Effect of cardiac surgery on maternal and perinatal outcome in rheumatic heart disease with pregnancy: a comparative study

Background: Rheumatic heart disease remains the commonest heart disease in India with mitral stenosis being the most common lesion and is associated with significant maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to compare maternal and perinatal outcome in women with rheumatic heart valvular disease who had no surgery or had percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) or had valvular replacement surgery.Methods: It was a retrospective study in 113 women with rheumatic heart disease with various valvular lesion admitted in the hospital in previous 10 years. There were 58 (51.35%) patients without cardiac surgery (Group 1), 24 (21.23%) with PTMC (Group 2) and 31 (27.43%) with valve replacement surgery (Group 3). Maternal and perinatal outcome were compared in three groups.Results: The baseline characteristics were similar in the three group. In cardiac complications New York Heart Association (NYHA) deterioration was significantly higher (24.1%) in non-operated group (Group 1) as compared to Group 2 (12.3%) and Group 3 (16.1%). There was no difference in Group 2 and Group 3. Need of cardiac medication (digoxin) was also highest (67.2%) in Group 1 as compared to Group 2 (24.6%) (p = 0.002) and Group 3 (38.7%) (p = 0.001) but no difference in Group 2 and Group 3. Anticoagulant were given to significantly higher number (54.8% of cases in Group 3 (valve replacement) as compared to Group 1 (3.4%) and Group 2 (12.5%). There was no significant difference in obstetric events and mode of delivery in the three groups. Similarly, there was no difference in fetal outcome in the three groups as regard to mean birth weight, APGAR score, fetal growth restriction, fetal or neonatal death or congenital anomalies in the three groups.Conclusions: Cardiac surgery before or during pregnancy did not significantly improve maternal or perinatal outcome. Only cardiac events and need of medication was reduced with surgery. Hence surgery should be performed judiciously in selected cases

A case of broad ligament leiomyoma presenting as an ovarian mass

The broad ligament is the commonest extra uterine site for the occurrence of leiomyoma but with a very low incidence rate. It poses both clinical and radiological challenge in differentiating from an ovarian tumour. A 25-year-old unmarried female presented with history of lower abdominal pain associated with rapidly increasing abdominal distension for last 3 months. General physical examination was unremarkable. Examination of the abdomen revealed a firm, non-tender mass, with limited mobility arising from the pelvis corresponding to a uterine size of 32 weeks. Ultrasonography of abdomen revealed a 20×17×11cm right adnexal multi-loculated cyst. Contrast enhanced computer tomography scan of abdomen and pelvis showed a 12×17×17 cm well defined cystic lesion arising from the pelvis and ascending in to the abdominal cavity. The lesion also showed internal septa and peripheral rim enhancement. Right ovary was not seen separately. Tumor markers including CA-125 (22.4 IU/ ml), CEA (1.83/ml), CA-19.9 (22U/ml), Beta HCG (1.20IU/ ml), LDH (1.17IU/ml), and alpha feto-protein (0.8 ng/ml) were within normal limit. Laparotomy revealed a cystic mass arising from the right broad ligament. Histopathological examination revealed a broad ligament leiomyoma with extensive cystic degeneration. Broad ligament leiomyoma is uncommon tumour of pelvis and its differentiation from ovarian masses may be challenging for the clinicians.

Comparison of obstetric outcomes of pregnancies after donor oocyte IVF: Three-arm age-matched retrospective cohort study

Background: Oocyte donation has become widely used as a treatment option for infertile couples. The few available studies report conflicting evidence about the risk of hypertensive disorders in donor oocyte pregnancies after adjusting for maternal age and it is unclear whether pregnancy complications and obstetric risks are due to oocyte donation or to confounding factors such as maternal age. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare obstetric complications between women who conceived after oocyte donation and age-matched control women with spontaneous conception and self oocyte IVF conception.Methods : The present study comprised of women aged 20-45 years conceived from oocyte donation (n=104) between 1/12/2010 to 15/10/2017. Two age-matched control groups—Self oocyte IVF (n=150) and the other containing women who conceived spontaneously (n=312) were used for comparison of obstetric and perinatal outcomes.Results: Mean maternal age was statistically significantly higher in the Donor oocyte IVF group as compared to  self oocyte ivf and spontaneous conception group. Miscarriage, first trimester bleeding, pregnancy induced hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in Donor oocyte IVF group as compared to self-oocyte and spontaneous conception group (p=0.001). Using multiple logistic regression analysis age class adjusted PIH and GDM  incidence was significantly higher in donor oocyte group as compared to spontaneous conception (P=0.010).There was significant variation in perinatal outcomes between the three groups.Conclusion: Oocyte donation should be treated as an independent risk factor for miscarriage, first trimester bleeding, hypertensive disorder and gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy

Current practices in family planning: a population based study

Background: To study the knowledge, current practices of family planning methods and acceptance post motivation.Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted at family planning OPD of AIIMS, New Delhi, India. A total of 1516 couples who came for MTP at any gestation couple were enquired about knowledge, currently used contraceptive method and reason for abortion. Couple was counseled and allowed to choose contraceptive method using cafeteria approach. Mean values of continuous data were tested using t-test/ANOVA. Categorial data were compared using chi-square/ Fischers exact test.Results: Mean±SD age of the women was 28.89±5.21 years with 9.98±4.56 weeks POG. Around 81% of women had one or more living children with 62.67% women with at least one abortion previously. Majority used male condoms (42.10%) followed by natural method (21.01%), Cu-T (3.80%), OCPs (1.65%), injectable (0.30%), I-pill (0.24%). Awareness was maximum for male condoms, Cu-T, OCPs, female sterilization (100%) and least for female condoms (20%) and LNG-IUS (8.46%). Contraceptive failure (68.90%), congenital abnormality in the fetus (22.40%), maternal disease (5.90%), rape (1.60%), completed family (0.80%) and not using any method (0.30%) were the reasons of abortion. Majority of abortions were in first trimester (70%). Post-motivation around 69.30% of the couples accepted some form of contraception. Female sterilization (32.50%) method accepted by the couples as compares to temporary methods (36.70%) such as Cu-T, OCPs, Injectables etc.Conclusions: Despite of awareness the family planning programme is unsuccessful largely due to inappropriate attitude. Behavioral modification and communication goes a long way to slove the problem

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin kinetics and cardiovascular risk factors in polycystic ovarian syndrome: a pilot study

To assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on parameters of Insulin Sensitivity/Resistance (IS/IR) and insulin secretion in subjects with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). A prospective double-blind randomized control trial was conducted to assess the effect of vitamin D on insulin kinetics in women with PCOS. The trial was conducted in a tertiary care research hospital. A total of 36 subjects with PCOS, aged 18–35 years, were included in this study. Vitamin D3 4000  IU/day versus placebo was given once a month for 6 months and both groups received metformin. IS (by whole-body IS index or Matsuda index), IR (by homeostasis model assessment IR (HOMA-IR)) and insulin secretion (by insulinogenic index; II30) were the main outcome measures. Secondary outcome included Blood Pressure (BP), lipid profile, Disposition Index (DI) and vascular stiffness. Out of 36 subjects who consented, 32 completed the study. Subjects were randomized into two groups: group A (n = 15; metformin and vitamin D 4000  IU/day) or group B (n = 17; metformin and placebo). Oral glucose tolerance tests with 75 g glucose were carried out at baseline and 6 months after supplementation. Hypovitaminosis D was observed in 93.8% of all subjects with mean serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D level of 7.30 ± 4.45 ng/ml. After 6 months of vitamin D supplementation, there was no significant difference in any of the parameters of IS/IR (area under curve (AUC)–glucose, AUC–insulin, insulin:glucose ratio, HOMA-IR, Matsuda index, insulinogenic index and DI), II30 and cardiovascular risk factors between the two groups. Supplementation of vitamin D, at a dose of 4000  IU/day for 6 months, did not have any significant effect on parameters of IS/IR and insulin secretion in subjects with PCOS

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF COMPARATIVE AND COMBINED EFFECT OF POLYHERBAL MICROBICIDE (BASANT) AND SELECTED PROBIOTICS IN THE TREATMENT OF RECCURRENT VAGINOSIS - A PHASE II PLACEBO CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background: Vaginosis is a widely prevalent syndrome in women. Treatment with one or more antibiotics cures invariably the infections. However recurrence is frequent and pH of the vagina is not always restored to the normal acidic range. This trial was conducted to determine whether a Polyherbal Microbicide BASANT or three selected strains of Probiotics Lactobacilli alone or the two in combination can regress Vaginosis, bring down the vaginal pH to acidic range and restore healthy vagina with colonised Lactobacilli.Methods: Women suffering from recurrent episodes of vaginosis were given capsules of either BASANT, Probiotics, Combination of the two or Placebo capsules for insertion in vagina for 7 nights. On day 10, Pelvic examination, pH, Whiff test, Gram stain for Clue cells and swab taken for culture of lactobacilli.Results: BASANT regressed Vaginosis in 14/ 20, Probiotics in 13/20, Combination of the two in 19/ 20 women and Placebo in 1/ 20 women.Conclusion: While both Polyherbal microbicide BASANT and the three strains of the lactobacilli cured Vaginosis in 65 to 70% of women, the combination was highly effective in curing 95% of women

The World Health Organization Fetal Growth Charts: A Multinational Longitudinal Study of Ultrasound Biometric Measurements and Estimated Fetal Weight.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal mortality and morbidity continue to be major global health challenges strongly associated with prematurity and reduced fetal growth, an issue of further interest given the mounting evidence that fetal growth in general is linked to degrees of risk of common noncommunicable diseases in adulthood. Against this background, WHO made it a high priority to provide the present fetal growth charts for estimated fetal weight (EFW) and common ultrasound biometric measurements intended for worldwide use. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a multinational prospective observational longitudinal study of fetal growth in low-risk singleton pregnancies of women of high or middle socioeconomic status and without known environmental constraints on fetal growth. Centers in ten countries (Argentina, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Norway, and Thailand) recruited participants who had reliable information on last menstrual period and gestational age confirmed by crown-rump length measured at 8-13 wk of gestation. Participants had anthropometric and nutritional assessments and seven scheduled ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. Fifty-two participants withdrew consent, and 1,387 participated in the study. At study entry, median maternal age was 28 y (interquartile range [IQR] 25-31), median height was 162 cm (IQR 157-168), median weight was 61 kg (IQR 55-68), 58% of the women were nulliparous, and median daily caloric intake was 1,840 cal (IQR 1,487-2,222). The median pregnancy duration was 39 wk (IQR 38-40) although there were significant differences between countries, the largest difference being 12 d (95% CI 8-16). The median birthweight was 3,300 g (IQR 2,980-3,615). There were differences in birthweight between countries, e.g., India had significantly smaller neonates than the other countries, even after adjusting for gestational age. Thirty-one women had a miscarriage, and three fetuses had intrauterine death. The 8,203 sets of ultrasound measurements were scrutinized for outliers and leverage points, and those measurements taken at 14 to 40 wk were selected for analysis. A total of 7,924 sets of ultrasound measurements were analyzed by quantile regression to establish longitudinal reference intervals for fetal head circumference, biparietal diameter, humerus length, abdominal circumference, femur length and its ratio with head circumference and with biparietal diameter, and EFW. There was asymmetric distribution of growth of EFW: a slightly wider distribution among the lower percentiles during early weeks shifted to a notably expanded distribution of the higher percentiles in late pregnancy. Male fetuses were larger than female fetuses as measured by EFW, but the disparity was smaller in the lower quantiles of the distribution (3.5%) and larger in the upper quantiles (4.5%). Maternal age and maternal height were associated with a positive effect on EFW, particularly in the lower tail of the distribution, of the order of 2% to 3% for each additional 10 y of age of the mother and 1% to 2% for each additional 10 cm of height. Maternal weight was associated with a small positive effect on EFW, especially in the higher tail of the distribution, of the order of 1.0% to 1.5% for each additional 10 kg of bodyweight of the mother. Parous women had heavier fetuses than nulliparous women, with the disparity being greater in the lower quantiles of the distribution, of the order of 1% to 1.5%, and diminishing in the upper quantiles. There were also significant differences in growth of EFW between countries. In spite of the multinational nature of the study, sample size is a limiting factor for generalization of the charts. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides WHO fetal growth charts for EFW and common ultrasound biometric measurements, and shows variation between different parts of the world

Antenatal corticosteroids for women at risk of imminent preterm birth in low-resource countries: the case for equipoise and the need for efficacy trials

The scientific basis for antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) for women at risk of preterm birth has rapidly changed in recent years. Two landmark trials—the Antenatal Corticosteroid Trial and the Antenatal Late Preterm Steroids Trial—have challenged the long-held assumptions on the comparative health benefits and harms regarding the use of ACS for preterm birth across all levels of care and contexts, including resource-limited settings. Researchers, clinicians, programme managers, policymakers and donors working in low-income and middle-income countries now face challenging questions of whether, where and how ACS can be used to optimise outcomes for both women and preterm newborns. In this article, we briefly present an appraisal of the current evidence around ACS, how these findings informed WHO’s current recommendations on ACS use, and the knowledge gaps that have emerged in the light of new trial evidence. Critical considerations in the generalisability of the available evidence demonstrate that a true state of clinical equipoise exists for this treatment option in low-resource settings. An expert group convened by WHO concluded that there is a clear need for more efficacy trials of ACS in these settings to inform clinical practice

Successful reproductive outcome after laparoscopic Strassmann’s metroplasty

Mullerian anomalies cause a significant impact on the reproductive outcomes. A bicornuate uterus is a type of lateral fusion defect, which constitutes 26% of all uterine anomalies. Strassmann’s metroplasty is a unification procedure performed to correct the two smaller uterine cavities into a more spacious single cavity. Improved reproductive performance was reported after unification metroplasty. Laparoscopic route can be adopted for this procedure with all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Here, we report a success story of a woman who suffered with six miscarriages and secondary infertility who underwent laparoscopic Strassmann’s metroplasty in a tertiary care center and later delivered a baby by caesarean section