Co-relation of lactic dehydrogenase levels with severity of pre-eclampsia

The elevated levels of LDH may reflect the severity of pre-eclampsia and occurance of complications. This study was carried out as a comparative study at Social Security Teaching Hospital, Lahore from June 2004 to January 2006: A total of 120 pregnant women with preeclempsia [60 with mild and 60 with severe pre-eclampsia] and 60 healthy normotensive controls were included in the study. The total number of deliveries during the same period was 5402. The patients were divided in three groups after admission through outpatient and emergency departments. Group I: [n-60] third trimester healthy pregnant women. Group II: [n-6o] women with mild pre-eclampsia. Group III: [n-60] women with had severe pre-eclampsia. The three groups were matched according to the age, parity, gravidity, maternal weight, haemodyanamic and laboratory tests. A statistically significant difference in terms of age, weight and parity were noticed in 3 groups p <0.05. Primigravida were 20% in normotensives, 40% were with mild pre-eclampsia and 60% with severe pre-eclamptia. In comparison of group II and III [severe pre-eclampsia] showed a statistically significant increase in terms of LDH and liver enzymes [p<0.05] in group III. LDH levels >600 IU/l were seen in 62% of women with severe pre-eclampsia compared to 10% in group I and II woman. LDH concentrations >800 IU/1 had significant increase in frequency of epigastric pain and vomiting and no significant difference in other system. Severe pre-eclampsia with LDH >800 IU/l women had significant increase in all complications noticed, eclampsia being the most frequent one. Elevated levels of LDH, indicative of cellular damage, can be used as a biochemical marker because it reflects complications and foetal outcome

Comparison of nifedipine with salbutamol as tocolytic agents in preterm labour

This study was carried out to evaluate the tocolytic efficacy for prolongation of pregnancy with oral nifedipine in comparison to salbutamol, and to evaluate side effects of nifedipine. It was an interventional study and was performed for a period of one year in Sir Ganga Ram hospital, and in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Fatima Jinnah Medical College. Sixty women were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire was filled for each patient. Once randomised the women received oral nifedipine or intravenous salbutamol in recommended dosage for acute tocolysis. Measurements of maternal pulse, blood pressure and foetal heart rate were recorded for upto 24 hours and compared over the treatment course. Outcome measures were prolongation of pregnancy as a result of tocolysis and recorded in hours and days, along with maternal and foetal side effects. Delivery was deferred for 48 hours, 3 to 7 days and more than 7 days in 30%, 6.66% and 3.33% respectively in nifedipine group compared with 26.66%, 3.33% and 3.33% of women respectively in salbutamol group [no significant difference P > 0.05]. Major maternal and foetal side effects were significantly less common in nifedipine group [0%] than in salbutamol group [13.33%] P value = 0.05. Nifedipine is almost as effective as salbutamol in suppressing preterm labour. Its use is associated with less frequent side effects