Study of placental location and pregnancy outcome

Background: Placental location can be estimated easily using ultrasonogram by 16 weeks. It can be classified based on its location into central and lateral. Central can be anterior or posterior. Lateral can be left lateral or right lateral. Placental location has been attributed to both normal and abnormal pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.Methods: This is a prospective cohort study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology which comprised of 450 singleton gestations between 18 and 24 weeks. The primary objective is to determine the association between placental location and pregnancy outcome and secondary objective is to find out the association between placental location and neonatal outcome. The study population was divided into two groups – central and lateral. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 20, Chi square test and independent two sample t-test.Results: The frequency of central placenta was 377 (83.8%) and lateral placenta in 73 (16.2%). Central placentation had an abnormal outcome in 182(48.3%), lateral placentas with abnormal outcome were 44(60.3%). Abnormal maternal outcomes like hypertensive disorders (33.3%), Intra Uterine Growth Restriction (10.2%), Antepartum haemorrhage (25%), Preterm birth (16.3%) were more in lateral placentation. The number of central placentas having NICU admissions were 62(16.4%) and lateral placenta with NICU admissions were 19(26%).Conclusions: There is a significant association between lateral placentation and abnormal pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Second trimester ultrasound can be used as non-invasive predictor of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

Decision to delivery interval in emergency LSCS and its impact on fetal outcome

Background: Emergency LSCS can be categorized based on RCOG guidelines into category I and II which indicates maternal or fetal compromise. Here an urgent delivery and the DDI (decision to delivery interval) within 30 and 45 minutes respectively is needed.Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis conducted on a sample of 630 patients who underwent caesarean section over a year, from June 2016 to June 2017. The DDI were further classified into ≤30 and >30 minutes for category I, ≤45 and >45 minutes for category II LSCS. The primary objective is to determine whether DDI in Category I and II emergency LSCS has an impact on fetal outcome and secondary objective is to ensure that DDI is within the standard criterion as per RCOG protocol.Results: Out of 630 samples of caesareans, it was found that 173 falls in Category I and 189 falls in Category II. Out of 87 (50.29%) patients delivered within 30 minutes in Category I, 29 babies required NICU admission. DDI was more than 30 minutes in 86 (49.71%) cases in Category I out of which 38 babies got admitted in NICU with low APGAR scores. Out of 176 (93.12%) patients who delivered within 45 minutes in Category II, 56 babies required NICU admission. DDI was more than 45 minutes in 13 (6.88%) cases in Category II and all these babies got admitted in NICU.Conclusions: Decision -delivery interval has a significant impact on fetal outcome

A case of post dural puncture headache following labour epidural analgesia, managed by sphenopalatine ganglion block

Postpartum headache is a common complaint faced by most obstetricians, with over 39% of women having headache in the first postpartum week. With the increasing use of labour epidural analgesia, the incidence of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) due to inadvertent dural puncture is 0.5-1%. Most treatment modalities relieve the symptoms of PDPH by minimizing compensatory cerebral vasodilatation, or by sealing the dural puncture site. Treatment options include, conservative, pharmacological, and the gold standard, epidural blood patch (EBP). EBP is invasive and may result in rare however, severe complications. Sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) has been proposed as a non-invasive intervention for PDPH, which has minimal adverse effects, which can be performed bedside. Here we are reporting a case of PDPH, following labour epidural analgesia which was effectively managed by a sphenopalatine block.

Levonorgesterel releasing intra uterine system in the control of heavy menstrual bleeding. Is it an alternative to hysterectomy?

Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) affects 10 to 35% of women. Studies indicate LNG-IUS which releases controlled amounts of levonorgestrel (LNG) is effective in non- surgical treatment for HMB and has fewer side effects when compared to the conventional pharmacological agents. It also improves the quality of life. Levonorgesterel releasing intra uterine system can be an alternative to hysterectomy in the control of HMB.Methods: Retrospective study of 2 years in a tertiary care centre, Kochi. 170 women with abnormal uterine bleeding were enrolled in the study. Clinical examination, routine investigations and imaging was done.  Endometrial sampling done and followed with HPE reports in indicated cases.Results: Mean age was 41 years. 30.6% had menorrhagia. Adenomyosis in 44% and endometrial hyperplasia in 19. 4%. Lost follow up in 12.9% cases and expulsion in 3.6%. 4.1% were unsatisfied and had hysterectomy. The uterine width in adenomyosis was significantly reduced p <0.012. The mean ET in endometrial hyperplasia cases also significantly reduced with p <0.01. Satisfaction rate was 97%.Conclusions: LNG-IUS is having a high success rate in controlling menstrual symptoms, thereby improving the quality of life and avoiding hysterectomy in women with abnormal uterine bleeding. It is highly efficient in symptomatic relief of adenomyosis and reduction in the uterine volume (width). Endometrial hyperplasia showed complete regression with LNG-IUS

Secondary postpartum hemorrhage after pineapple juice- a case report

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is defined as blood loss through the genital tract, exceeding 500 mL following vaginal birth and 1000 mL following caesarean section. PPH occurring between 24 hours to 12 weeks postpartum is defined as secondary PPH. PPH is the most common preventable cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Detailed history and careful clinical examination can help in proper diagnosis. This is a case report of consumption of pineapple juice, that caused secondary PPH. Bromelain in pineapple juice is known to have proteolytic, fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties. It causes moderate prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thus delaying coagulation. This action of bromelain was found to be concentration dependent. Prompt activation of the transfusion protocol can be lifesaving. Coagulation parameters should be monitored and respective blood products should be given. Thromboelastogram (TEG)/ Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) can be used for the same. To conclude, a multi-disciplinary approach is ideal. Mechanical and medical management of PPH should be started simultaneously. This should be followed by surgical procedures. If interventional radiology procedures like uterine artery embolization are available, they can be utilised, without risking the life of the mother

OASIS: clinical audit in a tertiary care centre

Background: Obstetric anal sphincter injury involves injury to the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa sustained at time of vaginal delivery and can result in significant long-term morbidity. These injuries have been defined as 3rd and 4th degree lacerations that involve disruption of the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa respectively. Objectives of this study were to find out the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries, to identify the risk factors for of OASIS and the outcome of primary repair in terms of anal incontinence and its associated complications.Methods: We did a descriptive study of OASIS by retrospective analysis of the labour case records. The study period was 1 year between August 2016 to July 2017. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, vertex presentation, instrumental and normal vaginal delivery. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, non-vertex presentation and caesarean section. Proforma was developed to capture the age, parity, gestational age in weeks, induction of labour, epidural analgesia, delivery duration, type of episiotomy, instrumentation, shoulder dystocia, occipito posterior position,manual support, weight of the baby, suturing method. Postnatal evaluation after 6 weeks and 6 months for perineal discomfort, pain, incontinence, wound infection, breakdown, fistula were noted. Results: The incidence of OASIS was 1.4%. 81.8% women had 3rd degree perineal and 18.1% had 4th degree perineal tear. The mean age of the patients were 27.9 years, gestational age of 39.45 weeks, 72.7% were primiparous. Induction of labour with prostaglandins was done in 36.36% and Pitocin augmentation for 81.81%. The duration of second 36.36% had 60-89 min and 27.27% had duration more than 90 min. 54.54% had epidural analgesia, 36.36% had shoulder dystocia, 36.36% had instrumental delivery. 72.72% babies had birth weight between 3-3.5 kg, 9% between 3.5-4 kg. Ano vaginal fistula developed in 9%.Conclusions: Appropriate training, anticipating and identifying major degrees of perineal tear helps in reducing the complications. Anovaginal fistula is distressing and disabling the patient and to her near ones

Mitigation of quorum sensing mediated virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the role of Meldrum’s acid activated furan

The rapid emergence of drug resistant pathogens is a major threat which has warranted the development of alternative strategies to combat infectious diseases. In this work, we have tested the anti-virulent activity of Meldrum’s acid activated furan (MAF) and 1,3-dimethyl barbituric acid activated furan (BAF) against Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was found that MAF significantly reduced the violacein production and biofilm formation of C. violaceum at sub-inhibitory concentrations. The quorum sensing (QS) regulated virulence factors of P. aeruginosa including biofilm formation, motility, pigment production, and elastase activity were also found to be reduced considerably at sub-inhibitory concentrations of MAF. Additionally, MAF downregulated the expression of genes in the QS circuitry of P. aeruginosa, demonstrating the potential of MAF in lowering the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa. In silico studies demonstrated the potential of MAF to compete with the signaling molecules of C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa for the QS receptor interaction. In vivo studies using Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrated the anti-pathogenicity of MAF by enhancing the survival of P. aeruginosa-infected C. elegans. These results suggest that activated furan compounds could be potential inhibitors of QS-mediated virulence factors in C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa, encouraging their use in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: 5-year experience from a multidisciplinary centre

Background: Acute pancreatitis is rare in pregnancy, but it is associated with increased incidence of maternal and fetal mortality. It should be one of the differential diagnosis of upper abdominal pain with or without nausea or vomiting. S. amylase, lipase and ultrasound abdomen were the diagnostic methods. Conservative management is the main stay in mild cases. Severe cases have multiorgan involvement and needs multidisciplinary approach. The objectives of this study were to study the maternal and fetal outcome in pregnant women diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and to identify the risk factors for acute pancreatitis in pregnancy.Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of pregnant women diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi during the period of 5 years from January 2011 to December 2016. A proforma having patients age, parity index, gestational age, symptoms with duration, blood investigations, ultrasonography, interventions done, mode of delivery, supportive treatment, complications were developed. Fetal weight, Apgar score, fetal complications were also noted.Results: The mean gestational age of presentation was 30 weeks of pregnancy. Upper abdominal pain radiating to back, vomiting, fever was the commonest clinical presentation in majority of cases. The diagnostic methods were S.Amylase ,Lipase and Ultrasound abdomen. The mean age of the patients were 26 years and 66.7% were primigravidas in the present study. There were 4 patients in SAP and 5 in MAP groups. Complications in SAP group were ARF, ARDS, DIC, MODS, metabolic acidosis etc. SAP group had 3 maternal and 3 fetal loss.Conclusions: Severe acute pancreatitis has adverse maternal and fetal outcome due to multi organ failure and sepsis

OASIS: clinical audit in a tertiary care centre

Background: Obstetric anal sphincter injury involves injury to the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa sustained at time of vaginal delivery and can result in significant long-term morbidity. These injuries have been defined as 3rd and 4th degree lacerations that involve disruption of the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa respectively. Objectives of this study were to find out the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries, to identify the risk factors for of OASIS and the outcome of primary repair in terms of anal incontinence and its associated complications.Methods: We did a descriptive study of OASIS by retrospective analysis of the labour case records. The study period was 1 year between August 2016 to July 2017. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, vertex presentation, instrumental and normal vaginal delivery. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, non-vertex presentation and caesarean section. Proforma was developed to capture the age, parity, gestational age in weeks, induction of labour, epidural analgesia, delivery duration, type of episiotomy, instrumentation, shoulder dystocia, occipito posterior position,manual support, weight of the baby, suturing method. Postnatal evaluation after 6 weeks and 6 months for perineal discomfort, pain, incontinence, wound infection, breakdown, fistula were noted. Results: The incidence of OASIS was 1.4%. 81.8% women had 3rd degree perineal and 18.1% had 4th degree perineal tear. The mean age of the patients were 27.9 years, gestational age of 39.45 weeks, 72.7% were primiparous. Induction of labour with prostaglandins was done in 36.36% and Pitocin augmentation for 81.81%. The duration of second 36.36% had 60-89 min and 27.27% had duration more than 90 min. 54.54% had epidural analgesia, 36.36% had shoulder dystocia, 36.36% had instrumental delivery. 72.72% babies had birth weight between 3-3.5 kg, 9% between 3.5-4 kg. Ano vaginal fistula developed in 9%.Conclusions: Appropriate training, anticipating and identifying major degrees of perineal tear helps in reducing the complications. Anovaginal fistula is distressing and disabling the patient and to her near ones