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International Urogynecology Journal
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 6/2019

01-06-2019 | Sectio Ceasarea | Original Article

Effects of delivery mode and age on motor unit properties of the external anal sphincter in women

Authors: Xuhong Li, Chuan Zhang, Nicholas Dias, Jiaojiao Liu, Fang Hu, Shuo Yang, Yanhua Zhou, Yingchun Zhang

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 6/2019

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

This study aimed to assess the individual and interactive effects of delivery mode and age on the function of the external anal sphincter (EAS) by analyzing the motor unit properties with intramuscular electromyography (EMG). Results are expected to improve the understanding of delivery-related occult obstetric EAS injuries and its development over the aging process and further support early clinical detection and intervention.

Methods

A total of 49 postpartum women were recruited into four test groups according to their age and delivery mode: young vaginal delivery (Y-VD), elderly vaginal delivery (E-VD), young cesarean section (Y-CS), and elderly cesarean section (E-CS) groups. Anorectal ultrasonography, manometry, and intramuscular EMG were employed for comprehensive evaluation of EAS function.

Results

No significant difference in anorectal ultrasonography and most manometry measurements was associated with delivery age or mode. Intramuscular EMG, however, revealed a statistically significant difference in the characteristics of motor unit potentials (MUPs), including duration, turns, phases, and multiphase wave ratio between four subject groups. No significant interaction effect between age and delivery mode was found.

Conclusions

Delivery mode and age have a significant effect on the neuromuscular function of the EAS, suggesting a potential protectiveness of cesarean section against impairment to the EAS. Our results do not provide significant evidence regarding the interaction effect of delivery mode and age; further investigations are needed to confirm this conclusion.
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Metadata
Title
Effects of delivery mode and age on motor unit properties of the external anal sphincter in women
Authors
Xuhong Li
Chuan Zhang
Nicholas Dias
Jiaojiao Liu
Fang Hu
Shuo Yang
Yanhua Zhou
Yingchun Zhang
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-03900-5

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