Anorectal Sphincter Laceration, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Conditions
Keywords
Anorectal sphincter laceration, Pelvic floor dysfunction, Sphincter tear
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to see if fetal head circumference can be used as a predictor for who will experience a sphincter laceration while delivering.
Detailed description
Even though much work has been invested in trying to identify risk factors that can predict which population will suffer from sphincter tears and other pelvic floor trauma, the epidemiology is still poorly understood. Factors that have been implicated to include operative vaginal delivery, birth weight, and primaparity. Up to this point little focus has been placed on antenatal factors that would help predict and prevent sphincter disruptions. At the time of birth the infant's head is the largest part of the body. Thus, head circumference of the infant may be able to predict which subjects is more likely to suffer from sphincter disruption. Thus, this study aims to determine whether or not fetal head circumference measured antenatally is predictive of pelvic floor trauma.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
University of California, Irvine
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Primiparous subjects at least 18 years of age * Gestational age greater than or equal to 36 weeks and upto 42 weeks gestation * Subjects must have give written informed consent to participate in this study * Subjects must be planning to deliver at UCI
Exclusion criteria
* Subjects less than 18 years of age * Subjects with a previous delivery * Subjects with previous colorectal surgery or hemorrhoidal surgery * Subjects with a history of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease * Subjects with a history of colon or rectal cancer * Gestational age less than 36 weeks * Cesarean section
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Fetal head circumference and position, maternal pelvis, infant weight, maternal weight, length of the second stage, the incidence of sphincter tears as diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound as well as the incidence of fecal urgency and incontinence. | 6 Months |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The magnitude of the effect of other factors such as maternal obesity, maternal age, duration of labor and pelvimetry on the risk of anorectal lacerations will be examined. | 6 Months |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed