Obstetric outcome in twin gestation with reference to chorionicity

Background: Monochorionic twin pregnancies are at greater risk for growth abnormalities and other complications. This study aims to outline the obstetric problems faced by twins in general and also to determine the influence of chorionicity on pregnancy and perinatal outcome in twins. Objective of present study was to compare the obstetric and perinatal outcome between monochorionic and dichorionic twins.Methods: A clinical non-interventional prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital over a period of 1 year. 232cases of twin pregnancies were followed up from first trimester. The antepartum complications, mode of delivery, presentation, pregnancy outcome, condition of babies and perinatal mortality were compared between mono-chorionic and dichorionic twins.Results: Among 232 cases of twins studied, 2/3rd were dichorionic and 1/3rd were monochorionic. The mean gestational age for Monochorionic (MC) twins was 33.2 weeks whereas it was 35.6 weeks for Dichorionic (DC) twins. Preterm delivery was significantly associated with mono-chorionicity. Elective CS was done more for MC twins compared to DC twins. The mean birth weight of MC twins was 1.7 kg compared to 2.1 kg among DC twins. Low APGAR scores were seen in 31.3% of MC twins compared to 15.8% of DC twins. The number of asphyxiated babies (12.5%), stillborn (7.5%) and macerated babies (10%) were more in MC group in comparison to DC group where it was (9.9%, 2.1%, 0.7%) respectively. Risk of IBN admissions were more in MC than DC twins. (31.3% Vs 21.1%) Adverse perinatal outcome was associated more with MC pregnancies (37.5%) than DC. (11.8%).Conclusions: Mono-chorioncity was significantly associated with pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcome. Hence early diagnosis of chorionicity and referral to a tertiary centre with fetal medicine unit and newborn care is very important in reducing morbidity and perinatal mortality among MC twins

Rudimentary horn pregnancy: a rare entity

Unicornuate uterus is the type 2 variety of mullerian duct anomaly resulting in unilateral agenesis or hypoplasia. The hypoplastic (Rudimentary) horn can be functioning or non-functioning and communicating or noncommunicating with the main uterine cavity. Pregnancy in the rudimentary horn is an extremely rare entity. It is often missed at ultrasound in the early trimester, presenting later with massive hemoperitoneum and shock from rupture of the horn.  A “high index of suspicion” is essential to derive at the correct diagnosis. Hence reporting this rare case for emphasizing the importance in early diagnosis and prompt management

Outcome of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device in caesarean versus vaginal insertion: a comparative study

Background: Immediate Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive device is a novel approach to contraception which integrates Maternal - Child health and family planning services. It is a postpartum method which provides long term reversible contraception to women before discharge from the delivery setting. More research is needed in the field of PPIUCD to enhance awareness and acceptance in the community. This study is designed to compare the safety and efficacy of PPIUCD inserted at cesarean versus vaginal delivery.Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital, Govt. Medical College, and Kerala – A tertiary care teaching institution. A total of 126 patients with cesarean or vaginal deliveries had PPIUCD insertions and they were followed up for a period of one year. The outcome measures analyzed were safety measures – menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge, pelvic infection and perforation and efficacy measures - failure, expulsion and removal. Data are expressed in frequency and percentage. Chi square test was used for comparison and P value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: The study shows that PPIUCD is an effective intervention in both cesarean and vaginal delivery with no significant differences in safety and efficacy depending on the route of insertion. There was no case of perforation or failure and no significant risk of infection in either group. Spontaneous expulsion occurred in two cases inserted by vaginal route. Missing string incidence is high in the cesarean group compared to vaginal insertion.Conclusions: PPIUCD is a safe effective and convenient method of contraception and should be encouraged in both vaginal and cesarean deliveries

Chronic abscess in isthmocele: a rare entity

Uterine isthmocele, also known as caesarean scar defect or uterine niche is a triangular defect   in the anterior uterine wall at the site of the previous caesarean scar, with its base communicating with the uterine cavity. It represents an inadequate healing of the myometrium following caesarean section. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), saline infusion sonohysterogram (SIS), hysterosalpingogram, hysteroscopy, and MRI are various modalities to make a confirmatory diagnosis. Medical or surgical management is undertaken depending on the size and type of defect.  The aim is to manage symptomatic patients. But chronic presentation of isthmocele is very rare and hence difficult to diagnose. Hereby presenting this case report, where the isthmocele was presented as a chronic abscess. Hence reporting this case for early suspicion of isthmocele and prompt management.

An epidemic of poliomyelitis in southern Kerala

An epidemic of poliomyelitis was recognized in May 1987 when there was a sharp increase in the number of children with acute paralytic poliomyelitis admitted to the SAT Hospital in Trivandrum in Kerala State. From May through September, 392 cases were admitted; the total admitted cases in 1987 were 458 in contrast to 119 in 1986: Evidence for type 1 poliovirus infection was found in 33 (85%) of the 39 children in whom virological investigations were done during the epidemic. In addition, evidence for poliovirus type 3 infection was found in four children. Data on the immunization status was available on 231 affected children in the epidemic; 175 (76%) had not received oral polio vaccine (OPV); 55 (24%) had received one or two doses and only one child had received three doses. Thus, lack of immunization was a major risk factor for disease. The estimated vaccine coverage with three doses of OPV in Kerala, based on the quantity of vaccine distributed during the years 1985, 1986 and 1987 were 94%, 100% and 91%, respectively. This outbreak occurred in spite of high vaccine coverage, and it illustrates the need for even higher coverage rates; the usefulness of hospitals as sentinel surveillance centres; the need for decentralized vaccine coverage data in order to prevent build-up of unimmunized susceptible children in any region; and the urgent need of a mechanism to respond to an epidemic quickly, with immunization, in order to curtail it