Placenta previa: risk factors, feto-maternal outcome and complications

Background: Placenta previa is defined as placenta that is implanted somewhere in the lower uterine segment either over or very near the internal cervical os. Placenta previa and coexistent accrete syndromes contribute substantively to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.Methods: All This is a retrospective study of 88 cases of placenta previa, which were admitted under department of obstetrics and gynecology in our institute during July 2017 to June 2019. All patients of placenta previa with gestational age > 28 weeks up to full term were included in the study. All cases were confirmed by ultrasound examination. Outcome measures prevalence of placenta previa, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and case fatality rate.Results: The total number of deliveries performed during the study period was 16330, of them, 88 cases were placenta previa. Thus, the prevalence of PP was 0.53%. Multiparity was one of the etiological factors in 84.09%, whereas previous LSCS was 47.73%, previous H/O D and E was 14.73%, previous H/O placenta previa was 7.95%. Obstetric hysterectomy was done in 7 (7.95%) patients out of 88 patients. 92.04% of patients delivered with cesarean section and 7.95% patients delivered with normal vaginal delivery. 22 (26.50%) babies out of 83 live born were admitted in NICU.Conclusions: Advancing maternal age, multiparity, prior cesarean section, and prior abortions are independent risk factors for placenta previa. Placenta previa remains a risk factor for adverse maternal and perinatal outcome. The detection of placenta previa should encourage a careful evaluation with timely delivery to reduce the associated maternal and perinatal complications. Measures to reduce the primary caesarean section rate should be adopted

A hospital based retrospective study of thyroid disorders on obstetric and perinatal outcomes

Background: The study was undertaken in pregnant women to understand and analyze the obstetric and foetal outcomes of thyroid disorders.Methods: TSH estimation was used as universal screening in their first visit to our hospital. Those patients with abnormal TSH values, i.e. above 2.5 mIU/ml in first trimester and above 3 mIU/ml in second and third trimesters were evaluated for free T3, free T4 and TPO Abs. They were treated accordingly and dosage adjustments made and the tests repeated once in 4-6 weeks. They were followed throughout pregnancy and delivery.Results: Total no of pregnant women screened were 904 over a period of 1 year from 15 March 2019 to 14 March 2020, of which 115 had abnormal thyroid functions, thereby the prevalence of thyroid disorders being 12.72%. Of the 115 patients with thyroid disorders, 112 were hypothyroid and 3 were hyperthyroid. Among the 112 hypothyroid cases, 48 were known cases and 64 were new cases. The total cases of subclinical hypothyroidism were 88, prevalence being 9.73% and overt cases were 24, prevalence being 2.65%; 3 cases were overt hyperthyroid, prevalence being 0.33%. 66% of subclinical hypothyroidism were TPO positive and 34% of overt hypothyroidism were TPO positive (p<0.05). Out of 115 abnormal thyroid function patients, 92 patients delivered in our hospital. There were 15 abortions, 13 spontaneous and 2 terminations of pregnancies; 7 patients have delivered outside and 1 patient lost follow up.Conclusions: The prevalence of thyroid disorders during pregnancy was significantly more in our study, hypothyroidism being the commonest. Significant numbers of cases were newly diagnosed on universal screening. The commonest disorder was subclinical hypothyroidism. Adverse maternal and foetal outcomes were almost similar in both subclinical and overt hypothyroidism. The common adverse outcomes noted were abortions, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm births and increased rates of caesarean sections. The adverse outcomes were significantly more in autoimmune antibody positive patients

A study of feto-maternal outcome in case of premature rupture of membrane at a tertiary care center

Background: Premature rupture of membranes is the rupture of the fetal membranes in the absence of uterine contraction or before the onset of labor. When this occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, it is termed as preterm premature rupture of membranes. Management depends upon gestational age and the presence of complicating factors. An accurate assessment of gestational age and knowledge of the maternal, fetal and neonatal risks are essential to appropriate evaluation, counselling, and care of patients with PROM. The purpose of the study is timely diagnosis and appropriate management of the cases of PROM and PPROM to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: A Prospective study was performed at the department of obstetrics and gynecology, at a tertiary care center from August 2020 to December 2021. A clinical data sheet was made for recording all information about the pregnant women after taking their consent. And their maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Results: a total of 150 cases of PROM and PPROM were taken during our study out of which 53.33% belong to the younger age group, 43.33% were primi gravida, 66.66% belonged to the lower socioeconomic class, 25.33% had a previous history of abortion followed by dilatation and evacuation, rate of cesarean delivery was 34.66% and rate of NICU admission of neonates was 15.78% and 57.87% babies had low birth weight and rate of stillbirth was 1.97%. whereas 34.66% of cases had various complications related to PROM. Conclusions: Individualized management of PROM cases depending on the gestational age and risk of complications and antibiotic coverage is the best way to achieve a good fetomaternal outcome

Classification of Caesarean Section According to Robson Criteria: An Approach to Optimize Caesarean Section Rates at Tertiary Care Hospital in Western India

Introduction: Caesarean section (CS) rates have been increasing worldwide. For proper assessment of CS rate, the ten group Robson classification is recommended by WHO. We are analyzing the CS rates by classifying the caesarean sections using Robson‘s ten group classification. The aim of this study is to perform an analysis based on Robson‘s ten group classification system and to identify strategies to optimize CS rate in our institution. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology between July 2022 to December 2022 at SardarVallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SVPIMSR) in Ahmedabad, western India. Results: Total number of deliveries during the study period was 3121. The total numbers of CS were 1078 (34.55%) and total vaginal deliveries were 2043 (65.45%). The main contributors to overall caesarean section rate were group 5 (previous CS) (14.03%) and group 2 (nullipara, singleton cephalic,>=37 weeks) (11.40%). Women with one previous LSCS contributed majorly to the CS rate. Conclusions: Robson‘s classification is easily implementable and an effective tool for surveillance. The results can be compared between Institutions, states and countries. By using Robson classification, groups identified which contributed the most to the overall CS rate and approach to reduce the same has to be our prime objective. Any reduction in CS in nullipara group affect the CS rate in the total group of nulliparous women with a potential for vaginal birth and would also reduce number of women in group 5 (previous CS)

Career intentions of medical students in the UK: a national, cross-sectional study (AIMS study)

Objective To determine current UK medical students’ career intentions after graduation and on completing the Foundation Programme (FP), and to ascertain the motivations behind these intentions.Design Cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey of UK medical students, using a non-random sampling method.Setting All 44 UK medical schools recognised by the General Medical Council.Participants All UK medical students were eligible to participate. The study sample consisted of 10 486 participants, approximately 25.50% of the medical student population.Outcome measures Career intentions of medical students postgraduation and post-FP, motivations behind these career intentions, characterising the medical student population and correlating demographic factors and propensity to leave the National Health Service (NHS).Results The majority of participating students (8806/10 486, 83.98%) planned to complete both years of the FP after graduation, with under half of these students (4294/8806, 48.76%) intending to pursue specialty training thereafter. A subanalysis of career intentions after the FP by year of study revealed a significant decrease in students’ intentions to enter specialty training as they advanced through medical school. Approximately a third of surveyed students (3392/10 486, 32.35%) intended to emigrate to practise medicine, with 42.57% (n=1444) of those students not planning to return. In total, 2.89% of students intended to leave medicine altogether (n=303). Remuneration, work-life balance and working conditions were identified as important factors in decision-making regarding emigration and leaving the profession. Subgroup analyses based on gender, type of schooling, fee type and educational background were performed. Only 17.26% of surveyed students were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall prospect of working in the NHS.Conclusions The Ascertaining the career Intentions of UK Medical Students study highlights UK students’ views and career intentions, revealing a concerning proportion of those surveyed considering alternative careers or emigration. Addressing factors such as remuneration, work-life balance and working conditions may increase retention of doctors and improve workforce planning efforts

The role of medical schools in UK students’ career intentions: findings from the AIMS study

Abstract Objectives To investigate differences in students’ career intentions between UK medical schools. Design Cross-sectional, mixed-methods online survey. Setting The primary study included all 44 UK medical schools, with this analysis comprising 42 medical schools. Participants Ten thousand four hundred eighty-six UK medical students. Main outcome measures Career intentions of medical students, focusing on differences between medical schools. Secondary outcomes included variation in medical students’ satisfaction with a prospective career in the NHS, by medical school. Results 2.89% of students intended to leave medicine altogether, with Cambridge Medical School having the highest proportion of such respondents. 32.35% of respondents planned to emigrate for practice, with Ulster medical students being the most likely. Of those intending to emigrate, the University of Central Lancashire saw the highest proportion stating no intentions to return. Cardiff Medical School had the greatest percentage of students intending to assume non-training clinical posts after completing FY2. 35.23% of participating medical students intended to leave the NHS within 2 years of graduating, with Brighton and Sussex holding the highest proportion of these respondents. Only 17.26% were satisfied with the prospect of working in the NHS, with considerable variation nationally; Barts and the London medical students had the highest rates of dissatisfaction. Conclusions This study reveals variability in students’ career sentiment across UK medical schools, emphasising the need for attention to factors influencing these trends. A concerning proportion of students intend to exit the NHS within 2 years of graduating, with substantial variation between institutions. Students’ intentions may be shaped by various factors, including curriculum focus and recruitment practices. It is imperative to re-evaluate these aspects within medical schools, whilst considering the wider national context, to improve student perceptions towards an NHS career. Future research should target underlying causes for these disparities to facilitate improvements to career satisfaction and retention. </jats:sec

UMD Clark Engineering WIE Science and Technology Policy Papers

Science and Technology Policy Papers produced by students enrolled in the Women in Engineering program Flexus/Virtus living learning community for women, men, and non-binary engineering students