Risk factors tied to prognosis of obstetric anal sphincter injuries

In addition to identifying operative delivery as a risk factor for wound breakdown and identifying fourth-degree tear as a risk factor for depression, analyses showed that the women experiencing wound infection or breakdown had significantly higher levels of pain than did peers with an intact perineum (mean, 35 vs. 23 points on a scale from 0 to 100; P = .03).

Dr. Kenton disclosed no relevant conflicts of interest.