Fetomaternal outcome in COVID-19 infected pregnant women: a preliminary clinical study

Background: WHO has declared COVID-19 infection a health emergency of international concern on 11th March, 2020. It is not clear whether clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 differ from those of nonpregnant women and whether it aggravates COVID-19 symptoms and whether antiviral therapy is necessary for COVID-19 infected pregnant women.Methods: This is prospective study of 125 cases based on the compiled clinical data for pregnant women with COVID-19 between 15th April 2020 and 10th June 2020. A laboratory confirmed positive case of COVID-19 infection in pregnant women were included.Results: The most common symptoms at presentation were cough in 61.6% (77/125) and fever in 46.4% (58/125). Other reported symptoms were sore throat in 13.6% (17/125), myalgia in 10.4% (13/125) while 38.4% (48/125) were asymptomatic. There were total 97 deliveries (including 2 twins’ deliveries) among which 3 cases had IUD. Present study reported 96 live births. The incidence of missed abortion was 2.4% (3/125). The incidence of preterm birth before 37 weeks was 8.2% (8/97). Ninety-six (96.9%) of neonates were tested for SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid on nasopharyngeal and pharyngeal samples and 16.67% (16/96) were resulted positive.Conclusions: At present, there is no evidence regarding the greater risk of pregnant women to succumb to COVID-19 infection and experience severe pneumonia. The risks of spontaneous abortion and preterm birth are not increased as reported in this study but shows possibility of vertical transmission when it manifests during the third trimester of pregnancy.

A retrospective analysis of ectopic pregnancies in tertiary care hospital of Western India: two year study

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester and major cause of reduced reproductive potential. Early detection of EP by improved ultrasonography modalities has decreased the rate of rupture and consequent maternal morbidity. Aim was to study the predisposing risk factors in modern scenario and choose the appropriate management available.Methods: A retrospective study on clinical diagnosis and management of EP of patients was carried out between January 2018 to February 2020. Investigations included CBC, UPT, serum β-hCG and TVS. Management was decided after thorough evaluation.Results: Out of 7,780 deliveries, 70 were EP (0.9%). Women with age 21-30 year had highest incidence (85.7%). Common symptoms were abdominal pain (94%), amenorrhea (87%), bleeding per vagina (48%). Most common risk factor associated with EP was PID (28.5%). Tubal EP was most common (84.2%) involving ampulla (66%), isthmus (15%), fimbria (12%), interstitial (7%). Scar ectopic was reported in 10% of cases and ovarian, rudimentary horn and abdominal pregnancy in 1.4% each. About 52.8% of ectopic was ruptured and salpingectomy was done in 74.3% and salpingo-oophorectomy in 2.8%. Five cases of scar EP required hysterotomy and 1 case was managed by methotrexate (MTX).Conclusions: EP remains a major challenge to the obstetrician worldwide. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and timely intervention in the form of medical or surgical treatment will definitely help in reducing the morbidity and mortality.

A study on diagnosis and management of arteriovenous malformation of uterus

Background: Arteriovenous malformation is abnormal connection between an organ’s arterial and venous circulation. In acquired AVM, history of uterine procedure seems inevitable. Their clinical feature is usually vaginal bleeding. It is diagnosed by 2-D ultrasonography combined with colour doppler. Most of the time they resolve spontaneously; however, if left untreated, uterine artery embolization or hysterectomy comes in hand. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of TVUS and colour doppler in the diagnosis and follow-up of treated cases of uterine AVM. This study also aims to evaluate different modalities to manage uterine AVM.Methods: This was a retrospective study done at tertiary care centre from January 2018 to December 2019 to assess the presentation, treatment, and clinical pictures of patients with uterine AVM that were diagnosed with TVUS. Authors reviewed both (1) clinical data (2) ultrasound data of patients. The diagnostic criteria were “subjective” with a rich vascular network in the myometrium with the use of colour Doppler images and “objective” with a high PSV of 20 cm/sec in the vascular web.Results: Thirteen patients met the diagnostic criteria mentioned above. Out of that 100% presented with on and off bleeding per vaginum. Recent and remote history of uterine procedures were in found in 84.6% (n=11) of cases. UAE was done in 53.8% (n=7) cases. Thirty-three (33%) (n=5) cases spontaneously resolved when closely monitored with serial imaging and serum beta- HCG levels. Hysterectomy was needed in 7.4% (n=1) of patients of AVM.Conclusions: Uterine AVM occurred after unsuccessful pregnancies or uterine procedures. Triage of patients for expectant treatment, hormonal treatment vs intervention with uterine artery embolization based on their clinical status, which was supplemented by objective measurements of blood velocity measurement in the AVM, appears to be a good predictor of outcome.

Fetomaternal outcome in pregnancy with HELLP syndrome

Background: HELLP Syndrome is a serious complication of pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders. It is defined as a triad of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP). Objectives of this study was to find out incidence of HELLP syndrome in pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and its overall incidence. To analyse the clinical profile of HELLP syndrome. To study maternal and perinatal outcome including morbidity and mortality.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from July 2017 to September 2019 at a tertiary care center with inclusion criteria of abnormal peripheral blood smear, elevated liver enzymes (LDH, aspartate aminotransferase), and low platelet count.Results: HELLP syndrome was more common in younger age group (45%) and in primigravida (52.5%). Most of the patients presented at >36 weeks of gestation (40%) and most of the patients delivered by caesarean section (67.5%). Maternal complications were acute renal failure (27.5%), DIC (22.5%), maternal mortality (7.5%). Neonatal complications associated were intrauterine death (27.5%), prematurity (25%) and intrauterine growth retardation (15%).Conclusions: Thus, HELLP syndrome requires an early diagnosis and early initiation of treatment at tertiary care center with all the medical facilities available.

A retrospective study of obstetric hysterectomy cases at tertiary care centre

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening condition. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, demographic characteristics, indications, and feto-maternal outcomes associated with obstetric hysterectomy in a tertiary care centre.Methods: This is a retrospective analytical study conducted over a period of six years, from March 2014 to April 2020. A total of 68 cases of obstetric hysterectomy were studied at tertiary care centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.Results: Present study reported 68 obstetric hysterectomies per 44663 total deliveries (incidence - 0.15%), out of them 20 following 26446 vaginal deliveries (0.07%) and 48 following 18217 caesarean section (0.26%). Morbidly adherent placenta (29.41%) was the most common indication followed by atonic postpartum haemorrhage (25.00%) and uterine rupture (17.64%). The most frequent sequelae were disseminated intravascular coagulation (26.47%) and febrile morbidity (10.29%), maternal mortality was 16.17% whereas neonatal mortality was 26.47%.Conclusions: The incidence of obstetric hysterectomy has been found to be more following caesarean sections. There is a change in the indications of obstetric hysterectomy in the past two decades with placenta accreta spectrum being the commonest in present study. This is because of rising number of caesarean sections. Patients who underwent emergency obstetric hysterectomy due to atonic PPH had a higher mortality.

Evaluation of complication during third stage of labour at tertiary care center

Background: The objective of the present study was to determine the maternal outcome of complications of third stage of labour and to determine the risk factors and evaluate the management protocols for these complications.Methods: This is retrospective study of maternal outcome with complications of third stage of labour carried out at tertiary care centre from June 2016 to December 2019. Patients who developed any complications of third stage of labour after vaginal delivery or caesarean section were included.Results: Complications observed during third stage of labour were atonic PPH 0.82% (74 cases), traumatic PPH 0.55% (50 cases), retained placenta (including placenta accreta spectrum) 0.21% (19 cases), secondary PPH 0.03% (3 cases), uterine inversion 0.03% (3 cases) and amniotic fluid embolism 0.01% (1 case). Maximum cases were seen in 18-24 years of age group. Only 36% patients having atonic PPH responded to medical treatment, 46% patients having atonic PPH responded to conservative surgery, 18% of patients required radical surgery.Conclusions: Third stage complications are potentially life threatening. Associated conditions for third stage complication are high parity, anemia, hydramnios, multiple pregnancy, malpresentation, placenta previa, and adherent placenta. Early anticipation and early intervention with proper planning is required to reduce the maternal morbidity and mortality in third stage complication.

A clinical study on fetomaternal outcome in jaundice with pregnancy

Background: Jaundice in pregnancy and pregnancy in women with preexisting liver disease is not very uncommon. However it takes a major toll on health of both mother and fetus, due to increased morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus, categorizing pregnancy as a high risk one. The distribution of jaundice in pregnancy varies throughout the world, but is seen more in developing countries. The course and outcome of liver disorder in pregnancy is altered due to various hemodynamic, hormonal and immunological changes unique to pregnancy. The hepatic functions during pregnancy are affected by increase in serum estrogen and progesterone levels.Methods: This was a prospective study of 70 cases of pregnancy with jaundice admitted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Sheth V.S. General Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The duration of study was from June 2015 to December 2018. During this period 70 patients were admitted with jaundice in pregnancy. Patients were analyzed with regards to socio demographic profile, investigations, maternal and perinatal outcome.Results: The incidence of pregnancy with jaundice in present study was 0.32%. Most common cause identified was viral hepatitis in 27 cases (38.57%) out of which 23(32.85%) cases being hepatitis E. Followed by HELLP syndrome, pre eclempsia, eclempsia in 24(34.28%) cases. 13(18.57%) cases were belonged to cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy. Rest 6(8.56%) cases belonged to malaria, portal hypertension due to liver disease etc. Out of total 70 patients 53(75.71%) women from rural area, 54(77.13%) patients were from age group of 20-29years.Maximum patients were multigravida i.e. 28 (40%) and 66(94.28%) women coming from lower middle and lower socio economic class. There were 9 maternal deaths, 5 due to DIC. Total vaginal deliveries were 40, 24 patients underwent LSCS, 4 patients had abortion, and 2 expired undelivered. Most common complication was DIC in 16(22.85%) cases and thrombocytopenia in 14(31.67%) cases. 30(42.85%) babies were LBW and 18(25.7%) babies were IUGR.Conclusions: Prompt diagnosis and accurate evaluation and multidisciplinary approach of management in pregnancy with jaundice at a tertiary care center with good NICU is helpful in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.

Cardiovascular disease in pregnancy

Background: Maternal cardiac disease is a major cause of non-obstetric maternal morbidity and mortality. The care of pregnant women with cardiac disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving obstetricians, cardiologists and anesthesiologist.Methods: A prospective analytical study of maternal heart disease and its fetomaternal outcome is carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at tertiary hospital and teaching institute. The study was carried out on 50 cases belonging to age group 18-50 years with various cardiac diseases during their pregnancy and peripartum period.Results: In this study, 78% of the cases were registered with our hospital. The present study shows about 32% of the women having cardiac disease were in the age group of 20-25 years. 34% belonged to NYHA class II and had a relatively uneventful peripartum period. Among all forms of heart disease, RHD was common constituting 26% of cases. Most common condition associated with cardiac disease in pregnancy was preeclampsia (36%) in our study, with anemia being other one (10%). The common complications were congestive cardiac failure (12%) and pulmonary edema (8%). Combination of diuretics and beta blockers was used most commonly (22%). 56% of women delivered with caesarean section. 42 patients delivered after age of viability with 29 (69%) term deliveries and 13 (30%) preterm deliveries with 8 requiring NICU care.Conclusions: Valvular heart disease of rheumatic origin is the most common cardiac disease associated with pregnancy.The availability of adequate systems of early diagnosis of cardiac lesion, reference to tertiary care center & close monitoring of patient and delivery with multidisciplinary approach include specialized cardiologic care, high risk obstetric support and neonatology expertise that can minimize the serious consequences and helps to improve fetomaternal outcome. Pre-conceptional counseling and surgical correction of certain conditions improves maternal as well as fetal outcome. Awareness needs to be created about heart diseases during pregnancy and the importance of regular antenatal check-ups.

Fetomaternal outcome in patients with diabetes mellitus in pregnancy

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as increased blood glucose level due to defect in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Undiagnosed or inadequately treated diabetes mellitus during pregnancy can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications. The study was conducted to review feto-maternal outcome in pregnancy with diabetes and to plan management of pregnancy with diabetes and to study the modalities for treatment of DM in pregnancy.Methods: A prospective case study was conducted from July 2015 to December 2018 at a tertiary care center. Study group used single step 75gm oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) test recommended by WHO for GDM diagnosis.Results: GDM (85%) was more common than overt diabetes (15%) and in younger age group (53.75%) and Multiparous patients (18.2%). Most of patients required insulin (81.2%) for treatment of DM during pregnancy along with medical nutrition therapy and exercise. Most common association in this patient was hypertension (41%). Rate of caesarean section (60%) was more common. Average birth weight was of >3.5 kg, intrauterine death (4.2%), preterm delivery (14.2%) and admission to NICU were also common.Conclusions: There was significant fetomaternal morbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus. Early diagnosis and treatment reduces the fetomaternal outcome.

Morbidly adherent placenta: management is real challenge

Background: The objective of the present study was to describe management of morbidly adherent placenta with placenta previa and feto-maternal outcome.Methods: All antenatal USG diagnosed cases of morbidly adherent placenta were analyzed. The cases were managed by elective caesarean hysterectomy and non-separation of placenta at delivery. Amount of blood loss, blood transfused, ICU admission, postnatal complications and hospital stay was recorded.Results: From January 2010 to October 2018, 22 cases of morbidly adherent placenta were diagnosed on gray scale and color Doppler during antenatal ultrasound scan. Scheduled caesarean hysterectomy without attempting placental removal was done. Subtotal hysterectomy was performed in 17(77.2%) cases and total hysterectomy in remaining 5(22.8%) cases. All the patients required blood transfusion.  Seven (31.8%) patients had urinary bladder injury. One case developed DIC and One needed ventilatory support. No patient died in this series.Conclusions: Antenatal diagnosed cases of morbidly adherent placenta, avoidance of placental separation and caesarean hysterectomy results in better maternal outcome.

Mullerian ductal anomalies and its outcome

Background: The aim is to study various investigative modalities to diagnose Mullerian anomalies and to evaluate the reproductive outcome that occurs as a result of malformation of genital tract.Methods: A prospective study of reproductive anomalies and its outcome was performed by using data from women with congenital anomalies attended in OPD either with complains or for operative treatment or incidental diagnosis during caesarean section, manual removal of placenta, during laparoscopy or laparotomy at tertiary care center. Total 70 women with different types of congenital anomalies were included in study. Out of them gynecological cases (27) were diagnosed on basis of clinical examination and other diagnostic aids while Mullerian anomalies in obstetric cases (43) were observed and their outcomes were studied.Results: Most common utero-vaginal anomaly seen in present study was septate uterus with 18 (25.7%) cases, followed by bicornuate uterus with 13 (18.6%) cases. Most common presenting symptom is primary amenorrhea 21 (30%) followed by cyclical abdominal pain 11 (15.7). HSG, USG are the primary tools to detect genital tract anomalies. Surgical correction was required in 47.1% patients.Conclusions: Present study shows prevalence of congenital malformation of female reproductive tract is 0.17% at our tertiary care center. Utero-vaginal anomalies are a morphologically diverse group of developmental disorders. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is essential for planning treatment and management strategies. The surgical approach for correction of utero-vaginal anomalies is specific to the type of malformation and may vary in a specific group.

The study of total facial index in living subjects in Gujarat region.

Background and objectives: The total facial index exhibits sexual differences and different shapes of face. This information will be highly important for Plastic surgeons, Forensic Scientists, Anatomists, Human Biologists, Criminologists & Physical Anthropologists.Method: The present study was performed on 510 living subjects of Gujarat (243 male and 267 female) of 18 to 30 years in the year of 2011 with the objective to study the sex differences in total facial index. Total facial index was investigated with the help of face height and width with the use of sliding caliper.Result: The study showed that mean face height and width were higher in males than in females, and mean total facial index was also higher in males than in females. Interpretation and conclusion: Predominant face type in males was mesoproscopic while in females was euriproscopic and there was statistically highly significant gender difference.

The study of cephalic index in living subjects in Gujarat Region.

Background and objectives: The cephalic index exhibits sexual differences and different shapes of head. This information will be highly important for Plastic surgeons, Forensic Scientists, Anatomists, Human Biologists, Criminologists & Physical Anthropologists.Method: The present study was performed on 510 living subjects of Gujarat (243 male and 267 female) of 18 to 30 years in the year of 2011 with the objective to study the sex differences in cephalic index. Cephalic index was investigated with the help of head length and width with the use of spreading caliper.Result: The study showed that mean head length and width were higher in males than in females , while mean cephalic index was higher in females than in males. Interpretation and Conclusion: Predominant head type was mesocephalic in both sexes and there was no significant gender difference (p value > o.o1).

Morphometric study of mental foramina in dentate and edentulous human mandible in Gujarat Region.

Background & Objectives: will be useful for anatomists, anthropologists, aneasthetist, orthopedics and experts in the field of forensic medicine. The aim of the study was to examine the different morphometric variations of the human mandibles and comparing between dentate and edentulous mandibles is done. Methods: This study included only bone who exhibited no obvious bone pathology. All measurements were done bilaterally, performed with a stainless steel metric digital calliper with 0.01 mm precision. The relative position of the Mental foramena (MF)as analyzed with measurements made from nferior wall of mandible to the mandibular base, from anterior wall of mandible to the mandibular skeletal midline, from his posterior wall to the posterior mandibular rim. To determine this relation, the standard horizontal plane defined by Morrant was used. Briefly, the mandible was placed on a horizontal surface, to which the lower border of the mandible comes into greatest contact when vertical pressure is applied to the second molar teeth. Results: The most common location for the MF is a position aligned between second premolar and first molar (Rt. side 30% & Lt. Side 31%). Comparison of measurements of dentate and edentulous mandible is significnat on both sides. Conclusion: The knowledge of the distances from surgically encountered anatomical landmarks in the present study provide valuable information to dental surgeons that will facilitate effective localization of the neurovascular bundle passing through mental foramen thus avoiding complications from local anesthetic, surgical and other invasive procedures.

Correlation and regression analysis of stature in relation to head length in children.

Background & objective: Present study was carried out to find correlation and to derive a regression formula between head length and body height in Gujarat region. This is useful in anthropology, anatomy and forensic medicine. The material consists of 500 students from Gujarat. Methods: The age of subject was in the range of 8 to 18 years.The length of head was measured between two craniometric points, glabella and opisthocranion. Spreading caliper was used to measure head length. Height of the subject was measured with standard Height measuring instrument subject in anatomical position. Measurements were taken at fixed time to avoid diurnal variation. Results: The result obtained was analyzed and attempt was made to derive a formula between head length and total height of an individual. The result shows that there is a Moderate correlation between head length and height of an individual. Interpretation & conclusion: In present study the correlation co-efficient between height and head length is +0.30 Which is moderately significant and p value <0.05 and regression formula obtained is Y= 12.33 +7.75X.