Device to predict pelvic floor integrity during vaginal delivery: an intra- and interrater reliability study of the Epi-no distensibility measurement.

Objective: To determine the test-retest reliability of the pelvic floor distensibility evaluation with Epi-no device.

Methods: Prospective, blinded observational study with 32 women pregnant from 35 gestational weeks. An Epi-no balloon was inflated within the pregnant woman's vagina and the maximum circumference achieved was measured using a standard metric measuring tape.

Quantitative assessment of pelvic floor muscle extensibility in pregnant women with a perineal elasticity meter.

The objective of this study was to compare measurements of pelvic floor muscle extensibility in pregnant women obtained through the Epi-no and perineal elasticity meter (PEM) devices. This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a consecutive sample, conducted in a prenatal care outpatient clinic. The pelvic floors of 62 healthy pregnant women with gestational ages between 35 and 40 weeks were assessed.

Pregnancy and the apoptotic pathway in experimental melanoma.

Pregnancy-associated melanoma is defined as melanoma diagnosed during pregnancy or within 1 year of delivery. The association of pregnancy with melanoma is well known, but its underlying molecular mechanisms of association are poorly understood. The aim was to assess the expression of apoptosis-related genes in melanoma tumors during pregnancy in an attempt to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis-driven activation of melanoma cells in this period.

Determination of a cutoff value for pelvic floor distensibility using the Epi-no balloon to predict perineal integrity in vaginal delivery: ROC curve analysis. Prospective observational single cohort study.

Context And Objective: Several risk factors are involved in perineal lacerations during vaginal delivery. However, little is known about the influence of perineal distensibility as a protective factor. The aim here was to determine a cutoff value for pelvic floor distensibility measured using the Epi-no balloon, which could be used as a predictive factor for perineal integrity in vaginal delivery.

Immunoregulatory molecules in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Induction of maternal-fetal immune tolerance is essential for the development of normal pregnancy. Impaired expression of costimulatory molecules may lead to intense inflammatory reaction, a mechanism involved in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to investigate whether immunoregulatory molecules are involved in the physiopathology of GDM.

Distensibility and strength of the pelvic floor muscles of women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the role of the pelvic floor muscles between nulliparous and multiparous women in the third trimester of pregnancy, by analyzing the relationship between electrical activity (surface electromyography-EMG), vaginal palpation (modified Oxford scale), and perineal distensibility (Epi-no).

Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study on a sample of 60 healthy pregnant women with no cervical dilation, single fetus, gestational age between 35 and 40 weeks, and maternal age ranging from 15 to 40 years. The methods used were bidigital palpation (modified Oxford scale, graded 0-5), surface EMG (electrical activity during maximal voluntary contraction), and perineal distensibility (Epi-no device).

Parturient perineal distensibility tolerance assessed by EPI-NO: an observational study.

Objective: To determine how parturient women tolerate the use of a perineal distensibility assessment technique using the EPI-NO device.

Methods: An observational study with a total of 227 full-term parturient women was performed. During the evaluation with EPI-NO, parturient patients were asked about their sensation of discomfort.

Assessment of pelvic floor of women runners by three-dimensional ultrasonography and surface electromyography. A pilot study.

Aim: To evaluate female runners' pelvic floor muscles using three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) and surface electromyography (SEMG).

Material And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 24 female runners. SEMG was performed using surface electrodes inserted in the vagina.

Assessment of pelvic floor by three-dimensional-ultrasound in primiparous women according to delivery mode: initial experience from a single reference service in Brazil.

Purpose: To evaluate changes to the pelvic floor of primiparous women with different delivery modes, using three-dimensional ultrasound.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study on 35 primiparae divided into groups according to the delivery mode: elective cesarean delivery (n=10), vaginal delivery (n=16), and forceps delivery (n=9). Three-dimensional ultrasound on the pelvic floor was performed on the second postpartum day with the patient in a resting position.

Cytokine levels in gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of the literature.

Problem: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an inflammatory condition that involves unbalanced cytokine production. We carried out a systematic review on the relationship between GDM and maternal circulating levels of cytokines in the 2nd/3rd trimesters.

Method Of Study: Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS), were searched.

Electromyographic evaluation of pelvic floor muscles in pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Introduction And Hypothesis: We compared the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and strength of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) of pregnant and nonpregnant women using surface electromyography (SEMG).

Methods: Fifteen pregnant primiparous women and 15 nulliparous nonpregnant women were evaluated. The healthy pregnant women were in the third trimester of pregnancy with a single fetus and did not have any neuromuscular alterations.

Pelvic floor muscle and transversus abdominis activation in abdominal hypopressive technique through surface electromyography.

Aims: The abdominal hypopressive technique (AHT) is performed mainly via transversus abdominis (TrA) activation and has been indicated for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) disorders. In some European countries, this technique has become widely used. This study aimed to investigate PFM and TrA activation during the AHT through surface electromyography.

Effects of the Paula method in electromyographic activation of the pelvic floor: a comparative study.

Introduction And Hypothesis: To determine if Paula method of circular muscles contraction e.g., those surrounding the eyes, mouth and fingers, could increase pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity.

Cord blood cardiac troponin I, fetal Doppler velocimetry, and acid base status at birth.

Objective: To analyze the association between umbilical cord cardiac troponin I (cTnI), obstetric Doppler, and birth acidemia.

Method: This prospective observational study was conducted on 58 singleton pregnancies at 3 Brazilian hospitals. Umbilical and middle cerebral artery Doppler velocimetry were performed 24 h prior to birth.

Obstetric and perinatal effects of active and/or passive smoking during pregnancy.

Context: Cigarette smoke, whether inhaled voluntarily or not, causes damage to the mother-infant pair. The antenatal period may present the best opportunity for performing effective anti-smoking campaigns.

Objective: To study the obstetric and perinatal effects of smoking on pregnancy and the infant.