Complications, Indications and Results of Two Screening Methods: Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling

Background: Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis are two invasive methods of diagnostic approaches for prenatal diagnosis. The indication, adverse effects and final outcome of these two methods are different. The goal of this study was to compare indication, complications and outcomes of CVS and amniocentesis in pregnant women underwent prenatal screening program.Methods: Medical records of 1464 women who underwent CVS, or amniocentesis were reviewed in two tertiary hospitals (imam and women hospitals, affiliated hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences).Results: For 1073 patients amniocentesis was performed while for 391 cases CVS was one. Mean maternal age, gestational age, and age at birth of the neonates were significantly lower in CVS group than the other group. Mean needle time was significantly higher in CVS group. Mean needle time was significantly higher in CVS Group (1.3 vs. 1.5, P < 0.001). The most finding of CVS result was minor Thalassemia while trisomy 21 was the most finding in amniocentesis group. Rupture of membranes was the most side effects in amniocentesis group and intrauterine fetal death was the most complication in CVS group.Conclusions: Indication, results and complications of CVS and amniocentesis are different

Comparison of umbilical artery Doppler and non-stress test in assessment of fetal well-being in gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study

There exist currently in production an immense number of applications that are considered safety critical, meaning that the execution of them is directly related to issues concerning the well being of people. A domain where these applications are particularly present is in the aeronautics industry. A piece of critical software that’s embedded into an airplane’s calculator cannot, under any circumstance, fail while the aircraft is in-flight. And this restriction becomes more and more severe when the priority of the application escalates. This situation also poses an inconvenient at the moment of testing software. Since for applications to be tested on their real environment (flight test) it is necessary to have certain guarantees that it won’t fail, other methods such as unitary tests and simulations have to be used. But none of these methods are sound, meaning that if some particular case is unintentionally left out of the executions, then the behavior of the program in such scenario is not contemplated in the performed analysis. But when we are talking about safety critical applications, these small cases could mean a very big difference. This is why more and more companies that produce this kind of software are starting to include in their verification process sound techniques to validate the absence of run-time errors on their programs. Particularly Airbus, one of the main aircraft manufacturers of the world, uses AstréeA, a static analyzer based on abstract interpretation, to prove that the programs embedded in their calculators cannot possibly fail. In the following report an investigation will be presented were AstréeA was used at Airbus to prove the absence of run-time errors on the ATSU. The introductory chapter presents a description of the software analyzed, an explanation of the objectives set for the project and its scope. Then, on chapter 2 all the necessary theoretical concepts will be presented. Sections 2.1 - 2.3 give an overview of the basics of abstract interpretation, while section 2.4 presents the analyzer used. Then chapters 3 and 4 describe in depth the solution given and how the investigation was carried out. Finally chapters 5 and 6 enter into the presentation and analysis of the results obtained in the period of study and the current state of the solution

Peptic ulcer perforation after cesarean section; case series and literature review

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer perforation in the early post-cesarean period is rare but may result in maternal mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: Four cases of post-cesarean peptic ulcer perforation are presented. In all four patients, presentations include peritoneal signs such as acute abdominal pain and progressive distention, hemodynamic instability and intraperitoneal free fluid by ultrasound. Laparotomy and repair were done in all 4 cases. There were 2 maternal deaths. We also have reviewed English literature for the similar cases reported from 1940 to March 2019. CONCLUSION: New onset tachycardia, abdominal pain and progressive distension after cesarean section without congruent changes in hemoglobin should raise concerns for intra-abdominal emergencies including perforated peptic ulcer. Early use of ultrasound should be considered to assist in diagnosis. Coordinated care by an obstetrician and a general surgeon is necessary in presence of any unusual postoperative abdominal pain. Early recognition of the disease is imperative to limit the surgical delay and to improve the outcomes

Diagnostic models for the detection of intrauterine growth restriction and placental insufficiency severity based on magnetic resonance imaging of the placenta

Purpose: We aimed to provide diagnostic models based on different parameters of placental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), as well as the severity of placental insufficiency. Material and methods: We included 44 foetuses with appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA) and 46 foetuses with documented IUGR, defined as the estimated foetal weight (EFW) below the 10th centile. Using Doppler ultrasound, IUGR cases were divided into 2 groups: 1) IUGR with severity signs: EFW < 3rd centile, or cerebroplacental ratio < 5th centile, or abnormal umbilical/uterine artery pulsatility index; and 2) non-severe IUGR without any of this criterion. For all these participants, placental MRI was performed in the third gestational trimester, and its parameters were compared between AGA and IUGR, as well as between the severe and non-severe IUGR groups. Two diagnostic models consisting of significant predictors were developed, and their performance was investigated with accuracy metrics. Results: The severity signs were detected in 25 (54.3%) IUGR cases. The diagnostic model for the differentiation of IUGR from AGA revealed an acceptable performance (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.749) and consisted of 2 variables: 1) the largest size of infarct ≥ 25 mm (odds ratio [OR] = 5.01, p = 0.001), and 2) thickness : volume ratio ≥ 0.043 (OR = 3.76, p = 0.027); while, the logistic regression model for detection of the severity signs was even better, with AUC = 0.862, and comprised of 2 predictors: 1) placental infarct percent ≥ 10% (OR = 26.73, p = 0.004), and 2) placental globular shape (OR = 5.40, p = 0.034). Conclusions: Placental MRI parameters can differentiate IUGR from AGA, and more precisely, assess the severity of placental insufficiency in IUGR foetuses

Comparing Two Methods of Rectal Diclofenac Administration for Pain Management in Second Trimester Abortion: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background & Objective: Pain is the most common side effect of induced medical abortion. However, the optimal analgesia method remains as a clinical challenge. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two methods of administration of diclofenac as a prophylactic or a therapeutic in pain management in induced second-trimester medical abortion. Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted upon pregnant women who were candidates for induced medical abortion and referred to a tertiary educational hospital between October 2019 and December 2020. Participants were divided into two groups based on the mode of diclofenac administration, which was either simultaneously with the first dose of misoprostol or after beginning of the pain. Pain severity, induction-to-abortion time interval, total misoprostol dosage, Hemoglobin concentration, length of hospitalization, and size of retained pregnancy products by ultrasound, and the cumulative dose of opioid usage were compared between the groups. Results: The severity of pain which was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS), residual of conceived products, hospitalization days, and the total misoprostol dosage were significantly lower (P\u3c0.05) in the prophylaxis compared to the treatment group. Conclusion: Simultaneous administration of diclofenac with misoprostol as prophylactic method of pain management may be an optimal method in induced medical abortion in the second trimester

Apparent diffusion coefficient of different areas of brain in foetuses with intrauterine growth restriction

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of different brain areas between two groups of intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) foetuses and control cases. Material and methods: A total of 38 foetuses with IUGR and 18 normal control foetuses with similar gestational age were compared using a 3T magnetic resonance scanner. IUGR cases included 23 foetuses with clinical severity signs (group A) and 15 foetuses without clinical severity signs (group B). ADC values were measured in different brain regions and compared among groups. Foetuses with structural brain abnormalities were excluded from the study. Results: All foetuses had normal foetal structural brain anatomy. Head circumference (HC) < 5% was more common in IUGR group A compared to IUGR group B (56.5% vs. 13.3%, p < 0.0001). In comparison to the normal group, the ADC values in IUGR foetuses were significantly lower in cerebellar hemispheres (CH) (1.239 vs. 1.280.5 × 10-3 mm2/s, p = 0.045), thalami (1.205 vs. 1.285 × 10–3 mm2/s, p = 0.031) and caudate nucleus (CN) (1.319 vs. 1.394 × 10-3 mm2/s, p = 0.04). However, there were no significant differences in ADC values between IUGR subtypes. Among all brain regions, pons had the lowest ADC values. Conclusions: ADC values of thalami, CN, and CH were significantly lower in IUGR than control foetuses, while there was no significant difference among IUGR groups. Further studies are needed to evaluate the prognostic value of ADC changes in IUGR foetuses

Analysis of ultrasonographic misdiagnosis of cephalothoracopagus janiceps conjoined twins: A case report

Background & Objective: Conjoined twins (CTs) are rare complications of monozygotic twinning. Cephalothoracopagus is the rarest subtype of CTs and occurs once in every 58 sets of conjoined twins or once in every three million births. Here we present such a case and analyze the possible reasons for ultrasonographic misdiagnosis and recommend solutions to avoid it. Case Report: In this article, we have reported a case of Cephalothoracopagus Janiceps twining. The ultrasonographic diagnosis was missed at 7 and 12 weeks scans. Increased thickness of nuchal translucency and absent nasal bone was observed alongside with suspected gastroschisis. The patient was referred for further evaluation at 13-14 weeks of pregnancy. Unexpectedly, two alive fetuses were reported fused in the head, thorax, and abdomen. Because of the poor prognosis, counseling was provided for parents and elective medical pregnancy termination was carried out. We have analyzed the possible reasons for ultrasonographic misdiagnosis. Conclusion: Without applying a standardized scanning of the entire uterus both in a longitudinal and transverse approach in early pregnancy, cephalothoracopagus twining may be misdiagnosed with a singleton pregnancy. A high level of concerns may raise for conjoined cephalothoracopagus twinning in case of finding a single fetal pole with an irregular body outline and a disproportionally large head in the presence of two separate fetal hearts in early pregnancy. Two fused heads with two brains and two sets of lower and upper extremities do confirm the diagnosis

Maternal mortality following thromboembolism; incidences and prophylaxis strategies.

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolism is one of the main causes of maternal mortality, which can be prevented in many cases. The present study was designed to investigate the incidence and prophylaxis strategies for maternal mortality following thromboembolism in postnatal. METHODS: In this case series study, the data of the mortality cases were extracted according to the ethical and security standards of the Ministry of Health of the country and compared with a healthy control group. The thromboembolism risk factors measured and scored using a questionnaire entitled the evaluation of risk factors for maternal mortality following thromboembolism during pregnancy, labor, or post-partum . RESULTS: The maternal mortality rate was 16 per 100,000 live births. Among 297 mortality cases, 27 (9%) death were due to thromboembolism. The mean gestational age was 32.5 weeks. Dyspnea (88.8%) and tachycardia (18.5%) were found as common clinical manifestations in these patients. Sixteen cases (59.3%) did not get heparin, 6 (22.2%) received single dose and 5 (18.5%) received two doses and more. In these 11 cases, 5 (45%) patients received heparin before surgery, 1 after surgery, and 5 before and after surgery. Twenty cases deceased in the first hours after delivery and the rest after 2 to 12 days. The average score of risk for thromboembolism based on Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologist (RCOG) guideline was 4.6. CONCLUSION: It seems that one of the most important cause of maternal mortality in this study was the lack of recognition of high-risk patients and the lack of prescription for prophylaxis with heparin and this clearly explains the need for accurate screening of high-risk mothers, designing a standard form and the care and treatment of these patients

Anxiety and Uterine Artery Doppler Flow in A Population of Pregnant Women of High Risk Down Syndrome Fetus: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Fetal exposure to maternal anxiety is associated with low birth weight and maternal stress may be led to constriction of uterine arteries. This study compared the relation of anxiety and uterine artery doppler flow indices in pregnant women with the high and low-risk of Down syndrome. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women in the second trimester that were classified as having a high or low risk according to their prenatal aneuploidy screening outcome. The high risk group underwent amniocentesis. Anxiety was initially assessed using the Spielberger State-Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and uterine artery blood flow indices were evaluated 2 times for the both groups. For the high-risk group first: immediately before amniocentesis and second: after two weeks follow up, when receiving the karyotype results and for the low-risk group in the first admission and two weeks later. Results: Totally, 375 pregnant women participated in our study that sorted into 2 risk populations based on the aneuploidy screening test, low-risk=176 and high-risk women=199. The high-risk group for Down syndrome amniocentesis showed abnormal results in the 23 cases (23/199). The mean state (P=0.003) and trait (P=0.033) of the Anxiety Inventory scores were significantly different between the groups. Baseline uterine artery indices were no significant difference between the groups. Baseline Uterine artery indices in the high-risk group was significantly different with follow-up (in both positive-amniocentesis and negative amniocentesis sub-groups) indices. Also, there was a weak and significant correlation in the uterine resistance index and STAI scores (P=0.008, r=0.137) during the follow-up period. Conclusion: All pregnant women experienced high level anxiety, especially in the high-risk group that may reduce after confirmation of prenatal aneuploidy screening test and also affects the Doppler indices. For all pregnant women; Stress management and emotional support training is recommended before and during pregnancy

Comparing Perinatal Outcome in Twin and Singleton Pregnancies Regarding Doppler Evaluation of Uterine Artery Indices in the Second Trimester

Background: Prediction of adverse perinatal and postnatal outcomes could be possible by using ultrasound Doppler evaluation, however there are some controversies regarding this issue in the literature. The goal of present study was to evaluate predictive value of Doppler indices in single and twin pregnancies during second trimester. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in Yas Hospital, Tehran, between February 2015 and January 2016. The number of 71 singleton pregnancies and 59 twin pregnancies enrolled in this study. A single expert perinatalogist / sonographer did all Doppler ultrasound exams and followed up cases until the end of pregnancy. To compare Doppler indices and pre-postnatal outcomes between singleton and twin groups, the Student’s t-test, Pearson χ2 test and Fisher’s exact test were used for continue and categorical variables, respectively. Results: Rates of preterm delivery and SGA were significantly higher in twin pregnancies compared with singletons (