HELLP syndrome on the rise: a major cause of maternal deaths

Background: In the recent years, 2021 to 2022, there has been a sudden rise in the number of HELLP syndrome cases admitted to Modern Government Maternity Hospital, (MGMH) / Osmania Medical College. There were maternal deaths due to complications secondary to HELLP syndrome. Complications like placental abruption, DIC, PPH, PRAKI, pulmonary edema, were responsible for maternal deaths. The need for blood products has increased enormously. In our earlier study of eclampsia and imminent eclampsia from the same Institute, during 2004 to 2007, we did not find HELLP syndrome to be a major cause of maternal deaths. Hence, we proceeded with in depth study of the complications, morbidity and mortality and some management issues related to HELLP syndrome. All 70 cases of HELLP in this study had associated Preeclampsia/eclampsia.Methods: This is a prospective analytical observational study of 70 cases of HELLP syndrome.Results: Recurrent preeclampsia was noted in 6÷45=13.33%. Cases of hypothyroidism were observed in 6÷45=13.33%. There were four sets of twins, 8.88%. Placental abruption was noted in 10/70 women with HELLP, 14.28%, DIC occurred in 15÷70=21.42%, PPH occurred in 11÷45 cases, 24.44%, PRAKI was recorded in 16/70 patients, 22.85%, Pulmonary edema occurred in 5/70, 7.14%, PPCM in cases with HELLP syndrome were 2÷70=2.85%, Abdominal delivery was needed in 53÷70=75.71%, Maternal mortality in the present study was10÷70=14.28%, The perinatal mortality was 21.33%. Blood products were needed in 22/45 cases, (9.136) units on the average.Conclusions: Dissemination of knowledge that immediate delivery should be planned in all cases of HELLP, irrespective of gestational age is the need of the hour. Postponing delivery would lead to complications

A comparative evaluation of properties of denture base materials processed with different processing methods: a preliminary study.

Background: The use of the traditional polymerization process of dentures necessitates a lot of time and energy. To depreciate these factors, a different processing method could be studied. Aim: This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the properties of denture base resin material processed with conventional curing and pressure-pot method. Materials and methods: A total of 30 specimens with distinct dimensions were fabricated with the denture base materials. The specimens were divided into two groups with 15 each, and they were processed using conventional heat-curing and pressure-pot processing, respectively. Each group is subdivided into three groups with five specimens in each for evaluating flexural strength, water sorption, and residual monomer, respectively. Flexural strength was measured using a 3-point bending test with a Universal testing machine. Water sorption was assessed by measuring the weight of the specimens after immersing them in distilled water. Residual monomer content was evaluated using a UV spectrophotometer.  The obtained data were statistically analysed using an independent t-test. Results: A slight increase in flexural strength was observed in the pressure processed specimens. However, no significant differences (p=0.131) were observed in the flexural strength between the groups. Less water sorption percentage was observed with the pressure processed acrylic resin specimens, and a significant difference (p=0.047) was observed between the groups. A slightly more amount of residual monomer content was seen in the acrylic specimens processed conventionally. Conclusion: Pressure-pot curing may be used for processing denture base acrylics as it provides properties similar to that of the conventional curing method