ABSTRACT
Background: Breech delivery is associated with poor perinatal outcomes irrespective of the route of delivery. External cephalic version can be a useful tool in management of breech presentation at term by converting it to a cephalic presentation. A study was conducted to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcome of external cephalic version in singleton pregnancies with breech presentation in third trimester.Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital over a period of 2 years. This study included a total of 65 uncomplicated cases of breech presentation who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. External cephalic version was carried out after 36 weeks of period of gestation in primigravida and after 37 weeks in multigravida women. These patients were followed up till delivery and data was collected and analysed regarding the mode of delivery, maternal and fetal outcome.Results: External cephalic version was successful in 41 patients with a success rate of 63%. Out of them, vaginal delivery could be achieved in 31 cases (75.6%) and LSCS was done for rest of the 10 cases. The success rate was higher in multigravida ladies compared to primigravida ladies. No major procedure related adverse event was noticed in our study.Conclusions: External cephalic version is a very safe and easy procedure which can reduce the rate of cesarean delivery in singleton pregnancies with breech presentation. The results of this study are in favor of wider practice of this procedure in selected cases.
ABSTRACT
Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is one of the commonest presenting complaints in reproductive age group. Although combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are commonly used in such patients, combined hormones by intravaginal route has been found acceptable and effective. Aim of the study is to compare the efficacy and side effects of combined intravaginal hormonal ring (IHR) with COCs in control of HMB in these patients.Methods: Hundred women with HMB fulfilling inclusion criteria were randomized into two equal groups and treated with either IHR or COCs for three cycles. Each cycle consisted of three weeks of IHR/COC use followed by 1-week ring-free/non-hormonal pills period. Outcome measures were change in PBAC score (pictorial blood loss assessment chart), hemoglobin rise, side effects and overall patient satisfaction.Results: The percentage reduction in PBAC score, the duration of menses and increase in hemoglobin levels were statistically significant at the end of study in each group. The PBAC score reduction was 87.37% vs 61.52%, menses duration was 4.24±0.74 versus 5.16±1.67, and hemoglobin increase was 3.16 (95% CI:0.142-1.412) and 1.24 (95% CI:1.048-1.640) in the IHR versus COC group. However, the intergroup reduction of mean PBAC score was not statistically significant. Significantly more ring users were satisfied and elected to continue with treatment.Conclusions: Both the IHR and COCs are effective treatments for HMB in reproductive age group. IHR may be an attractive option for HMB due to better compliance and lesser systemic side-effects.