Abstract

Hematologic emergencies in pregnancy contribute to significant morbidity and mortality that can be sudden, unprecedented and catastrophic! Coagulopathies in pregnancy can vary from prothrombotic/microangiopathic events to bleeding events. This article highlights the detection and prevention of adverse events such as disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, post-partum haemorrhage, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, or thrombotic microangiopathy. Role of the obstetrician, haematologist and the pathologist has been discussed for the early warning signs to complete the journey to safe pregnancy

Abstract

Doubling of C-section rates from year 2000 to 2015 globally was declared an eye-opener on October 13, 2018, in FIGO World Congress. Rapid increase in rates without clear evidence of concomitant decrease in maternal or neonatal morbidity or mortality raises significant concern that cesarean delivery is overused. This review addresses issues related to exponentially rising rates, reasons for it, and strategies to reduce. Previous cesarean delivery has main contribution to rising rates as per evidence from the literature search in last 5 years. Focus on optimizing indications of primary C-section resulted in making us rethink modifiable indications like labor dystocia, indeterminate fetal heart rate tracing, suspected fetal macrosomia, malposition, risk-adapted obstetrics, litigation fears, on demand cesarean in literate women and overuse of labor induction. Use of uniform classification system (Robson/WHO classification) with recommendations of WHO, FIGO and annual audits with cloud-based anonymous registry will streamline decisions for cesarean in nullipara and help to control the situation.

Abstract

Background: Present study carried out in a tertiary referral hospital in North India attempts to determine the maternal and neonatal outcomes of metformin therapy in patients of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients of GDM on metformin therapy and to study its adverse effects.

Method: In this prospective observational study, all women diagnosed with GDM not controlled by medical nutrition therapy were started on metformin therapy and the maternal and neonatal outcomes were studied.

Results: A total of 104 patients of GDM, not controlled on MNT and requiring pharmacotherapy, were enrolled for the study. An important clinical data from the study were that in 63.5% of patients there was no family history of diabetes mellitus. Average weight gain during pregnancy ranged from 6 to 10 kg. Glycemic control was achieved in 96.2% of patients with varying doses of metformin therapy, and it reached statistical significance. Duration of metformin therapy ranged from a minimum of 2 months to a maximum of 6 months. No serious side effects were noted except for hypoglycemia in one patient. Patient acceptability toward metformin intake was good. Mean birth weight of newborns was 2972 ± 280 g, and no case of fetal macrosomia was seen. Neonatal hypoglycemia was seen in 3.8% of the babies and 6.7% required NICU admission. No case of congenital malformation was reported.

Conclusions: Metformin is a clinically effective, inexpensive and safe drug for treating gestational diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the appropriateness of using MCV/MCH as screening test for beta-thalassemia trait in the present population and also to find the most appropriate cutoff for optimum sensitivity of these indices.

Methods: It was an analytical, observational and cross-sectional study. Complete blood count followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed. The MCV and MCH levels were noted in cases and controls.

Results: Thalassemia trait was found in 66 out of 1300 antenatal women with anemia. The MCV and MCH were significantly low in cases (p = 0.0001). MCV had a better AUC (0.650) than MCH (0.635). The most suitable cutoff value of MCV was calculated as 72 fl (sensitivity—63.7%, specificity—68.3%, PPV—9.7%, LR—2.0) and that for MCH was 24 pg (sensitivity— 63.6%, specificity—59.4%, PPV—7.7%, LR—1.5) using Youden’s index. When MCH (cutoff of 28 pg) and MCV were combined (cutoff of 74 fl), the sensitivity and specificity were 95% and 16%, respectively.

Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of MCV and MCH alone had low detection rate when used in combination had high sensitivity but the specificity was low; therefore, HPLC should be the preferred screening test for beta-thalassemia in Indian women.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a home-based extended low-dose oral misoprostol for management of first-trimester pregnancy loss.

Materials and Methods: A randomized trial that was conducted in the Woman’s Health University Hospital and El-eman Maternity Hospital, Assiut, Egypt. One hundred and sixty patients were included. They were randomly assigned to receive four tablets of 200 μg misoprostol vaginally (max. 800 μg-hospital group) or 12 tablets orally, one every 3 h, over 2 consecutive days (max. 2400 μg-extended low-dose home group). For failed first dose, another similar second dose was given. Primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients with ‘medically completed miscarriages’ in each group (including complete miscarriages + incomplete miscarriages with successful post-miscarriage misoprostol).

Results: The total number of patients with ‘medically completed miscarriages’ in home group was 65/79 (82.3%), which was comparable to the hospital group (52/71 or 73.2%) (P = 0.182). However, the majority of patients in home group had significantly successful miscarriages after a single course of low-dose oral misoprostol, experienced much less heavy bleeding attacks and had less systemic side effects.

Conclusion: In low-resource communities, the home-based extended low-dose oral misoprostol protocol proved high efficacy, safety and tolerability in management of first-trimester pregnancy loss.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Knowing the factors affecting fetal distress is of particular importance in improving prognosis in newborns. The study aimed to determine the relationship between fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility indexes and umbilical artery Doppler ratio with fetal distress at 38–40 weeks of gestation.

Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort, 181 consecutive pregnant women with 38–40 weeks of gestational age were selected by a non-random convenience sampling method from January 2016 to January 2017. Women with labor pain and embryos with chromosomal and structural disorder were excluded. Color Doppler sonography was done for all of them, and the association of this ratio with fetal distress consequently was assessed as well.

Results: In this study, abnormal amniotic fluid index (AFI) (1.1%), low birth weight (< 2500 g) (5.5%), emergency cesarean (11.6%), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (12.2%), low 5th minute Apgar (< 7) (0.6%), abnormal fetal monitoring (10.5%), fetal distress (11.6%), meconium aspiration syndrome (10.5%), and respiratory distress (3.9%) were present. The mean cerebroplacental ratio was 1.9. There was a significant association between low fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and umbilical artery Doppler ratio with fetal distress, abnormal monitoring, and urgent cesarean (P = 0.006). The cutoff 1.94 led to sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 80.95, 50, 17.5, and 95.2%, respectively.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that in our study a cutoff for fetal middle cerebral artery to umbilical artery ratio of 1.94 at 38 weeks was considered statistically significant in predicting fetal distress at 38–40 weeks. However, further studies with larger sample size and multi-center sampling would develop more definite results for wider application.

Abstract

Background: The number of cancers diagnosed during pregnancy is on the rise, and breast cancer is the most common malignancy. Presently, there are very limited resources and no clear guidelines for managing this peculiar patient population both worldwide and in India. The objective of this study was to find out the incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) in a tertiary care referral centre and to compare the epidemiological, diagnostic and prognostic factors as well as maternal and foetal outcomes with the most recent literature worldwide.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of women diagnosed with breast cancer in pregnancy and postpartum period at a tertiary care centre in southern India during the period of 10 years (total number of breast cancer patients were 10). We studied the diagnostic and prognostic factors as well as maternal and foetal outcome in patients diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time in pregnancy.

Results: Overall incidence of PABC was found to be 0.6% (n = 10). Mean age at the time of presentation was 30.7 ± 4 years. All cases suspected clinically or on imaging (USG) were confirmed with FNAC, excision biopsy or Trucut biopsy. Out of 10 patients, 70% (n = 7) had an advanced-stage disease on diagnosis. Histopathology suggested 90% (n = 9) had invasive ductal carcinoma and 55.5% (n = 5) had a triple negative receptor status. 20% (n = 2) of our patients had opted for a breast conservation surgery (BCS), and 70% (n = 7) of our patients underwent modified radical mastectomy with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy/radiotherapy. One patient had a second trimester MTP in view of stage 4 disease. 77.7% (n = 7) of the nine patients who continued pregnancy underwent LSCS, out of which 57.4% (n = 4) were elective, and MRM was done concurrently with LSCS in 50% (n = 2) of the elective LSCS. The mean birth weight of the 9 neonates was 2.2 ± 0.5 kg. Intrauterine growth retardation was seen in 22.2% (n = 2) neonates. 33.3% (n = 3) of the neonates required NICU support, and one baby expired on post-natal day 16.

Conclusion: With the increasing number of elderly primigravida amongst the urban population, a clear understanding of PABC is becoming more important. A multidisciplinary team approach shall help the clinician not only in reducing the heavy burden of patient responsibility but more importantly, in guaranteeing better quality of treatment, avoiding unnecessary delays in providing interventions and providing adequate treatment.

Abstract

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness extends the maternal and neonatal health continuum of care and thus contributes to one of the important tools for pregnant women to experience better pregnancy outcome, strengthening family and community health, creating space for other interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate community-based birth preparedness and complication readiness training on pregnancy outcome.

Method: The study adopted a quasi-experimental time series only one experimental design which was conducted in rural south-eastern India for 1 year among the reproductive age group 15–49 years (≤ 24 weeks pregnancy), and cases were followed up till postnatal period. A standardized birth preparedness assessment index (BPAI) was used to assess preparedness level of respondents. Community-based continuous training (CBCT) was introduced, and its effect was measured on birth preparedness level, involvement of family and their pregnancy outcomes.

Result: CBCT interventional program was effective in promoting positive behaviors on birth preparedness and complication readiness as per BPAI: 13% of women were at level 1, 15% at level 2, 19% at level 3, 49% participants were at 4th level and 5% were at 5th level which represented the best level of preparedness for their present delivery. Pregnant mothers who completed their antenatal visits and were well prepared for delivery were found to be having two times favorable pregnancy outcome than those who had not (OR 2.79).

Conclusion: BPCR intervention strategy can be utilized as a timely and effective community action plan for ensuring a favorable pregnancy outcome.

Abstract

Objective: To improve the awareness and knowledge regarding Maternal Near Miss (MNM) among health service providers in the selected districts and women’s hospitals in Maharashtra, India.

Methods: A one-day training programme on MNM was conducted at four Family Welfare Training Centres in the state of Maharashtra, India, for the health service providers, viz. gynaecologists, pathologists, anaesthesiologists, medical officers, staff nurses, other paramedical workers of the selected 29 districts/women’s hospitals in Maharashtra. A total of 147 participants participated in the training programme. The participants filled a questionnaire before (pretest) and after the training (post-test) with the same set of questions pertaining to knowledge on the basic and operational aspects of MNM.

Results: There was a significant improvement in the level of knowledge (post-test responses vs pretest responses) about the correct definition and classification of MNM, as per the instructions in the MNM-R guidelines by the Government of India.The service providers informed regarding the challenges in the implementation of the MNM-R guidelines at their hospitals such as shortage of manpower in terms of specialists and need of quality assurance.

Conclusion: The training programme improved the knowledge of the service providers about MNM, which would help them to implement the MNM-R guidelines effectively at their hospitals. This training effectively upgraded the knowledge level, and therefore, such trainings should be organized for all obstetricians, high-dependency unit (HDU) personnel and critical care teams.

Abstract

Background: Placenta previa is one condition, where the bleeding is from the thinned out lower segment, which faces difficulty in contracting as compared to the upper uterine segment. To combat postpartum hemorrhage and hysterectomy, there were various techniques adopted in obstetric practice. Here the aim is to study the bilateral internal iliac artery ligation (BIL) as a technique to minimize postpartum bleeding and preserve the uterus for future pregnancy.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in 31 patients with abnormal placentation. They underwent BIL during LSCS. The surgery was elective in non-bleeding patients and as an emergency in bleeding patients. The primary outcome is to minimize blood loss and postpartum blood transfusion. The secondary outcome is the prevention of hysterectomies after delivery and preservation of the uterus for the mother to have future pregnancies.

Results: Out of 31 women, 19 underwent elective surgery (61.3%) and 12 underwent emergency surgery (38.7%). Out of 12 emergency surgeries, 8 needed blood transfusion due to blood loss. Out of 19 elective surgeries, none required the blood transfusion. Blood transfusion was required in 50% of the patient in emergency BIL surgery, whereas none required blood transfusion in elective BIL surgery. Postpartum hysterectomy was avoided in all study participants except one elective surgery patient.

Conclusion: BIL surgery can be an effective procedure for handling high-risk obstetric hemorrhage in addition to the chances of future fertility through the preservation of uteri.

Abstract

Study: Carcinoma vulva is a rare cancer of the female genital tract. It mostly presents in postmenopausal women. The treatment of vulvar cancer is surgery, chemoradiation, radiotherapy or a combination of all modalities. Here, we present a study of 33 cases of carcinoma vulva over a period of 2 years at a Northeast India regional cancer institute describing its demographic features and treatment outcomes.

Methodology: A retrospective cohort study of vulvar cancer diagnosed at Northeast India regional cancer institute from January 2017 to December 2018.

Results: A total of 33 cases of biopsy proven carcinoma (Ca) vulva were studied. Maximum number of cases belonged to the age group: 60–69 years (39.4%). 66.67% cases had palpable inguinal lymph nodes at presentation, and 100% had squamous cell carcinoma on histopathology. Maximum number of cases belonged to stage III (44.8%), and least number of cases belonged to stage IV (10.3%) of FIGO 2009 staging of Ca vulva. 87.9% cases underwent treatment, and 12.1% were lost to follow-up. Out of the cases who underwent treatment, 55.2% cases were taken up for primary surgery and 44.8% cases for primary radiotherapy. 75% cases who underwent surgery received adjuvant radiotherapy. No complication was seen in patients post-radiation. But, 6.25% patients post-surgery developed lymphocyst and 18.75% patients developed wound necrosis (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Vulvar cancer is not a common malignancy of the female genital tract that presents in sixth and seventh decades of life and often with palpable inguinal lymph nodes. Though early stages of Ca vulva are treated by surgery, the incidence of immediate postoperative complications in our study was more as compared to post-radiotherapy. Also, maximum patients in the present study post-surgery received adjuvant radiotherapy. Thus, radiotherapy can be considered as the primary treatment modality for patients with early as well as advanced vulvar carcinoma.

Abstract

Background: Carcinoma in the cervix is the most common malignancy and the fourth most common cause of death in females worldwide. It is the most common malignancy in India, the increasing incidence of cancer is escalating burden over radiation. This is a prospective randomized study comparing NACT followed by definitive chemoradiation versus chemoradiation.

Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized study analyzed 80 cervical cancer patients who were treated at our center during March 2017 and July 2018. Patients were divided into two arms: one received NACT and definitive CT/T and the other received definitive CT/RT. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS V.20 software.

Results: Overall response rate in our study was found to be 96.2%. In the study group, it was 97.5%, whereas in the control group, it was 95%. Majority of patients were in the age group 41–50 years, mainly stage IIb and IIIb. Tumor response in both the arms was similar and statistically significant ( Chi2 = 0.348; p > 0.05). The hematologic toxicities ( p > 0.05) were more in the NACT group than in the CCRT group, while gastrointestinal toxicities were slightly higher in the control (statistically insignificant).

Conclusion: NACT with taxane/platin followed by definitive CT/RT is as effective as the standard care in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. It has even shown better results (p value > .005) and is also helpful in reducing systemic micrometastasis and bulk of the disease. It can be used as an alternative to the standard care at the places of long waiting time for the definitive treatment, without compromising the outcome.

Abstract

The incidence of a normal diploid fetus & a partial molar placenta is extremely rare. Fetal anemia due to fetomaternal hemorrhage in partial molar pregnancy has been reported. We report a case of partial molar pregnancy in which a normal appearing fetus with diploid karyotype co-exist. A focal placental abnormal region was detected at 12 weeks of gestation as enlargement associated with cystic change. Amniocentesis revealed normal diploid status & anomaly scan showed no congenital deformity. Pregnancy continued under close surveillance with advanced sonographic evaluation. At 34 weeks patient complained of absence of fetal movement for more than 24 hours & USG showed severe oligohydramnios. Emergency LSCS was done & the placenta was sent for pathological evaluation which confirmed the partial molar change. The female fetus was found to be severe anemic & was sent to NICU for further care.

Abstract

Caesarean section performed in the second stage of labour has many implications for maternal and neonatal morbidity as well as for subsequent pregnancies. A study was conducted to analyse the indications and maternal and neonatal prognosis of caesarean sections performed in the second stage of labour. Four percentage of caesarean sections were performed in the second stage of labour; 60% of these were referred cases. Most common indication was non-descent of head. Forty-three percentage of newborns were admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit. Hospital stay was prolonged which further increased the hospital burden. A proper judgement is required by the obstetrician to take decision for instrumental delivery or caesarean section. Early diagnosis and timely referral with a good infrastructure would help to decrease the maternal and neonatal morbidity.