Acute kidney injury and its outcome in obstetrics

Background: Acute kidney injury occurring during pregnancy, labour, delivery, and/or postpartum period. Proper management of AKI (acute kidney injury) is challenging because (i) both maternal and fetal health must be considered and (ii) the cardiovascular and renal adaptations of pregnancy add to the complexity for management.Methods: The objective of this study was to study association and contributing factors in AKI, a retrospective study of 20 cases of AKI complicating pregnancies carried out in department of obstetrics and gynecology, SVPIMSR over a period of 12 months and results were studied and analysed. Etiological factors, associated liver pathology, coagulation abnormality, thrombocytopenia, sepsis, recovery status and fetomaternal outcome were studied and tabulated. AKI was analysed in terms of maximal stage of renal injury attained as per risk, injury, failure, loss of function, and end-stage renal disease (RIFLE) criteria.Results: The incidence of ARF (acute renal failure) in pregnancy was about 0.3%. Hypertensive disorders were the major causative factor. Amongst the 20 cases, 8 cases were referred from outside and two of them died. Total 5 of 20 cases required hemodialysis and two of them had partial recovery.Conclusions: AKI complicating pregnancies are not uncommon. If recognized and treated promptly, recovery is assured in majority of cases. Early identification and prompt management of pre-eclampsia and sepsis can prevent majority of cases. Ultrasonography revelation of placenta previa or abruption helps in early management eventually decreases the chances of bleeding which is one of the causes of AKI (pre-renal cause)

Role of ultrasound-guided continuous brachial plexus block in the management of neonatal ischemia in upper limb

Neonatal upper limb ischemia due to accidental arterial damage remains a major concern, which can lead to devastating complications if untreated. The primary objective of this case report is to emphasize the role of continuous infraclavicular brachial plexus block, the issues related with block performance in an ischemic hand, and the importance of ultrasound guidance in this particular case scenario. A 1.1 kg infant suffered from distal forearm ischemia due to accidental arterial damage, which was treated with brachial plexus block. An ultrasound-guided single shot block with 0.5 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine was followed by ultrasound-guided catheter placement in the target area. A continuous infusion of 0.03% of bupivacaine at the rate of 0.5 mL/kg/hr (approx. 0.15 mg/kg/h of bupivacaine) was administered for 36 h. This treatment resulted in reversal of ischemia. Permanent ischemic damage was eventually confined to the tips of 4 fingers. We conclude that ultrasound-guided continuous infraclavicular block has a therapeutic role to play in the treatment of hand ischemia due to arterial damage and subsequent arterial spasm in neonates with added benefits

Study of obstetric and perinatal outcome of twin pregnancy

Background: Multifetal pregnancy constitutes a significant portion of high-risk pregnancies. This is due to the increasing obstetric and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates associated with it. Maternal and perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies has been evaluated in this study.Methods: Total 30 patients with twin pregnancy and having gestational age more than 28 weeks were included in this observational study.Results: Incidence of twins in the study was found to be 2%. Twin pregnancies were more common in multiparous women aged between 20 and 30 years. Most common foetal presentation was vertex- vertex presentation. Most common maternal complication was preterm labour seen in 67% women, followed by anaemia seen in 50% women. Most of the women were delivered by caesarean section (63.3%). Most common perinatal complication was birth hypoxia (41.6%). Other perinatal complications were jaundice, septicemia, intrauterine growth restriction. 71% of the neonates had birth weight less than 2.5 kg. Perinatal mortality was found to be 11.6%.Conclusions: Twin pregnancies are high risk pregnancies associated with higher obstetric and perinatal morbidity. Perinatal morbidity was more common for the second coming twin. Regular antenatal visits, planned delivery and better NICU facilities can help combat these complications. A team of skilled obstetricians and pediatricians along with a multidisciplinary approach is essential for the effective management of twin pregnancies

Prevalence and hematological profile of β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia in four communities of Surat city

Background: From the data of transfusion-dependent thalassemia major cases, the 4 communities (Muslim, Dhodia Patel, Kachhiya Patel, and Modh Bania) with high prevalence but not studied methodically were selected. Aim: The aim of this study is to find prevalence of β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia in 4 selected communities and also to evaluate hematological profile in them. Materials and Methods: For screening of β-thalassemia trait (BTT) and sickle cell trait (SCT), all samples were tested for red cell indices, solubility, HbA 2 level and doubtful cases confirmed on HPLC. Statistical Analysis: Mean ± SD, χ2 and ′t′ tests were used to evaluate the significance. Results and Conclusion: Among 4 selected communities, the highest prevalence of BTT was observed in Modh Bania (6.2%) and Kachhiya Patel (6.05%) and that of SCT in Dhodia Patel (14.0%). Significantly higher prevalence of BTT was observed in Memon ( P < 0.0001) and of SCT in Khalifa 6.6% ( P < 0.0001) compared to other Muslim sub castes. Anemia was more prevalent in BTT compared to non-BTT and non-SCT subjects. 80% of Dhodia Patel non-BTT and non-SCT subjects showed microcytic red cell morphology. Their Mean ± SD Hb concentration was 12.1 ± 1.73, hence iron deficiency cannot be a sole reason. This community needs α-thalassemia and iron studies