Fetus papyraceous disguised as compound presentation: A case report.

Introduction: and importance: Fetus papyraceous (FP) is a rare condition that describes a mummified fetus in a multiple gestation pregnancy in which one fetus dies and becomes flattened between the membranes of the other fetus and uterine wall. Compound presentation occurs when the fetus's arm or leg is next to the main presenting part, very often the vertex is combined with arm presentation. A severe complication can occur in mother and child in such cases. Case presentation: We report a case of incidental finding of fetus papyraceous disguised as a compound presentation during normal delivery which was managed successfully without any complication. Discussion: Regular antenatal chorionicity assessment is essential for early diagnosis of fetus papyraceous and reduces mortality and morbidity in the surviving fetus. Conclusion: Early identification of such cases is necessary as it is associated with severe complications like preterm labor, infection from a retained fetus, severe puerperal hemorrhage, consumptive coagulopathy like disseminated intravascular coagulation, and obstruction by a low-lying fetus papyraceus producing dystocia leading to cesarean birth.

An evaluation of obstetric ultrasound education program in Nepal using the RE-AIM framework.

BACKGROUND: Nepal has a high prevalence of congenital anomaly contributing to high infant mortality. Ultrasound, an important tool to detect congenital anomalies and manage maternity-related risk factors, is not properly used in Nepal because Nepali doctors have limited opportunities for learning ultrasound techniques. Hence, we developed and implemented an ultrasound education program from 2016 to 2018. The objective of this study is to evaluate the education program using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-method study to evaluate each component of RE-AIM. The team collected quantitative data from administrative records, tests, surveys, and an online follow-up survey. Qualitative data were collected from individual in-depth interviews at least a year after the program. The proportions, means, and t-tests were used for quantitative data, and thematic coding for qualitative data. RESULTS: A total of 228 healthcare workers representing 27.3% of the districts of Nepal were reached from 2016 to 2018. The program improved participants' knowledge (29.3, 8.7, and 23.8 increases out of 100, each year, p< 0.001, n=85) and self-confidence (0.6, 0.3, 1.3 increases out of 4.0, p< 0.01, n=111). The participants were highly satisfied with the program (4.2, 4.1, and 4.0 out of 5.0, n=162). Among the respondents of the online follow-up survey (n=28), 60.7% had used ultrasound in their daily practice after the education program, and a medical institution established an ultrasound training center. The absence of clear accreditation and practical guidelines in ultrasound use were presented as barriers for adoption and maintenance. CONCLUSION: The program was successful in improving participant's knowledge and self-confidence in ultrasound techniques and showed great potential for the adoption and maintenance of the techniques in their practice. Continuous implementation of the program and institutional policy changes to facilitate ultrasound use may increase the ultrasound use and improve ultrasound service quality in Nepal.

Pattern of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean, its Variables and Outcome at the Interval of One Decade in Dhulikhel Hospital.

BACKGROUND: There should be high index of suspicion for timely detection of any complications for safe trial of labor in case of vaginal birth after cesarean. Emergency obstetric care must be available. Even with these provisions the vaginal birth after cesarean rate is decreasing in Dhulikhel Hospital in recent years. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted to compare different modes of delivery and pattern vaginal birth after cesarean in a gap of ten years in Dhulikhel Hospital (i.e. 2007 to 2009 versus 2017 to 2019). In this study factors associated with the successful vaginal birth after cesarean were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 4215 deliveries conducted in the year 2007 to 2009, of them 890 (21.1%) were cesarean deliveries. Likewise altogether 9298 deliveries conducted in the year 2017 to 2019, of them 2849 (30.6%) were cesarean deliveries. Vaginal birth after cesarean rate is significantly decreased from 18.33% (33/180) to 8.8% (63/713) (p value = 0.0004). Instrumental deliveries, normal vaginal deliveries were significantly decreased in comparison to these in the year 2007 to 2009. Duration of labor of vaginal birth after cesarean (7.05±1.25 vs 7.13±2.02, p=0.8362) and mean fetal weight of vaginal birth after cesarean baby (2818.71±686.37 vs 2820.79±511.78, p=0.9867) were not much different. CONCLUSIONS: Over the years, vaginal birth after cesarean rate is decreased.

Determinants of Infertility in Couples.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to conceive after a period of twelve months of regular unprotected intercourse. Infertility globally affects approximately 10-15% of couples. This study was carried out to find out the determinants of infertility among infertile couples. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of records of 3231 infertile couples in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dhulikhel Hospital from January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2018. A total of 3231 infertile couples were evaluated by reviewing their case history including demographic parameters and investigations performed. RESULTS: Mean age of female cases seeking infertility treatment was 26.85 (±4.78) years and that of male cases was 29.81±3.18 years. About three quarter (74.7%) of the cases was of primary type. Almost half of infertility cases (48.8%) were having only female factor. Of the female contributory factors, half of them (52.12%) had ovulatory cause. Male factors contributed 23.9% of cases and 22.7% cases had abnormality in semen analysis while 1.2% had other sexual dysfunction. Mixed type of infertility was seen in 26.6% and unexplained factors had contribution of 14.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Primary infertility cases are three times more common in Dhulikhel hospital.Ovulatory cause was the most common contributory factors among female infertile cases while abnormality in semen parameter was the commonest problem among male infertile cases. Thorough evaluation and repeated visits were required to find out the apparent determinants of infertility problem.

An inexpensive device to treat postpartum hemorrhage: a preliminary proof of concept study of health provider opinion and training in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric hemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in resource limited areas. An inexpensive pneumatic anti-shock garment was devised of bicycle tubes and tailored cloth which can be prepared from local materials in resource-limited settings. The main purposes of this study were: 1) to determine acceptability of the device by nurses and midwives and obtain suggestions for making the device more suitable for use in their particular work environments, 2) to determine whether a three hour training course provided adequate instruction in the use of this device for the application of circumferential abdominal pelvic pressure, and 3) determine production capability and cost in a resource-limited country. METHODS: Fifty-eight nurse and midwife participants took part in three sessions over eight months in Nepal. Correct device placement was assessed on non-pregnant participants using ultrasound measurement of distal aortic flow before and after device inflation, and analyzed using confidence intervals. Participants were surveyed to determine acceptability of the device, obtain suggestions for improvement, and to collect data on clinical use. RESULTS: Device placement achieved flow decreases with a mean of 39% (95% CI 25%-53%, p < 0.001) in the first session, 28% (95% CI 21%-33%, P < 0.001) after four months and 29% (95% CI 24%-34%, p < 0.001) at 8 months. All nurses and midwives thought the device would be acceptable for use in obstetric hemorrhage and that they could make, clean, and apply it. They quickly learned to apply the device, remembered how to apply it, and were willing and able to use the device clinically. Ten providers used the device, each on one patient, to treat obstetric hemorrhage after routine measures had failed; bleeding stopped promptly in all ten, two of whom were transported to the hospital. Production of devices in Kathmandu using local tailors and supplies cost approximately $40 per device, in a limited production setting. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data suggest that an inexpensive, easily-made device is potentially an appropriate addition to current obstetric hemorrhage treatment in resource-limited areas and that further study is warranted.