Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), defined as third- and fourth-degree perineal laceration, is a maternal morbidity that may occur during vaginal delivery and lead to short- and long-term complications including perineal pain, infection, diminished sexual function, incontinence, abscess formation and rectovaginal fistulae. OASI is the most common cause of fecal incontinence among women, and while primary surgical repair after delivery can reduce pelvic floor dysfunction, the mean rate of anal incontinence reported following primary repair is 39%. Thus, it is alarming that over the last 15 years, the rate of OASI has increased by up to 15% in several industrialized countries including Canada, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Studies from high-income countries have identified an increased risk of OASI in individuals who identify as Asian race vs those who identify as White; we are conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate this relationship.
Studies from high-income countries have identified an increased risk of OASI in individuals who identify as Asian race vs those who identify as White; we are conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate this relationship.
Irina I. Oltean, Parnian Hossein-Pour, Maya Rajasingham, Francis Nguyen, Susitha Wanigaratne, Rohan D'Souza, Giulia M. Muraca
Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 198(10), 2026, pp. E358-E368
Parnian Hossein-Pour, Rohan D'Souza, Anastasia Gayowsky, Irina I. Oltean, Esther Chin, Azar Mehrabadi, Giulia M Muraca
PLoS ONE, vol. 21(3), 2026, pp. e0344365
Asian-White disparities in obstetric anal sphincter injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Meejin Park, Susitha Wanigaratne, Rohan D’Souza, Roxana Geoffrion, Sarah A Williams, Giulia M Muraca
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Global Reports, vol. 4(1), 2023, p. 100296
Meejin Park, Susitha Wanigaratne, Rohan D'Souza, Roxana Geoffrion, Sarah A Williams, Giulia M Muraca
PLoS ONE, vol. 18(9), 2023, pp. e0291174