Serological screening for antenatal toxoplasma infection in India.

Purpose: Detection of infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy to prevent congenital infection. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out from January 2005 to 2006 in 300 pregnant women. Antitoxoplasma IgG, IgM, IgA antibody and IgG avidity were assessed using ELISA. Atleast two samples were taken atleast 3 weeks apart preferably one in each trimester. Result: Of these 300 pregnant women, anti toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 46 (15.33%) cases, while 9 (3%) had positive anti toxoplasma IgM with IgA and /low IgG avidity antibodies suggestive of acute infection during or just before pregnancy. Conclusion: The results indicate that about 85% of female population of Chandigarh is susceptible to toxoplasma infection and thus should be specifically educated about prevention of this infection during pregnancy

Steroid responsive prolonged thrombocytopenia in dengue.

Prolonged thrombocytopenia in a usual case of dengue virus infection is uncommon. Dengue-related thrombocytopenia is self-limiting and responds within 3-5 days. An underlying immunological disorder may be responsible for delayed return of platelet count to a normal level. We present a case of prolonged thrombocytopenia in a case of dengue hemorrhagic fever. The response to steroids suggests a possible immunological dysfunction.

Huge placental myxoid chorangioma presenting with severe antepartum hemorrhage.

A 2nd gravida presented at 27 weeks with antepartum hemorrhage. Ultrasound showed a single live fetus (parameters approximately 23 weeks) and a huge placenta with multiple cystic areas extending into the lower uterine segment; some of which showed increased vascularity on colored doppler. A diagnosis of low lying placenta with a possibility of chorangioma or a partial mole was made. The next bout of antepartum hemorrhage was severe necessitating an emergency cesarean. Histopathology of the placenta (weighing 2240 grams) revealed a myxoid chorangioma. All features in this woman are uncommonly reported in literature (large size, myxoid degeneration and severe antepartum hemorrhage necessitating a cesarean).

Spermicidal & contraceptive properties of Praneem polyherbal pessary.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Though a number of barrier methods and potent spermicides are available, most of these have nonoxynol-9 (N-9) as the active ingredient which is observed to cause inflammation and genital ulceration on repeated use. The present study was undertaken to develop a safe spermicide with conjoint microbicidal properties. METHODS: A polyherbal pessary was formulated with purified ingredients from neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves, Sapindus mukerossi (pericarp of fruit) and Mentha citrata oil. Spermicidal action on human sperm was tested by Sander-Cramer slide test in vitro and by post coital tests in vivo. Contraceptive action was tested in rabbits. RESULTS: The combination of the three herbal ingredients resulted in the potentiation of the spermicidal action by 8-folds. The post coital tests confirmed the spermicidal properties of the Praneem polyherbal pessary (PPP) in women with high cervical mucous score around mid estrus. It also prevented in most women the migration of sperm into the cervical mucous. In 15 rabbits studied pregnancy was prevented by the intravaginal administration of PPP, whereas 13 of the 15 animals in the control group became pregnant. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The Praneem polyherbal pessary has potent spermicidal action on human sperm in vitro and in vivo. When applied in the vagina before mating, it prevented rabbits from becoming pregnant.

Role of intrapartum antibiotics in prevention of vertical transmission of neonatal sepsis.

The present study evaluates the role of prophylactic intrapartum antibiotics in the prevention of neonatal sepsis. Labour and delivery characteristics of 1478 women delivering at the Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh were recorded. Intrapartum antibiotics (ampicillin, with or without gentamycin) were given to 69 per cent women. The neonatal sepsis rate was 1.56 per cent. This was not significantly lower in the women who received intrapartum antibiotics (1.47 vs 1.75%). Though there was a lowering of neonatal sepsis rate with intrapartum antibiotic administration when the duration of labour was more than 12 h (1.67 vs 3.09%), duration of ruptured membranes was more than 6 h (1.93 vs 3.81%) and number of pelvic examination was 3 or more (1.63 vs 4.54%), it was not statistically significant. It was concluded that intrapartum antibiotics as per the existing protocol did not prevent neonatal sepsis.

Maternal determinants of birth weight of north Indian babies.

Birth weight charts of uncomplicated singleton pregnancies (n = 3293) were prepared from subjects who delivered between 30 and 42 weeks of gestation. Multiple regression analysis of the data revealed significant effect of maternal age, parity, height, weight and religion upon birth weight. Maternal blood pressure systolic > or = 160 mm of Hg and diastolic > or = 110 mm of Hg (severe PIH) were associated with significant lowering of birth weight. Male babies weighed more than female babies.