Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect mental health, training progression, and fertility planning of obstetrics and gynecology trainees? A survey of London trainees.

PURPOSE OF STUDY: To assess impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental wellbeing, workload, training progression, and fertility planning among London Obstetrics and Gynecology trainees. DESIGN: An anonymous survey comprising 41 peer-validated questions was sent to London trainees. Anxiety and depression were screened using Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire 7 (GAD 7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-seven trainees completed the questionnaire, of whom 54% were aged 25-34 years, 43% were senior trainees (ST6-7), and 51% classified themselves as Black, Asian, and Minority Asian (BAME). Although the percentage of respondents with "moderate"/"severe" GAD 7 and PHQ-9 scores was two to three times that of UK population estimates, median GAD 7 and PHQ-9 scores were 7 and 6 ("mild"). Sixteen percent deferred their fertility plans and 26% of ST6-7 trainees changed their Advanced Training Skills Modules. Other issues raised ranged from lack of assistance with electronic portfolio, postponement of examinations, poor senior input for mental health, lack of debriefing for redeployed trainees and requests for deferment of annual reviews. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic has incurred an impact on mental health, training progression, and fertility planning of London trainees. With recommencement of nonemergency consultations and elective gynecology theater, alongside Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Recovery Blueprint to optimize learning opportunities, there is optimism that these challenges can be overcome. Trainers and trainees need to safeguard training opportunities and consider innovative forms of future learning, while anticipating potential effects of subsequent waves.

Elevated serum levels of galectin-3 binding protein are associated with insulin resistance in non-diabetic women after menopause.

OBJECTIVE: Galectin-3 binding protein (Gal-3BP) is one of the major fucosylated glycoprotein family members and has recently been implicated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperlipaemia and coronary artery disease. Here, we analysed the serum concentrations of Gal-3BP in menopausal women to evaluate the association of circulating Gal-3BP and insulin resistance in females after menopause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated serum levels of Gal-3BP in sixty-two non-diabetic women with menopausal status for at least one year. The clinical features, biochemical profiles and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were obtained routinely. RESULTS: Gal-3BP levels increased in women with higher HOMA-IR indices and were positively correlated with HOMA-IR indices. The Gal-3BP level was also an independent risk factor for a high HOMA-IR index and showed the most influence on the HOMA-IR index compared to fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, age and body mass index. The cut-off value of the serum Gal-3BP level was 2234.32 ng/ml, with areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of 0.68 (HOMA-IR index 1.5), 0.81 (HOMA-IR index 2.0) and 0.93 (HOMA-IR index 2.5). CONCLUSION: Serum levels of Gal-3BP are associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic menopausal women.

Should the laparoscopic approach be the norm for appendicectomy in the third trimester of pregnancy?

Our case describes a pregnant woman with acute appendicitis who presented in the third trimester and underwent a laparoscopic appendicectomy. She made a rapid postoperative recovery and the pregnancy was otherwise uncomplicated, ending with a spontaneous vaginal birth at 41 weeks. The diagnosis of acute appendicitis can be unclear in pregnancy. Difficulty in establishing diagnosis due to atypical presentation often leads to delay in surgery, resulting in significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Surgical intervention should be prompt in cases of suspected appendicitis and the laparoscopic approach is advocated in the first two trimesters. In the third trimester (after 28 weeks), laparotomy is often performed due to the size of the uterus and the theoretical risk of inadvertent perforation with trocar placement. More recently, several authors have described successful outcomes following laparoscopic appendicectomy after 28 weeks and with increasing reassuring data, we suggest that this minimally invasive approach should be considered in managing appendicitis in the third trimester.

Maternal outcomes following massive obstetric haemorrhage in an inner-city maternity unit.

This retrospective study evaluates the effects of a massive postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) on maternal outcomes in an inner-city London hospital. One hundred and eighty-four cases of a massive primary PPH (>2000 mL) were identified over a seven-year period. A sub-group analysis was performed to assess whether 2000-3000 mL blood loss (134 cases) was associated with specific maternal characteristics or reduced adverse outcomes compared with >3000 mL blood loss (50 cases). Bakri balloon tamponade (BBT) was the most frequent form of surgical management in both groups (21 vs. 46%), followed by compression sutures (16.4 vs. 24%), the 'uterine sandwich' technique (6.7 vs. 14%) and the hysterectomy (0 vs. 4%). There were significant differences between these groups in placenta praevia as the cause of blood loss (8 vs. 22%, p = .01), length of stay (4.6 vs. 5.9 d, p = .02), use of BBT (p = <.01) and hysterectomy (p = .03). PPH is associated with premature maternal morbidity and mortality. The incidence is increasing in high income countries despite various guidelines, skills training and identification of risk factors. A prediction and assessment of blood loss remain the very cornerstone for a prompt, effective management. Our study shows that the morbidity is clearly related to the amount of blood loss and highlights the existing variable practices for the management of PPH. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? A postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Massive PPH (>2000 mL) rates continue to rise in developed countries. The management of PPH includes the medical treatment followed by surgical methods including the Bakri balloon tamponade (BBT), compression sutures or a hysterectomy. What do the results of this study add? This retrospective study evaluates the effects of a massive PPH (blood loss >2000 mL) on maternal outcomes. One hundred and eighty-four cases of a massive PPH were identified over a seven-year period. Sub-group analysis was performed to assess whether a 2000-3000 mL blood loss was associated with specific maternal characteristics and differences in obstetric practice compared with a >3000 mL blood loss. There were significant differences between these groups in placenta praevia, as the cause of blood loss, the length of stay, the use of BBT and the hysterectomy rates. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? An early identification of the risk factors of a massive PPH is essential to improve maternal outcomes and is an important part of the antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum period. The prediction and assessment of blood loss remain key for a prompt, effective management. The amount of blood loss is related to adverse maternal outcomes and the management techniques applied. BBT has an essential role to play and should be included as part of the core training in the management of a PPH.