A Retrospective Study to find out Factors Affecting Maternal Mortality in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ahmedabad City, Gujarat

Background : Data pertaining to preventable causes of maternal mortality are valuable in each set up to design interventional steps for the significant reduction of the maternal mortality ratio. Objectives : (1) To study the trend on Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR); (2) To find out the factors for the Maternal Mortality. Material and Methods : A retrospective cross-sectional study of maternal death was conducted in the Obstetrics Department of Tertiary Care Hospital of Ahmedabad city. The data of total 9 years from 1st April 2013 to 31st January 2021 were taken in the study. Epidemiological factors and causes affecting maternal mortality were assessed through pretested questionnaire that includes parity, duration between admission and mortality etc. Results: Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) was 180.2 per 1 lac live births during the study period. Young mothersaged 20 to 30 years (78.5%), and rural residence (76.6%), multiparous mothers (66.7%)were at risk for Maternal Mortality. Obstetric haemorrhage (25.8%) was the most common cause whereas COVID-19 pandemic later on were indirect causes contributing to Maternal Mortality. Conclusion: Great Care should be taken for high-risk pregnancy like young age, multiparous women and also of postpartum women. Postpartum haemorrhage was the commonest direct cause of Maternal Mortality. Strengthening of existing obstetric care facilities, facility for easy transport, appropriate referral linkages are keys to reduce Maternal Mortality to further extent

An Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated with Pregnancy Related Acute Kidney Injury in Women Admitted to the High Dependency Care Unit at Women and Newborn Hospital, Lusaka-Zambia

Objective:To evaluate factors associated with Pregnancy-related KidneyInjury(PRAKI) inwomen admitted to high dependency care unit at Women and Newborn Hospital in Lusaka, ZambiaMethodology:This was an unmatched case-control study conducted in the high-dependency care unit at Women and Newborn Hospital in Lusaka. Study participantswererecruitedconsecutivelybyconveniencesampling.Participants'medicalrecords were reviewed to capture serum creatinine levels;whileastructuredquestionnairewasadministeredto eligible andconsentedstudy participants to capture data on sociodemographic, obstetric, and medical factors. Serum creatinine levels above 84µmol/l were used as criteria for classifying PRAKI. Excel was used for data cleaningandStatav13usedforanalysis.Descriptive statistics were done for all variables followed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression to determine association. 95% CI was usedand p value of<0.05 was consideredsignificant.Results:Thestudy comprised of185 study participants, split into 85 women with PRAKI (cases) and 100 women without PRAKI (controls). The median age was 29 years with 11years interquartile range. 75.3%of the study participants wereinmarriagerelationships.Pre-existinghypertension was the most prevalent medical condition in both the cases (51.8%) and the controls (38%). Sickle celldisease was much less common at 1.2% in cases and 8% in controls. Among the obstetric conditions, preeclampsia was the most common condition at 77.6% and 60% in cases and controls respectively. Eclampsia was found in 38.8% of cases and 11% of controls. Sepsis was least common at 4.7% of cases. This study found that obstetricfactorssuch as eclampsia (AOR = 5.12, 95% CI [2.14 ­ 12.23]; p≤0.0001), preeclampsia (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI [1.12 ­ 5.39]; p = 0.025), and postpartum haemorrhage were associated with the development of PRAKI. Medical conditions were not associated with PRAKI.

Study Of Maternal And Perinatal Outcome In Patients With Abruption Placenta

Background:Abruptionplacenta is one of a serious obstetrics emergency. It is defined as partial or complete separation of normally implanted placenta after 28 weeks of gestation, prior to delivery of the fetus. Placental abruption complicates about 1% of pregnancies and is aleading cause of vaginal bleeding in the latter half of pregnancy.1 AIMS:To study maternal outcome in patients with abruption placenta. To study perinatal out come in patients with abruption placenta. Material And Methods:A prospective observational study was carried out at tertiary hospital for 6 months from September 2019 to February 2020. 30 cases of abruption placenta were enrolled in this study. Results:Maximum patients (56.6%) were from 26 –30 year age group. (63.3%) were having second gravida. Maximum (56.6%) patients admitted were between 33 –36 week gestational age group. Most of (60%) patients were having revealed type of bleeding. (52.3%) patients were having grade 2. Major maternal morbidities were PPH (36.6%), severe shock (23.3%) and DIC (6.6).(26.6%) babies had birth asphyxia, (16.6%) developed ARDS. Sepsis and ICH was seen in (10%) each whereas necrotizing enterocolitis and stillbirth was found in (13.3%). Perinatal death was seen in (6.6%). Conclusion:Abruption placenta is associatedwith poor maternal and fetal outcome. Early diagnosis and prompt resuscitative measures are essential to prevent both perinal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Excisão miometrial segmentar e reconstrução da parede uterina na preservação do útero na hemorragia pós-parto associada à placenta prévia e increta / Segmental Myometrial Excision and Uterine Wall Reconstruction in the Preservation of the Uterus in Post Partum Haemorrhage Associated with Placenta Previa and Increta

A Hemorragia Pós-parto é a maior causa mundial de histerectomia periparto. Sua abordagem terapêutica deve ser efetuada por uma sucessão de procedimentos farmacológicos e cirúrgicos antes de se recorrer à histerectomia. O acretismo placentário se apresenta como a etiologia de hemorragia pós-parto que mais dificulta a preservação uterina. Sua incidência se relaciona estritamente com a elevação contemporânea das taxas de cesárea, com os demais procedimentos cirúrgicos no útero e com a implantação segmentar da placenta. Com isso, objetiva-se relatar um caso de placenta prévia central e increta tratado por meio de excisão miometrial segmentar com reconstrução da parede uterina durante cesariana. A abordagem cirúrgica foi instituída seguindo os passos de localização per-operatória da placenta, realização de histerotomia corporal alta transversa, extração fetal, confirmação clínica do incretismo placentário, manutenção da placenta in situ, ligadura bilateral dos ramos ascendentes das artérias uterinas, ressecção de todo o segmento uterino anterior invadido por cotilédones placentários, reconstrução da parede uterina, histerorrafia, salpingotripsia bilateral, revisão da cavidade abdominal e laparorrafia. A técnica cirúrgica adotada foi eficiente na obtenção do controle hemorrágico durante a cesariana e não foi associada a complicações per ou pós-operatórias.

Postpartum Hemorrhage is the largest worldwide cause of peripartum hysterectomy. Its therapeutic approach must be performed by a succession of pharmacological and surgical procedures prior to hysterectomy. Placental accreta presents as the etiology of postpartum haemorrhage that makes uterine preservation more difficult. Its incidence is strictly related to the contemporary elevation of cesarean rates, other surgical procedures in the uterus and segmentar implantation of the placenta. We aim to report a case of central and increta placenta treated through segmental myometrial excision with reconstruction of the uterine wall during cesarean section. The surgical approach was instituted following the perioperative localization of the placenta, transverse corporal hysterotomy, fetal extraction, clinical confirmation of placental invasive aspects, maintenance of the placenta in situ, bilateral ligation of the uterine artery ascending branches, resection of the all anterior uterine segment invaded by placental cotyledons, reconstruction of the uterine wall, hysterorrhaphy, bilateral salpingotripsy, revision of the abdominal cavity and laparorrhaphy. The surgical technique adopted was efficient in obtaining hemorrhagic control during cesarean section and was not associated with per or postoperative complications.

Bilateral internal iliac artery ligation: the procedure of choice in life threatening postpartum haemorrhage

Background: The present study was to assess the indication and study the intraoperative and postoperative complications of bilateral internal iliac artery ligation. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of internal iliac artery ligation in arresting postpartum haemorrhage.Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out between January 2015 to December 2018 at Shrimati Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune. This study included 48 patients with life-threatening PPH. Bilateral internal iliac artery ligation was done by anterior approach in 7 patients and by posterior approach in 41 patients.Results: Intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted in all patients. Of the total patients, 10 required massive blood transfusion and 12 underwent obstetrical hysterectomies (n=12; 25%). Internal iliac vein injury was seen in 1 patient (n=1; 2.08%) and external vein thrombosis was noted in 3 patients (n=3; 6.25%). Maternal mortality was observed in 1 patient due to DIC on day 9 (n=1; 2.08%). The uterine salvage rate was 75%.Conclusions: Internal iliac artery ligation (IIAL) safe, rapid, effective, time tested method of controlling bleeding from genital tract.

Clinical profile of maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage is one of the dreadful complications that occur during delivery. It is often un-anticipated and occurs suddenly and un-expectedly. It is responsible for 20 percent of maternal deaths in developing countries. These deaths are largely preventable. The objective of the study was to find out the clinical profile, associated co-morbid conditions and contributory factors and treatment modalities used in the management.Methods: Retrospective observational study of maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) was carried out at tertiary care hospital. The data of maternal deaths for seven years from year 2013 to 2019 was reviewed, compiled and analyzed to draw conclusions.Results: There were 18 maternal deaths (19%) due to PPH out of total 86 maternal deaths. The average age of the woman who died due to PPH was 24 years. Ninety five percent of the cases of PPH were due to atonic uterus. Seventy percent of the cases had reported in advanced stage of shock with average blood loss of more than two to three litres. Poor general condition due to delay in reaching to tertiary care hospital was predominant feature. Sixty percent women underwent obstetric hysterectomy. Massive blood transfusion was given in fifty percent cases. Severe pregnancy induced hypertension, severe anaemia and severe concealed accidental haemorrhage were common associated factors in sixty percent of maternal deaths.Conclusions: Postpartum haemorrhage is still a common cause of maternal death. Early detection, prompt aggressive management, adequate blood replacement, use of uterine balloon tamponade and non-pneumatic anti-shock garment, timely transfer to higher centre and timely decision for surgical interventions can prevent maternal deaths.

Prophylactic use of tranexamic acid to reduces blood loss and transfusion requirements in caesarean section

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is most dreaded complication which occurs worldwide, more prevalent in developing countries after both vaginal and caesarean delivery. Prophylactic administration of a uterotonics immediately after delivery is the only procedure that has been proved to reduce rates of postpartum haemorrhage. Tranexamic acid, an antifibrinolytic is recommended by WHO for management of PPH, its role to reduce blood loss in caesarean section as a prophylactic agent is not well studied.Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital at New Delhi total 100 pregnant women with age ≥18 and <35 years and singleton alive fetus who underwent caesarean section were included for this study.  Study population was divided in two group. Women assigned to the study group received 1 gm tranexamic acid slowly intravenously over 10 minutes after delivery of the baby as per existing unit protocol. Those women who received tranexamic acid was compared with other group who did not received tranexamic acid. The primary outcomes were mean blood loss (ml) and mean fall in hemoglobin level within 48 hours after surgery.Results: Amount of blood loss was significantly low (mean 369 ml) in tranexamic acid group as compared to control group (488 ml), the difference was statistically significant (p value 0.001).  Mean fall in haemoglobin level was also low (1.17 mg/dl) in group who received tranexamic acid as compared to control group (1.87 mg/dl), the difference was statistically significant (p value 0.001). Postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss more than 1000 ml) was observed in 1 patient in control group and no case of PPH was observed in study group.Conclusions: Tranexamic acid administration prior to caesarean section was effective in reducing the blood loss intra and postoperative period, without any immediate maternal and neonatal adverse events as well as reduces the need of blood transfusion.

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.

Successful reduction of acute puerperal uterine inversion with use of Bakri postpartum balloon

Acute puerperal inversion is rare but potentially fatal obstetric emergency and prompt recognition will enable immediate repositioning of uterus before it becomes edematous and incarcerated. Manual repositioning along with use of uterine balloon tamponade is simple and effective way for repositioning of inverted uterus as well as prevention of recurrence.

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 prospective study of obstetric and gynaecological emergencies in a tertiary care hospital

Background: The management of obstetrics and gynaecological emergency is directed at the preservation of life, health, sexual function and the perpetuation of fertility. The main aim of the study was to access the burden of surgical emergency and to study the course of management at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This prospective study was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, S. S. G. Hospital, Baroda for a period from January to December 2018.Results: A total of 73 patients presented to our emergency room who required urgent surgical intervention. All patients were resuscitated and surgery was done at earliest possible time. The age of patient ranged from 18 to 45 years.  About 75.8% of female presented with the complaint of acute abdomen, followed by 32.9% with bleeding per vaginum. 16.4% had vomiting, 6.8% with fever and 4.1% with mass per abdomen. In majority of cases a diagnosis of ruptured ectopic pregnancy (34 patients) was made, followed by PPH in 14 patients and 12 cases of rupture uterus. Four cases of torsion of ovarian mass and 3 cases of septic peritonitis were operated. The most common surgery performed was salpingectomy followed by subtotal obstetric hysterectomy. A mortality rate of 8.2% was noted.Conclusions: This study emphasized the great role of timely surgical intervention as lifesaving procedures. Skilled clinicians and immediate intervention in a tertiary care is the main-stay of the emergency case management and are indispensable for decreasing mortality and morbidity.

Hysteroscopy to identify retained placental tissue and excision in secondary post-partum haemorrhage

Background: Most cases of secondary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) are due to retained placental products (RPP). This study had a crop of five cases of secondary PPH, referral cases, during a period of six months during 2006. Four cases were following a caesarean delivery and in one, sub mucous and intra mural, uterine fibroids, caused retained placental tissue by distortion of the uterine cavity. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of hysteroscopy to identify the retained placental products in cases of secondary postpartum haemorrhage. Verification of complete removal of RPP by reinsertion of hysteroscope, after removal of RPP by using a sponge holder, or curette.Methods: Trans vaginal ultrasonography (TVS) identified echogenic retained products of conception in all cases. Surgical profile investigations were done as per protocol. Transfusion of blood products was needed in some. Bettocchi 5 mm continuous flow hysteroscope (Karl Storz) was used. Storz endomat hysteroflator was used for irrigation and aspiration.Results: Hysteroscopic guided excision of the placental tissue was one-time treatment in four of study cases, and one needed a second hysteroscopic excision. Secondary PPH occurred at varying periods after the caesarean delivery, one week in one, two weeks in one case, three weeks in two cases and one woman was admitted with retained placenta, primary PPH continuing to secondary PPH. Hysteroscopy done during the puerperal period, in cases of secondary PPH, had certain challenges to cope with.Conclusions: Hysteroscopic guided excision of the retained placental tissue was successful in all the five cases with secondary postpartum haemorrhage. Hysteroscopy is an excellent procedure in cases of secondary PPH. We request guidelines committees to consider including hysteroscopic guided removal of retained placental products, in the algorithm of management of secondary PPH.

Thrombocytopenia due to monsoon related illness: as an underestimated cause of maternal mortality and morbidity

Background: Thrombocytopenia is a second leading cause of blood disorder in pregnancy after anaemia. It is defined as platelet count below 1,50,000/ul. It is a common condition occurring in approximately 7-10% of pregnancies. Gestational thrombocytopenia is physiological and occurs in 70-80% of population having platelet count of 1,30,000/ul-1,50,000/ul with no adverse consequences. Other causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy could be immune related like immune thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenia or pregnancy related disorders like hypertensive disorders, eclampsia, HELLP and fatty liver of pregnancy. Besides this, pregnant ladies can have thrombocytopenia associated with fever which is commonly observed in monsoon season. It could be because of various causes like dengue, malaria, leptospirosis or other viral infections. Thrombocytopenia carries a risk of haemorrhage for both mother as well as newborn. It carries a risk of vertical transmission leading to premature birth, neonatal thrombocytopenia, intracranial haemorrhage and foetal death. There is relatively less information regarding importance of diversity of infectious diseases on pregnancy outcome.Methods: 14 pregnant patients were studied on the basis of their history of fever, platelet count below 1,50,000/ul and any  history of haemorrhage or petechie during monsoon period from June to September 2019 admitted in gynaecological ward in HBTMC and Dr. R. N. Cooper Hospital, Mumbai. All patients were subjected to fever profile, repeated haemogram for platelet trend and medical reference was done.Results: Out of 14 patients, 9 patients had negative fever profile, 2 were dengue positive, 2 were widal positive and one was leptospira positive patient. All patients had platelet count less than 1,50,000/ul out of which 3 patients received platelet transfusion..Conclusions: Monsoon fever with thrombocytopenia requires early diagnosis and optimal treatment to reduce maternal mortality and to avoid adverse fetal outcome. There is a strong need to create awareness amongst the community.

Healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitude towards prompt referral of women with postpartum haemorrhage in Nigeria: a community-based study

Background: Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) is a major contributor to maternal mortality in developing countries most especially in the rural areas where Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) are not available. Delay in referring women from rural health facilities to settings where EmOC services are available have been reported. This study assessed community-based healthcare workers’ (CHWs) knowledge and attitude towards the prevention, early recognition and prompt referral of women with Post-Partum Haemorrhage (PPH) for Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC).Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 200 CHWs recruited from community-based healthcare. Data analysis was done in SPSS version 20 at significance level of 0.05.Results: Findings show that 86.5% (n=173) of the respondents had good knowledge while 12% (n=24) and 1.5% (n=3) had moderate and poor knowledge respectively. Negative attitude towards prompt referral of women affected with PPH was found among 51% (n=102) of the respondents. Unavailability of blood drapes to estimate blood loss [χ2 (1, n=200) = 4.51, p=0.03], lack of ambulance [χ2 (1, n=200) = 4.46, p=0.03], and poor state of the roads [χ2 (1, n=200) = 4.44, p=0.03] were factors linked to poor attitude of CHWs towards prompt referral of affected women.Conclusions: The study concluded that there is a need for intervention that can help improve community healthcare workers’ attitude towards prompt referral of women affected with postpartum haemorrhage. There is also a need for general overhaul of community-based facilities to effectively support prompt referral.

Forceps deliveries and fetomaternal outcome in modern obstetrics

Background: In modern obstetrics practice has witnessed an increase in the caesarean section rates everywhere. The incidence of instrumental deliveries varies between 10-12% in UK. The incidence of instrumental deliveries varies between 2.7-5% in India. There is an urgent need to reintroduce instrumental need in the modern obstetrics. Instrumental delivery is one of the basic functions of emergency care according to WHO. This study was done to know the prevalence, indications and fetal outcomes of forceps deliveries.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital, India from January 2014 to December 2018. All cephalic singleton pregnant mothers who underwent forceps delivery after 28 weeks were included. All the forceps delivery done in twins and breech vaginal delivery were excluded. Demographic data, Indication of forceps delivery, maternal complications of forceps delivery like episiotomy extension, cervical tear, vaginal wall tear, PPH and neonatal outcome like low birth weight, NICU admissions, stillbirth, APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes were recorded. Equal number of mothers of reproductive age group 20-45 ages who underwent normal non breech vaginal deliveries were randomly selected as control.Results: The prevalence of forceps delivery was 5.25%. The most common indication was fetal distress (55%). Most of the mothers were primigravidas in age group 20-30 years (p<0.001). Regarding the neonatal outcome, 72% of the babies were having weight >2.5 kgs.  APGAR <7 at 1 and 5 min was not significant.Conclusions: As fetal distress is the most common indication, every obstetrician should learn the skill of forceps delivery and it should not be a dying art.

Clinical perspective: caesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum and role of pelvic packing

Caesarean hysterectomy (CH) is considered the gold standard for management of morbidly adherent placenta, now termed as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). If bleeding is not controlled following removal of uterus, it is sometimes necessary to pack the pelvis and continue monitoring with correction of bleeding and physiological parameters in operating room and intensive care unit. This now comes under the damage control approach, being driven primarily by abnormal physiology rather than anatomical reconstruction. The pelvic packs are removed after about 48 hours. This retrospective study was done in patients with antenatal diagnosis of PAS who required CH, comparing those who required pelvic packing with those who did not. The variables compared were pre-operative (clinical and radiological), intra-operative (duration of surgery, blood loss and transfusion requirements of whole blood and blood products), and the final histopathological diagnosis. Outcome variables in terms of duration of hospital stay, re-admissions, re-laparotomy and complications were also compared. Over two years, three of eight patients with PAS required pelvic packing following CH. There were no differences between the two patient groups with any of the predictor variables or outcomes other than requirement of blood products. This suggests pelvic packing is a safe and efficacious procedure in intractable haemorrhage following CH for PAS. Pelvic packing needs greater awareness amongst obstetricians as the incidence of PAS is likely to increase.

Efficacy of tranexamic acid in preventing postpartum haemorrhage in vaginal delivery

Background: Postpartum blood loss is difficult to evaluate especially in developing countries like India where most of the women are anaemic with poor reserve and these conditions are further aggravated by increased demand during pregnancy and blood loss during third stage of labour. The present study was planned to compare the efficacy of prophylactic 10 IU intramuscular oxytocin and 10 IU intramuscular oxytocin +1g Tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss in the third stage of labour.Methods: The present study was carried out on full term pregnancies primigravida/ multiparas with singleton pregnancy being delivered vaginally at GSL Hospital, Rajahmundry between 2016-2017 were included. For this comparative study, 200 women in labor were included after obtaining informed consent. A detailed obstetric history, history of previous medical illnesses, history of the treatment received earlier, cardiovascular and respiratory system and other systems including thyroid and breast were noted.Results: The average total blood loss in IIIrd stage of labour with IM oxytocin was 210 ml and with IM oxytocin + Tranexamic acid was130 ml, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Oxytocin + Tranexamic acid group had less blood loss when compared to oxytocin group alone. Side effects like, nausea vomiting, headache were slightly more with oxytocin + Tranexamic acid group when compared to oxytocin group alone.Conclusions: In the active management of IIIrd stage of labour 10 IU intramuscular Oxytocin + one gram of tranexamic acid IV is a better combination in reducing the blood loss at delivery when compared to 10 IU intramuscular oxytocin alone.

Maternal and perinatal outcome in placenta previa: an observational study at a tertiary care hospital in Mysore, Karnataka, India

Background: 2-5% of the pregnancies are complicated by antepartum haemorrhage. About one third of them are due to placenta previa thus contributing to a significant amount of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. In the present times with liberally increasing caesarean section rates, there is a changing trend in the incidence and complications of placenta previa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the obstetrical characteristics and maternal and perinatal outcome of cases of placenta previa.Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysore during the period January 2017 to June 2018.Results: Out of total 13,150 deliveries during this period, placenta previa was observed in 131 cases with an incidence of 1%. Majority belonged to the age group 25-29 years (48.8%). 66% of the cases presented with painless vaginal bleeding as their chief complaint. The major risk factor was previous caesarean delivery seen in 29.8% cases followed by history of abortion in 18.3%. 67% cases had major degree placenta previa. Remaining 33% cases had minor degree. One case was complicated by placenta accrete. Peripartum hysterectomy was performed in 3.1%. Preterm deliveries amounted to 29.8%. Maternal and perinatal mortality were 0.76% and 3.05% respectively. 10.7% cases had Postpartum haemorrhage and 3.8% required ICU admission. 25% neonates required NICU admissions and 10% had RDS.Conclusions: Placenta previa is a prime contributor to substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early referral to tertiary care centres, anticipation of clinical complications and appropriate measures can avoid grave consequences. Such cases must always be managed at a higher centre with good NICU services and round the clock operation theatre and blood bank facility.

A prospective randomized comparative study of Misoprostol and balloon tamponade using condom catheter to prevent postpartum hemorrhage at M. Y. H., Indore, India in vaginal delivered patients

Background: PPH is responsible for quarter of maternal deaths occurring worldwide and its incidence is increasing in developed world. According to Confidential Enquiries into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) report obstetric hemorrhage occurs in around3.7 per 1000 births. The objective of the study is that it was a prospective randomized comparative study of misoprostol and balloon tamponade via condom catheter to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in normal delivered patients at MYH.Methods: A sample size of 200 normal delivered patients between age group 18 and 45 years is chosen with excessive bleeding after third stage of labour and after administration of oxytocics. These 200 patients are divided into two groups: First group receiving Misoprostol and applying condom catheter in other group. Both groups are evaluated for PPH.Results: It was found that CG balloon condom catheter was a much better and more effective alternative in controlling PPH than Misoprostol as the failure rate with CG balloon condom catheter were  much less than that  with misoprostol. Due to its cost effectiveness and being easily available at primary health center and due to absence of any drug reactions and easy technique of formation makes it a better modality in controlling PPH even at PHC.Conclusions: Patients with condom catheter in situ must show better result than patients receiving misoprostol.

Midwives’ skills in the application of non-pneumatic anti-shock garment for the management of postpartum haemorrhage in Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Non-pneumatic Anti-shock garment (NASG) has been identified as a device for effective management of postpartum haemorrhage especially in developing countries where maternal mortality is high. Hence, it is important that midwives are skilled and knowledgeable about its use. This study therefore assessed the midwives’ skills in the application of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) in the management of postpartum hemorrhage.Methods: This study adopted quasi-experimental research design. The study was done in two secondary health facilities in the state. Sixty-eight midwives participated in the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 37 and 31 midwives into experimental and control groups respectively. Written consent was obtained from all the participants. The study involved three stages; Pre-test, an intervention and a post test. Questionnaire and observation rating scale that elicited demographic characteristics, knowledge and skills on the application and removal of NASG was used to collect data pre and post intervention. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Mean knowledge score of midwives in the control group in the use of NASG in the management of PPH was found to be 10.32±4.17 compared with 12.24±5.05 in experimental group pre-intervention. There was a significant increase in knowledge and skills of NASG application, nonetheless the post intervention from experimental group had the highest increase from 6.32±4.97 to 17.14±0.95.Conclusions: Educational intervention enhanced skills of midwives in the use of NASG. Therefore, continuous education units in hospitals should include periodic training of midwives on the use of NASG.