Cytopathological review of cervical pathology: Impact for women and follow-up results.

Background: Cervical screening programs have had an important effect on the reduction of cervical cancer rates. Comprehensive programs require access to pathological review to improve the sensitivity of screening cytology and the specificity of diagnostic histology.

Aims: To determine the number of cases where cervical cytology or histology was amended at cytopathological review; whether amendments were 'upgrades' or 'downgrades', and how amendments aligned with follow-up results for these patients.

Influential factors in patient uptake of influenza vaccination during pregnancy; a survey-based audit in a tertiary hospital setting.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the key influential factors for pregnant or recently pregnant women in deciding on influenza vaccination.

Method: This study was conducted in a single tertiary hospital in New Zealand using an anonymous and voluntary patient survey. Ethnicity, age and stage of pregnancy along with self-reported data on factors that influenced the decision to vaccinate against influenza during pregnancy were recorded.

Cardiac disease in pregnancy and the multidisciplinary team: the Wellington experience.

Aim: To define the range and severity of cardiac disease in pregnant women in New Zealand, as well as the maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality compared with the background obstetric population.

Methods: We retrospectively audited pregnant women with cardiac comorbidity seen by a multidisciplinary team at a tertiary referral centre consisting of midwives, cardiologists, obstetricians and anaesthetists in 2016-2017.

Results: Seventy-two women were referred to the multidisciplinary team.

Advanced sperm selection techniques for assisted reproduction.

Background: Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) including in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), combine gametes to enhance the probability of fertilisation and pregnancy. Advanced sperm selection techniques are increasingly employed in ART, most commonly in cycles utilising ICSI. Advanced sperm selection techniques are proposed to improve the chance that structurally intact and mature sperm with high DNA integrity are selected for fertilisation.

Severe maternal morbidity due to obstetric haemorrhage: Potential preventability.

Background: Haemorrhage in pregnancy may be life-threatening to woman and infant. The impact of severe obstetric haemorrhage can be reduced by detecting high-risk women, implementing guidelines and treatment plans, early detection of hypovolaemia and timely appropriate treatment.

Aims: To describe cases of severe maternal morbidity caused by obstetric haemorrhage in New Zealand and investigate the potential preventability of these cases.

Pre-eclampsia causing severe maternal morbidity - A national retrospective review of preventability and opportunities for improved care.

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia and related sequelae are a leading cause of severe maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. A significant proportion of these poor outcomes may be preventable with improvements along the continuum of maternal and neonatal care.

Aims: The aim of this study was to review cases of pre-eclampsia resulting in severe maternal morbidity, describing the maternal and neonatal outcomes and the potential preventability of severe maternal morbidity (SMM).

Severe maternal morbidity due to sepsis: The burden and preventability of disease in New Zealand.

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening systemic condition that appears to be increasing in the obstetric population. Clinical detection can be difficult and may result in increased morbidity via delays in the continuum of patient care.

Aims: To describe the burden of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) caused by sepsis in New Zealand and investigate the potential preventability.

Ovarian surgery for symptom relief in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition, affecting approximately one in 10 women. PCOS is defined by two of three features: oligo- or anovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism or both, or polycystic ovaries.Women with PCOS can have a wide range of health problems, including infrequent and irregular periods, unwanted hair growth and acne, and subnormal fertility.