Intravenous Iron sucrose and change in hemoglobin, ferritin, and oxidative stress markers among moderately anemic pregnant women attending a secondary care level Hospital in Northern India

Background: Intravenous iron is associated with oxidative stress, and very few studies have assessed change in oxidative stress markers post infusion. Objectives: The study aimed to measure the change in levels of hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, and select oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP]) 4 weeks following the administration of intravenous iron sucrose (IVIS) among moderately anemic pregnant women who were attending a secondary-level health-care facility, Haryana, North India. Methods: An observational study was conducted (May 2016 to Jan 2018) among pregnant women receiving intravenous iron sucrose i.e., IVIS (300 mg per dose) diluted in 300 mL of normal saline over 20� min and were followed up for a period of 4 weeks after the last dose of IVIS (end line). The study outcomes were measured in the levels of Hb, serum ferritin, MDA, SOD, and FRAP from the baseline to the end line. Results: The mean (95% confidence interval) change in the Hb and serum ferritin level 4 weeks after the last dose of IVIS was an increase of 2.5 (2.1�0) g/dL (P < 0.001) and 63.0 (44.7�.3) ng/mL (P < 0.001), respectively. There were no significant changes (baseline to end line) in mean (standard deviation [SD]) MDA level and mean (SD) FRAP level. The mean (SD) SOD level declined significantly (2.2 [0.4] U/mL to 1.6 [0.5] U/mL [P < 0.001]). No life-threatening adverse events were encountered during the study. Conclusion: IVIS was well tolerated and effective in treating moderate anemia in pregnancy. Body iron store was replenished following IVIS administration. There was no increase in oxidative stress following IVIS therapy.

Meditation & yoga: Impact on oxidative DNA damage & dysregulated sperm transcripts in male partners of couples with recurrent pregnancy loss

Background & objectives: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the devastating complications of pregnancy and current focus lies in addressing the management of paternal factors. Dysregulation in selective transcripts delivered to oocyte at fertilization can result in pregnancy losses and adversely affect embryogenesis. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) on seminal oxidative stress (OS), DNA damage and spermatozoal transcript levels. Methods: The present study was a part of a prospective ongoing exploratory study and 30 male partners of couples with RPL were included from August 2016 to June 2017. Semen samples were obtained at baseline and at the end of YBLI (21 days). Gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on spermatozoal FOXG1, SOX3, OGG1, PARP1, RPS6, RBM9, RPS17 and RPL29. The levels of seminal OS and sperm DNA damage was assessed by measuring levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by chemiluminescence and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by sperm chromatin structure assay. Results: SOX3, OGG1 and PARP1 were observed to be upregulated, while FOXG1, RPS6, RBM9, RPS17 and RPL29 showed downregulation. A significant reduction in ROS levels, an increase in sperm motility, sperm count (done twice) and a decrease in DFI was seen after YBLI. Interpretation & conclusions: Adopting YBLI may help in a significant decline in oxidative DNA damage and normalization of sperm transcript levels. This may not only improve pregnancy outcomes but also improve the health trajectory of the offspring.

A successful management of dengue fever in pregnancy: report of two cases.

In the most recent outbreak of dengue fever in India, we encountered at least seven cases of fever with thrombocytopenia in pregnancy but only two were seropositive for dengue. In one of the cases there was postpartum hemorrhage while in the other case there was perinatal transmission to the neonate requiring platelet transfusions. The diagnostic difficulties in pregnancy and the management are discussed.

Intravaginal Misoprostol Versus Intra-amniotic 15 Methyl PG F2α for Termination of Second Trimester Pregnancy

To compare the efficacy of intravaginal application of misoprostol and intra-amniotic injection of prostaglandin 15-methyl F2 alpha (PG F2α) in terminating second trimester pregnancies, eighty pregnant women at 14-20 weeks of gestation with single live fetuses and requesting for termination of pregnancy were randomised into two groups.Women in group I: received four tablets of vaginal misoprostol (200 mg/tablet) and in group II : intra-amniotic injection of (10 ml) 2.5 mg 15 methyl - PGF2α. Failure to abort within 48 hours after intiation of treatment occurred in one woman (2.5%) in the misoprostol group and 10 women (25%) in the 15 methyl PGF2α group (P = 0.009). Mean induction-to-abortion interval was 16.3±13 hr in the misoprostol group and 21.2±16 hr in the 15 methyl PGF2a group (P=.001). Lower abdominal pain was significantly higher in the misoprostol group than in the 15 methyl PGF2α group (P = 0.001). Intravaginal misoprostol in a dose of 800mg is more effective than intra-amniotic 15-methyl PGF2α for second trimester pregnancy termination.

Fetal gastrointestinal malformations.

In an audit to evaluate fetal gastrointestinal (GIT) malformations, case sheets of all mothers who gave birth to newborns with GIT malformations were analysed regarding the maternal history, prenatal ultrasound and the postnatal structural malformations and perinatal management. In 1999, eleven babies were born with gastrointestinal malformations, one was a still birth. Nine had associated malformations of other systems, two had trisomy 21. Eight babies were operated in the immediate newborn period, 5 survived. Ultrasound was not very accurate in the diagnosis of GIT anomaly in this series. In view of associated chromosomal and structural anomaly a fetal ECHO and genetic amniocentesis is warranted. Most of these babies require immediate surgery after birth, so they need to be delivered in a centre which is equipped with good neonatal and pediatric surgery care.