Incidence and outcomes of cases of caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary referral centre

Background. Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSEP) is a rare condition in which the implantation of the gestational sac takes place within the uterine scar of a previous caesarean section (CS). If the pregnancy continues within the uterus, the risk of placenta accrete or uterine rupture is increased.Objective. To investigate four treatment methods, based on each patient's clinical presentation, gestational age of the pregnancy and haemodynamic stability, for the management of CSEP.Methods. CSEP cases (N=30) were diagnosed by ultrasound at the Shatby Maternity University Hospital, Egypt. Various treatment modalities, based on gestational age, were employed to treat the patients. Treatments included suction curettage (n=12), embryo reduction with local methotrexate injection (n=12), laparoscopic excision (n=3) and excision through laparotomy (n=3). Serum levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (ß-hCG) were measured at diagnosis and weekly following treatment until the levels returned to non-pregnant values.Results. There was a significant positive correlation between gestational age in weeks and the CSEP management strategy employed. ß-hCG levels decreased from before treatment to the end of the follow-up period 3 weeks later.No cases required a hysterectomy, and no maternal complications were reported in this study.Conclusion. The appropriate CSEP management strategy varies according to gestational age. Suction and embryo reduction with local methotrexate injection offers an effective, safe and minimally invasive surgical treatment to remove ectopic pregnancy tissue. Closely monitored follow-up of patients, including serial measurement of ß-hCG levels and ultrasonographic examinations, is recommended after CSEP management

Effectiveness of Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) in the Management of First Trimester Miscarriage: Experience in a Specialist Centre in North-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Safe management of abortion with an easy; simple and effective procedure is mandatory to minimise abortion related morbidities and mortalities. Aim: To assess the pattern of presentation of cases of first trimester miscarriage and the value of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in the management of abortion. Methods: Clinical records of 251 cases of miscarriage managed over a 3-year period 2005 - 2007 using MVA ipas aspirator were retrieved and information pertaining to age parity; gestational age at presentation; indication for MVA use; duration of hospital stay and complications encountered were retrieved for analysis and interpretation. Results: A total of 1899 gynaecological procedures were carried out over the 3-year period; out of which 251 were MVA procedures performed for various first trimester miscarriages; accounting for 13.2of the total gynaecological admissions. Sixty one (24.3) of the patients who benefited from MVA were in the 25-29 years age group; while those in the age 20-24 and 30-34 years group constituted 21.5and 20.7respectively. Grandmultiparas (53.7) constituted the majority. The procedure was performed for 50.2of the patients at 9-11 wks of gestation. Most (88.0) of the patients had the procedure performed for incomplete abortion and while the remaining 12.0were for check MVA after complete abortion and missed abortion. Most (67) of the cases were perform as outpatient procedures. There were three maternal deaths which were not related to the procedure. Conclusions: First trimester miscarriage appeared to be most common among grandmultipara and during the 9-11weeks of gestation. Most of the patients fell into the 25-29 years age group. It appears MVA is being effectively utilized in our centre

Avortements du premier trimestre au CHU de Dakar: interet de l'aspiration manuelle intra-uterine

L'objectif etait d'evaluer l'interet de l'aspiration manuelle intra-uterine (AMIU) sous anesthesie locale dans la prise en charge des avortements du premier trimestre. Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective concernant toutes les patientes prises en charge au CHU de Dakar par AMIU pour un avortement du premier trimestre entre le 1er janvier 2002 et le 31 decembre 2003. Pendant le periode etudiee; nous avons enregistre 2379 grossesses arretees parmi une population de 14476 entrantes. Dans 1372 cas (57;7) il s'agissait d'avortements du premier trimestre qui ont ete traites par l'AMIU ; pour 87des patientes; la duree d'hospitalisation etait inferieure a 12 heures. Le profil epidemiologique est celui d'une patiente agee en moyenne de 29 ans; paucipare (parite moyenne de 2) porteuse d'une grossesse dont l'age gestationnel moyen etait de 10 semaines d'amenorrhee. Dans 1296 cas (94;4) l'avortement etait spontane; alors que dans 76 cas (5;6) il a ete provoque clandestinement. Aucune complication liee a la procedure n'a ete enregistree et le suivi post-abortum n'a revele aucune morbidite avec un recul d'au moins 1 an. L'AMIU est une methode efficace et sure pour evacuer l'uterus dans les avortements incomplets du premier trimestre. C'est une technique simple qui a ameliore considerablement la qualite des soins apres avortement dans notre pratique