Citation
Mayer, David C. & Thorp, John M., Jr. (2007). Advances in Epidemiology Help Clinicians in Practice. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 114(11), 1335-1336.Abstract
While much of graduate education in medicine has little practical relevance to obstetricians and midwives in their day‐to‐day practice, epidemiology, when performed well, can have profound effects. It has been known throughout the past century that a major proportion of cardiac output in pregnancy goes to the uterus. There are dramatic anatomical and physiological events that occur as the placenta separates, and the supply of blood to the uterus is drastically curtailed. If this process does not occur properly, life‐threatening haemorrhage can result. Peripartum hysterectomy has been the treatment of last resort when the proper mechanisms fail. The decision to perform hysterectomy is heart‐rending for both the obstetrician and the woman, given the difficulties inherent in removal of the gravid uterus in the face of haemorrhage and the fact that removal ends a mother’s ability to bear children. Marian Knight on behalf of the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) clearly demonstrates how excellent epidemiology can inform clinicians and point to areas that can improve patient care.URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01534.xReference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2007Journal Title
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & GynaecologyAuthor(s)
Mayer, David C.Thorp, John M., Jr.