Term Pregnancy in an Achondroplastic Dwarf: A Case Report.

Achondroplasia is a rare disorder occurring in 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 40,000 live births. However, it is the commonest disorder among more than 100 different types of dwarfism. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait but most cases (80%) are due to mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). These individuals have normal mental and sexual development and life-span may also be normal. However, problems such as pre-eclampsia, polyhydramnios, respiratory compromise, contracted pelvis necessitating lower-segment cesarean section, prematurity and fetal wastage, etc., have been reported. General anesthesia is preferred to regional anesthesia because of spinal abnormalities. The aim of this report is to describe the surgical management of these patients discussing the surgical consideration and emphasizing the difficulties encountered. Such a patient is considered high-risk in terms of anesthesia and obstetric outcome. A case of achondroplasia with pregnancy is reported. A 28-year-old achondroplastic parturient underwent cesarean section under general anesthesia for contracted pelvis. We did not encounter problems related to cesarean section. The most important point is the careful preoperative assessment. Anesthesia plan should be specified to individual basis.

Pregnancy Outcome in Women with Dengue Infection in Northern India.

Background: Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-borne infection worldwide. Vertical transmission after maternal dengue infection to the fetus and pregnancy losses in relation to dengue infection have been reported. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the maternal and fetal consequences of dengue fever (DF) infection during pregnancy. Methodology: A retrospective analysis of all pregnant women with DF was done over a period of 1 year. Clinical, laboratory, maternal and fetal outcomes and early neonatal outcomes were collected from patients with confirmed dengue infection. Result: An upward trend was observed with a striking feature of severe thrombocytopenia in 36% cases. Oligohydramnios and low birth weight were the most common and peculiar outcomes. Preterm delivery with increased risk of cesarean section was noted. Vertical transmission occurs in pregnancy but no evidence of congenital anomaly could be traced.

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Actim Partus (A Rapid Bedside Test) in the Prediction of Preterm Labor.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of bedside test kits (Actim partus kit) based on detection of phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1(PIGFBP-1) in cervical secretions in predicting preterm delivery. Material and methods: Patients presenting with symptoms of preterm labor between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation were recruited. PIGFBP-1 bedside tests (Actim partus test) were performed. Managing obstetricians and patients were blinded to the PIGFBP-1 results. Tocolysis and steroid therapy were administered to all the recruited patients. Outcome data were collected after delivery. Results: Fifty patients were recruited into the study, the median [± standard deviation [SD] gestational age at delivery was 34.12 weeks (± 2.1 weeks) and 37.14 weeks (± 2.8 weeks), patient testing positive and negative for Actim partus test, respectively. A positive result was associated with significantly reduced admission-to-delivery interval. The median admission-to-delivery interval was 3.25 days in the group with positive PIGFBP-1 results while 6.97 days with a PIGFBP-1 result (p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Actim partus test is 72.22%, 90.6% 81.25% and 85.29%, respectively. Conclusion: Actim partus (IGFBP-1) tests are effective adjuvant bedside test kits for the prediction of preterm delivery in patients presenting with signs or symptoms of preterm labor. High negative predictive values have great value in avoiding unnecessary interventions.

Effect of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate on erythrocyte sedimentation rate of teleost fish, Heteropneustes fossilis.

ESR increased at all concentrations and exposures to LAS. However, increases were more pronounced at LC50 for 24 h and minimum at the end of 96 h.

Haematotoxic effect of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) in fish, Heteropneustes fossilis.

It was observed that clotting time decreased with the increased concentrations of LAS. However, the decrease was more pronounced at LC50 for 24 h and at the end of 96 h LC50, it was very close to control values.