Effect of Birth after Anal Sphincter Injury on QoL: The BASIQ Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of Birth after Anal Sphincter Injury on bowel symptoms and Quality of life: The BASIQ Study.
IRAS ID
75054
Contact name
Sara S Webb
Contact email
Research summary
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) occur in 0.6% - 9.0% of vaginal deliveries and the morbidity of faecal/flatus urgency and incontinence associated with anal sphincter injury is widely recognised. \nHowever, most women with a previous sphincter injury have no bowel problems and when no sphincter defect is seen on ultrasound, the decision to pursue a vaginal delivery is considered reasonable. Although this is becoming more accepted, and sought, by women with previous OASIS, information concerning the impact on quality of life both prior and following birth, either by vaginal or caesarean section, is lacking. The BASIQ study aims to provide this much needed information.\nThe study will be undertaken at a tertiary maternity hospital that performs just under 8,000 deliveries a year and has an existing specialist antenatal clinic that oversees women with previous OASIS in order to determine mode of delivery.\nThe BASIQ study will involve all women willing to participate who become pregnant during a two year recruitment period and who have previously sustained an OASIS. In addition to standard maternity care for previous OASIS cases, which now includes ante- and post-natal anal ultrasound, women in the BASIQ Study will be asked to complete a validated questionnaire concerning bowel function and its effects on their quality of life. This will be completed at 34 weeks’ gestation (baseline) and again at 6 months post-natal.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0367
Date of REC Opinion
2 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion