Perinatal Birth Asphyxia Among Newborns at Jiblah Public Health Hospital in Ibb City, Yemen, During Six Years of Conflict and Its Predictive Factors: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Birth asphyxia is a major cause of infant death across the world, especially in developing countries, where the issue is significantly underreported and underestimated, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected states. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for birth asphyxia in women at Jiblah University Hospital in Ibb, Yemen, and its predictive factors throughout six years of conflict. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional chart review and analysis of the birth database spanning from June 2013 to September 2019 at Jiblah University Hospital in Ibb, Yemen. We used APGAR (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) scores <7 at both the first- and fifth-minute post-delivery with umbilical cord arterial blood pH <7 (metabolic acidosis) and/or neurologic manifestations (seizures or an altered tone) within the first 24 hours of life to define birth asphyxia cases. Factors associated with birth asphyxia were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression analysis with an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 5,193 neonates were delivered during the study period. The prevalence of birth asphyxia in 309 (6%) neonates. In a multivariate analysis, illiteracy (OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 0.98-8.41), referred mothers (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.42-6.40), advanced maternal age (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.07), home delivery (OR: 6.50; 95% CI: 3.09-12.57), prematurity (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05-1.93), and low birth weight (OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.93-4.93) were predictors for birth asphyxia and were statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, the prevalence of birth asphyxia was equivalent to that of other underdeveloped nations. However, continual attention and treatments are required to lower the risk of birth asphyxia. Illiteracy, referred mothers, advanced maternal age, home delivery, prematurity, and low birth weight were all predictors of birth asphyxia in this research. Most birth asphyxia factors mentioned in this study can be managed through effective prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, as well as a strict following of national obstetrics and neonatal guidelines.

Management of Retrosternal Goiter in Resource-Limited Settings: Outcomes From 28 Cases Using Cervical Approach.

Background Despite thyroidectomy being the preferred approach for retrosternal goiter (RSG), controversies surround its rationale in asymptomatic cases. This study aimed to investigate the treatment of RSG in resource-limited settings. Methods A retrospective study conducted between April 2010 and June 2022 included 28 RSG cases who underwent thyroidectomy using the cervical approach at Al-Nasar Hospital, Ibb, Yemen. A bivariate analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative complications. Results The main age was 49.4±9.9 years, and most of them (60.7%) were females. The main symptoms were cervical mass appearance and breathing difficulty in 75 %, and 32.1%, respectively. Twenty-four (86%) cases were classified as Grade 1 (above aortic arch) and four (14%) cases were classified as Grade 2 (aortic arch to the pericardium). All patients underwent total thyroidectomy through the cervical approach without needing sternotomy. The mean operative time was 121.9±26.7min (99-200 min) and the mean intraoperative bleeding was 321.2±137.4 mL. Postoperatively, the malignant entity was histopathologically proven in seven patients (25%). The postoperative complications (14%) were transient hypocalcemia in two (7.1%) and hematoma in two (7.1%). Older age, bigger thyroid mass, extension below the aortic arch (Grade 2), longer operative time and bleeding, intensive care unit admission, and malignant features are associated with postoperative complications (all p < 0.05). Conclusion Cervical approach for patients with RSG in our experience is an optimum, feasible, and less invasive surgical approach, in a resource-limited setting. Older age, bigger thyroid, extension below the aortic arch, longer operative time and bleeding, intensive care unit admission, and malignant features are associated with postoperative complications.

Open surgical retrieval of intra-uterine contraceptive device perforating the ileum: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) are globally acknowledged for their high utilization and tolerability as contraceptive techniques. However, the uncommon but critical complication of IUCD perforation and migration into the gastrointestinal (GI) system necessitates careful consideration. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of IUCD migration culminating in ileal perforation in a 30-year-old female. The patient, with a history of IUCD insertion four years prior, manifested persistent abdominal discomfort lasting for a period of six months. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen disclosed the presence of an extraneous object perforating the uterine wall and penetrating the ileum. Surgical intervention substantiated the diagnosis, encompassing the removal of the IUCD and subsequent suturing to amend the bowel wall defect. The patient's post-operative recovery proceeded without additional complications. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Migration and GI perforation of the IUCD are uncommon complications, and require immediate attention and proper management. When there is a suspicion of a missing IUCD, obtaining radiologic confirmation and timely removal is crucial. CONCLUSION: In females of reproductive age, persistent abdominopelvic pain warrants an evaluation of their IUCD placement history and a thorough examination. If the IUCD string is not visible, further radiological investigation is mandated. Any delay in diagnosis and the ensuing treatment may lead to significant, potentially catastrophic, organ damage.

Maternal Mortality Over a Seven-Year Period of Conflict at Jiblah Referral Hospital in Ibb City, Yemen: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background Fragile and conflict-affected states contribute to more than 60% of the global burden of maternal mortality. There is an alarming need for research exploring maternal health service access, quality, and adaptive responses during armed conflict. This study aims to review all cases of maternal mortality during a seven-year period of conflict at Jiblah Referral Hospital, Ibb, Yemen. Methodology A retrospective, observational study was conducted between 2011 and 2017, including all maternal deaths that occurred at Jiblah Referral Hospital, Ibb, Yemen. Data on maternal demographics, characteristics, intrapartum care, and cause of death were collected. Additionally, we compared patient characteristics according to residency (rural versus urban). Results During the study period, of the 2,803 pregnant women admitted to our hospital, 52 maternal deaths occurred. Their mean age was 29.0 ± 6.2 years, and most (63.5%) were aged less than 30 years. Most (88.5%) did not have a regular antenatal care visit, were referred cases (86.5%), were residents of rural areas (63.5%), and had a low socioeconomic condition (59.6%). The majority of maternal deaths were reported among women with gestational age (GA) of 24-34 weeks (57.7%) and primiparas women (42.3%). At hospital arrival, the majority of cases were in shock (69.2%). The majority of the mothers died during the intrapartum period (46.2%). The main cause of death was severe bleeding (32.7%), followed by eclampsia (25.0%). The mean time from admission to death was 3.0 ± 1.2 days (range = 1-6). Among all maternal deaths, 76.9%, 75.0%, and 26.9% had delays in seeking care, delays in reaching first-level health facilities, and delays in receiving adequate care in a facility, respectively. Additionally, most patients had at least two delays (57.7%). These delays were due to unawareness of danger signs in 57.7% and illiteracy and ignorance in 78.8% of cases. In comparison, according to residency, maternal mortality was statistically significant among mothers living in a rural area with GA of 25-34 weeks (24 vs. 6, p = 0.015). Additionally, maternal mortality due to delay in seeking care, unawareness of danger signs, and having at least two delays were statistically significant among rural mothers (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our study demonstrates that maternal deaths occurred among young women, referred cases, with no regular antenatal care visits, low socioeconomic conditions, and who were residents of rural areas. Delays in seeking care and delays in reaching first-level health facilities were the most common causes of maternal death due to unawareness of danger signs, illiteracy, and ignorance. We recommend that imparting basic skills and improving awareness in the community about the danger signs of pregnancy can be effective measures to detect maternal complications at an earlier stage, especially in rural areas.

Prognostic determinants and treatment outcomes of Fournier's Gangrene treatment in a resource-limited setting: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a destructive necrotizing infection with a generally poor prognosis. This study aims to share our experience in handling FG patients in a resource-limited setting and identify prognostic factors for FG mortality. METHODS: A retrospective study of thirty-six patients diagnosed with FG and treated at our teaching hospital between Jun 2010 to Oct 2022 was conducted. Laboratory and nonlaboratory data and patients' outcomes were gathered. A univariate analysis was computed for identifying prognostic factors for FG mortality. RESULT: The main age was 68.30 ± 5.61years and most (69.4%) were older than 65 years. The overall survival was 63.9% and the mortality rate was 36.1%. Univariate analysis showed that advanced age (p = 0.02), delayed in hospital presentation (p = 0.024), involvement of larger area (p = 0.001), a history of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.006), end-stage renal disease (p = 0.018), heart failure (p = 0.005), cerebrovascular accident (p = 0.003), liver cirrhosis (p = 0.001), presence of multiple comorbidities (p = 0.001), septic conditions at admission (p = 0.048), need for mechanical ventilation (p = 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (p < 0.001), and elevated blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.002) were found to be risk factors for mortality in patients with FG. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier's gangrene is a fulminant condition with a high mortality rate, especially in resource-limited settings. In this study, the mortality rate was 36.1%. Advanced age, delayed in hospital presentation, involvement of larger area, a history of diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, liver cirrhosis, presence of multiple comorbidities, septic conditions at admission, need for mechanical ventilation, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated blood urea nitrogen were associated with FG mortality.

Iatrogenic Ureteral and Colonic Injuries During Emergency Cesarean Section: A Lesson Learned from a Surgical Catastrophe - A Case Report.

Introduction: Iatrogenic concomitant ureteral and colonic injury in emergency cesarean section (C-section) is an exceedingly rare, yet, catastrophic complication and has not been reported to our knowledge. Case Report: A 30-year-old woman presented with decreased urination for 2 days after a C-section. Ultrasonography showed severe left hydronephrosis and moderate abdominal free fluid. A ureteroscopy revealed a total occlusion of the left ureter, and subsequently, a ureteroneocystostomy was performed. Two days later, the patient was complicated with abdominal distension that necessitated re-exploration. The exploration revealed colonic injury (rectosigmoid), peritonitis, endometritis, and ureteral anastomosis disruption. A colostomy, repair of colonic injury, hysterectomy, and ureterocutaneous diversion were performed. The patient's hospital stay was complicated, with stomal retraction requiring operative revision and wound dehiscence, which was treated conservatively. After 6 months, the colostomy was closed, and the ureter was anastomosed via the Boari-flap procedure. Conclusion: Injuries to the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts are serious complications of a cesarean section; concurrent involvement is exceedingly rare; however, delayed recognition and intervention can worsen the prognosis.

Congenital uterine arteriovenous malformation presenting as vaginal bleeding following vaginal delivery in a 23-year-old woman: A case report.

Congenital uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are an uncommon cause of vaginal bleeding in women of reproductive age. In the medical literature, there are few reports of congenital uterine AVMs. This report describes a 23-year-old woman who presented with intermittent vaginal bleeding following a vaginal delivery two years prior. Initially, a molar pregnancy was suspected, but further assessment with magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diagnosis of right uterine AVM. The patient underwent uterine artery embolization, which was repeated three months later. At two-year follow-up, the patient remained free of symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering congenital uterine AVM as a potential cause of vaginal bleeding and emphasizes the need for clinical examination and radiologic investigations to establish an accurate diagnosis. Treatment depends on disease severity, comorbidities, patient age, and fertility desires.