The effect of maternal position at birth on perineal trauma: A systematic review.

yesPerineal trauma is associated with short- and long-term maternal morbidity. Research has found that maternal position at birth can influence perineal trauma. However, there is a dearth of evidence examining specific maternal positions, including waterbirth, and how these can influence incidence and degree of perineal trauma. Such evidence is important to help reduce trauma rates and improve information for women and midwives. To address this gap in reliable evidence, a systematic review was conducted. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Compared to land birth, waterbirth was found to cause an increase in perineal trauma. Kneeling and all-fours positions were most protective of an intact perineum. Allowing for different variables, sitting, squatting and using a birth-stool caused the greatest incidence of trauma. The findings of this review demonstrate that further research is required around perineal guarding in alternative birth positions and how parity affects trauma rates with waterbirth, so that women may be advised appropriately. It also suggests findings that midwives can use when discussing alternative birth positions with women

Effects of intensive blood pressure treatment on orthostatic hypotension a systematic review and individual participant-based meta-analysis

Background: Although intensive blood pressure (BP)-lowering treatment reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, there are concerns that it might cause orthostatic hypotension (OH). Purpose: To examine the effects of intensive BP-lowering treatment on OH in hypertensive adults. Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception through 7 October 2019, without language restrictions. Study Selection: Randomized trials of BP pharmacologic treatment (more intensive BP goal or active agent) that involved more than 500 adults with hypertension or elevated BP and that were 6 months or longer in duration. Trial comparisons were groups assigned to either less intensive BP goals or placebo, and the outcome was measured OH, defined as a decrease of 20mmHg or more in systolic BP or 10 mm Hg or more in diastolic BP after changing position from seated to standing. Data Extraction: 2 investigators independently abstracted articles and rated risk of bias. Data Synthesis: 5 trials examined BP treatment goals, and 4 examined active agents versus placebo. Trials examining BP treatment goals included 18 466 participants with 127 882 follow-up visits. Trials were open-label, with minimal heterogeneity of effects across trials. Intensive BP treatment lowered risk for OH (odds ratio, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.86 to 0.99]). Effects did not differ by prerandomization OH (P for interaction = 0.80). In sensitivity analyses that included 4 additional placebo-controlled trials, overall and subgroup findings were unchanged. Limitations: Assessments of OH were done while participants were seated (not supine) and did not include the first minute after standing. Data on falls and syncope were not available. Conclusion: Intensive BP-lowering treatment decreases risk for OH. Orthostatic hypotension, before or in the setting of more intensive BP treatment, should not be viewed as a reason to avoid or de-escalate treatment for hypertension