal distress during labour is suspected, one should try to restore foetal oxygen levels or aim for immediate delivery. However, studies on the effect of intrauterine resuscitation during labour are scarce.

Practice variation in the management of intrapartum fetal distress in The Netherlands and the Western world.

Objective: Solid evidence on the effect of intrauterine resuscitation on neonatal outcome is limited, and superiority of one intervention over the others is not clear. We therefore surveyed the clinical practice variation in fetal monitoring and the management of fetal distress during labor, in Dutch labor wards. In addition, we have compared recommendations from international guidelines.

Interventions for Intrauterine Resuscitation in Suspected Fetal Distress During Term Labor: A Systematic Review.

Importance: Intrauterine resuscitation techniques during term labor are commonly used in daily clinical practice. Evidence, however, to support the beneficial effect of intrauterine resuscitation techniques on fetal distress during labor is limited and sometimes contradictory. In contrast, some of these interventions may even be harmful.

A simulation model to study maternal hyperoxygenation during labor.

Objective: To investigate the effect of maternal hyperoxygenation on fetal oxygenation and fetal heart rate decelerations during labor, using a simulation model.

Design: Use of a mathematical model that simulates feto-maternal hemodynamics and oxygenation, designed in Matlab R2012a.

Setting: Clinical and engineering departments in the Netherlands.

Comparison of complication rates between umbilical and peripherally inserted central venous catheters in newborns.

Objective: To compare the complication rates between umbilical central venous catheters and peripherally inserted central venous catheters in newborns and to investigate whether other variables might increase complication rates.

Design: A retrospective observational study.

Setting: A Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Does arterial shear explain the magnitude of flow-mediated dilation?: a comparison between young and older humans.

Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) has become a commonly applied approach for the assessment of vascular function and health in humans. Recent studies emphasize the importance of normalizing the magnitude of FMD to its apparent eliciting stimulus, the postdeflation arterial shear. However, the relationship between shear stress and the magnitude of FMD may differ between groups.

The impact of baseline diameter on flow-mediated dilation differs in young and older humans.

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) has become a commonly applied approach for the assessment of vascular function and health, but methods used to calculate FMD differ between studies. For example, the baseline diameter used as a benchmark is sometimes assessed before cuff inflation, whereas others use the diameter during cuff inflation. Therefore, we compared the brachial artery diameter before and during cuff inflation and calculated the resulting FMD in healthy children (n=45; 10+/-1 yr), adults (n=31; 28+/-6 yr), and older subjects (n=22; 58+/-5 yr).