Association Between PON1 (L55M and Q192R) Genetic Polymorphism and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in North Indian Women Exposed to Pesticides / Associação entre o polimorfismo genético PON1 (L55M e Q192R) e a perda recorrente de gravidez emmulheres do norte da Índia expostas a pesticidas

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between the PON1 polymorphisms and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Methods In a cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected from 100 females. DNA was extracted and PON1 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Results Regarding PON1 L55M, the mutated allele (M) frequency was found in 70.5% in RPL and in 53.5% in controls; theMallele was significantly associated with an increased risk of RPL (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj]=2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]; p<0.001). However, regarding PON1 Q192R, the R mutated allele frequency was found in 28.5% in RPL and in 33% in controls. The R allele did not show any risk for RPL (ORadj 0.81; 95%CI; p=0.329). Conclusion The present study suggests that there is an effect of genetic polymorphism on RPL and provides additional evidence that combines with the growing information about the ways in which certain PON1 genotypes can affect the development of the fetus in the uterus.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar a relação entre os polimorfismos PON1 e perda recorrente de gravidez PRG. Métodos Em um estudo transversal, foramcoletadas amostras de sangue de 100 mulheres. O DNA foi extraído e os genótipos PON1 foram determinados por amplificação por PCR. Resultados Com relação ao PON1 L55M, a frequência do alelo mutado (M) foi encontrada em 70,5% no PRG e em 53,5% nos controles; o alelo M foi significativamente associado a um risco aumentado de PRG (odds radio ajustado [ORadj] =2,07; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%; p<0,001). No entanto, em relação ao PON1 Q192R, a frequência do alelo mutado R foi encontrada em 28,5% no PRG e em 33% nos controles. O alelo R não mostrou qualquer risco para PRG (ORadj 0,81; IC 95; p=0,329). Conclusão O presente estudo sugere que há um efeito do polimorfismo genético sobre PRG e fornece evidências adicionais que se combinam com as informações crescentes sobre asmaneiras pelas quais certos genótipos PON1 podemafetar o desenvolvimento do feto no útero.

A study of spectrum and fetomaternal outcome of Jaundice in pregnant women: an experience from a tertiary referral centre of North India

Background: Pregnancy in jaundice is an important Medical disorder, commonly seen in developing countries like India. The objective of the study was to evaluate the causes leading to jaundice in pregnancy and to analyse the feto-maternal outcome in patients of jaundice in pregnancy.Methods: This was a prospective observational study of antenatal cases with jaundice admitted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Georges Medical University, Lucknow over a period of one year after getting approval of ethical clearance. Total 122 cases were enrolled after informed consent.Results: Total of 122 cases were enrolled, Incidence of jaundice in pregnancy was 1.2%. Majority of patients were of age group 20-25 years 48.4%. About 69.7% presented at gestational age of 29-40 weeks. Most common cause was pre-eclampsia 33.6%, followed by cholestasis 23.75% and hepatitis 17.2%. Amongst hepatitis, most common was hepatitis B in 26.7%. Out of 122 cases, 59.8% delivered while 50.2% were undelivered 52.4% patients improved and were discharged while 47.6% patients expired. Vaginal deliveries were 56.1%, abdominal deliveries were 43.9%, and main reason for maternal mortality was hepatic encephalopathy in 64.6%. Mortality was higher in patients with total bilirubin > 10mg%. Perinatal mortality was 37%.Conclusions: Pregnancy complicated with jaundice carries very poor maternal and fetal outcome. Poor outcome may be attributed to delay in seeking medical advice, lack of awareness, lack of proper antenatal checkups 100% ANC booking can help in reducing fetomaternal morbidity and mortality.

Cervical cancer: perception of peripheral health workers in Lucknow: a cross-sectional study

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among Indian women. Cervical cancer incidence reduces dramatically when effective screening programs linked with access to treatment are in place and are readily accessible. Peripheral health workers (PHWs) being frontline workers have a major influence on raising awareness among community about acceptability of available screening programmes. This study was thus conducted to assess the awareness of PHWs regarding risk factors, signs and symptoms, early detection and prevention for cervical cancer.Methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted among 450 PHWs (ASHAs and BHWs). Information was collected regarding their bio-social characteristics, awareness about female cancers, risk factors, signs/symptoms, early detection methods and services available for screening and prevention of cervical cancer.Results: Awareness of different aspects of cervical cancer was found to be very low. Only eight per cent of the PHWs had good awareness score. BHWs obtained statistically significant better mean scores as compared to ASHAs. Few (7.6%) PHWs had received training for any type of female cancers. Only 17 per cent of the PHWs were aware of HPV vaccine availability and only 29 per cent from them could name the vaccine.Conclusions: Majority of the PHWs had poor awareness about cervical cancer and available screening facility in our health system. They had almost no idea of availability of free HPV vaccination at the Sampoorna clinics. This low level of awareness calls for regular training of PHWs on cervical cancer which would ultimately trickle down to the community.

Fraser syndrome: recurrence in a family.

Fraser syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive condition with classical features of cryptophthalmos, syndactyly, ambiguous genitalia, genitourinary mal-formations and mental retardation. We report a family with affected child where the pregnant woman was referred at 24 weeks of gestation for termination of pregnancy. The aborted fetus showed typical findings suggestive of Fraser syndrome.