Spectrum of gynecological disorders in geriatric women: a tertiary care centre study

Background: Older women constitute the fastest growing segment of Indian population. Postmenopausal phase is important and primary care physicians should be aware of common gynaecologic concerns and the potential impact of these on the function and quality of life of older women.Methods: A Prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year on 100 postmenopausal women aged 65 years or above, who attended OPD or were hospitalised between November 2015 and October 2016.Results: Literacy rate was 30%. Study population was drawn equally from rural and urban population. Genital tract malignancy was the major gynecological disorder (32%), the commonest being the carcinoma cervix. Next in order was carcinoma ovary and carcinoma endometrium. This was followed by pelvic organ prolapse (26%) and urogenital infections (17%). POP was grade 3 in 85% patients.Conclusions: Pelvic organ prolapse, genital tract malignancies and urogenital infections were the major gynecological problems faced by older women. Moreover, postmenopausal bleeding was a possible underlying cause of malignancy, of which carcinoma cervix tops the list, emphasizing the need for a screening programme in Indian women. There is urgent need to develop dedicated geriatric units and to encourage women to receive routine gynecological check-ups in the early post menopausal period that will enable early diagnosis and treatment

Comparison of intravenous hydralazine and intravenous labetalol in the management of severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a tertiary care centre study

Background: Severe hypertension in pregnancy (SBP ≥160 mmHg &/or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg) must be treated judiciously to prevent maternal and fetal complications. The study was conducted to compare the efficacy, adverse effects, maternal and fetal outcome between Hydralazine and Labetalol which are the most commonly used drugs for the purpose.Methods: In a prospective study, 130 pregnant patients each with severe hypertension presenting to SMGS Hospital Jammu were randomized in 2 groups and administered hydralazine or labetalol intravenously. The efficacy of the two drugs was measured in terms of number of doses required to obtain target BP and the timing to achieve the same. The incidence of adverse effects, maternal and fetal outcomes were also compared. Comparisons among the two groups was performed by using independent Student’s t test for normally distributed variables, Fishers’ exact test, and Pearson Chi Square test for categorical variables. The level of significance was set at p<0.05 for all analysis.Results: There was no statistical difference between the two drugs in terms of efficacy. Significantly more low-birth weight infants were born in the hydralazine group. Also, the adverse effects were significantly more in the hydralazine group.Conclusions: Both hydralazine and labetalol can be used to treat hypertensive emergencies of pregnancy but hydralazine is associated with more side effects

Comparison of intravenous hydralazine and intravenous labetalol in the management of severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a tertiary care centre study

Background: Severe hypertension in pregnancy (SBP ≥160 mmHg &amp;/or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg) must be treated judiciously to prevent maternal and fetal complications. The study was conducted to compare the efficacy, adverse effects, maternal and fetal outcome between Hydralazine and Labetalol which are the most commonly used drugs for the purpose.Methods: In a prospective study, 130 pregnant patients each with severe hypertension presenting to SMGS Hospital Jammu were randomized in 2 groups and administered hydralazine or labetalol intravenously. The efficacy of the two drugs was measured in terms of number of doses required to obtain target BP and the timing to achieve the same. The incidence of adverse effects, maternal and fetal outcomes were also compared. Comparisons among the two groups was performed by using independent Student’s t test for normally distributed variables, Fishers’ exact test, and Pearson Chi Square test for categorical variables. The level of significance was set at p&lt;0.05 for all analysis.Results: There was no statistical difference between the two drugs in terms of efficacy. Significantly more low-birth weight infants were born in the hydralazine group. Also, the adverse effects were significantly more in the hydralazine group.Conclusions: Both hydralazine and labetalol can be used to treat hypertensive emergencies of pregnancy but hydralazine is associated with more side effects