A clinical audit of hysteroscopy in a tertiary care teaching. What challenges did we face?

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate indications, operative findings and complications in patients undergoing hysteroscopy.Methods: The data of all patients who underwent hysteroscopy in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in a tertiary care teaching hospital were included retrospectively from November 2017 to October 2018.Results: There were 59 patients who had hysteroscopy for various indications. Twelve patients and forty-seven patients were subjected to diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy respectively.  Indications for diagnostic hysteroscopy were for postmenopausal bleed (3), carcinoma of the breast on tamoxifen with bleeding PV (3), recurrent implantation failure (6). Operative hysteroscopy was performed for endometrial polyp (30), myomectomy (9), septal resection (7), copper T removal (1). Complications of hysteroscopy were: media efflux and poor visualization in 10 (17%), minor hemorrhage (9) 15.1%, perforation 2 (3.3%). Minor hemorrhage was managed with tranexamic acid. The perforation in two patients happened during the dilatation of the cervix with metal dilators.Conclusions: One of the major challenges encountered was the efflux of the distension media due to excessive cervical dilatation, which did not provide satisfactory hysteroscopic view. Another complication was perforation during cervical dilatation using Hegars dilator. Use of misoprostol and the use of small sheath hysteroscopes have minimized the need for cervical dilatation

Correlation of placental histomorphology with doppler velocimetry in preeclampsia and IUGR and their perinatal outcome

Background: Though numerous placental ischemic changes are described in relation to placental insufficiency, universally accepted criteria are unavailable till date leading to under or over reporting. Present study is an attempt to define standardized grading system for placental dysmorphology and correlate it with Doppler changes. The objective was to study placental histomorphology in preeclampsia and IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction), to correlate the placental histomorphology with multivessel Doppler findings and their perinatal outcome in preeclampsia and IUGR.Methods: Prospective study was done over 2 years, 64 antenatal women with preeclampsia and/or IUGR were recruited, their multivessel Doppler measurements were recorded and placental histomorphological changes were studied post-delivery which were graded as either low or high grade placentas considering degree and number of ischemic changes observed.Results: Out of 64 cases, 33 (51.5%) cases had low grade changes and 31 (48.5%) had high grade changes. Out of 33 patients with low grade placentas 24 (73%) had normal Doppler, 20 (65%) out of 31 high grade placenta had abnormal Doppler. Placental histomorphology correlated well with Doppler abnormality (Coefficient of Kappa test). Syncytial knots>50%, presence of hypermature villi, infarcts, fibrin deposits were significantly associated with abnormal Doppler. High grade placenta group had significantly poor perinatal outcome (Chi square test).Conclusions: We formulated a grading system of placental dysmorphology in preeclampsia and IUGR which correlated well with clinical Doppler abnormality and perinatal outcome. Further studies are warranted to develop preventive strategies aimed at specific high grade placental changes seen in pregnancies with abnormal Doppler and develop strategies to improve perinatal outcome.

Influence of placental position on obstetric morbidity in placenta previa

Background: In placenta previa, the placenta occupies lower uterine segment and is likely to separate during pregnancy, resulting in significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. It has been well studied as the degree of placenta previa increases, the risk of bleeding also increases. However, there are few studies regarding configuration of placenta in relation to uterine wall (anterior, posterior or lateral) and associated complications. The primary purpose of this retrospective cohort study is to examine the whether the location of placenta in relation to lower uterine segment during caesarean delivery influences development of bleeding complications necessitating various surgical interventions. The secondary objective was to study various factors such as preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, perinatal deaths and postpartum haemorrhage in relation to location of placenta.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 89 patients with placenta previa with ultrasonographically mapped placenta over a period of 5 years. The subjects were further categorized into anterior, posterior and lateral group depending upon location of placenta in relation to uterine wall. Differences between age, parity, history of previous caesarean delivery, antepartum haemorrhage, preterm deliveries, foetal growth restriction, perinatal deaths, operative complications and surgical interventions, placenta accreta and postpartum haemorrhage were studied and also were compared to traditional classification of placenta previa in relation to internal cervical ostium. The statistical analysis of the data was performed according to Pearson Chi-square test, one way ANOVA test using SPSS Software.Results: The overall incidence of placenta previa was 1.01%. Placental location was anterior in 23 women (25.8%), posterior in 49 women ((55%) and lateral in 17 (19.1%). No significant differences were found in these groups regarding age, gestational age at delivery, parity, previous history of caesarean delivery, incidence of antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage. Need for surgical interventions such as uterine artery ligation, internal iliac artery plication, caesarean hysterectomy was not specific any type of placenta previa. 39.1% of anterior, 40% of posterior and 35.2% of lateral placenta previa received blood component therapy and this variation was not statistically significant. The overall perinatal mortality was 45/1000 live births and mortality rate did not vary significantly in any of the groups.Conclusions: It is difficult to assign a maternal or perinatal morbidity risk to a particular type of placental location. The need for specialized surgical intervention such as uterine / internal iliac artery ligation, peripartum hysterectomy can arise irrespective of placental location, whether underneath the surgical incision (anterior), proximity to main uterine trunks (lateral) or encountered after the delivery of the baby (posterior). Pregnancies complicated by placenta previa must be delivered in the hospitals having expertise of senior and skilled surgeons and well equipped blood bank and good neonatal intensive care unit

Factors influencing pregnancy outcome in women with vaginal bleeding before midpregnancy: a prospective case control study

Background: Pregnancy complications are observed to be higher among women with first trimester bleeding compared to those without bleeding. We intended to compare the obstetric outcome based on details of bleeding episodes, i) in groups with spotting, bleeding and brown discharge; ii) in those with or without subchorionic haemorrhage; and iii) between single versus recurrent episodes of bleeding.Methods: We conducted a prospective case control study involving the women enrolled for antenatal care before 20 weeks of gestation. Information was collected regarding the details of bleeding, the pregnancy complications and the perinatal outcome. The outcome variables were analysed as per the study objectives using SPSS version 16.0.Results: Pregnancies complicated by bleeding before 20 weeks of gestation were associated with the significant increase in preterm premature rupture of the membranes [P 0.045; RR 4.8 (95% CI 1.5-15)], intrauterine growth restriction [P 0.039; RR 2.5(95% CI 1.1-6.3)], oligohydramnios [RR  4.3 (95% CI 2-9)], hypertension [RR 1.8 (95% CI 1.07-3.09)], small for gestational age babies [P 0.047; RR 2.7 (95% CI 1.2-6.1)] and NICU admissions [P 0.016; RR 2.7 (95% CI 1.1-6.5)]. Fresh bleeding/ spotting were associated with increased pregnancy complications (P 0.048) compared to brownish discharge. Presence of subchorionic hemorrhage on ultrasound in women with vaginal bleeding was associated with increased pregnancy complications (P 0.044). No difference in terms of complications, mean gestational age and mean birth weight was noted depending on the number of episodes of bleeding.Conclusions: Fresh bleeding and presence of subchorionic hemorrhage predict a poor pregnancy outcome in women with bleeding before 20 weeks of pregnancy

A 31-year-old female with fever and back pain

Primary pyomyositis is a suppurative infection of striated muscle, the diagnosis of which is overlooked or delayed due to its rarity and vague clinical presentation. Though rare in the United States and temperate zones, pyomyositis is more frequently reported from tropical countries. The exact pathogenesis of pyomyositis is uncertain in most cases. The disease progresses through three stages with characteristic features and require a high index of suspicion to institute stage-wise treatment. Newer imaging methods, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, have facilitated the accurate diagnosis of the infection and of the extent of involvement. Early recognition with appropriate antibiotics in the pre-suppurative stage and prompt surgical intervention in the late stages form the corner stone of treatment. Delay in diagnosis can result in increased morbidity and mortality, especially in diabetics and immunocompromised state. Here, we report a case of primary paraspinal pyomyositis in a middle-aged female and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment

Placental Teratoma Presenting as a Lobulated Mass behind the Neck of Fetus: A Case Report

Placental teratoma is a rare nontrophoblastic benign tumour, which is thought to arise from germ cells. These tumours contain elements derived from multiple germ cell layers. We report a case of teratoma, where on ultrasound; there were two echogenic masses of 4 cm × 5 cm and 3 cm × 4 cm, arising from the placenta. Elective lower segment cesarean section was done in view of breech presentation at 38 weeks of gestation. Gross examination of the placenta showed two lobulated masses of 5 cm × 5 cm and 4 cm × 4.5 cm, respectively. Histopathological examination of the placenta was suggestive of teratoma of the placenta. The fetus was normal.The maternal and fetal outcome was good

Predictive Value of Middle Cerebral Artery to Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index Ratio in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Aims and Objectives. (i) To determine the predictive value of cerebrouterine (CU) ratio (middle cerebral artery to uterine artery pulsatility index, MCA/UT PI) in assessing perinatal outcome among hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. (ii) To compare between CU ratio and CP ratio (MCA/Umbilical artery PI) as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcome. Methods. A prospective observational study was done in a tertiary medical college hospital, from September 2012 to August 2013. One hundred singleton pregnancies complicated by hypertension peculiar to pregnancy were enrolled. Both CU and CP ratios were estimated. The perinatal outcomes were studied. Results. Both cerebrouterine and cerebroplacental ratios had a better negative predictive value in predicting adverse perinatal outcome. However, both CU and CP ratios when applied together were able to predict adverse outcomes better than individual ratios. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and the negative predictive values for an adverse neonatal outcome with CU ratio were 61.3%, 70.3%, 56%, and 78.9%, respectively, compared to 42%, 57.5%, 62%, and 76% as with CP ratio. Conclusion. Cerebrouterine ratio and cerebroplacental ratio were complementary to each other in predicting the adverse perinatal outcomes. Individually, both ratios were reassuring for favorable perinatal outcome with high negative predictive value

What does fetal autopsy unmask in oligohydramnios?

<p><i>Objective</i>: We aimed to determine the value of autopsy in fetuses with antenatally diagnosed oligohydramnios.</p> <p><i>Patients and methods</i>: We evaluated all fetal losses over a period of 6.5 years. Those with oligohydramnios on antenatal scan were critically analyzed. Oligohydramnios was defined as amniotic fluid index of less than five objectively or as an obvious lack of liquor at subjective assessment. A detailed postmortem examination was carried out in all the fetuses after obtaining an informed consent.</p> <p><i>Results</i>: Fetal autopsy was conducted in 255 cases. Fifty-five (21.5%) fetuses were diagnosed to have oligohydramnios on antenatal ultrasonography. On analysis of antenatal causes of oligohydramnios, maternal/placental factors were noted in 18%, ultrasound findings known to affect amniotic fluid in 27% while cause remained unidentified in 54.5% of cases. On autopsy, fetal malformations were noted in 61.8% cases, intrauterine growth retardation in 21.8% fetuses and no obvious malformations in 16.3% fetuses. Renal anomalies were noted in 40% cases and non-renal malformations in 21.8% cases.</p> <p><i>Conclusion</i>: The postmortem examination helped us to identify the cause of fetal loss in 46 (83.6%) fetuses with antenatal oligohydramnios. A working diagnosis could not have been established without autopsy in 19 (34.5%) cases.</p