Racial/Ethnic Differences in Perineal Lacerations in a Diverse Urban Healthcare System

Objectives
The aim of the study was o determine whether variations exist between races/ethnicities in perineal laceration at first vaginal delivery.
Methods
We assessed first vaginal deliveries greater than 35 weeks gestation, for a four-year period, in our diverse urban healthcare system. Predictor variable was race/ethnicity with outcome variable of none, first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree perineal laceration. Race and ethnicity were self-reported and combined into one variable to facilitate analysis. We also collected data on other known risk factors for laceration to adjust our analysis accordingly.
Results
A total of 1179 charts met criteria. When comparing none, first-, or second-degree lacerations versus third or fourth degrees (obstetric anal sphincter injuries) race was not a significant factor. We also compared lacerations among the following three groups: none or first degree versus second degree versus obstetric anal sphincter injuries. In this case, Asian and white women were associated with an increasing trend of perineal lacerations as degree of severity increased (P

Source: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery - December 25, 2018 Category: OBGYN Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research