ABSTRACT
Background: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality found in live-born babies. It is associated with mental retardation, physical disabilities and growth problems. Prenatal screening to identify genetic disorders gaining importance now a days. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice among pregnant women about prenatal screening of Down syndrome.Methods: This was a prospective study done in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in Prime Medical Centre, Sharjah. All pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic and gave the consent for the study were included. The study was conducted from April 2019 to September 2019. A self-structured questionnaire was given to these women and data was collected. Responses to pregnant women’s knowledge, attitude and practice were evaluated.Results: A total of 217 pregnant women were included in the study. Of the 217 women 64.97% had good knowledge about Down syndrome but only 23.04% women had good Knowledge regarding Down syndrome screening. Although 42.85% had right attitude towards screening but only 14.74% patients had followed good practice. Expensive test 43.65% and religious beliefs 25.39% were stated as major reasons for denial for screening tests.Conclusions: Pregnant women have good knowledge of Down syndrome but low awareness of screening tests. Although they had positive attitude towards screening test but less patients followed good practice.
ABSTRACT
Background: To compare the changes in pulsatility index (PI) values of fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA), umbilical artery (UA) and ratio of PI of MCA and UA (cerebroumbilical ratio, C/U ratio) in normal pregnancies with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and to evaluate their usefulness for predicting adverse perinatal outcome.Methods: This was a prospective comparative study carried out over a period of 1 year on total 140 patients between 30-40 weeks of gestation. Study group comprised of 70 patients with PIH. The control group comprised of 70 patients with normal BP. Both the groups were followed by doppler ultrasound and the UA PI, the MCA PI and the C/U ratio were measured. The results of the last doppler ultrasound before delivery were considered in the correlation with various adverse perinatal outcome. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of MCA PI and UA PI and C/U ratio were calculated and compared for predicting adverse perinatal outcome.Results: Abnormal C/U ratio was more common in PIH group (42.85%) than control group (5.71%). In the study group, 83.33% patients of abnormal C/U ratio showed adverse perinatal outcome. C/U ratio had highest sensitivity (75.75%), negative predictive value (80%) and diagnostic accuracy (81.42%) compared to MCA PI and UA PI for predicting adverse perinatal outcome in PIH women.Conclusions: Incidence of adverse perinatal outcome was more common with abnormal C/U ratio. C/U ratio is better predictor for adverse perinatal outcome in PIH women than individual MCA PI and UA PI.
ABSTRACT
In this case report summarizes the sequence of events that led to detection of a molar pregnancy missed by ultrasound and initial pathology examination. A 29 years old Asian nulliparous patient came to our clinic with missed period. On beta HCG she was 6 weeks pregnant. After 20 days she was diagnosed with 7 weeks missed abortion on ultrasound. surgical evacuation done for same. After 3 weeks she came with irregular vaginal bleeding. After physical and vaginal examination Beta HCG done, which was very high. On transvaginal ultrasound partial molar pregnancy was detected, so she was immediately admitted and repeat surgical evacuation was done. Histopathology report confirmed partial molar pregnancy which was not detected in previous report. She was regularly followed up with Beta HCG value up to 1 year which declined dramatically. Though molar pregnancy is rare, but it has the potential to develop into invasive mole, so any abnormal bleeding post evacuation should be followed up properly. Beta HCG values and histopathological evaluation is important for correct diagnosis and follow up.
ABSTRACT
Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection among reproductive age group females. The objective of present study is to determine the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, its distribution and association of risk factors among reproductive age group females, attending the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynaecology of our Prime Medical Centre, Sharjah attached with Prime Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: It was cross-sectional descriptive study over a period of six months. Patients who came to our outpatient department with complains of vaginal discharge and itching in reproductive age group were included in this study. Patients characteristics i.e. age, parity, risk factors like diabetes, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPills) and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) were noted. High vaginal swabs (HVS) were collected and sent for culture. Candida positive cases were noted, and results were analyzed.Results: A total of 224 high vaginal swabs were collected. Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was found to be 31.6%. It was found more in 26-30 years age group and multiparous women. Previous history of candidiasis and diabetes were the commonest risk factors. Frequency of C. albicans was more (76.05%) than non-albicans candida (23.94%).Conclusions: Present study concluded that vulvovaginal candidiasis is more prevalent in reproductive age group females, therefore a routine high vaginal swab culture must be performed in every woman presenting with vaginal discharge and itching for correct diagnosis. Women should be educated on clinical symptoms.