Nifedipine versus nitroglycerin for acute tocolysis in preterm labour: a randomised controlled trial

Background: To compare the safety & efficacy of oral nifedipine with transdermal nitroglycerin in the inhibition of preterm labour.Methods: This study included 84 women in preterm labour, randomly divided into two groups, 43 receiving oral nifedipine and 41, transdermal nitroglycerin (NTG). Patients in preterm labour with a single gestation, between the 26th and the 34th week and no contraindication for tocolysis were selected. Women with fetal malformation and medical or obstetric diseases were excluded. The variables analyzed were: delay in delivery for 48 hours, 7 days or more than 7 days, period of gestation at delivery, side effect profile of drugs & neonatal outcomes.Results: Mean prolongation of pregnancy with NTG (29.04 days) was similar to that of nifedipine (34.46 days). Nifedipine was significantly more successful in prolonging pregnancy beyond 48 hours, especially in women with advanced cervical dilatation (>3 cm). Failure of acute tocolysis, defined as delivery within 48 hours, was significantly more common with NTG (31.7 %) as compared to nifedipine (11.6 %). Headache was significantly higher in the NTG group (41.5 %) compared to nifedipine group (4.7 %). The neonatal outcomes in terms of the mean birth weight, incidence of low birth weight and very low birth weight babies, need and duration of neonatal intensive care was similar in both groups.Conclusions: Oral nifedipine is a safe and effective tocolytic with a lower failure rate and better side effect profile as compared with transdermal nitroglycerin

Assessment of outcome of trial of labour after caesarean in a tertiary hospital based setting: prospective observational study

Background: Aim of this study was to determine the success rate of vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) in Indian women, identify the factors that predict its success, and assess the maternal and neonatal outcomes following a trial of labour after caesarean (TOLAC). Methods: A prospective observational study involving women with one  previous lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) who were admitted for TOLAC between January 2019 and June 2020 at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. There were 124 women with previous LSCS who opted for TOLAC. Results: During the study period, 124 women with previous LSCS who opted for TOLAC were included, of whom 68 (54.8%) had successful VBAC and 56 (45.2%) had failed TOLAC. The induction of labour (IOL) rate in the study was 69.4%, and 30.6% of women had spontaneous onset of labor. VBAC rates were significantly higher in women who went into labour spontaneously (84.2% vs. 15.8%). Maternal complication rates were comparable, whereas the neonatal complication rate was significantly higher in neonates born by CS (51.7% vs. 30.8%), with a greater incidence of low birthweight (LBW) and transient tachypnea in the newborn (TTNB). Conclusions: TOLAC can be considered a safe option for women with a previous caesarean when combined with vigilant and stringent labour monitoring, despite the use of IOL agents

Spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging findings in ovarian torsion

Purpose: Ovarian torsion is the twisting of the ovary on its vascular pedicle resulting in vascular compromise. Diagnosis of ovarian torsion is challenging in patients who have atypical clinical or ultrasound (US) findings. The objective of our study was to demonstrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of ovarian torsion to help radiologists make a conclusive diagnosis when the clinical and US findings are unclear. Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and MRI features in 10 females with surgically proven ovarian torsion, who had inconclusive clinical, US, or computed tomography findings. Results: All patients showed a significantly enlarged ovary with size ranging from 5 to 18 cm. 'Twisted ovarian pedicle' sign was seen in seven patients. Eight cases showed areas of haemorrhage within the ovarian stroma. Non-enhancement of ovarian stroma was observed in six patients. Seven patients showed an ipsilateral deviation of the uterus. Conclusions: MRI features of ovarian torsion include ovarian enlargement, twisted ovarian pedicle, ovarian haemorrhage, abnormal ovarian enhancement, and ipsilateral deviation of the uterus. Awareness of these imaging features will enable the radiologist to recognise ovarian torsion and differentiate it reliably from other benign or malignant ovarian lesions

A novel approach in non-surgical management of tubal ectopic: combination of minimally invasive technique under ultrasound guidance with systemic methotrexate based on initial beta-HCG levels

Background: Single dose methotrexate is the most preferred method of non-surgical management of unruptured tubal ectopic. A 2-dose regimen is suggested to treat tubal ectopic with higher trophoblastic cell load. Minimally invasive technique of ultrasound guided intracardiac KCL instillation along with systemic methotrexate has been in use even for live ectopic pregnancy. Objective of the study was to evaluate the success rate of single dose regimen of MTX (Methotrexate), 2-dose regimen of MTX and ultrasound guided instillation of intracardiac KCl in three different cohort of unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy with an attempt to increase success of non-surgical management.Methods: Fifty-eight women with unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy were assigned to treatment protocols according to the initial β-HCG levels and presence/absence of FCA (fetal cardiac activity). Group 1: presence of FCA in the tubal ectopic; Group 2: initial β-HCG ≤5000 IU/ml; Group 3:  initial β-HCG ≥5000 IU/ml without FCA. Women in group 1 were treated with ultrasound guided instillation of intracardiac KCl combined with systemic MTX. While women in group 2 were administered single dose regimen of MTX and group 3 received 2-dose regimen of MTX.Results: Overall success rate of non-surgical management was 89.3% across all groups. Success rate in Group 1 was 78.6%. Success rate was 93.1% in group 2 while 92.3% in group 3. Rupture rate was 1.7% in the present study.Conclusions: For non-surgical management categorizing and treating is an option with good result. Women with presence of cardiac activity can opt for non-surgical option with likely resolution in 78% cases

Scrub typhus masquerading as puerperal sepsis

Scrub typhus is a zoonotically transmitted febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted by the larval stage of the leptotrombiculid mite. It is the most common rickettsial illness worldwide and has re-emerged as a major cause of Acute Undiffrentiated Febrile Illness (AUFI). It has a varied presentation ranging from a mild self-limiting illness to a life threatening condition with multi organ failure in 35 to 50% cases. Acute onset fever with pain abdomen, rashes, lymphadenopathy and eschars are the usual manifestations. The presentation, however, may be varied in pregnancy and the postpartum period due to altered immunological response of the body. A 33 year old lady presented on day 13 post-partum with high grade fever and hypotensive shock. An initial diagnosis of puerperal sepsis was made and empirical antibiotics started. Due to persistent high grade fever, with fluid refractory hypotension, a complete septic work up including Scrub typhus serology was sent which was found to be positive. Injection doxycycline was added to the treatment regimen following which the fever and rashes subsided and general condition improved

Ludwig's angina complicating pregnancy: an unusual presentation

Pregnancy is a state of several physiological changes, which predisposes many to oral health problems. However, the majority of pregnant women do not receive oral health counseling. Pregnant women who receive inadequate dental care are at risk for odontogenic infections, which can have serious consequences. Here we are presenting a case of 32 weeks pregnancy with Ludwig's angina complicated by acute renal failure.

Clinical profile and outcome of patients with placenta previa: a study at a tertiary care referral institute in Northern India

Background: The aim of this study was to determine clinical profile, evaluate our antenatal and intraoperative management and see the maternal and perinatal outcome in patients with placenta previa.Methods: A prospective study was carried out in 130 women with placenta previa in the Department of Gynecology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India between Jan 2015–April 2016. The profile of these patients was recorded in a predesigned proforma and maternal and perinatal outcome analyzed in detail.Results: One third (46/130) of the patients with placenta previa had a history of previous caesarian section, 27% had previous uterine curettage and 82% were multiparous.18% were asymptomatic placenta previa whereas 82% had one or more bleeding episodes. Expectant management was given to 67% patients after first bleeding episode. Majority (92/130) of patients required emergency cesarean section. Due to invasive placentation, 25 patients required cesarean hysterectomy. Ninety percent patients required delivery at ≤37 weeks and neonatal outcome improved with increasing gestation as expected.Conclusions: Reduction in cesarean rate is the major key factor for decreasing the incidence of placenta previa as, as well as placenta accreta and other associated complications as there were no patients diagnosed to have placenta accreta when placenta previa was present without any previous cesarean scar. In cases of invasive placenta, performing a classical CS, not trying to remove the placenta and proceeding directly to hysterectomy resulted in reduced blood loss. Neonatal outcome as well as maternal outcome is best when cesarean is done between 36-37 weeks

Acceptability of contraceptive methods in lactating mothers in a tertiary centre

Background: High fertility rate, high maternal mortality and high infant mortality rates are the shared problems of the all the developing countries of the world. According to Directorate of Health Services surveys, 40% of women who intend to use a family planning method in the first year postpartum are not using one. Contraceptive use is negligible among postpartum women, particularly young mothers. We aimed  to determine the reasons for acceptability, non-acceptability, side effects and continuation  of four contraceptive methods condoms, Depotmedroxyprogesterone acetate, (DMPA), copper intrauterine  contraceptive devices (IUCD), progesterone only pills (POPs) in lactating mother after 6 weeks of delivery. Methods: A total of 200 healthy nursing mothers, who needed contraception were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Women were explained about all four contraceptive methods used for the study. The reason for accepting a particular method was sought. The study participant were followed up at third and sixth month and side effects, failure rate, continuation rates, reasons for discontinuation of method were assessed. Results: The most acceptable method was condom (40.5%) followed by DMPA (31%), IUCD (20.5%) and POPs (8%). The most common reason for selection of condom was fear of side effects with other methods (66%). Long acting method like DMPA and IUCD has good continuation rate of 87% and 85% respectively. Failure of contraception was seen only with condoms (2.8%). Conclusions: This study showed condoms was most acceptable method but had failure whereas DMPA and Cu-IUCD have high continuation rate with no failure

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis: a rare entity with diagnostic conundrum

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL) is a rare, usually benign disease primarily affecting premenopausal women. It is signalized by multiple smooth muscle nodules which grossly or radiologically may simulate peritoneal carcinomatosis or disseminated intraabdominal malignancies. A case study of 45 year female who presented with DPL after 8 years of hysterectomy is reported here

A core outcome set for pre-eclampsia research:an international consensus development study

Objective: To develop a core outcome set for pre-eclampsia. Design: Consensus development study. Setting: International. Population: Two hundred and eight-one healthcare professionals, 41 researchers and 110 patients, representing 56 countries, participated. Methods: Modified Delphi method and Modified Nominal Group Technique. Results: A long-list of 116 potential core outcomes was developed by combining the outcomes reported in 79 pre-eclampsia trials with those derived from thematic analysis of 30 in-depth interviews of women with lived experience of pre-eclampsia. Forty-seven consensus outcomes were identified from the Delphi process following which 14 maternal and eight offspring core outcomes were agreed at the consensus development meeting. Maternal core outcomes: death, eclampsia, stroke, cortical blindness, retinal detachment, pulmonary oedema, acute kidney injury, liver haematoma or rupture, abruption, postpartum haemorrhage, raised liver enzymes, low platelets, admission to intensive care required, and intubation and ventilation. Offspring core outcomes: stillbirth, gestational age at delivery, birthweight, small-for-gestational-age, neonatal mortality, seizures, admission to neonatal unit required and respiratory support. Conclusions: The core outcome set for pre-eclampsia should underpin future randomised trials and systematic reviews. Such implementation should ensure that future research holds the necessary reach and relevance to inform clinical practice, enhance women's care and improve the outcomes of pregnant women and their babies. Tweetable abstract: 281 healthcare professionals, 41 researchers and 110 women have developed #preeclampsia core outcomes @HOPEoutcomes @jamesmnduffy. [Correction added on 29 June 2020, after first online publication: the order has been corrected.].</p