ABSTRACT
Hyperbilirubinemia is a common and in most cases, a benign problem in neonates. Conventional treatment for severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia consists of phototherapy and exchange transfusion. Phototherapy, which is the main treatment modality has its own side effects and it also upsets maternal and fetal interactions. So there is a need for adjuvant therapies to decrease duration of phototherapy and hospital stay. Objective: This study was planned to assess the role of UDCA in decreasing the duration of phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: Study setting: Pediatrics department, Bebe Nanki Mother & Child Care Centre, GMC Amritsar. Participants: 100 newborns with bilirubin levels in phototherapy range. Study design: Double blind, placebo controlled study. Participants were divided into two groups and UDCA (10mg/kg/d) and microcrystalline cellulose were given to group A and group B respectively. Outcome variables: Rate of fall of bilirubin levels in both the groups and total duration of phototherapy needed in both groups. Results: Mean duration of phototherapy was 36.26±8.41 hours in group A and 38.94±9.86 hours in group B. P value was 0.147 that is statistically not significant. Level of fall of bilirubin in both groups at 12hrly intervals were also compared and difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: UDCA administration to the neonates receiving phototherapy does not hasten the fall in bilirubin levels and does not reduce the time of phototherapy significantly.
ABSTRACT
Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a clinical condition caused by replacement of the normal hydrogen peroxide producing Lactobacillus species with high concentrations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Studies have shown that spontaneous abortion, preterm labour (PTL), premature birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes, amniotic fluid infection, and postpartum endometritis are increased because of infection with BV. In India, not many studies have been done to estimate the prevalence and association of BV with preterm labour, hence this study is being taken up to know the prevalence of BV in preterm and term labour patients and its relationship with preterm delivery, low birth weight of baby and puerperal sepsis.The objective of the present study was to observe the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in women presenting with preterm and term labour, its impact on preterm and term delivery and to analyze the maternal and fetal complications associated with BV.Methods: An observational study involving 100 patients with preterm and term labour (50 patients in each group) was conducted at a BNMCCC, Government Medical College, Amritsar. Women fulfilling the Amsel’s criteria and/or a score of 7 or more on gram staining of vaginal smears (Nugent’s score) was considered to have bacterial vaginosis.Results: The proportion of patients, who fulfilled Amsel’s criteria and/or a Nugent’s score of 7 or more for the diagnosis of BV, was more in PTL group versus term labour group, and the difference was statistically significant. Prevalence of BV in preterm labour and term labour patients was 18(36%) versus 4(8%) respectively. In PTL group, 27.8% of low birth weight neonates were born to BV positive mothers versus 3.1% were born to BV negative mothers. Maternal postpartum complications observed were 33.3% with BV versus 6.25% without BV in PTL group.Conclusions: BV is major risk factor for PTL. Therefore, the testing and prompt treatment of BV may reduce the risk of PTL. This will also go a long way in the prevention of maternal morbidity and neonatal complications due to prematurity.