IUFD incidence, causes and complications: a retrospective study done at a tertiary care centre in greater Noida, India

Background: Demise of a fetus is not only a cause of distress to the parents but also leaves the obstetrician with little choice. Managing such a pregnancy and counselling of the patient becomes a difficult task for us. Early assessment and timely intervention are the key approaches for reducing the incidence of still births globally. By such a strategy, peripartum complications can also be reduced. The current study was undertaken with an aim to assess the incidence of IUFD, causes and peripartum complications associated, in order to formulate a management protocol at our centre.Methods: This is a retrospective study done over a period extending from September 2014 to October 2015. IUFD was taken as absent fetal heart sounds beyond 20 weeks gestation which was confirmed by sonography. Maternal and fetal records were analysed for studying demographic profile, obstetric details including present and past complications, along with evaluation of fetal parameters.Results: Total number of deliveries over this period was 995 and cases of IUFD reported were 56. Hence calculated proportion was 5.62%. Majority of the cases were unbooked (66%) and presented to obstetric casualty. Maximum cases were found in primi gravida patients, i.e., 35.7% and most of the cases were identified at a gestational age of 20-24 weeks, 32.1%. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, 41% and Anaemia, 25% were found to be the leading maternal causes at our centre. Whereas congenital anomalies 23.2% and Antepartum haemorrhage 30.3% were the commonest causes in fetal and placental factors studied. Prolonged labor was observed in 33.9% and Atonic PPH was present in 21.4% patients. ARF was present in 3.5% and DIC was also found in 3.5% of the cases. However, no explainable cause could be found in 12.5% of the patients.Conclusions: Barring the unexplained fetal losses, most of the causes that were ascertained in present study were avoidable. This highlights the importance of our need to understand the avoidable causes of IUFD and to enforce the need of adequate antenatal care so as to timely identify the risk factors. In addition, the necessity of pre-conceptional counselling in order to avoid complications and recurrence must also be emphasized

Neonatal and maternal outcome in term primigravida with isolated oligohydramnios

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcome in term primigravida with isolated oligohydramnios.Methods: A retrospective, case–control study was carried out in the department of OBG, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida from November 2014 to October 2017. The study population comprised of low-risk primigravida with singleton, term pregnancy, with vertex presentation and intact membranes.  After meeting the inclusion and exclusion criterion, the study population was divided into cases (n = 51) and control group (176) and the results were analyzed in reference to rate of induction of labour, C. Section rate and the perinatal outcome.Results: Isolated oligohydramnios is associated with increased rate of induction of labour and increased operative interference, but perinatal outcome in terms of mean birth weight, Apgar score at 5 min and NICU admissions for over 24 hours, are not statistically significant in comparison with control group.Conclusions: Isolated oligohydramnios is not an indicator of adverse perinatal outcome.

Urticarial rash of pregnancy turning into a rare and scary dermatosis of pregnancy: a case report and review of literature

Dermatosis of pregnancy encompasses a group of skin conditions that occurs due to interaction of multiple factors in the body during pregnancy or during post-partum period. We presented a case of 25-year-old G4P1L1A2 with initial symptom of urticarial rash which later progressed to a rare and a scary dermatosis of pregnancy which became a challenge both to the obstetrician and the dermatologist

Study of inflammatory markers for COVID-19 in control population and in pregnant women: a systematic review

COVID-19 infection is an inflammatory state and has varied presentation ranging from mild to severe condition. The second wave of COVID-19 resulted in greater mortality and morbidity as compared to first wave both in general as well as in pregnant patient. As the progression of disease is rapid and fatal hence there is a need of reviewing relevant inflammatory markers for predicting the disease course and severity. The inflammatory markers considered are Interleukins, CRP, LDH, serum Ferritin, Neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio and in some cases serum Procalcitonin. These markers are raised in other inflammatory conditions also and therefore the maximum predictability of various markers differs in different conditions. COVID-19 in pregnancy in itself is challenging as it alters the immunity and hemodynamic and therefore the value of these markers in pregnancy can affect the sensitivity and specificity in predicting the severity of the disease. This review will evaluate the role of inflammatory markers in general population as well as pregnancy with regards to their prognostication in assessing the disease severity

Sacrospinous colpopexy versus McCall’s culdoplasty during vaginal hysterectomy in stage 3 and 4 prolapse for prevention of vault prolapse

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition seen in women due to weakening of support of pelvic organs. Different surgical procedures have been adopted for suspension of vaginal vault during vaginal hysterectomy to restore vault to near normal anatomic position as preventive measures for vault prolapse. The aim of study was to compare the efficacy of the McCall’s culdoplasty and sacrospinous ligament colpopexy in stage 3 and 4 prolapse (POP-Q).Methods: This prospective study comprised 100 women presenting with stage 3 and 4 prolapse (POP-Q). They were divided into two equal groups of 50 each. The patients were randomized to undergo McCall’s culdoplasty (Group A) or sacrospinous ligament fixation (Group B) with vaginal hysterectomy based on note contained in an envelope comparative analysis was done, and patients were evaluated for intra-operative difficulties and immediate (48 hours) post-operative complications using SPSS-version 23 for statistical analysis. The patients were followed up at one month and one year to evaluate symptomatically and objectively.Results: In group A, patients with 3-degree prolapse 1 woman had hemorrhage and 1 woman had bladder injury intraoperatively. Whereas in group B, 5 women had hemorrhage and 1 woman had rectal injury intraoperatively. All complications were dealt successfully. No other major intra- and post-operative complications occurred.Conclusions: Vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinous colpopexy resulted in better outcomes after surgery. Hence, it was concluded that unilateral or bilateral SSLF may be added to vaginal hysterectomy in patients of stage 3 or 4 prolapse

Study of the cases of severe acute maternal morbidity at a tertiary care centre

Background: Reduction in the maternal morbidity has been the key strategy towards achievement of Millennium Development Goal. Despite exhaustive measures at all levels, the decline has been slow. WHO in 2007 established a technical working group to identify cases of severe acute maternal morbidity. It served dual goals to identify the causes and pointing out delays leading to SAMM. SAMM is now an established superior indicator of surviving women’s health and allows uniform comparisons. The present study was conducted with an aim to identify cases of SAMM at our centre. The objective is to determine the frequency of maternal near miss and conduct an epidemiological survey.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and ICU of School of Medical Sciences and Research, Greater Noida, from November 2014 to October 2017. All the cases identified as SAMM, as per WHO 2009 criteria (modified according to the local protocol), were included in the study.  Results: During the study period there were a total of 2252 delivery, out of which 2051 were live births. There were 123 SAMM cases and 47 were excluded out of study. So, study was done on 76 cases of SAMM, and on 11 maternal deaths in the study period. Calculated MNM incidence ratio was 37.05 per 1000 live births. A mortality index of 12.64% was calculated. MNM to maternal death ratio was 6.9:1. Major identifiable cause for SAMM was hypertension (35.5%)), followed by haemorrhage (18.4%). Haematologic system was the commonest organ system involved. 67.8% of the admissions were done in critical condition.Conclusions: Maternal mortality and SAMM cases shared characteristics, and study of SAMM cases can provide an insight into the causative etiology and give time for early intervention

Schr\"{o}dinger cat state of trapped ions in harmonic and anharmonic oscillator traps

We examine the time evolution of a two level ion interacting with a light field in harmonic oscillator trap and in a trap with anharmonicities. The anharmonicities of the trap are quantified in terms of the deformation parameter $\tau$ characterizing the q-analog of the harmonic oscillator trap. Initially the ion is prepared in a Schr\"{o}dinger cat state. The entanglement of the center of mass motional states and the internal degrees of freedom of the ion results in characteristic collapse and revival pattern. We calculate numerically the population inversion I(t), quasi-probabilities $Q(t),$ and partial mutual quantum entropy S(P), for the system as a function of time. Interestingly, small deformations of the trap enhance the contrast between population inversion collapse and revival peaks as compared to the zero deformation case. For \beta =3 and $4,($ determines the average number of trap quanta linked to center of mass motion) the best collapse and revival sequence is obtained for \tau =0.0047 and \tau =0.004 respectively. For large values of \tau decoherence sets in accompanied by loss of amplitude of population inversion and for \tau \sim 0.1 the collapse and revival phenomenon disappear. Each collapse or revival of population inversion is characterized by a peak in S(P) versus t plot. During the transition from collapse to revival and vice-versa we have minimum mutual entropy value that is S(P)=0. Successive revival peaks show a lowering of the local maximum point indicating a dissipative irreversible change in the ionic state. Improved definition of collapse and revival pattern as the anharminicity of the trapping potential increases is also reflected in the Quasi- probability versus t plots.Comment: Revised version, 16 pages,6 figures. Revte

Resolution of enthesitis by guselkumab and relationships to disease burden: 1-year results of two phase 3 psoriatic arthritis studies

Objective: To further characterize the effect of guselkumab, a selective IL-23p19-subunit inhibitor approved for PsA, on enthesitis and assess relationships between enthesitis resolution and patient status/outcomes. Methods: Adults with active PsA despite standard therapies in the phase 3 DISCOVER-1 and DISCOVER-2 studies were randomized 1:1:1 to guselkumab 100 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W); guselkumab 100 mg at week 0, week 4, Q8W; or placebo through week 20 followed by guselkumab 100 mg Q4W. Independent assessors evaluated enthesitis using the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI; total score 0–6). Enthesitis findings through week 24 were pre-specified to be pooled across studies; post hoc and week 52 analyses also employed pooled data. Results: Among 1118 randomized, treated patients in DISCOVER-1 and 2 who had ≥1 LEI site evaluated, 65% had enthesitis at baseline. These patients exhibited numerically more swollen and tender joints, systemic inflammation and impaired physical function than patients without enthesitis. Guselkumab Q4W and Q8W were superior to placebo in resolving pre-existing enthesitis at week 24 (45 and 50% vs 29%; both adjusted P = 0.0301). Enthesitis resolution rates continued to rise; 58% of guselkumab-randomized patients achieved resolution at week 52, including patients with mild (LEI = 1; 70–75%), moderate (LEI = 2; 69–73%) or severe (LEI = 3–6; 42–44%) enthesitis at baseline. Among guselkumab-randomized patients with resolved enthesitis at week 24, 42% achieved minimal disease activity at week 52, vs 17% of patients with unresolved enthesitis. Conclusion: Guselkumab resulted in higher proportions of PsA patients with resolved enthesitis by week 24, with maintenance of resolution rates through 1 year. As enthesitis confers greater disease burden, sustained resolution could portend better patient outcomes. Clinical trial registration: DISCOVER 1 (NCT03162796) and DISCOVER 2 (NCT03158285)

Pooled safety results through 1 year of 2 phase iii trials of guselkumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis

Objective: Evaluate the safety of guselkumab (monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin [IL]-23p19) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) through 1 year (1Y) of the phase III DISCOVER-1 and DISCOVER-2 trials. Methods: Patients with active PsA (n = 1120; biologic-naïve except 118 patients treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in DISCOVER-1) were randomized to subcutaneous guselkumab 100 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or at Week 0, Week 4, then every 8 weeks (Q8W); or placebo. At Week 24, patients in the placebo group switched to guselkumab 100 mg Q4W. Treatment continued through 1Y and 2 years for DISCOVER-1 and DISCOVER-2, respectively. In this pooled analysis, patients with ≥ 1 adverse event (AE) through 1Y were standardized for 100 patient-years [100 PYs] of follow-up. Results: Through Week 24, adverse events (AEs) were consistent between patients treated with placebo and guselkumab (Q4W + Q8W). AEs were 142.8/100 PYs and 150.6/100 PYs, serious AEs were 7.1/100 PYs and 4.4/100 PYs, and AEs leading to study agent discontinuation were 4.1/100 PYs and 3.8/100 PYs, respectively. Through 1Y in patients treated with guselkumab, no uveitis, active tuberculosis, opportunistic infections, or inflammatory bowel disease were observed, and low rates of malignancy and major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events were observed. Injection-site reactions occurred in 1.7%, and antibodies to guselkumab in 4.5% of patients treated with guselkumab through 1Y; the vast majority of antibodies to guselkumab were nonneutralizing. Serum hepatic transaminase elevations (more common with Q4W than Q8W dosing) and decreased neutrophil counts were generally mild, transient, and did not require treatment discontinuation, with minimal change from Week 24 to 1Y. Conclusion: Guselkumab 100 mg Q4W and Q8W were well tolerated in patients with PsA, with no new safety concerns through 1Y of the phase III DISCOVER trials. Guselkumab safety through 1Y in patients with PsA is consistent with that established in patients with psoriasis who were treated with guselkumab. [ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03162796 and NCT03158285]

Measuring universal health coverage based on an index of effective coverage of health services in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

© 2020 Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license Background: Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) involves all people receiving the health services they need, of high quality, without experiencing financial hardship. Making progress towards UHC is a policy priority for both countries and global institutions, as highlighted by the agenda of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW13). Measuring effective coverage at the health-system level is important for understanding whether health services are aligned with countries' health profiles and are of sufficient quality to produce health gains for populations of all ages. Methods: Based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we assessed UHC effective coverage for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Drawing from a measurement framework developed through WHO's GPW13 consultation, we mapped 23 effective coverage indicators to a matrix representing health service types (eg, promotion, prevention, and treatment) and five population-age groups spanning from reproductive and newborn to older adults (≥65 years). Effective coverage indicators were based on intervention coverage or outcome-based measures such as mortality-to-incidence ratios to approximate access to quality care; outcome-based measures were transformed to values on a scale of 0–100 based on the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile of location-year values. We constructed the UHC effective coverage index by weighting each effective coverage indicator relative to its associated potential health gains, as measured by disability-adjusted life-years for each location-year and population-age group. For three tests of validity (content, known-groups, and convergent), UHC effective coverage index performance was generally better than that of other UHC service coverage indices from WHO (ie, the current metric for SDG indicator 3.8.1 on UHC service coverage), the World Bank, and GBD 2017. We quantified frontiers of UHC effective coverage performance on the basis of pooled health spending per capita, representing UHC effective coverage index levels achieved in 2019 relative to country-level government health spending, prepaid private expenditures, and development assistance for health. To assess current trajectories towards the GPW13 UHC billion target—1 billion more people benefiting from UHC by 2023—we estimated additional population equivalents with UHC effective coverage from 2018 to 2023. Findings: Globally, performance on the UHC effective coverage index improved from 45·8 (95% uncertainty interval 44·2–47·5) in 1990 to 60·3 (58·7–61·9) in 2019, yet country-level UHC effective coverage in 2019 still spanned from 95 or higher in Japan and Iceland to lower than 25 in Somalia and the Central African Republic. Since 2010, sub-Saharan Africa showed accelerated gains on the UHC effective coverage index (at an average increase of 2·6% [1·9–3·3] per year up to 2019); by contrast, most other GBD super-regions had slowed rates of progress in 2010–2019 relative to 1990–2010. Many countries showed lagging performance on effective coverage indicators for non-communicable diseases relative to those for communicable diseases and maternal and child health, despite non-communicable diseases accounting for a greater proportion of potential health gains in 2019, suggesting that many health systems are not keeping pace with the rising non-communicable disease burden and associated population health needs. In 2019, the UHC effective coverage index was associated with pooled health spending per capita (r=0·79), although countries across the development spectrum had much lower UHC effective coverage than is potentially achievable relative to their health spending. Under maximum efficiency of translating health spending into UHC effective coverage performance, countries would need to reach $1398 pooled health spending per capita (US$ adjusted for purchasing power parity) in order to achieve 80 on the UHC effective coverage index. From 2018 to 2023, an estimated 388·9 million (358·6–421·3) more population equivalents would have UHC effective coverage, falling well short of the GPW13 target of 1 billion more people benefiting from UHC during this time. Current projections point to an estimated 3·1 billion (3·0–3·2) population equivalents still lacking UHC effective coverage in 2023, with nearly a third (968·1 million [903·5–1040·3]) residing in south Asia. Interpretation: The present study demonstrates the utility of measuring effective coverage and its role in supporting improved health outcomes for all people—the ultimate goal of UHC and its achievement. Global ambitions to accelerate progress on UHC service coverage are increasingly unlikely unless concerted action on non-communicable diseases occurs and countries can better translate health spending into improved performance. Focusing on effective coverage and accounting for the world's evolving health needs lays the groundwork for better understanding how close—or how far—all populations are in benefiting from UHC. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation