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Objective: To summarize the current evidence and to make recommendations for the diagnosis and management of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy., Target Population: Pregnant people with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy., Options: Diagnosing the condition using fasting or non-fasting bile acids, classifying disease severity, determining what treatment to offer, establishing how to monitor for antenatal fetal wellbeing, identifying when to perform elective birth., Benefits, Harms, and Costs: Individuals with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes including preterm birth, neonatal respiratory distress and admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, with an increased risk of stillbirth when bile acid levels are ≥100 μmol/L. There is inequity in bile acid testing availability and timely access to results, along with uncertainly of how to treat, monitor. and ultimately deliver these pregnancies. Optimization of diagnostic and management protocols can improve maternal and fetal postnatal outcomes., Evidence: Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 2023, using medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords related to pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, bile acids, pruritis, ursodeoxycholic acid, and stillbirth. This document presents an abstraction of the evidence rather than a methodological review., Validation Methods: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations)., Intended Audience: Obstetric care providers, including obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and radiologists., Social Media Abstract: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy requires adequate diagnosis with non-fasting bile acid levels which guide optimal management and delivery timing., Summary Statements: RECOMMENDATIONS., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The University of Toronto launched a longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) pilot project in 2014. Our aim was to evaluate LIC student outcomes in obstetrics and gynaecology compared with those of traditional block students. LIC and block students underwent identical evaluations, including written and oral exams, as well as clinical assessments from the ward. LIC student scores in each domain were compared with those of the traditional block students over 4 years. There were no differences in overall pass/fail status between LIC and block students. Thus, our LIC design could be appropriately modeled at other teaching institutions contemplating introducing an LIC stream., (Copyright © 2020 The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada/La Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This paper describes the recommendations of a national panel on quality improvement in obstetrics to identify priorities for action among five areas of greatest medico-legal risk. Using previously conducted medico-legal data analyses and a systematic literature review, the panel reviewed existing data and developed recommendations for areas of focus in quality improvement in five obstetrical high-risk areas. The panel recommended clarification of definitions in some areas, identified needs for data collection and standardization of practices in others. The most promising interventions to improve care in the five areas were grouped into: standardized processes (such as protocols and communication tools), checklists, audit and feedback, mentoring and coaching, inter-professional communication, simulation and training, and shared decision making guides. This national panel of experts created 18 action-oriented recommendations focused on quality improvement to reduce medico-legal risk and improve the safety of care for Canadian mothers and babies., (Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To provide guidance on the implementation of a surgical safety checklist in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology., Outcomes: Outcomes evaluated include the impact of the surgical safety checklist on surgical morbidity and mortality., Evidence: Medline databases were searched for articles on subjects related to "surgical safety checklist" published in English from January 2001 to January 2011. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to January 2012., Values: The quality of evidence was rated with use of the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to the method described by the Task Force (Table)., Benefits, Harms, and Costs: Implementation of the guideline recommendations will improve the health and well-being of women undergoing obstetrical or gynaecologic surgery., Summary Statements: RECOMMENDATIONS., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: As part of a larger study, an interprofessional team piloted a computer tool called Standardized Clinical Outcome Review (SCOR) to review adverse obstetric events that occurred at a tertiary care hospital over a 12-month period. We sought to understand whether the SCOR tool offered a feasible, acceptable, and appropriate strategy for improving patient safety through improved review of incidents., Methods: We designed a mixed methods implementation study. Following completion of the 12-month pilot period, team members completed a questionnaire and participated in a focus group. Quantitative data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed using grounded theory to generate themes., Results: The SCOR tool was easy to implement with an interprofessional team. Despite technical challenges with the software, the tool was quicker and more efficient than traditional case review methods. The content was appropriate for an obstetric unit and provided objective identification of factors contributing to adverse events. Team members were positive about the use of the tool in their institution and in wider contexts and believed that it was a valuable tool for raising awareness and addressing patient safety at their unit., Conclusions: SCOR was an acceptable and appropriate tool for the interprofessional team review of adverse outcomes, and its use represents a significant advance in the quality assurance process for formal peer review of incidents., (Copyright © 2016 Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The recent SOGC guidelines allow for selective vaginal delivery of breech presentations, following an eight-year period during which vaginal breech delivery was discouraged based on the results of the Term Breech Trial (TBT). We sought to determine the effect of publication of this guideline on the acceptance of vaginal breech delivery by obstetricians and to correlate obstetricians' attitudes with actual practice., Methods: A survey was sent to all obstetricians practising in five teaching hospitals in Toronto exploring their attitudes towards, and comfort with, vaginal breech delivery in various clinical situations. We correlated these with their graduation year in relation to the publication of the TBT. We also reviewed the obstetrical database of the largest teaching hospital in Toronto to see if these attitudes correlated with actual practice., Results: The vaginal breech delivery rate, which was declining prior to publication of the TBT, plummeted after it. Our survey found that most practitioners (50% to 80%) would be willing to provide vaginal breech delivery in defined conditions, with more experienced obstetricians being more comfortable with offering vaginal breech delivery. However, despite these attitudes, the vaginal breech delivery rate during the period surveyed was only 3% (6/195)., Conclusions: In the eight years between publication of the TBT and the new guidelines, very few vaginal breech deliveries were performed. Our survey indicates that most obstetricians have accepted the new guidelines; however, it seems that actual practice is lagging behind. The recent SOGC guidelines seem to have changed attitudes, but without changes in training and practical support, it seems unlikely that the trend for very few vaginal breech deliveries to be performed will be reversed.

Objective: To provide recommendations for the management of genital herpes infection in women who want to get pregnant or are pregnant and for the management of genital herpes in pregnancy and strategies to prevent transmission to the infant., Outcomes: More effective management of complications of genital herpes in pregnancy and prevention of transmission of genital herpes from mother to infant., Evidence: Medline was searched for articles published in French or English related to genital herpes and pregnancy. Additional articles were identified through the references of these articles. All study types and recommendation reports were reviewed., Values: Recommendations were made according to the guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

This document has been archived because it contains outdated information. It should not be consulted for clinical use, but for historical research only. Please visit the journal website for the most recent guidelines.

Objective: The purpose of this guideline is to provide recommendations to obstetric health care providers and to minimize practice variations for HIV screening, while taking provincial and territorial recommendations into account., Outcomes: The risk of transmission of HIV from mother to fetus is significant if the mother is not treated. The primary outcome of screening for and treating HIV in pregnancy is a marked decrease in the rate of vertical transmission of HIV from mother to fetus. Secondary outcomes include confirmation of HIV infection in the woman, which allows optimization of her health and long-term management., Evidence: The Cochrane Library and Medline were searched for English-language articles published related to HIV screening and pregnancy. Additional articles were identified through the references of these articles. All study types were reviewed.

This document has been archived because it contains outdated information. It should not be consulted for clinical use, but for historical research only. Please visit the journal website for the most recent guidelines.

Objective: To determine the pre-conception practices among obstetrician-gynaecologists and family physicians in Canada., Methods: Between October 2001 and May 2002, a survey was mailed to a national random sample of obstetricians and gynaecologists (n = 539) and family physicians (n = 2378) who were current members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada or the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada., Results: Response rates were 41.7% among obstetrician-gynaecologists and 31.1% among family physicians. More than 85% of physicians frequently discussed birth control and Pap testing with women of childbearing age, but fewer than 60% frequently obtained a detailed history of alcohol use. Fewer than 50% of physicians frequently discussed the following with women of childbearing age: weight management, workplace stress, mental health, addiction history, or the risks of substance use during pregnancy. Fewer than 15% enquired about a history of sexual or emotional abuse. Family physicians were significantly more likely than obstetrician-gynaecologists to discuss mental health (41.1% vs. 28.1%), depression (44.5% vs. 29.0%), and history of alcohol use (59.8% vs. 47.9%) with women of childbearing age (all P < 0.05). Obstetrician-gynaecologists were significantly more likely than family physicians to discuss folic acid (57.8% vs. 47.2%), sexual abuse (18.2% vs. 10.8%), smoking (56.0% vs. 46.1%), and drug use (45.8% vs. 35.9%) (all P < 0.05) with women of childbearing age who were not pregnant., Conclusion: There are missed opportunities in pre-conception screening to identify women with suboptimal reproductive health status who are at risk for adverse conception, pregnancy, and birth outcomes. Physician training in identification of women at risk would allow for increased primary and secondary prevention efforts through referral to appropriate treatment and resources.

Objective: To review the effect of the number of embryos transferred on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF), to provide guidelines on the number of embryos to transfer in IVF-embryo transfer (ET) in order to optimize healthy live births and minimize multiple pregnancies., Options: Rates of live birth, clinical pregnancy, and multiple pregnancy or birth by number of embryos transferred are compared., Outcomes: Clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, and live birth rates., Evidence: The Cochrane Library and MEDLINE were searched for English language articles from 1990 to April 2006. Search terms included embryo transfer (ET), assisted reproduction, in vitro fertilization (IVF), ntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), multiple pregnancy, and multiple gestation. Additional references were identified through hand searches of bibliographies of identified articles., Values: Available evidence was reviewed by the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Committee and the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Board of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, and was qualified using the Evaluation of Evidence Guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam., Benefits, Harms, and Costs: This guideline is intended to minimize the occurrence of multifetal gestation, particularly high-order multiples (HOM), while maintaining acceptable overall pregnancy and live birth rates following IVF-ET.

This document has been archived because it contains outdated information. It should not be consulted for clinical use, but for historical research only. Please visit the journal website for the most recent guidelines.

This document has been archived because it contains outdated information. It should not be consulted for clinical use, but for historical research only. Please visit the journal website for the most recent guidelines.

Objective: The prevalence of bleeding disorders, notably von Willebrand disease (vWD), among adult women with objectively documented menorrhagia is consistently reported to be 10% to 20% and is even higher in adolescents presenting with menorrhagia. This consensus document has been developed by a multidisciplinary committee consisting of an anesthesiologist, 2 hematologists, and an obstetrician/gynaecologist and has been endorsed by their relevant specialty bodies. It has been prepared with the express purpose of providing guidelines for both women with inherited bleeding disorders and for their caregivers regarding the gynaecological and obstetric management of these women, including appropriate anesthesia support where indicated., Options: Diagnostic tools and specific medical and, where appropriate, surgical alternatives to management are reviewed and evidence-based recommendations presented., Evidence: A MEDLINE search of the English literature between January 1975 and November 2003 was performed using the following key words: menorrhagia, uterine bleeding, pregnancy, von Willebrand, congenital bleeding disorder, desmopressin/DDAVP, tranexamic acid, oral contraceptives, medroxyprogesterone, therapy, hysterectomy, anesthesia, epidural, spinal. Recommendations from other society guidelines were reviewed., Recommendations: 1. Inherited bleeding disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all patients presenting with menorrhagia (II-2B). The graphical scoring system presented is a validated tool which offers a simple yet practical method that can be used by patients to quantify their blood loss (II-2B). 2. Because underlying bleeding disorders are frequent in women with menorrhagia, physicians should consider performing a hemoglobin/hematocrit, platelet count, ferritin, PT (INR) and APTT in women with menorrhagia. In women who have a personal history of other bleeding or a family history of bleeding, further investigation should be considered, including a vWD workup (factor VIII, vWF antigen, and vWF functional assay) (II-2B). 3. Treatment of menorrhagia in women with inherited bleeding disorders should be individualized (III-B). 4. An inherited bleeding disorder is not a contraindication to hormonal therapy (oral contraceptives [II-1B], depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) [II-3B], danazol [II-2B], GnRH analogs [II-3B]) or local treatments (levonorgestrel-releasing IUS [II-1B]) and non-hormonal therapy (antifibrinolytic drug tranexamic acid [II-1B]) as well as desmopressin (II-1B). These therapies represent first line treatment. Blood products should not be used for women with mild bleeding disorders (III-A). 5. In women who no longer want to preserve their fertility, conservative surgical therapy (ablation) and hysterectomy may be options (III-B). Clinicians may consult the "SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline: Guidelines for the Management of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding" for an in-depth discussion of the available therapeutic modalities, both medical and surgical. To minimize the risk of intraoperative and post-operative hemorrhage, coagulation factors should be corrected preoperatively with post-operative monitoring (II-1B). 6. Girls growing up in families with a history of vWD or other inherited bleeding disorders should be tested pre-menarchally to determine whether or not they have inherited the disease to allow both the patient and her family to prepare for her first and subsequent menstrual periods (III-C). 7. In adolescents presenting with menorrhagia, an inherited bleeding disorder should be excluded (III-B). When possible, investigation should be undertaken before oral contraceptive therapy is instituted, as the hormonally induced increase in factor VIII and vWF may mask the diagnosis (II-B). 8. Pregnancy in women with inherited bleeding disorders may require a multidisciplinary approach. A copy of their recommendations should be given to the patient and she should be instructed to present it to the health care provider admitting her to the birthing centre. Women with severe bleeding disorders or with a fetus at risk for a severe bleeding disorder should deliver in a hospital (level three) or where there is access to consultants in obstetrics, anesthesiology, hematology, and pediatrics (III-C). 9. Vacuum extraction, forceps, fetal scalp electrodes, and fetal scalp blood sampling should be avoided if the fetus is known or thought to be at risk for a congenital bleeding disorder. A Caesarean section should be performed for obstetrical indications only (II-2C). 10. Epidural and spinal anesthesia are contraindicated if there is a coagulation defect. There is no contraindication to regional anesthesia if coagulation is normalized. The decision to use regional anesthesia should be made on an individual basis (III-C). 11. The risk of early and late postpartum hemorrhage is increased in women with bleeding disorders. Women with inherited bleeding disorders should be advised about the possibility of excessive postpartum bleeding and instructed to report this immediately (III-B). 12. Intramuscular injections, surgery, and circumcision should be avoided in neonates at risk for a severe hereditary bleeding disorder until adequate workup/preparation are possible (III-B). The quality of evidence reported in this document has been described using the Evaluation of Evidence criteria outlined in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam (Table 1).

This document has been archived because it contains outdated information. It should not be consulted for clinical use, but for historical research only. Please visit the journal website for the most recent guidelines.

Objective: To provide guidelines for operative vaginal birth in the management of the second stage of labour., Options: Non-operative techniques, episiotomy, and Caesarean section are compared to operative vaginal birth. outcome: Reduced fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality., Evidence: MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched using the key words 'vacuum' and 'birth' as well as 'forceps' and 'birth' for literature published in English from January 1970 to June 2004. The level of evidence and quality of recommendations made are described using the Evaluation of Evidence from the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination., Recommendations: 1. Non-operative interventions such as one-to-one support, partogram use, oxytocin use, and delayed pushing in women using epidurals will decrease need for operative birth. (I-A) 2. Manual rotation may be used alone or in conjunction with instrumental birth with little or no increased risk to the pregnant woman or to the fetus. (III-B) 3. Routine episiotomy is not necessary for an assisted vaginal birth. (II-1E) 4. When operative intervention in the second stage of labour is required, the options, risks, and benefits of vacuum, forceps, and Caesarean section must be considered. The choice of intervention needs to be individualized, as one is not clearly safer or more effective than the other. (II-B) 5. Failure of the chosen method, vacuum and/or forceps, to achieve delivery of the fetus in a reasonable time should be considered an indication for abandonment of the method. (III-C) 6. Adequate clinical experience and appropriate training of the operator are essential to the safe performance of operative deliveries. Hospital credentialing boards should grant privileges for performing these techniques only to an appropriately trained individual who demonstrates adequate skills. (III-C)., Validation: The Clinical Practice Obstetrics Committee and Executive and Council of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada approved these guidelines.

Objective: To provide guidelines for health-care providers on the use of contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases., Outcomes: Overall efficacy of cited contraceptive methods, assessing reduction in pregnancy rate, risk of infection, safety, ease of use, and side effects; the effect of cited contraceptive methods on sexual health and general well-being; and the cost and availability of cited contraceptive methods in Canada., Evidence: Medline and the Cochrane Database were searched for articles in English on subjects related to contraception, sexuality, and sexual health from January 1988 to March 2003, in order to update the Report of the Consensus Committee on Contraception published in May-July 1998. Relevant Canadian Government publications and position papers from appropriate health and family planning organizations were also reviewed., Values: The quality of the evidence is rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination. Recommendations for practice are ranked according to the method described in this Report.

Objective: To assess the use of "Best Practice" methods as a means of improving obstetrical care pertaining to labour management and Caesarean birth in a partnership group of 5 hospitals, 4 with birthing rates of 50 to 175 women a year, and the fifth with a birthing rate of approximately 1000 women a year., Methods: The Labour Management module of the Advances in Labour and Risk Management (ALARM) Best Practice course of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) was tested on the 4 Level I rural hospitals and 1 modified Level II hospital in a small city in the Huron Perth Hospitals. The outcomes assessed were the module's effectiveness as a Continuing Medical Education (CME) tool; its effectiveness at promoting common practice guidelines; and its effectiveness at improving communication and co-operation., Results: From the 5 participating partnership hospitals, 3 obstetricians, 28 family physicians, and 5 midwives were eligible to participate. Of these 36 clinicians, 80% completed the Pre-study Phase, which included auditing their practice for Labour Management; 94% attended the workshops; and 67% completed the Post-study Audit. Common practice changes were identified through the workshops and post-study results showed success in their implementation. A Post-study Questionnaire indicated improved co-operation and communication in the partnership hospitals., Conclusions: The Management of Labour module of the SOGC ALARM Best Practice course was successful in improving obstetrical practice in the partnership group of hospitals tested. This method promoted the use of common practice guidelines at the bedside and also improved communication and co-operation in the hospital partnership.

Investigation of adverse outcomes in health care requires a systematic and systemically oriented approach. This is true in obstetrics where, in Western countries such as Canada, adverse outcomes in the form of maternal mortality are rare. A model for such investigation is presented, based on answers to 3 questions: What? How? and Why? These questions correspond to Donabedian's 3 components of quality assurance: Outcome, Process, and Structure, respectively. Aspects of Reason's model of accidents are also included, in the form of "active failures" and "latent conditions." The latter are divided into 5 basic contributory factors, 4 of which are derived from Helmreich's model of human factors influencing behaviour in flight-crew environments. To illustrate its basic nature, the model is applied to a previously well-investigated air crash at Dryden, Ontario, and 3 obstetric cases of maternal mortality. Application of the model to the reactive investigation of close calls is discussed, as is application to the proactive interrogation of the system for the presence and nature of hazards that pose threats to safety.

Objectives: (1) To understand how external cephalic version (ECV) is used in the management of breech pregnancies; (2) to determine if Canadian practitioners have changed their recommendations regarding the mode of breech delivery since becoming aware of the findings of the Term Breech Trial; and (3) to establish a baseline of how twins are being delivered in Canada., Methods: In March 2001, a survey was mailed to 920 obstetrician/gynaecologists, 409 family physicians, and 62 midwives from the membership list of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada., Results: The response rate was 52% (476/920) for obstetrician/ gynaecologists, 22% (90/409) for family physicians, and 53% (32/62) for midwives. Eighty-nine percent of practitioners routinely offered women ECV. The median self-estimated ECV success rate for nulliparous women was 30%, and for multiparous women, it was 58%. Forty-seven percent of practitioners used tocolytics, 9% used analgesics, and 14% recommended repeat ECV when initial attempts failed. Eighty-four percent of practitioners recommended vaginal breech birth before learning the results of the Term Breech Trial, and 14% afterwards. When both twins present as vertex, most respondents planned vaginal delivery (100% for term, 95% for preterm > 32 weeks, and 73% for preterm < or = 32 weeks). Vaginal birth was recommended for Twin A vertex, Twin B breech at term by 92% of practitioners for frank, 92% for complete, and 88% for footling breech; at preterm > 32 weeks by 84% of practitioners for frank, 81% for complete, and 78% for footling breech; and at preterm < or = 32 weeks by 43% of practitioners for frank, 42% for complete, and 39% for footling breech pregnancies. When Twin A was non-footling breech and Twin B vertex, 7%, 5%, and 2% of practitioners recommended vaginal birth for term, preterm > 32 weeks, and preterm < or = 32 weeks pregnancies, respectively. Sixty-four percent of respondents on twin births were interested in a randomized controlled trial to compare planned Caesarean section with planned vaginal birth for twin pregnancies., Conclusion: Although the use of ECV is high in Canada, the success rate is low. Increasing the use of tocolytics, considering epidural analgesic, and repeating the procedure when the initial attempt fails may increase success and decrease Caesarean section rates. The survey results reflect a dramatic shift toward recommending Caesarean section for management of term breech pregnancies. Vaginal birth is the method of delivery of choice for most twin pregnancies of 32 weeks' gestation, especially for vertex/vertex presentations.

Objectives: To review the evidence-based management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) and hyperemesis gravidarum., Evidence: MEDLINE and Cochrane database searches were performed using the medical subject headings (MeSH) of treatment, nausea, vomiting, pregnancy, and hyperemesis gravidarum. The quality of evidence reported in these guidelines has been described using the Evaluation of Evidence criteria outlined in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam., Benefits: NVP has a profound effect on women's health and quality of life during pregnancy, as well as a financial impact on the health care system, and its early recognition and management are recommended. (III-B) COST: Costs, including hospitalizations, additional office visits, and time lost from work, may be reduced if NVP is treated early.

Clinical risk presents enormous challenges for the health profession and governments. Despite excellent national and regional programs focused on the management of obstetrical conditions and prevention of newborn injury, an environment of clinical error persists; according to Canadian Medical Protective Association data, each year 6% of Canadian obstetricians face a legal challenge, with most cases also involving nurses and hospitals. Principles and lessons learned from risk management developed in high reliability organizations (HROs), such as air traffic controllers and nuclear power plants, can be applied to risk management in perinatal/obstetrical units. In 2002, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada will launch an obstetrical risk management program called "Managing Obstetrical Risk Efficiently" (MORE), integrating labour and delivery clinical core content with HRO principles and reflective learning and practice modification tools designed to help all obstetrical caregivers build and maintain confidence and competency, improve patient safety and quality of care, and reduce clinical error and adverse events.

Objective: To determine the descriptive word for women that women attending obstetrical and gynaecological clinics deemed most suitable and whether the women preferred to be cared for by male or female practitioners., Methods: A questionnaire administered to 200 women attending specialty antenatal and general gynaecology clinics., Results: Those attending the antenatal clinic chose as follows: "patient" (63.5%), "mother" (18%), "pregnant woman" (13.5%), "woman" (3%), and "client" (2%). Physician preference was: female (52.5%), male (1.5%), and either (46%). In the gynaecology clinic the choice was "patient" (68.5%); "woman" (24%); "client," "consumer," or "customer" (7.5%). Physician preference was: female (54.5%), male (2%), and either (43.4%)., Conclusion: The descriptive word "patient" was the first choice of women attending antenatal and gynaecology clinics. The commercial words "client," "consumer," and "customer" were the least favoured. Given a choice, more than half of the women preferred to see a female physician, and preferred to be described as patients.

Objective: To review the clinical aspects of hemorrhagic shock and provide recommendations for therapy., Options: Early recognition of hemorrhagic shock and prompt systematic intervention will help avoid poor outcomes., Outcomes: Establish guidelines to assist in early recognition of hemorrhagic shock and to conduct resuscitation in an organized and evidence-based manner., Evidence: Medline references were sought using the MeSH term "hemorrhagic shock." All articles published in the disciplines of obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery, trauma, critical care, anesthesia, pharmacology, and hematology between 1 January 1990 and 31 August 2000 were reviewed, as well as core textbooks from these fields. Selected references from these articles and book chapters were also obtained and reviewed. The level of evidence has been determined using the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination., Recommendations: 1. Clinicians should be familiar with the clinical signs of hemorrhagic shock. (III-B) 2. Clinicians should be familiar with the stages of hemorrhagic shock. (III-B) 3. Clinicians should assess each woman's risk for hemorrhagic shock and prepare for the procedure accordingly. (III-B) 4. Resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock should include adequate oxygenation. (II-3A) 5. Resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock should include restoration of circulating volume by placement of two large-bore IVs, and rapid infusion of a balanced crystalloid solution. (I-A) 6. Isotonic crystalloid or colloid solutions can be used for volume replacement in hemorrhagic shock (I-B). There is no place for hypotonic dextrose solutions in the management of hemorrhagic shock (I-E). 7. Blood component transfusion is indicated when deficiencies have been documented by clinical assessment or hematological investigations (II-2B). They should be warmed and infused through filtered lines with normal saline, free of additives and drugs (II-3B). 8. Vasoactive agents are rarely indicated in the management of hemorrhagic shock and should be considered only when volume replacement is complete, hemorrhage is arrested, and hypotension continues. They should be administered in a critical care setting with the assistance of a multidisciplinary team. (III-B) 9. Appropriate resuscitation requires ongoing evaluation of response to therapy, including clinical evaluation, and hematological, biochemical, and metabolic assessments. (III-B) 10. In hemorrhagic shock, prompt recognition and arrest of the source of hemorrhage, while implementing resuscitative measures, is recommended. (III-B)VALIDATION: These guidelines have been reviewed by the Clinical Practice Obstetrics Committee and approved by Executive and Council of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada., Sponsors: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

Objective: The primary objective of this guideline is to provide Canadian physicians up-to-date, accurate information and recommendations regarding: i) impact of pregnancy and lactation on risk of breast cancer; ii) prognosis of breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy and lactation; iii) risk of recurrence of breast cancer with the occurrence of subsequent pregnancies; iv) feasibility of breastfeeding and its impact on the prognosis of women with breast cancer., Options: This guideline reviews evidence on whether pregnancy and breastfeeding change the lifetime risk for breast cancer in women, and whether breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or during lactation has a different prognosis. It offers the clinician advice on the diagnostic options to help identify breast cancer in pregnancy and/or during lactation, and offers evidence-based recommendations in managing an ongoing pregnancy and/or lactation when treatment for breast cancer is being planned. It also offers recommendations to clinicians in counselling their patients regarding future pregnancy and future breastfeeding for women who have been treated for breast cancer., Outcomes: These guidelines should help physicians counsel patients using evidence-based recommendations. These recommendations may also improve the prognosis of patients diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy and lactation, or of those patients who had breast cancer and are contemplating future pregnancies., Evidence: A Medline search was carried out for all publications from 1990 through 2000, in the English language, related to breast cancer and pregnancy in terms of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, as well as for breast cancer and breastfeeding, with particular focus on impact of treatment of breast cancer on lactation and prognosis of breast cancer after lactation. The authors submitted the manuscript for review to members of the Breast Disease Committee, who also validated the levels of evidence. The final manuscript was submitted to the SOGC Council for approval and dissemination. The levels of evidence for recommendations have been determined using the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination., Benefits, Harms, and Costs: Canadian physicians will be able to counsel their patients on the impact of pregnancy and lactation on a woman's lifetime risk for breast cancer. Physicians and patients will be empowered to decide how to manage pregnancy and lactation when breast cancer is diagnosed in pregnancy, and to appreciate the ramifications of reproduction and breastfeeding after breast cancer. This guideline identifies areas where good evidence is lacking and advocates research in those areas., Recommendations: Women should be counselled regarding their risk for breast cancer and be informed that: 1. There is good evidence that there is a transient increase in risk of breast cancer in the first three to four years after delivery of a singleton baby (II-2B). Subsequently, their lifetime risk seems lower than that of women who remain nulliparous (II-2B). 2. There is good evidence that the risk for premenopausal breast cancer is reduced with lactation (II-2A). This protective effect seems to be best for women who had extended periods of breastfeeding during their lifetime (ll-2B). Women with familial risks could potentially benefit most from breastfeeding (II-2C). Since breast milk is the ideal nutrient for the newborn, and since breastfeeding is a modifiable risk factor, all women should be encouraged to breastfeed their children (II-2A). 3. All women should be encouraged to practice breast self-examination in pregnancy and during lactation (II-2B). Clinicians should screen all pregnant patients for breast cancer with thorough breast examination early in pregnancy (III-B). The clinician is advised to examine the breast in the postpartum period if the woman is not breastfeeding. The obstetrician is advised to examine the breast at any time in the postpartum period if the woman presents with breast symptoms (III-B). 4. Physicians should be encouraged to use ultrasltrasonography, mammography, needle aspiration, or breast biopsies to assess suspicious breast masses in pregnancy and during lactation, in the same timely fashion as for non-pregnant or non-lactating women (II-2A). Interruption of lactation during investigation is not necessary, nor is it recommended unless nuclear studies are entertained (III-B). 5. Once breast cancer is diagnosed, a multidisciplinary approach should be taken. This includes the obstetrician, surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, and breast cancer counsellors (II-2A). 6. In early pregnancy, the patient should be counselled regarding the effect of proposed therapy on the fetus and on overall maternal prognosis. Termination of pregnancy should be discussed, but the patient should be counselled that prognosis is not altered by termination of pregnancy. Women should be advised that premature menopause may result from breast cancer treatments, especially if chemotherapy is given to patients who are past the age of 30. (II-2C) 7. Up until now, modified radical mastectomy was the cornerstone of surgical treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy. Adjuvant chemotherapy should be entertained and, if required, administered without delay. The patient should be counselled regarding the effect of chemotherapy on the fetus and/or the future reproductive potential of the patient (II-2B). In the third trimester, the risks and benefits of early delivery versus continuation of pregnancy, and the effect of chemotherapy on the fetus, should be addressed (II-2B). Women undergoing chemotherapy or tamoxifen treatment should not breastfeed (III-B). 8. Women treated for breast cancer and who wish to become pregnant should be counselled that pregnancy is possible and does not seem to be associated with a worse prognosis for their breast cancer (II-3C). However, they should be made aware that the evidence to support such advice is relatively poor. 9. Since most breast cancer recurrences appear within two to three years after initial diagnosis, patients should be advised to postpone pregnancy for three years (III-C). If a patient has axillary node involvement, the recommendation to defer pregnancy should be extended to five years, but this recommendation is based on opinion only (III-C). Prior to attempting pregnancy, a breast cancer survivor should be referred for a full oncologic evaluation. 10. There is no evidence that breastfeeding increases the risk of breast cancer recurring or of a second breast cancer developing, nor that it carries any health risk to the child. Women previously treated for breast cancer, who do not show any evidence of residual tumour, should be encouraged to breastfeed their children (III-B)., Validation: Level of evidence, quality of research in the recruited publications, and ensuing recommendations were reviewed and discussed by members of the SOGC Breast Disease Committee as well as by a member of the Gynaecological Oncology Committee. External reviewers with expertise in the area were also solicited for comments and criticism.