Comparative study between Johnson’s formula and Dare’s formula of fetal weight estimation at term

Background: Prediction of fetal weight is one of the methods towards effective management of pregnancy and delivery. To assess and compare the accuracy of clinical and sonographic fetal weight estimation in predicting birth weight at term pregnancy, patients who were in latent or in active phase of labour. In the present study, an effort is made to compare two different clinical methods and USG and relate to the actual weight of the baby at birth.Methods: It is a prospective observational study of one hundred pregnant women satisfying the criteria, consenting for the study was recruited. Both USG and clinical methods will be done and compared with estimated the fetal weight. Weight of the baby at birth will be measured.Results: All the three methods had significant relationship with the baby weight. Percentage error was least with USG and the standard deviation of error was lower with Dare’s formula. The standard deviation was minimal for Dare`s formula EFW followed closely by USG.Conclusions: It can be concluded that Dare’s formula of clinical methods can be a potential option to be promoted in predicting the fetal weight in the absence of USG facilities. Training in this method is very important and can be an integral part in managing pregnancy during delivery in primary care setting

Ruptured Rudimentary Horn Pregnancy at 25 Weeks with Previous Vaginal Delivery: A Case Report

Unicornuate uterus with rudimentary horn occurs due to failure of complete development of one of the Mullerian ducts and incomplete fusion with the contralateral side. Pregnancy in a noncommunicating rudimentary horn is extremely rare and usually terminates in rupture during first or second trimester of pregnancy. Diagnosis of rudimentary horn pregnancy and its rupture in a woman with prior vaginal delivery is difficult. It can be missed in routine ultrasound scan and in majority of cases it is detected after rupture. It requires a high index of suspicion. We report a case of G2PlL1 with rupture rudimentary horn pregnancy at 25 weeks of gestation which was misdiagnosed as intrauterine pregnancy with fetal demise by ultrasound, and termination was attempted and the case was later referred to our hospital after the patient developed hemoperitoneum and shock with a diagnosis of rupture uterus. Laparotomy revealed rupture of right rudimentary horn pregnancy with massive hemoperitoneum. Timely laparotomy, excision of the horn, and blood transfusion saved the patient

Zinc and copper levels in preeclampsia: a study from coastal South India

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Though the etiology is obscure, studies indicate the role of oxidative stress and antioxidants may have a role in the prevention of preeclampsia. Micronutrients such as copper and zinc are involved in the antioxidant defense mechanism.Methods: The present study was undertaken in a medical college hospital in coastal South India to assess the serum levels of zinc and copper in women with preeclampsia and to compare them with normal pregnant women. The blood samples from 60 preeclamptic women and an equal number of controls were analyzed for zinc and copper levels. Outcome of pregnancy was analyzed and compared. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Comparison of levels of the elements between the two groups was performed by independent t test and Chi square test and P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The serum zinc and copper levels were significantly lower in the preeclamptic group compared to the normotensives. Also preeclamptic women were older, their BMI was higher and birth weight of babies lower compared to normotensives.Conclusions: Increased knowledge about the importance of specific antioxidant micronutrients and their part in successful pregnancy outcome should be the focus for future health strategies. Low levels of maternal copper and zinc are related to preeclampsia and might have a causal role in this disease. Further investigation is needed to establish the role of these elements in this dangerous condition of pregnancy