ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cervical cancer still ranks highest causing cancer-related morbidity and mortality in women in India. It is prudent to emphasise and implement cervical cancer screening strategies in the population efficiently and with regular intervals. Conventionally, PAP smear cytology is obtained by wooden spatula-Ayre's spatula. To improve sensitivity and specificity of the procedure and detection rate, better techniques of cells retrieval are available mainly liquid-based cytology (LBC), with help of cyto-brush. Literature has consistently proven efficiency of the technique and also reduced the proportion of inadequate sampling. We conduct this study to compare both the techniques and efficiency in a community hospital from data over 6 years, to asses its role and benefits among Indian women. Aims and Objectives: To compare conventional PAP smear and liquid-based cytology techniques analysing detection rates of positive lesions (CIN and also includes ASCUS and malignant), incidence of inadequate sampling, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Methods: This is retrospective study at tertiary care obstetric hospital affiliated to government-run medical college in a metropolitan city of Mumbai. Data are retrieved from the Pathology Department, Medical Records Department, laboratory books and OPD registers. Pap's smear sampling was done mainly from OPD with all indications including routine tests as a part of gynaecological evaluation and screening, as well as for suspicious lesions on inspection. Group A consists women who had conventional PAP smear test for 3 years (Dec 2015-Nov 2018) and Group B had women who benefited by LBC method for 3 years (Dec 2018-Nov 2021). COVID-19 pandemic majorly affected the routine gynaecological OPD practice during 2021 as hospital was COVID facility hospital. Results: Demographic parameters and presentations were comparable and similar. LBC methods have higher detection rate for positive reports, including ASCUS. But results were comparable in both groups and not statistically different. Importantly, incidences of inadequate sampling are reduced significantly with the LBC method. Unsatisfactory smears war high in Group A (7.752%) compared to Group B (3.712%) p-value 0.005, stating the increased rate of requirement of sending repeat smears, which involves higher engagement of time, resources and active participation from healthcare personnel. Conclusion: Good detection rates and significantly low rates of unsatisfactory smears make LBC rational and cost-effective. These are the times to switch to liquid-based cytology techniques, especially at the community level hospitals; in order to detect more women with cervical premalignant as well as malignant neoplastic lesions and to save lives. This can be made possible by emphasising the policy makers to incorporate these services through quality resources.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Elderly women are believed to experience many risks associated with pregnancy. Literature fails to provide a clear consensus on the age group in which there is a rise in risk and pathophysiology contributing. 'Pregnancies over forty' are increasing in society, owing to changing lifestyles and sensibilities of youth and the advent of assisted reproductive techniques. In India, studies on elderly pregnant women above 40 years of age are lacking. The aim of this study is to assess these pregnancies, their course, obstetric and perinatal outcomes in women delivering above 40 years. Methods: The study group (Group A) comprised of pregnancies in 50 women at age ≥ 40 years on the date of delivery. The control group (Group B) had 50 women who delivered subsequent to the study group and age < 40. Various parameters and outcomes including parity, gestational age, number of gestations, co-existing medical illnesses, the incidence of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre-term labor, mode of delivery, birth weight and obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared. Chi-square test and independent T test were used for statistical analysis. Results: While a good number of patients conceived spontaneously and with basic infertility management, i.e., 84% in the elderly gravid group (Group A) and 96% in the control group (Group B), the number of patients who required ART in Group A were statistically significant (Group A 16% and Group B 4%). Incidence of pre-existing medical diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, other auto-immune diseases and chronic diseases were noted to be high (26%) in Group A (statistically significant difference). Incidence of HDP, GDM and fetal growth restriction were high in Group A. Tendency to have the presence of fibroid uterus was high in patients in Group A, i.e., 24%, compared to only 8% in the control group; difference was statistically significant. Proportion of pre-term deliveries were high in Group A. Cesarean section rate was high in Group A, though it was not statistically significant. Other perinatal observations and neonatal outcomes were comparable in both groups; differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study reveals an association of a high-risk course of pregnancies in women above the age of 40 years. Proportions of IVF pregnancies are higher in elderly women. Interestingly, the proportion of women in elderly group who conceived spontaneously and with basic infertility management including IUI was 84% in the present study. Medical comorbidities and incidence of fibroids were high in elderly women. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes of these pregnancies when managed efficiently are favorable.