Abstract

Diabetic pregnancies have attendant risks. Adverse fetal, neonatal, and maternal outcomes in a diabetic pregnancy can be avoided by optimum glycemic control. Most pregnancies with GDM can be managed with noninsulinic management, which includes medical nutrition therapy. However, many necessitate concomitant insulinic management. The new insulin analogs present undoubted advantages in reducing the risk of hypoglycemia, mainly during the night, and in promoting a more physiologic glycemic profile in pregnant women with diabetes. Rapidacting insulin analogs seem to be safe and efficient in reducing postprandial glucose levels more proficiently than regular human insulin, with less hypoglycemia. The longacting insulin analogs do not have a pronounced peak effect as NPH insulin, and cause less hypoglycemia, mainly during the night. The review focuses on glycemic goals in pregnancy, insulinic management of GDM, and posology of insulin and its analogs. Clear understanding of the insulinic management of GDM is essential for women’s health care providers to provide comprehensive care to women whose pregnancies are complicated with diabetes and rechristen the ‘‘diabetic capital of the world’’ to the ‘‘diabetic care capital of the world.’’

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the role of total serum estradiol on the day of injection HCG, estradiol per mature follicle, and estradiol per oocytes retrieved (OR) on clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and oocyte/embryo quality in assisted reproduction.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 342 in vitro fertilization cycles with normal ovarian reserve in women who underwent long GnRH agonist protocol was included. The outcomes assessed are number of OR, number of mature oocytes (MO), number of oocytes fertilized (FO), fertilization rate, number of embryos cleaved (EC), cleavage rate (CR), number of Grade I embryos (E), number of cryopreserved embryos (CPE), and CPR. The Estradiol/follicle ratio (E2/fol) was defined as estradiol level per mature follicle[14 mm in diameter. Estradiol/ oocyte (E2/O) ratio was defined as estradiol level per OR. These two ratios were categorized by the 25th percentile into four groups.

Results: A positive correlation was seen between E2/fol and OR (r = .334, p value = .0001), MO (r = .335, p value = .0001), FO (r = .222, p value = .002), and CPE (r = .289, p value = .0001). Increased CPR was seen in Group C (E2/ fol = 200–299.99) compared to Group A, B, and D (p value = .033). With E2/O ratio, negative correlation was seen between E2/O and OR (r = -.281, p value = .002),MO (r = -.296, p value = .008), FO (r = -.220, p value = .003), EC (r = -.211, p value = .004), Grade 1 embryo (r = -.216, p value = .001), and CPE (r = -.206, p value = .005).No difference in FR, CR, orCPRwas seen.No difference was seen in CPR with total serum estradiol.

Conclusions: In conclusion, serum estradiol is an important determinant of IVF success. While total serum estradiol does not exert any positive or negative influence on IVF outcome, estradiol per mature follicle and retrieved oocytes do have an impact. Pregnancy rate is better when E2/fol is between 200 and 299.99 pg/ml. Also, increasing serum E2/fol positively correlates with better oocytes and embryo quality. In contrast, E2/O negatively correlates with oocytes and embryo quality parameters.

Abstract

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of combining mifepristone before misoprostol use in second trimester to considerably reduce the induction–abortion interval with the lowest possible dose and adverse reaction.

Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted which included 60 patients visiting the antenatal OPD for elective abortions between 13 and 20 weeks of gestation as per the MTP act. They were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each—the study group received mifepristone 200 mg orally before misoprostol, whereas the control group was induced with misoprostol alone. The results were analyzed.

Observation: Statistical analysis of the study was done using v2 test. The induction–abortion interval was significantly shorter in the study group, thereby decreasing the side-effects of the drug as well as duration of hospital stay. Conclusion This study, like many others, offers a reliable, safe, and cost-effective option by combining mifepristone before misoprostol to decrease the induction– abortion interval.

Abstract

Introduction: Abnormalities in maternal serum marker levels and fetal measurements obtained during the first trimester screening can be a marker not only for certain chromosomal disorders and anomalies in the fetus but also for specific pregnancy complications. In particular, low maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), at 11–13 weeks of gestation, is associated with stillbirth, infant death, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and pre-eclampsia in chromosomally normal fetuses, while a raised nuchal translucency is associated with specific structural abnormalities and genetic syndromes. We have studied the serum Papp-A level in 560 pregnant patients (11–13 weeks gestation) registered at Bharati Hospital and Research Centre, Pune. All patients undergoing testing were followed till the delivery and their neonatal outcome was also taken into consideration.

Aims and Objectives: Our aim is to study the pregnancy outcome in relation to the variations of Papp-A level in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: Every patient visiting the antenatal OPD was counseled for testing of First Trimester Screening to assess fetal well-being. Patients who were registered for delivery at our hospital were taken into the trial. Blood samples were taken at 11–13 weeks of pregnancy and sent to the PerkinElmer lab for analysis. Results were expressed in Multiple of Median and patients having MOM value less than 0.5 were carefully observed till the delivery, and a thorough neonatal examination was done by a pediatrician. Observations 524 patients were included in the trial out of which 452 patients were found to have a normal Papp-A level of [0.5 MOM. All these patients were followed further during the antenatal period where 18 patients developed preterm labor and few patients developed pregnancy-induced hypertension. The obstetric outcome of patients with a normal Papp-A level was fairly uneventful as compared to others with a low Papp-A level.

Conclusions: Though Papp-A level in the first trimester of pregnancy (11–13 weeks) is an important predictor of future obstetric outcome, it has poor positive predictive value. Patients having a Papp-A level less than 0.5 MOM have a high risk for preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirths along with increased incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. A low Papp-A level is a useful indicator of risk of preterm delivery and future chance of development of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine day 3 Serum AMH, FSH, LH, Estradiol (E2), Inhibin B levels, ovarian volume, and antral follicular count to assess
ovarian function.

Methods: This study was conducted on 130 infertile women between age 18 and 43 years. Day 3 Serum AMH level was estimated by sandwich enzyme immunoassay; Serum FSH, S. LH, S. E2, by solid-phase two-site chemiluminescent immunometric assay; Inhibin B by ELISA; and Ovarian volume and AFC, by transvaginal ultrasonography.

Results: With advancing age, Serum AMH level (p\0.0001), AFC (p\0.05), ovarian volume ([0.05), and Inhibin B ([0.05) were decreased, and Serum FSH (p\0.05), LH (p[0.05), and E2 (p\0.05) were increased. Serum AMH level was 4–6.8 ng/ml with optimal fertility in 26.15 % cases and 2.2–4.0 ng/ml with satisfactory fertility in 53.85 % cases. Serum AMH levels were more strongly correlated with AFC (p\0.0001) and ovarian volume (p\0.0001).

Conclusion: Serum AMH levels were more robustly correlated with AFC than FSH, LH, E2, and Inhibin B on day 3 of the cycle. This suggested that serum AMH might be
taken as single test to reflect ovarian reserve.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this article was to determine digital levels of the association of factors of pregnancy success after the first cycle of intrauterine insemination (IUI) with 300 infertile couples.

Methods: The IUI procedure was followed at 36 h after triggering the ovulation, if at least one follicle measured [15 mm. Endometrium thickness (ET) and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured at day 10 for each patient. The post-wash total motile fraction (TMF) of semen of the partner of each patient was also evaluated. The principal component analysis (PCA) was done with the data to quantify the associations of related factors.

Results: The clinical pregnancy rate of first cycle IUI attempts was 17.3 %, observed in females, aged 20–39 years and men with TMF[5 million spermatozoa. The ovarian stimulation enabled the development of follicles measuring[16 mm, with LH levels\10 mIU/L and ET [5 mm for success. The PCA revealed that with the female-age parameter, three factors, NF, ET, and LH were related in the component 1; similarly, NF, LH, and RFS were related in component 2; age, NF, ET, LH, LFS, and TMF were related in component 3; and NF, ET, LH, RFS, and LFS in component 4 were related, i.e., the best correlation.

Conclusion: Associated principal determinative factors, LH, female-age, NF and LFS values were highly significant, but the factors, ET, RFS and TMF were statistically insignificant for success through IUI in pregnancy.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess how some factors may influence the failure of labor induction.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study from January 2009 to December 2011 with 248 patients who were admitted to the Obstetrics Unit of Ferrara University for labor induction. We selected only patients with unfavorable characteristics such as nulliparity, maternal and gestational age, and Bishop score and specific obstetric conditions such as mild preeclampsia, isolated oligohydramnios, premature rupture membrane, gestational diabetes, and hypertension for the success of labor induction. Results The induction was carried out by rapid-release gel dinoprostone. 200 patients (80.6 %) delivered vaginally (Group A), while 48 (19.4 %) underwent a cesarean section (Group B). Maternal age was one independent significant variable (p = 0.01, OR 1.08) determining the risk of cesarean delivery. Patients affected by mild preeclampsia had a three times higher risk for cesarean section. Despite the several unfavorable characteristics of the patients, the cesarean section rate was comparable to that of the normal population.

Conclusion: Several factors and clinical conditions historically considered as negative predictors of induction result should be reassessed. The success of labor induction is determined by many maternal and fetal variables, which must all be taken into account to avoid unnecessary cesarean sections.

Abstract

Aim: To determine the current prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in normal pregnant women and to study the impact of thyroid dysfunction on maternal and fetal outcome. Methods 400 pregnant women between 13 and 26 weeks of gestation were registered for the study. Apart from routine obstetrical investigations, TSH tests were done. Free T4 and anti-TPO antibody tests were done in patients with deranged TSH. Patients were followed up till delivery. Their obstetrical and perinatal outcomes were noted.

Results: The prevalence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was 12 and 1.25 %, respectively. Adverse maternal effects in overt hypothyroidism included preeclampsia (16.6 vs. 7.8 %) and placental abruption (16.6 vs. 0.8 %). Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with preeclampsia (22.3 vs. 7.8 %) as compared to the euthyroid patients. Adverse fetal outcomes in overt hypothyroidism included spontaneous abortion (16.6 vs. 2.39 %), preterm birth (33.3 vs. 5.8 %), low birth weight (50 vs. 12.11 %), intrauterine growth retardation (25 vs. 4.9 %), and fetal death (16.6 vs. 1.7 %) as compared to the euthyroid women. Adverse fetal outcomes in subclinical hypothyroidism included spontaneous abortion (5.5 vs. 2.39 %), preterm delivery (11.2 vs. 5.8 %), low birth weight (25 vs. 12.11 %), and intrauterine growth retardation (8.4 vs. 4.9 %) as compared to the euthyroid women.

Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid disorders was high in our study with associated adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Routine screening of thyroid dysfunction is recommended to prevent adverse fetal and maternal outcome.

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether an antepartum low amniotic fluid index (AFI) is a predictor of adverse perinatal outcome in normal pregnancy and to determine a threshold level of AFI that could predict an adverse outcome.

Methods: This was a prospective study conducted among 180 pregnant women at 37–40 weeks of gestation with no known obstetric or medical complications with an AFI B 5th percentile. The results were statistically analyzed and compared.

Results: In the control group, the mean AFI was 10.14 cm and in the study group, it was 4.14 cm. 65 % patients in the study group and 24 % in the control group had a nonreactive non-stress Test. In the control group, 53 % of patients were induced for reasons other than oligohydramnios, while in the study group, 86 % of patients were induced for oligohydramnios. Among the control group, 33 % had a LSCS, while 67 % delivered vaginally; and in the study group, 34 % delivered vaginally and 66 % had a LSCS. In our study, a 5-min APGAR\7 was seen in 34 % in the study group and 11 % in the control group. 33 % neonates in the control group and 64 % in the study group had birth weights\2.5 kg.

Conclusions: In the presence of oligohydramnios, perinatal morbidity and mortality are high. Determination of AFI is a valuable screening test for predicting fetal distress.

Abstract

Objective of this article is to appraise diagnostic aspects and treatment modalities in childhood ovarian tumor in background of available evidence. Literature search on Pubmed revealed various aspects of epidemiology, histopathological diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric ovarian tumor. 85 % of childhood tumors are germ cell tumors. The varied histopathological picture in germ cell tumors poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Immunohistochemistry and newer genetic markers like SALL4 and karyopherin-2 (KPNA2) have been helpful in differentiating ovarian yolk sac tumor from dysgerminoma, teratomas, and other pictures of hepatoid, endometrioid, clear cell carcinomatous, and adenocarcinomatous tissues with varied malignant potential. Before platinum therapy, these tumors were almost fatal in children. Fertility- conserving surgery with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin has dramatically changed the survival rates in these patients. This modality gives cancer cure with healthy offspring to female patients with childhood ovarian tumor. Evidence also supports this protocol resulting in successful pregnancy rates and safety of cytotoxic drugs in children born to these patients.