Comparison of early risk factors between healthy siblings and subjects with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Introduction: The following work aims to compare the types and magnitude of risk events in patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder and each of those groups with of a group of healthy siblings, exploring differences and similarities of the two psychotic disorders. Methods: Retrospective interviews were conducted with 20 families to investigate maternal and obstetric health, social support and the presence of early trauma for the affected family members and healthy siblings. Mothers were interviewed with the Prenatal Psychosocial Profile and each family participant was assessed with the Early Trauma Inventory, Screening Questionnaire of the Genomic Psychiatry Cohort and the Diagnostic Interview for Psychosis and Affective Disorders. Results: Obstetric and gestational history, pregnancy weight changes and early trauma were associated with offspring's mental illness, including statistically significant findings for complications of pregnancy, pregnancy weight changes, general trauma, physical punishment and emotional abuse. Conclusion: These findings highlight the different risk factor exposures that occur within a family, which may increase the risk for severe mental illness.

Degree of expression of inflammatory proteins in the amniotic cavity, but not prior obstetric history, is associated with the risk severity for spontaneous preterm birth after rescue cerclage for cervical insufficiency.

PROBLEM: To examine whether the severity of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) risk after rescue cerclage for acute cervical insufficiency (CI) is linked to the degree of inflammatory response in the amniotic fluid (AF) based on the concentrations of various inflammatory proteins and prior obstetric history. METHOD OF STUDY: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 65 singleton pregnant women (17-25 weeks) who underwent rescue cerclage following the diagnosis of acute CI and were subjected to amniocentesis. EN-RAGE, IL-6, IL-8, and IP-10 as inflammatory mediators and kallistatin, MMP-2/8, and uPA as extracellular matrix remodeling-related molecules were assayed in the AF using ELISA. The level of each inflammatory mediator was divided into quartiles. RESULTS: Intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI; AF IL-6 level ≥2.6 ng/mL) was independently associated with SPTB after cerclage placement. The odds of SPTB at < 32 weeks, even after adjusting for confounders, increased significantly with each increasing quartile of baseline AF levels for each inflammatory mediator (p for trend < .05). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the cerclage-to-delivery intervals were significantly shorter as the quartiles of AF EN-RAGE and MMP-8 increased (log-rank test, p < .01 each). Neither previous term birth nor prior PTB was associated with SPTB risk or cerclage-to-delivery interval after rescue cerclage. Multiparous women who experience CI after term birth showed significantly elevated levels of MMP-8 and reduced kallistatin levels in the AF. CONCLUSION: In patients with CI, SPTB risk (especially risk severity) after rescue cerclage is associated with the degree of the inflammatory response in AF as well as the presence of IAI but not with prior obstetric history.

Maternal and obstetrical factors associated with short cervical length at midtrimester in women with no history of preterm delivery.

AIM: To evaluate associations between maternal characteristics and a short cervix in patients without history of preterm delivery, and to determine if these characteristics can predict the presence of a short cervix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that included 18,592 women with singleton pregnancies without history of previous preterm deliveries who underwent universal transvaginal cervical length (TVCL) screening between 18 + 0 and 23 + 6 weeks/days of gestation. A short cervix was defined as a cervical length (CL) ≤25 mm, ≤20 mm, and ≤15 mm. Associations between maternal age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), previous term deliveries, and history of previous miscarriages, with a short cervix were evaluated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence of a short cervix in our population was: CL ≤25 mm, 2.2% (n = 403); CL ≤20 mm, 1.2% (n = 224); and CL ≤15 mm, 0.9% (n = 161). Women with BMI >30 and/or previous abortions constituted 45.5% of the total population (8463/18,582). Significant associations with short cervix were observed for women with BMI ≥30, and for women with at least one previous abortion (p < .001). Parous women had a significantly lower association with a short cervix than nulliparous women (p < .001). Maternal age or height were not associated with a short cervix. Prediction of short cervix based on presence of any of the following: BMI ≥ 30 or previous abortions showed sensitivities of 55.8% (≤25 mm), 61.6% (≤20 mm), and 63.4% (≤15 mm) with similar specificity (50.1-54.6%) and likelihood ratio positive (1.2-1.5); and prediction based on BMI ≥ 30 and previous abortions showed sensitivities of 11.1% (≤25 mm), 14.7% (≤20 mm), and 16.7% (≤15 mm) with specificity 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Among low risk women for spontaneous preterm delivery, those with a BMI ≥30 and/or previous miscarriages had a significantly increased risk for a short cervix at 18 + 0 and 23 + 6 weeks/days of gestation. Despite these significant associations, screening by maternal risk factors in a low risk population of pregnant women should not be an alternative to mid-trimester universal CL measurement.

In pregnant women evaluated at 18/0 and 23/6 weeks + days of gestation without history of preterm delivery, a 16.7% detection rate for short cervix ≤15 mm can be achieved by risk factors BMI ≥30, and at least one previous miscarriage. Nevertheless, screening for short cervix by risk factors among low risk women might not be an effective alternative to universal cervical length screening.

Trimester-specific reference intervals and profile of coagulation parameters for Chinese pregnant women with diverse demographics and obstetric history: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the changes in childbirth policy in China, this work aimed to update the trimester-specific reference intervals (RIs) for Chinese pregnant women with diverse demographics and obstetric history. This study also investigated how advanced maternal age (AMA) (> 35 years old), gravity, and parity influence gestational coagulation parameters. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, five coagulation parameters were measured using assays provided by Roche diagnostics on Cobas t 711: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fib), and D-dimer, and the trimester-specific 2.5th -97.5th and 95th (D-dimer only) percentiles RIs were established accordingly. Linear regressions were undertaken to analyze the association with demographic characteristics and obstetric history for each parameter. RESULTS: 893 eligible pregnant women in different trimesters and at AMA/non-AMA and 275 non-pregnant healthy women were enrolled. For the first, second, and third trimester, respectively, RIs were as follows: APTT (s): 24.8-35.7, 24.6-34.1, and 23.5-34.7; TT (s): 14.4-17.3, 14.1-16.7, and 14.2-17.5; PT (s): 8.30-10.20, 8.00-9.77, and 7.92-9.57; PT-INR: 0.86-1.06, 0.83-1.02, and 0.82-0.98; Fib (g/L): 2.76-4.97, 3.14-5.31, and 3.44-5.93; D-dimer (µg/ml): 0-0.969, 0-2.14, and 0-3.28. No statistically significant differences were observed in TT, D-dimer, and APTT between the AMA and non-AMA women, while PT and PT-INR were shorter and Fib was higher in the AMA group. The association of gravidity and parity with each coagulation parameter is statistically significant (p < 0.05). PT and PT-INR were shortened and D-dimer decreased as gravidity increased. Longer PT and PT-INR, shorter APPT, higher D-Dimer, and lower Fib were associated with increasing parity. CONCLUSIONS: This work updated the gestational coagulation profiles of Chinese pregnant women and established trimester-specific RIs accordingly. Establishing specific RIs based on AMA, parity, and gravidity might not be necessary.

Integrated immune monitoring of HCMV infection in pregnant women with complications and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with bad obstetric history (BOH) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). Here, we characterized antiviral humoral profiles, systemic and virus specific cellular immune responses concurrently in pregnant women (n = 67) with complications including BOH and associated these signatures with pregnancy outcomes. Infection status was determined using nested blood PCR, seropositivity and IgG avidity by ELISA. Systemic and HCMV specific (pp65) cellular immune responses were evaluated by flow cytometry. Seropositivity was determined for other TORCH pathogens (n = 33) on samples with recorded pregnancy outcomes. This approach was more sensitive in detecting HCMV infection. Blood PCR positive participants, irrespective of their IgG avidity status, had higher cytotoxic potential in circulating CD8+ T cells (p < 0.05) suggesting that infection associated cellular dysfunction was uncoupled with avidity maturation of antiviral humoral responses. Also, impaired anamnestic degranulation of HCMV-pp65-specific T cells compared to HCMV blood PCR negative participants (p < 0.05) was observed. APO correlated with HCMV blood PCR positivity but not serostatus (p = 0.0039). Most HCMV IgM positive participants (5/6) were HCMV blood PCR positive with APO. None were found to be IgM positive for other TORCH pathogens. Multiple TORCH seropositivity however was significantly enriched in the APO group (p = 0.024). Generation of HCMV specific high avidity IgG antibodies had no bearing on APO (p = 0.9999). Our study highlights the utility of an integrated screening approach for antenatal HCMV infection in the context of BOH, where infection is associated with systemic and virus specific cellular immune dysfunction as well as APO.

Influence of Sociodemographic Factors and Obstetric History on Choice of Place of Delivery: A Retrospective Study Among Post-Natal Women in Ghana.

Background and Objectives: Even though Ghana has recorded an appreciable level of facility delivery compared to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the country still has a lot of regional and community variations in facility delivery where professional maternal health care is guaranteed. This study assessed the main factors associated with facility delivery in the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly of the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods: Using a simple random sampling method, a retrospective community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 12, 2021 to October 17, 2021, among 306 postnatal women within 15 to 49 years who had delivered within the last six months. We conducted descriptive analyses, and the Pearson chi-square test of association between the sociodemographic factors and obstetrics history with the outcome variable, choice of place of birth. Lastly, significant variables in the chi-square test were entered into adjusted multivariate logistics regression to determine their association with the place of delivery. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version-25, with statistical significance set at a p-value of 0.05. Results: The study reported a facility delivery rate of 82%, which is slightly higher than the national target (80%). We observed that age group [AOR 2.34 (1.07-5.14)], marital status [AOR 0.31 (0.12-0.81)], ethnicity [AOR 3.78 (1.18-12.13)], and couple's occupation [AOR 24.74 (2.51-243.91)] were the significant sociodemographic factors influencing facility delivery. The number of antenatal care (ANC) attendance [AOR 8.73 (3.41 - 22.2)] and previous pregnancy complications [AOR 2.4 (1.11 - 5.7)] were the significant obstetrics factors influencing facility delivery. Conclusion and Global Health Implications: We found that specific sociodemographic and obstetric factors significantly influence the choice of place of delivery in the study area. To address this, the study recommends targeted interventions that focus on providing support and resources for women from different age groups, marital statuses, ethnicities, and occupational backgrounds to access facility delivery services. Additionally, improving ANC attendance and effectively managing pregnancy complications were highlighted as important measures to encourage facility-based deliveries.

Successful outcome after timely management of severe fetal anemia with intrauterine transfusion in female with bad obstetric history.

Development of severe fetal anemia due to red cell destruction in intrauterine life, most commonly implicated with hemolytic disease of fetus or newborn. Untreated cases lead to hydrops and even death of newborn. We are reporting a case of severe fetal anaemia successfully delivered after intrauterine transfusion. A 28-year-old female having bad obstetric history G10 P3600, came to our fetal unit at 23 + 4 weeks gestation. Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA PSV) value was 2.2 mom before 1st intrauterine procedure. Subsequent intrauterine session was planned at 1-2 week interval. After completion of 3rd intrauterine transfusion, MCA PSV value was 0.8 mom and baby was delivered at 32 + 1 week via lower segment cesarean section. Intervention at appropriate time, appropriate volume of selected unit and appropriate rate of transfusion definitely improves perinatal outcome.

Maternal and dietary behavior-related factors associated with preterm birth in Southeastern Terai, Nepal: A cross sectional study.

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) is a global issue although its burden is higher in low- and middle-income countries. This study examined the risk factors of PTB in Southeastern Terai, Nepal. Methods: In this community-based cross-sectional study, a total of 305 mothers having children under the age of 6 months were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected by structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and maternal antenatal cards from study participants for some clinical information. Predictors of PTB were identified using multi-level logistic regression analysis at a P-value < 0.05. Results: Of the total 305 mother-live-born baby pairs, 13.77% (42/305) had preterm childbirth. Maternal socio-demographic factors such as mothers from Dalit caste/ethnicity [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 12.16, 95% CI = 2.2-64.61] and Aadibasi/Janajati caste/ethnicity (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI = 1.01-14.65), family income in the first tercile (AOR = 6.82, 95% CI = 1.65-28.08), than their counterparts, were significantly positively associated with PTB. Likewise, other maternal and dietary factors, such as birth order first-second (AOR = 9.56, 95% CI = 1.74-52.53), and birth spacing ≤ 2 years (AOR = 5.16, 95% CI = 1.62-16.42), mothers who did not consume additional meal (AOR = 9.53, 95% CI = 2.13-42.55), milk and milk products (AOR = 6.44, 95% CI = 1.56-26.51) during pregnancy, having <4 antenatal (ANC) visits (AOR = 4.29, 95% CI = 1.25-14.67), did not have intake of recommended amount of iron and folic acid tablets (IFA) (<180 tablets) (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.03-11.58), and not having adequate rest and sleep (AOR = 4.83, 95% CI = 1.01-23.30) during pregnancy had higher odds of having PTB than their counterparts. Conclusion: Some socio-demographic, maternal, and dietary behavior-related factors were independently associated with PTB. These factors should be considered while designing targeted health interventions in Nepal. In addition, we recommend specific measures such as promoting pregnant women to use available antenatal care and counseling services offered to them, as well as having an adequate diet to a level that meets their daily requirements.

Factors associated with overweight or obesity among post-partum women in the Tamale Metropolis, Northern Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: adult overweight and obesity are public health challenges that are presently overwhelming health systems. Mothers are at an increased risk of overweight and obesity and its accompanying morbidities, especially after several deliveries; however, there is a paucity of data on the factors influencing this. As such, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of overweight or obesity among post-partum mothers. Methods: using a facility-based cross-sectional study design, mothers were selected as respondents by systematic random sampling between March and June 2018. Mothers of children less than 6 months or older than 24 months and mothers who did not attend antenatal care services were excluded from this survey. The outcome variable was overweight or obesity defined as Body Mass Index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors independently associated with overweight or obesity. Data was entered into and analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: analysis of 455 mothers showed that their average age was 28.0 ± 5.8 years. The prevalence of overweight or obesity was 41.8% (95% C.I = 37.2 - 46.3) and Christian mothers were twice more likely to be overweight or obese compared to their Muslim peers. Mothers who had a caesarean delivery were 36% (AOR = 1.36; 95% C.I = 1.11 - 1.66) more likely to be overweight or obese compared to those who had vaginal delivery. Mothers who consumed fresh fruits and vegetables were 42% (0.58; 0.46 - 0.72) less likely to be overweight or obese as compared to those who did not. We found a significant interaction between increasing age and parity whereby, increasing age among multiparous mothers was significantly less likely to be associated with overweight or obesity (0.92; 0.87 - 0.97) compared to primiparous mothers. Conclusion: prevalence of overweight or obesity was high, and determinants included socio-demographic factors, consumption of fruits and vegetables and gynaecological factors. Hence, strategies targeting younger women at the antenatal and delivery stages of pregnancy may improve the overall health of women by reducing caesarean sections and promoting breastfeeding.

An Evaluation of Obstetric Characteristics and Contraceptive Use Among Refugee Women.

Background This study aimed to assess the obstetric characteristics of refugee women and evaluate their knowledge and usage of contraception methods. Methodology This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 400 married refugee women aged 18-49 years who presented to the Foreigners Outpatient Clinic between 2018 and 2020. In the Foreigners Outpatient Clinic, a health worker filled in a 23-question form for all refugee women to obtain their obstetric history and information regarding contraception methods. The 23-item form comprised 11 questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of refugee women, seven questions about their obstetric history, and five questions about their knowledge and attitudes about contraception methods. Statistical analyses were performed using the data obtained from these forms filed in the outpatient clinic. Descriptive data were presented as frequency, percentage distribution, mean, and standard deviation. Results The average age of the participants was 31.36 ± 8.36 years, with 52.8% of the participants being Afghan women. Overall, 70% of participants were either only literate, learned to read and write without ever going to school, or were primary school graduates. Moreover, 61.1% of refugee women aged ≤18 years at the time of first birth were Somali, Sudanese, and Saudi Arabian nationals, significantly outnumbering other refugee women (p = 0.03). The rate of having ≥three children among Pakistani participants was 90.0%, which was statistically significantly higher (p = 0.04). The proportion of Afghan women who received counseling on family planning was lower (p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference between refugee women's knowledge of using a contraception method (p = 0.09). As a contraception method, the most significant use of injection was by refugee women from Somalia, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia (p = 0.03); tubal ligation was used by Afghan women (p = 0.01); and implanted by Pakistani women (p = 0.01). No difference was found in the use of condoms, pills, and intrauterine devices. Conclusions On evaluating the obstetric characteristics of refugee women, it was determined that the number of pregnancies and the rate of giving first birth at the age of 18 and under were high. On the other hand, there was no difference between refugee women regarding condom and pill use; however, it was observed that the rate of using these methods at some point in their lives was high. Hence, it can be concluded that immigration seriously affects women's reproductive health, makes it difficult to obtain protection methods, and paves the way for having unplanned and large numbers of children.

A cross-sectional study to develop an early risk prediction tool for gestational diabetes mellitus for antenatal women diagnosed with this condition based on their characteristics and past obstetric history.

Background: In India, the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is estimated to be 10%-14.3%, which is higher than in Western countries. Out of 10 pregnancies, one is associated with diabetes, and 90% of them are GDM. GDM influences not only maternal complications but also neonatal complications. Moreover, women with GDM and their children are at increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes later. Method and Material: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 patients to develop an early risk prediction tool for GDM for antenatal women diagnosed with this condition based on their characteristics and past obstetric history. Results: The mean age (in years) of patients in the study was 27.69 ± 5.07. One hundred and twenty-six patients (57.27%) had a family history of DM in their first relatives. Eighty-three (58.86%) patients had a history of complications in a previous pregnancy. Conclusion: The early risk predictor tool with age, prepregnancy, body mass index (BMI), family history of DM, gravidity, past history of menstrual cycle, and complications in a previous pregnancy was easy to operate, and all predictors were easily obtained in the first trimester in primary healthcare centers.

Pain Relief During Childbirth in the Context of 50 Years of Social and Technological Change.

Pain relief during childbirth continues to stimulate controversy as new treatments emerge and continuing interventions in the birth process invoke concerns about safety, technologic imperatives, and informed consent. In this historical commentary, I identify a complex dissonance between scientific advances and women's needs and expectations regarding childbirth. Evidence-based practice became the standard during the last 50 years and has reinforced a more conservative and parsimonious use of technology to respond to women's needs for pain relief. In reviewing this history, it is apparent that pain relief during labor is inextricably linked to interventions. Nurses can advance evidence-based practice and facilitate robust informed consent as they support women during childbirth.

Pregnancy and Its Successful Outcome in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is a B-cell neoplastic disorder and represents 1% of all cancers and 13% of hematological malignancies. It is predominantly a disease of elderly, and less than 3% of all cases are below the age of 40 years. We present the case of a 29-year-old lady with multiple myeloma who had spontaneous conception during maintenance therapy and subsequently a successful pregnancy outcome. She gave birth to a healthy female infant through normal vaginal delivery and subsequently could remain off therapy for 5 years. Since the patient had a history of abortions and stillbirth, it was a precious pregnancy and we could successfully salvage both the mother and the baby. Young female patients of myeloma who are in remission can be encouraged to start a family during their reproductive years with the support of a comprehensive care team of hematologists/oncologists and obstetricians.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in women with recurrent fetal loss from the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: In women with a bad obstetric history (BOH), infection is an established cause of recurrent fetal loss. A common infecting agent is the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in women with recurrent fetal loss from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. METHODS: The study included 360 females aged 16-40 years, of which 180 had a bad obstetric history (study group) and the other 180 had no such history (control group). Blood serum samples were tested for toxoplasma IgM antibodies by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and for toxoplasma IgG antibodies using an Immunochromatographic technique. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasma infection in study group females was 40.6% and in control group females it was 7.2%. Specifically, IgM prevalence was 12.8% in the study group and 1.1% in the control group. IgG prevalence was 23.9% in the study group and 6.1% in the control group. IgM and IgG combined prevalence was 3.9% in the study group cases. There is a statistically significant association between BOH and seropositivity for T. gondii (p < 0.0001, Chi square test). Various risk factors associated with T. gondii seroprevalence in study and control groups were analyzed. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was significantly higher in women with a bad obstetric history compared to those with no such history. Associated risk factors had no significant effects on the results.

Relationship of Cholelithiasis and Urolithiasis with Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms.

AIM: To investigate the relationship of cholelithiasis and urolithiasis with Methylenetetrehydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism(s) in patients with poor obstetric history to search whether they are risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study is consisted of 94 patients with poor obstetric history. Patients were evaluated in terms of the presence of cholelithiasis and urolithiasis in association with MTHFR polymorphism(s). Additional laboratory tests including homocysteine measurements were also performed. ROC analysis for assessing the performance of blood homocysteine level in predicting the presence of cholelithiasis and urolithiasis were also performed. RESULTS: Patients were divided into three groups such as cholelithiasis group (n = 9, 9.6%), urolithiasis group (n = 18, 19.1%) and control group (n = 67, 71.3%). Groups did not differ in term of age and Beksac obstetrics index (BOI) which is "[living child+(π/10)]/gravidity." The rate of the presence of MTHFR polymorphisms were 88.9% (8/9), 88.9% (16/18) and 43.3% (29/67) in cholelithiasis, urolithiasis and control groups respectively. Median homocysteine levels were found to be 13.1, 11.6 and 7.2 micromol/lt for the groups respectively. Statistically significant differences were found for MTHFR polymorphism rates and homocysteine levels (<0.001 for both). According to ROC analysis, 10.9 mcmol/L (88.9% sensitivity, 89.6% specificity) and 9.25 mcmol/L (83.3% sensitivity, 73.1% specificity) were determined to be cutoff values of homocysteine for cholelithiasis and urolithiasis respectively. CONCLUSION: More frequent MTHFR polymorphisms are observed in women with a clinical history of gall or renal stones. Thus, screening of these patients may be benefical for the approprate management of their subsequent pregnancies.

Trombosis y su relación con la deficiencia de proteínas C y S / Thrombosis and its relationship to protein C and S deficiency

La trombosis se puede definir como un trastorno vascular que se presenta cuando se desarrolla un trombo que bloquea de forma total o parcial el interior de un vaso sanguíneo, ya sea una vena o una arteria. La trombofilia define a una alteración de la hemostasia que predispone al desarrollo de trombosis; sin embargo, la presencia de una trombofilia no implica necesariamente la aparición de un evento trombótico. La deficiencia de los inhibidores fisiológicos, como las proteínas C y S, constituyen factores de riesgo hereditarios y adquiridos que favorecen al desarrollo de trombosis. Se determinó la incidencia de deficiencia de estas proteínas de la coagulación en pacientes con historia obstétrica adversa, eventos de trombosis y otros eventos asociados. Se realizó un estudio longitudinal prospectivo en el período comprendido del 2011 al 2018, en un grupo de pacientes remitidos al Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología, a los que se les realizó la medición de los niveles plasmáticos de las proteínas C y S. En 133 pacientes (52,17 por ciento) se detectó deficiencia de proteína C (n=50), proteína S (n=66) o ambas (n=17). Las principales causas de realización de estos estudios fueron la historia obstétrica adversa y los eventos trombóticos y coincidieron con los eventos clínicos donde predominó alguna deficiencia. La deficiencia de proteína S tuvo mayor incidencia(AU)

Thrombosis is a vascular disorder appearing when a thrombus totally or partially blocks the inside of a blood vessel, be it a vein or an artery. Thrombophilia is a hemostatic alteration leading to thrombosis. However, the presence of thrombophilia does not necessarily imply the appearance of a thrombotic event. Deficiency in physiological inhibitors such as proteins C and S is a hereditary or acquired risk factor fostering thrombosis. Determination was made of the incidence of deficiency in these coagulation proteins in patients with an adverse obstetric history, thrombotic events and other associated disorders. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in the period 2011-2018 of a group of patients referred to the Institute of Hematology and Immunology, who underwent measurement of their plasma levels of proteins C and S. A total 133 patients (52.17 percent) were found to be deficient in protein C (n=50), protein S (n=66) or both (n=17). The main reasons for the conduct of these studies were an adverse obstetric history and thrombotic events, which coincided with clinical disorders in which some sort of deficiency prevailed. Protein S deficiency was the most common(AU)

Prevalence of torch infections and its associated poor outcome in high-risk pregnant women of Central India: Time to think for prevention strategies.

Introduction: The TORCH infections during pregnancy are associated with adverse congenital abnormalities, poor foetal outcome and subsequent reproductive failures. The absence of baseline data on status of TORCH infections and associated foetal outcomes prompted us to conduct the current study in Central India. Materials and Methods: : A total of 144 high-risk pregnant women attending tertiary care unit, suspected for TORCH infections were enrolled from August 2017 to December 2018. All the participants were tested for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies and followed up to record the foetal outcome. Results: The overall TORCH infection (IgM positivity) positivity rate was 61.1% (88/144). Rubella was the most prevalent infection (46.5%) followed by herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2 (41%) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) (34.7%). The highest IgG sero-positivity was recorded against CMV (88.6%), followed by Rubella (86.8%), HSV 1 and 2 (28.4%), and toxoplasmosis (15.2%). Follow-up of IgM TORCH positive pregnant women revealed that majority of the neonates/infants are having congenital cardiac abnormalities (39.2%), followed by microcephaly/hydrocephaly (25%), low birth weight (10.7%), and deafness (3.6%). Thirty-two percent of neonatal mortality was associated to multiple TORCH infections. Conclusion: A high prevalence of IgM seropositivity of TORCH infection was noted in the present study with the increased rate of poor foetal outcome warrants the need of proper prenatal counselling, universal immunisation and nutritional supplements during pregnancy.

Seroepidemiology of TORCH antibodies in the reproductive-aged women in China.

TORCH, the acronym of Toxoplasma gondii (TOX), others, rubella virus (RUV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV), is a major contributor to congenital infection. National population-based study on the seroepidemiology of TORCH in women is yet lacking, and it is still obscure whether TORCH infection in the women was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. A total of 48,406 asymptomatic women from eight hospitals in China which covered the most areas of mainland China were enrolled in this study, and 26,400 were simultaneously subjected to 7 detection tests for TORCH specific antibodies. Chemiluminescent immunoassay was performed to detect TORCH Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, and IgG avidities of TOX and CMV IgM and IgG positive serum samples. The overall IgG prevalence of TOX, RUV, CMV and HSV-(1 + 2) in the reproductive-aged women was 1.71 %, 81.97 %, 95.09 % and 90.15 % respectively. The corresponding IgM prevalence of TOX, RUV and CMV was 0.30 %, 0.89 % and 0.52 %. Moreover, the rates of primary TOX and CMV infections were at least 0.08 % (21/26,400) and 0.03 % (7/26,400) in the studied population. The distributions of TORCH positive women in various age, season and region groups were different (P < 0.05). The CMV IgM-positive rate was higher in the pregnant women than those in non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). The higher past infection rates of RUV, CMV and HSV in women with bad obstetric history (BOH) imply that TORCH infections are associated with BOH. These data suggest that TORCH infections in the prenatal women, especially with BOH, are worthwhile to be screened by detections of specific IgG and IgM antibodies, and even IgG avidities.

Sociodemographic factors and clinical presentation of women attending Cancer Detection Centre, Kolkata for breast examination.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Indian women. AIM: The aim of the study was to report the sociodemographic factors, habits, personal history, gynecological and obstetric history, the clinical presentation of Indian women, and analyze those factors with the diagnosis of breast cancer. METHODS: This study is based on retrospective data collection from case files of women who attended the Cancer Detection Centre during January1995-September 2016. RESULTS: Data analysis for 1196 women showed 31.5% aged between 26 and 35 years; 90.7% were Hindus; 61.3% school-educated; 77.0% housewives/unemployed; 80.6% married and 98.2% were non-vegetarian. Physical activity, medical history and gynecologic history of menarche, menstrual type, menopause, marital age, and breast feeding history had a strong correlation with clinical diagnosis (p<0.05). About 8.4% of the total population was diagnosed with breast cancer using smear cytology, FNAC, mammography, and USG. CONCLUSIONS: Age, lack of proper education, marital status, food habit, physical activity, age of menarche, menstrual type, menopause, marital age, and breastfeeding history were highlighted as significant risk factors of breast cancer in Indian women. Smears from nipple discharges, FNAC, mammography, and USG are effective methods for breast cancer detection in low-cost setting where routine organized screening programs are not available. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: The study will identify important risk factors among women in the Eastern region of India. Thus, background information of patients can be used to emphasize the importance of organizing breast cancer screening while making public health policies and implementing breast cancer control programs.

Complex Chromosomal Rearrangement: A Case Report to Emphasize the Need for Parental Karyotyping and Genetic Counseling.

Complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) are rare structural rearrangements which involve at least three or more chromosomal breaks. The present report emphasizes the significance of parental karyotyping and the need of genetic counseling for couples with bad obstetric history (repeated abortions/miscarriages). The report includes the cytogenetic assessment of the proband and the mother, carried out at our accredited laboratory. The karyotype analysis of the proband revealed an apparently balanced translocation, identified to have been familially inherited from the mother having CCRs with double two-way translocations involving four chromosomes.