First trimester serum vitamin D, hs-CRP and second trimester uterine artery diastolic notching in predicting gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

Background: Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to study prediction of gestational hypertension/preeclampsia by using first trimester serum vitamin D and hs-CRP and second trimester uterine artery diastolic notching.Methods: It was an observational study conducted in the departments of obstetrics and gynaecology, clinical biochemistry and radiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. All pregnant women with 11 to 14 weeks gestational age attending antenatal clinic between October 2012 and June 2013 were enrolled in the study. A detailed history including history of the duration of sun exposure was taken and a general physical examination including obstetrical examination was done at every visit. Serum sample were taken for hs-CRP and vitamin-D levels at 11-14 weeks. Uterine artery colour doppler study was done between 22-24 weeks for uterine artery diastolic notching. The main outcome measures were development of gestational hypertension/ preeclampsia/ eclampsia.Results: The mean vitamin D levels were significantly lower and mean hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive group as compared to the normotensive group, p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively. Significant number women who developed hypertension had unilateral (46.2%) or bilateral (20.4%) uterine artery diastolic notching, p=0.005 and p=0.000, respectively. Crude’s odds ratio of uterine artery diastolic notching for prediction of hypertension in pregnancy was high, 9.894, 95% CI, 3.273-29.907 as compared to vitamin D (<13.5 ng/ml) and hs-CRP (>9.15 mg/L), 2.859, 95% CI, 1.418-5.763 and 7.16, 95% CI, 3.33-15.397.Conclusions: Uterine artery diastolic notching in the early second trimester is found to be the best predictor of PE followed by first trimester hs-CRP and vitamin D.

Postpartum spontaneous bladder rupture

Spontaneous bladder rupture after normal vaginal delivery is a rare complication. Patients may present with abdominal distention, fever, haematuria, oliguria and deranged KFT (kidney function test). We are reporting two cases of primigravida with postpartum bladder rupture, one case was diagnosed at laparotomy and the other preoperatively. A patient who presents with retention of urine, haematuria ascites and deranged KFT after uneventful normal vaginal delivery, spontaneous bladder rupture should be suspected. Early diagnosis and management can decrease the morbidity.

Comparison Of Cervical Biopsy Using Punch Biopsy Forceps Versus Loop Electrode

Context: The biopsy of cervix can be obtained by various methods with availability of newer modalities like loop elec-trode. Objectives: To compare the histo-pathological parameters and clinical outcome of cervical biopsy obtained using punch biopsy forceps versus loop electrode. Methods: Women attending OPD were screened for cervical pa-thology, and colposcopy was done for those who screened positive. Patients who required cervical biopsy after col-poscopy were allocated into 2 group; one undergoing LEEP biopsy and other half biopsied with Punch forceps. During procedure patients were evaluated for the intra–op pain and bleeding and their severity. The histo-pathological di-agnosis was carried out and the sample was studied for its size, adequacy, and presence of any thermal or crush ar-tefacts. Result: The two methods of biopsy were comparable in intra-op parameters, except for the increased re-quirement for additional haemostasis in LEEP biopsy. There was no case of bleeding from biopsy site at the follow-up visit. LEEP biopsy was associated with continued vaginal discharge more often than punch biopsy. An adequate sam-ple for histopathological diagnosis was obtained in 91.25% of all cases. The comparative findings were reflective of comparable efficacy of both methods in providing an acceptable tissue sample for diagnosis. Conclusion: After ana-lysing and comparing the aforementioned parameters, we opined that neither method can be deemed clearly supe-rior to the other as a cervical biopsy procedure.

Clinical profile & outcome of H1N1 infected pregnant women in a tertiary care teaching hospital of northern India.

Background & objectives: H1N1 influenza is a recognized cause of febrile respiratory infection worldwide. There are not many studies to show its impact on pregnancy. In the present study we aimed to assess clinical characteristics, obstetric and perinatal outcome of pregnant women with H1N1 infection. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in New Delhi, India. A total of 24 pregnant women microbiologically positive for H1N1 were included. Maternal characteristics and outcome were recorded. Perinatal outcome which was defined as presence of any of the indicators such as abortion, preterm delivery, intrauterine death and neo natal death was noted. Results: The mean age of the study group was 25.2 ± 3 yr with a mean gestational age of 34.9 ± 4.6 wk. Six patients (25%) had associated co-morbidities. Nine patients (37.5%) presented within 48 h of onset of symptoms and 15 (62.5%) reported after 48 h. In 17 (70.83%) patients treatment was delayed by >48 h. ICU admission was needed in 20.8 per cent patients and mortality rates was 8.3 per cent. There were seven cases of adverse perinatal outcome. Interpretation & conclusions: The presenting symptoms of pregnant women with H1N1 were similar to that of general population. Acquiring infection in late trimester, late initiation of antiviral treatment and presence of co-morbid illness were high risk factors for developing critical illness. Pregnant women with suspected H1N1 influenza should be started on antiviral therapy at the earliest. This is likely to help reduce the ICU admission rates and mortalities in this group of women.