A prospective study of the incidence and outcomes of eclampsia in a tertiary care hospital and teaching institute in India

Background: Eclampsia is a common cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality in India and the rest of the world accounting for nearly 10% of all maternal deaths. However, there is a relative scarcity of outcome data for patients with eclampsia in India. Our goal was to estimate the incidence of eclampsia, the maternal and foetal outcomes of patients presenting with eclampsia, and predictors of clinical outcomes in these patients. Objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of eclampsia in patients who delivered at a single tertiary care institution over a 2-year period and to study the maternal and perinatal outcomes in those patients.Methods: Prospective cohort study conducted from September 2008 to August 2010 on all patients with eclampsia admitted during the study period at Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India.Results: The incidence of eclampsia among total deliveries was 0.45%.  About 97% of these patients received parenteral magnesium sulphate as the primary anticonvulsant therapy. Caesarean section was performed in 22.7% and majorities were done for foetal distress. Maternal complications were encountered among 17% of patients. There were 2 maternal deaths (2.3%), 13 stillbirths (14.1%) and 7 early neonatal deaths (7.9%).Conclusions: The incidence of eclampsia among all deliveries over a 2-year period at a tertiary care centre in India was 0.45%. Parenteral magnesium sulphate was effective in the vast majority of these patients in controlling the seizures. Further studies to evaluate whether early registration for antepartum care improves maternal and foetal outcomes in patients with eclampsia are warranted.

Association between clinical diagnosis of foetal distress with umbilical artery acidaemia at birth in women undergoing caesarean section for foetal distress

Background: The risks of maternal morbidity and mortality associated with a caesarean section may not be reasonably justified by the degree of neonatal compromise at birth associated with caesarean section done for clinically diagnosed foetal distress. The aim was to study the association of clinical diagnosis of non-reassuring foetal status with umbilical artery acidaemia at birth in women undergoing caesarean section for foetal distress and to evaluate outcomes in neonates born by caesarean section performed for foetal distress.Methods: Prospective observational study of all the women undergoing emergency caesarean section for foetal distress at a tertiary care teaching facility over 2 months. Criteria for diagnosis of foetal distress were thick meconium stained liquor only or foetal heart rate abnormality with or without meconium stained liquor. Testing for pH was done on arterial blood drawn from umbilical cord at the time of birth. Acidaemia was defined as cord blood pH less than 7.2.  Severe acidaemia was defined as cord blood pH less than 7.0.Results: Cord blood pH was analysed in 110 caesareans done for foetal distress. Incidence of neonatal acidaemia at birth in study population was 53.6%.Conclusions: Much lower incidence of actual acidaemia and low Apgar scores in neonates born by caesarean section done for clinical diagnosis of foetal distress than previously reported indicate the need for more stringent criteria and more objective tests for diagnosis of foetal distress.

Oral and vaginal route of misoprostol for induction of labour: a comparative study

Background: Induction of labour can be defined as “Artificial initiation of uterine contractions before the onset of spontaneous labour, after the period of viability, by any methods, for purpose of vaginal delivery.” The key factor for a successful induction is the status of cervix, its form, consistency and dilatation which is determined by the Bishop score. In case of unfavourable cervix or in the pregnancies remote from the term; prostaglandins are more effective than any other method of induction. Introduction of misoprostol, PGE1 analogue, for the induction of labour in 1993 and its approval for clinical use by ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) in 1999 has been the most significant advancement. It is the latest drug for induction of labour which is cheap and stable at room temperature and is being used worldwide in different doses and by various routes. We compared the most commonly preferred two routes; vaginal and oral in terms of success of induction and noted the adverse events and side effects in both routes.Methods: This was a prospective comparative study carried out at SBKSMIRC (Shrimati Bhikhiben Kanjibhai Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre), Dhiraj general hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, 200 patients who required induction of labour were recruited after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided in two groups- Group A meant to receive 50µg oral misoprostol, Group B - meant to receive 25µg vaginal misoprostol repeated 4 hourly up to maximum of five doses. Progress of labour was charted on the partograph. The mean induction delivery interval, mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal outcomes and complications were observed.Results: The mean induction to delivery interval was significantly less in vaginal group than oral (23.3±12.4 hours in oral vs. 17.3±10 hours in vaginal). Vaginal delivery and cesarean section rates were comparable in both groups (76% in Group A vs. 72% in Group B for vaginal delivery, 18% vs. 20% for Cesarean section, respectively). 58% patients in Group A required more than two doses as compared to 39% in group B, though the difference was statistically not significant. Significant number of patients required added oxytocin administration in Group A (72%). No major complications or adverse events were observed. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was seen more in Group A.Conclusions: Both Oral misoprostol in a dose of 50μg and vaginal misoprostol 25 μg every four hours, to a maximum of five doses, have the potential to induce labour safely and effectively. The vaginal route however is beneficial in effecting delivery in lesser time with few numbers of doses as compared to oral route.

Third stage of labour: expectant versus active management-a comparative study in local low risk population

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for about 35% of all maternal deaths. These deaths have a major impact on the lives and health of the families affected. Thus, anticipation as well as proper management of 3rd stage of labour is mandatory. The objective of this study was to compare expectant and active management of third stage of labour in preventing post-partum blood loss and having impact on prevention of maternal mortality in local population. Advantages and disadvantages of both techniques might be over estimated.Methods: Prospective comparative study carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of SBKSMIRC (Shrimati Bhikhiben Kanjibhai Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre), Dhiraj general hospital, comprising of 200 laboring women admitted directly or from OPD to labour room for expected vaginal delivery. They were randomly allocated to group A (expectant management) and group B (active management). Labour progress was charted on partograph and interventions recorded. Statistical analysis of data was done after compiling and tabulation of data. Mean±SD for descriptive variables were calculated and appropriate statistical tests applied to determine significance.Results: Average PPBL (post-partum blood loss) was 360.5ml in group A as compared to 290.6ml in group B. 12 patients in group A had blood loss more than 500ml while none in group B. 66% cases in group B had duration of third stage of labour less than 5 min as compared to only 22% in group A. the mean duration of third stage was 13.46±8.3 in group A while 5.32±3.05 in group B. these differences were statistically significant.Conclusions: Active management of the third stage of labour is associated with less blood loss as well as a shorter duration of third stage compared with expectant management. It is reasonable to advocate this regime.

Study of route of hysterectomy

Background: The objective is to study complication rate, advantages and outcome of different route of hysterectomy.Methods: A prospective study of 175 women over a period of 1 year i.e. from 01/01/2011 to 31/12/2011 SSG hospital, Vadodara. Depending on the patient profile, experience of surgeon optimum route of hysterectomy was decided.Results mean operating time in AH group was 68.4±14.4min, which was 80±10.3min, 115.8±40.6min and 148.8±25.5min in NDVH, LAVH and TLH group respectively. TLH was performed by consultants. Febrile morbidity was significantly high in AH (23%). Bladder and ureteral injuries were seen in 4% and 3% cases of NDVH and AH group. Wound complications were seen in AH (10%), whereas vault complications were higher in TLH. The hospital stay was shortest in TLH. Women with TLH had early ambulation, early resumption to normal diet, early return to routine work and better sexual function.Conclusions: Women with excessively enlarged uteri, significant pelvic pathology, or cancer are obvious candidates for AH. On the other hand, VH is frequently chosen for the small uterus in a multiparous woman with a large pelvis and no prior pelvic inflammatory disease or surgery. Although TLH, LAVH have significantly lower complication rate than AH, but overall cost is higher owing to the high operating room charges. The final selection of hysterectomy route should be based on surgeon’s experience and indication for surgery.