Implementation of First-trimester Screening and Prevention of Preeclampsia: a Stepped Wedge Cluster-randomized Trial in Asia.

BACKGROUND: This trial aimed to assess the efficacy, acceptability and safety of a first-trimester screen-and-prevent strategy for preterm preeclampsia (PE) in Asia. METHODS: Between 1st August 2019 and 28th February 2022, this multicenter stepped wedge cluster randomized trial included maternity/diagnostic units from ten regions in Asia. The trial started with a period where all recruiting centers provided routine antenatal care without study-related intervention. At regular six-week intervals, one cluster was randomized to transit from non-intervention phase to intervention phase. In the intervention phase, women underwent first-trimester screening for preterm PE using a Bayes theorem-based triple-test. High-risk women, with adjusted risk for preterm PE ≥ 1 in 100, received low-dose aspirin from <16 weeks until 36 weeks. RESULTS: Overall, 88.04% (42,897/48,725) of women agreed to undergo first-trimester screening for preterm PE. Among those identified as high-risk in the intervention phase, 82.39% (2,919/3,543) received aspirin prophylaxis. There was no significant difference in the incidence of preterm PE between the intervention and non-intervention phases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91 to 2.77). However, among high-risk women in the intervention phase, aspirin prophylaxis was significantly associated with a 41% reduction in the incidence of preterm PE (aOR 0.59; 95%CI 0.37 to 0.92). Additionally, it correlated with 54%, 55% and 64% reduction in the incidence of PE with delivery at <34 weeks (aOR 0.46; 95%CI 0.23 to 0.93), spontaneous preterm birth <34 weeks (aOR 0.45; 95%CI 0.22 to 0.92) and perinatal death (aOR 0.34; 95%CI 0.12 to 0.91), respectively. There was no significant between-group difference in the incidence of aspirin-related severe adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the screen-and-prevent strategy for preterm PE is not associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of preterm PE. However, low-dose aspirin effectively reduces the incidence of preterm PE by 41% among high-risk women. The screen-and-prevent strategy for preterm PE is highly accepted by a diverse group of women from various ethnic backgrounds beyond the original population where the strategy was developed. These findings underpin the importance of the widespread implementation of the screen-and-prevent strategy for preterm PE on a global scale.

Exclusive Breastfeeding in Health Personnel: Incidence and Barriers.

Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (EBF) in healthcare personnel is challenging due to work schedules, high workloads, or separation issues. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and factors related to EBF in our hospital personnel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Female employees who took maternity leave within 2 years were approached. A questionnaire regarding factors associated with EBF was sent to participants. Factors associated with EBF were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 110 mothers enrolled. The mean maternal age was 32.5 ± 4.21 years, 66.36% came from the nursing department, the infant's age was 6-24 months, and 46.4% of mothers had previous breastfeeding experience. Our EBF for 6 months rate was 63.6%. Breastfeeding attitude (OR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.08-1.38), perception of breastfeeding obstacle (OR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.26-1.66), breastfeeding behavior (OR = 1.17, 95%CI 1.08-1.26), and support from health system (OR = 1.09, 95%CI 1.01-1.19) were significantly associated with EBF. From multiple logistic regression models, perception of breastfeeding obstacles (aOR 1.55, 95%CI 1.27-1.90), breastfeeding behavior (aOR 1.12, 95%CI 1.01-1.24), and support from health care system (aOR 0.84, 95%CI 0.72-0.97) remain the significant factors associated with successful EBF. CONCLUSION: Successful EBF was prevalent in mothers who had good attitudes to breastfeeding, perceived low levels of obstacles, and had support from the health care system.

Cold therapy for pain relief during and after amniocentesis procedure: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To compare effects of cold therapy on patient pain score during and after amniocentesis procedure. METHODS: We performed a prospective randomized-controlled study comparing the anticipated pain, perceived pain during the procedure, and pain after 15 and 30 min of amniocentesis between pregnant women receiving cold therapy before (group 1), after (group 2), and both before and after amniocentesis (group 3) with a control group (group 4). Pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: A total of 480 participants were recruited and randomly assigned into four groups of 120 each. Anticipated pain scores in all groups were not statistically different. When compared with group 4, groups 1 and 3 experienced significant pain reduction during amniocentesis, while VAS scores at 15 and 30 min after amniocentesis in groups 1-3 were significantly lower as compared to group 4. CONCLUSION: Cold therapy both before and after amniocentesis procedure is most effective in pain reduction. It encourages the pregnant woman's cooperation during the procedure and provides a good amniocentesis experience. Application of cold compression is also beneficial in other aspects as it is simple, safe, convenient, and yet reusable and economically efficient for routine use in all pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis.

Quality of Life in Cervical Cancer Survivors and Healthy Women: Thai Urban Population Study

Background : To determine a baseline quality of life (QoL) in cervical cancer survivors compared to that of healthy subjects in the tertiary Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand. Materials and Methods: The investigation was conducted at the outpatient gynecological department of Thammasat University Hospital between January and June 2016. A total of 192 women were entered into the study (97 cervical cancer survivors; 37 after radical hysterectomy (RH), 43 with concurrent chemoradiation (CRT), and 17 featuring both RH and CRT; and 95 control subjects from the same outpatient department with no history of malignancy). Participant QoL was assessed using a Thai version of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life) and a general survey for the assessment of sociodemographic data was also conducted. Results: There were significant differences in physical, role, emotional and social functions between cervical cancer survivor and control groups. Global health, fatigue, pain, appetite loss, and financial difficulties also demonstrated statistically significant variation. Cervical cancer survivors treated by RH had higher scores for emotional and social function and global health than the control group. Moreover, they had less appetite loss, fatigue and financial difficulties. However, patients treated with CRT experienced more pain than the control group. All cervical cancer survivors had lower physical function scores than the control group. Conclusion: Quality of life in cervical cancer survivors is better than in healthy peers in some domains. Cervical cancer survivors treated with RH may have a better QoL than healthy peers. Early detection for early stage cervical cancer remains most important because treatment in early stages does not cause lowering of the QoL.

Silent High Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Atypical Smears from Liquid Based Cervical Cytology - Three Years Experience in Thammasat University Hospital.

PURPOSE: To study the prevalence of CIN2+ diagnosis in women with atypical Papaniculoau (Pap) smears to suggest appropriate management option for Thai health care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from all patients with liquid based cytology with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing between May 2013 - May 2016 were collected from medical records. Women with atypical cervical Pap smears were recruited. Results for age, HPV testing, HPV 16, 18, 45 and other genotypes tested, colposcopic examination and histopathological assessment were all collected. Atypical smears were defined as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and atypical squamous cells cannot be exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H). RESULTS: A total of 2,144 cases were recruited. Twenty six women with ASC-US on cytology had high risk (HR) HPV detection while eight cases with ASC-H had HR-HPV (40.0% VS 72.7%, p=0.005). Among the 26 women with ASC-US cytology and positive HR-HPV, HPV type 16 (n=8, 30.8%), type 18 (n=1, 3.8%), type 45 (n=1, 3.8%) and other HPV types (n=17, 65.4%) were found. Eight women with ASC-H and positive HR-HPV demonstrated type 16 (n=6, 75%) and other HPV types (n=2, 25%). Fifty seven women with ASC-US had normal colposcopy, CIN1 and CIN2+ at percentages of 80.7 (46/57), 14.0 (8/57) and 5.3 (3/57), respectively. In the ASC-H group, 7 out of 10 women had normal colposcopy and three (30%) had CIN2+ results. CONCLUSIONS: In women with ASC-US cytology, immediate colposcopy is highly recommended. HPV testing can be performed if colposcopy is not an available option because there was high prevalence (5.3%) of CIN2+ in our findings. ASCCP recommendations for ASC-H that colposcopy should be performed on all ASC-H cases regardless of HPV result are thereby supported by the findings of this investigation.

Experience of Combined Liquid Based Cervical Cytology and High-Risk HPV mRNA for Cervical Cancer Screening in Thammasat University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second most common of malignancy found in Thai women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV infection and association with abnormal cervical cytology in Thai women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at the Gynecologic Clinic, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand. A total of 2,144 cases who underwent annual cervical cancer screening by co-testing (liquid based cytology and HPV testing, DNA versus mRNA) during the priod from July 2013 to June 2016 were recruited in this study. RESULTS: Prevalence of positive high risk (HR) HPV DNA and mRNA test were 19.7 and 8.4%, respectively with a statistically significant difference. Majority of cases of abnormal cytology in this study were atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). In patients with ASC-US, positive HR HPV DNA was greater than in the mRNA group (10.1 and 4.5%, p<0.001). Nonetheless, there was no significant difference in participants with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). HPV mRNA test had slightly lower sensitivity but higher negative predictive value (NPV) than the DNA test to detect abnormal cytology during cervical cancer screening (p<0.001). Both HPV test (DNA and mRNA) had equally efficacy to detect high grade precancerous lesion or higher (CIN 2+). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of HR HPV DNA and mRNA were 19.7 and 8.4 percent, respectively. NPV of HPV mRNA was higher than DNA test. Both tests had equal efficacy to detect CIN 2+ with sensitivity and specificity of 63% vs 55.7% and 83% vs 92%, respectively.

Nomogram of Intracranial Translucency in the First Trimester Ultrasound of Pregnant Women at Thammasat University Hospital.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine normative values of intracranial translucency (IT) by ultrasonography in singleton pregnant women patient at Thammasat University Hospital during the first trimester. Material and Method: The first trimester singleton pregnant women (11-13 weeks) underwent routine ultrasonography screening. The gestational age was calculated by measuring the length of the embryo or fetus from the top of its head to bottom of the buttocks (crown-rump length; CRL) and IT of the brain region in the mid-sagittal planefetal face position. Repeated ultrasonography was performed in the second trimester period as well as after birth infant check-up for disability. Results: One hundred and ninety one singleton pregnant women were examined by an ultrasonography to measure CRL, GA and IT. The average age was 29.71±5.09 years (16-39 years). All participants were healthy without a history of anomaly in previous pregnancies. Half of cases were nulliparity. Participants were followed until birth. There was no open neural tube defect baby in this study. Median GA, CRL and IT in this study were 12.6+0.7 weeks, 64.0±10.2 (40.0-80.9) and 1.3±0.3 (0.5-2.5) mm, respectively. IT measurement value increased in correlation with increasing CRL and advancing GA (p<0.05). Conclusion: IT values increased significantly with CRL and GA increasing.

Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence: A Case Report and Review of Treatment.

A cardiac twin or twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare unique complication of monozygotic multiple pregnancy. In this disorder, there is a normally formed donor (the pump twin) who has features of congestive heart failure (CHF) as well as a recipient (the acardiac twin) who lacks a well-defined a heart structure. Also evident are other structures, namely the TRAP sequencefrom pump to acardiacfetus via single artery-to-artery and vein-to-vein anastomoses directly between the two cords or indirectly on the chorionic plate. Overall, the perinatal mortality rate for the pump twin is 35-55%. Prenatal diagnosis and prognosis factors can be examined through ultrasound. The optimal management of a cardiac twin pregnancies is controversial. The expected treatment of acardiac anomaly presently relies on maximizing the chance ofterm delivery and preventing CHF in the healthy pump twin or interrupting vascularization between the two twins. This article reported the experience of acardiac twin management in Thammasat University Hospital and reviewed the current knowledge ofthe condition, prenatal diagnosis, prognosis factor and management options focusing on conservative management compared to invasive treatment.

Prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta by colour Doppler ultrasonography: 5-year review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of colour Doppler ultrasonography to diagnose placenta accreta. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors reviewed cases of placenta accreta between January, 2008 and December, 2012. Ultrasonographic images consistent with signs ofplacenta accreta (numerous vascular lacunae, loss ofsubplacentalsonolucent space, absent lower uterine segment between bladder-placenta, turbulent or complicated blood flow at the uteroplacental interface) were correlated with findings at the time of surgery and pathologic examination. RESULTS: Over 60 months, 12 cases (0.48/1,000 deliveries) with suspected placenta accreta by ultrasonography were studied. The median gestational age atfirst diagnosis was 24 weeks. All cases had at least one previous cesarean delivery. At surgery, all cases had an adherent placenta requiring hysterectomy (five accreta, three increta, andfourpercreta). Four cases (33%) had accidental tear of urinary bladder Nine cases (75%) required blood transfusions. CONCLUSION: Colour Doppler ultrasonography appears useful in antenatal diagnosis ofplacenta accreta.

Maternal vitamin D status, its associated factors and the course of pregnancy in Thai women.

CONTEXT: There are limited data on the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in pregnant women living in Southeast Asia and changes in their vitamin D status during pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy, its predictive factors and the changes in vitamin D status during the course of pregnancy. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: A prospective study of 120 pregnant Thai women with gestational age <14 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and clinical data were obtained at the first visit, in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Vitamin D inadequacy was defined as 25OHD <75 nm. RESULTS: The prevalences of vitamin D inadequacy were 83.3%, 30.9% and 27.4% for the first, second and third trimesters. The independent predictors of vitamin D inadequacy in the third trimester were not drinking vitamin-fortified milk (OR 11.42; 95% CI: 3.12-41.86), not taking prenatal vitamins (OR 9.70; 95% CI: 2.28-41.19) and having vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester (OR 10.58; 95% CI: 2.89-38.80). Vitamin D deficiency was not found in women taking prenatal vitamins. However, 20 women who took at least 400 IU/day of vitamin D from prenatal vitamins still had vitamin D insufficiency in the third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D inadequacy is common in pregnant Thai women, especially in the first trimester. Vitamin D supplementation may be needed prior to conception and during pregnancy. For areas with abundant sun exposure like Thailand, vitamin D supplementation at 400 IU/day is likely to prevent vitamin D deficiency, but is inadequate to prevent vitamin D insufficiency even at 800 IU/day.

Outcome of small-for-gestational-age fetuses according to umbilical artery Doppler: is there any yield from additional middle cerebral artery Doppler?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcome of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses in relation to the features of umbilical artery (UA) Doppler and to explore the prognosticator of middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler in SGA fetuses with normal UA impedance. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-seven patients were classified into Group 1 with normal UA and MCA pulsatility index (PI), Group 2 with normal UA but abnormal MCA PI and Group 3 with abnormal UA PI/absent or reversed end diastolic flow. Neonatal outcomes were compared between each group. RESULTS: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, duration of hospital stay and perinatal mortality were higher in Group 3 as compared to the others. Group 2 had a lower birth weight and more fetuses with 5-min Apgar score <7 than Group 1; NICU admission and need for ventilators were also significantly higher than Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: SGA fetuses with abnormal UA Doppler suffered more morbidity and mortality compared to those with normal UA Doppler. SGA fetuses with normal UA PI but abnormal MCA PI had worse outcomes compared to those with normal UA and MCA PI.

Second trimester uterine artery Doppler screening in prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome in high risk women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of uterine artery colour Doppler waveform analysis in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction in high risk pregnancy women. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Uterine artery Doppler screening was performed as part of mid trimester screening between 20 and 24 weeks gestation in high risk pregnancy women at Matermal Fetal Medicine unit, Thammasat University Hospital between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009. A pulsatility index (PI) was calculated from each uterine artery and the presence or absence of a notch was determined. A PI of > 1.58 or the presence of any diastolic notch were defined as abnormal. The main outcome measures were pre-eclampsia and small for gestational aged baby (birth weight < 10th centile). RESULTS: Doppler examination of the uterine arteries were performed in 330 singleton pregnancies. Twenty-seven (8.18%) women developed pre-eclampsia, 16 (4.84%) women had SGA babies. The sensitivity ofPI > 1.58 and diastolic notch for preeclampsia, SGA were 59.25% and 56.25%, respectively.The specificity of PI >1.58 and diastolic notch for these outcomes were 66.67% and 65.60% respectively. CONCLUSION: In high-risk women, mid trimester uterine artery Doppler waveform analysis can not use as screening method in women at higher risk for the development of severe adverse outcome such as pre-eclampsia and SGA babies. However women with normal uterine artery Doppler results are unlikely to develop pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and therefore do not necessarily need repeated Doppler ultrasound follow-up.

Indications for cesarean section at Thammasat University Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To present the indications associated with the increase in cesarean section rate at Thammasat University Hospital during the past three years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study. Pregnant women who underwent cesarean section between January 2003 and December 2005 at Thammasat University Hospital were recruited for the present study. Cases of fetal anomaly or intrauterine fetal death were excluded. Demographic and obstetric data including indications of cesarean section and pregnancy outcomes were collected and analyzed RESULTS: Among the 1328, 1402, and 1522 cases of cesarean section (27.31, 27.94, and 29.26%) in 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively, the major indication was previous cesarean section (29%). Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), and elective cesarean section were second, and third most common indication (24.64%, 11.23%) respectively. CONCLUSION: The increasing cesarean section rate was due to rising of elective cesarean section or patient's request. Cesarean section without obstetric indication should be reconsidered to lower the cesarean section rate.

The efficacy of ginger in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of ginger in prevention of nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Double blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thammasat University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From March 2005 to April 2006, 120 patients who underwent major gynecologic surgery were randomized into group A (n = 60) and group B (n = 60). The patients in group A received two capsules of ginger taken one hour before the procedure (one capsule contains 0.5 gram of ginger powder). The patients in group B received the placebo. The visual analog nausea score (VANS) and frequency of vomiting were evaluated at 0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the operation. RESULTS: The results demonstrated the statistically significant differences in nausea between group A (48.3%) and group B (66.7%). The VANS was lower in group A compared to group B at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours. The most statistically significant differences occurred at 2 and 6 hour. The incidence and frequency of vomiting in group A were lower than group B. Side effects caused by ginger were not detected. CONCLUSION: Ginger has efficacy in prevention of nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgery.