Correlation of Serum Cancer Antigen-125 (CA-125) Levels with Severity of Pre-eclampsia.

Background: Pre-eclampsia is often associated with unfavourable feto-maternal outcomes. There is a lacuna in its pathophysiology, which emphasizes the need to research for tests, which can predict or correlate with the severity of pre-eclampsia. Cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) is a simple, readily available biomarker with evidence of its secretion at the choriodecidual unit and may have a possible role. This study compared serum CA-125 levels between normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic women and determined its clinical usefulness in correlating with the severity of pre-eclampsia. Methods: A case-control study was conducted enrolling 58 women with pre-eclampsia further divided into severe and non-severe groups and 62 gestational age-matched healthy, pregnant controls. Serum CA-125 levels were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean serum CA-125 in the controls was 16.44 ± 8.28 IU/ml, 13.82 ± 9.18 IU/ml in the non-severe and 23.55 ± 30.55 IU/ml in the severe pre-eclampsia group (p = 0.134). Serum CA-125 had a significant association with systolic blood pressure (SBP) p = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.026), foetal growth restriction (p = 0.025), pre-term birth (p = 0.039) and a highly significant association with 24-h urinary protein, liver enzymes, placental abruption, need of maternal intensive care as well as with poor neonatal outcome including stillbirth and neonatal mortality (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Serum CA-125 levels were found to be higher in the severe pre-eclampsia group as compared to non-severe pre-eclampsia and normotensive group, but the difference was not statistically significant. More studies on a larger scale are required to prove the usefulness of this marker with respect to maternal and perinatal outcome as well as its association with pre-eclampsia and its severity.

Bioimpedance: A Tool for Screening Oral Cancer - A Systematic Review.

Objective: The successful management of cancer depends on proper screening and treatment methods. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is an established technique in detecting breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer. This systematic review sought to investigate the current evidence regarding the clinical application of bioimpedance in the detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders. Study Design: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to perform this review. Electronic databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar were searched till March 2022. Articles published in the English medical literature on human participants report on the application of BIS in the screening of precancerous and cancerous lesions. The primary endpoint was defined as the ability to differentiate between normal and cancerous tissue. Results: A total of 6754 articles were identified; of which 481 were eligible for inclusion. Only five articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Qualitative analysis for each study was done to assess the data provided. All the studies demonstrated a significant divergence in BIS metrics between cancerous and normal tissue at 20 Hz and 50 KHz. Conclusion: Bioimpedance appears to be a promising novel tool for the detection of various malignancies which can be used in community screening due to its noninvasiveness and portability.

Baseline Assessment of Evidence-Based Intrapartum Care Practices in Medical Schools in 3 States in India: A Mixed-Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION: Implementation research with pre- and post-comparison was planned to improve the quality of evidence-based intrapartum care services in Indian medical schools. We present the baseline study results to assess the status of adherence to intrapartum evidence-based practices (IP-EBP) in study schools in 3 states in India and the perception of the faculty. METHODS: A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used to conduct the baseline assessment in 9 medical schools in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Union Territory from October 2018 to June 2019. IP-EBP among pregnant women in uncomplicated first (n=135), second (n=120), and third stage (n=120) of labor were observed using a predesigned, pretested checklist quantitatively. We conducted in-depth interviews with 33 obstetrics and gynecology faculty to understand their perceptions of intrapartum practices. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22). COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behavior) model was used to understand the behaviors, and thematic analysis was done for the qualitative data. FINDINGS: Unindicated augmentation of labor was done in 64.4%, fundal pressure applied in 50.8%, episiotomy done in 58.3%, and delivery in lithotomy position was performed in 86.7% of women in labor. CONCLUSIONS: Intrapartum practices that are not recommended were routinely practiced in the study medical schools due to a lack of staff awareness of evidence-based practices and incorrect beliefs about their impact.

Reference Levels for TSH in Iodine-Sufficient Low-Risk Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that thyrotropin (TSH) levels are population specific because of differences in ethnicity. As a result, the 2017 ATA guidelines state that treatment may be tailored as per the laboratory-specific reference ranges of TSH for the local population instead of using a fixed upper limit of 2.5 mIU/L during pregnancy. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study in which we collected detailed clinical data of 604 pregnant women along with their TSH and spot urinary iodine excretion levels. Reflex testing for thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) was done in women with TSH levels > 2.5 mIU/L in 1st trimester and 3.0 mIU/L in 2nd and 3rd trimester. After excluding 295 women who had high risk factors as per ATA 2017 guidelines and those who were TPOAb positive, we calculated the reference range for TSH in an iodine-sufficient low-risk cohort of 309 women. RESULTS: With median urinary Iodine of 255 µg/l, our population had more than required iodine levels. The 5th and 95th percentiles of TSH in our study cohort of 604 women were 0.64 and 7.81 mIU/L, respectively, while the 5th and 95th percentiles of TSH for the low-risk cohort of 309 women were 0.59 and 4.48 mIU/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: An upper limit of 4.5 mIU/L for TSH level during pregnancy can be used to guide management decisions for low-risk North Indian women.

Mifepristone in Fibroids: Comparative Study of Safety and Efficacy of Biweekly Dosage Vs Daily Dosage Schedule.

BACKGROUND: Leiomyomas are the most prevalent benign tumors of the uterus and are seen more with increasing age. 50 mg biweekly dose was compared with 25 mg daily dose in terms of efficacy and safety in symptomatic women as the biweekly dose maybe an economically better alternative. Two different dosages of mifepristone for medical management of fibroids were compared in terms of efficacy and safety in symptomatic women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two women were recruited who fulfilled the criteria after informed consent and were randomized in two groups. Sample size was calculated on the basis of earlier literature, for response in terms of reduction in fibroid volume, assuming 1% level of significance and 95 % power of study, the optimum sample size came out to be minimum 27 in each group. Assuming loss to follow up of few patients, we took 45 patients in group 1 and 47 patients in group 2. Group 1 was given mifepristone in a dose of 25 mg once a day and Group 2 was given mifepristone 50 mg biweekly for 3 months. Fibroid volume, uterine volume, endometrial thickness, pictorial blood loss assessment chart score, hemoglobin levels, and liver transaminases were recorded at the beginning and at the end of treatment. Side effects were noted at the end of the treatment. RESULTS: Both the dosages lead to improvement in symptoms of the patients. Mifepristone significantly reduced fibroid volume in both the groups, but the difference between the groups was not significant (P = 0.99). Mifepristone treatment significantly reduced bleeding and increased hemoglobin levels in both the groups. The side effects were mild and tolerable. CONCLUSION: Mifepristone in both dosages is highly efficacious in causing amenorrhea, improving anemia, and enhancing the quality of life, and hence 50 mg biweekly dosage shows potential for being cost efficient.

Identification and Sensitivity of Vaginal and Probiotic Lactobacillus species to Urinary Antibiotics.

Objectives Healthy vaginal microbiota is mainly dominated by Lactobacillus species namely L. crispatus , L. gasseri , L. jensenii , and L. iners . Lactobacilli are thought to play an important role in the prevention of urogenital infections, and Lactobacillus probiotics to restore and/or maintain vaginal health has been advocated. These can interfere with the adherence, growth, and colonization by uropathogenic bacteria, thus reducing the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). This study aims to isolate and evaluate the susceptibility of healthy vaginal and probiotic Lactobacillus spp. to urinary antibiotics. Materials and methods A total of 50 premenopausal, nonmenstruating women with no symptoms of vaginal infection or UTI or antimicrobial use in the past 2 weeks were enrolled. Two high vaginal swabs were collected for Nugent's scoring and anaerobic culture. Colonies yielding gram-positive rods were confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Lactobacillus strains in a vaginal probiotic tablet were also isolated, and the sensitivity of both sets to urinary antibiotics was determined. Results A total of 29 Lactobacillus spp. were isolated, including L. crispatus (15), L. gasseri (5), L. vaginalis (4), L. paracasei (2), L. curvatus (1), L. fermentum (1), and L. paraplantarum (1). All strains were susceptible to nitrofurantoin and resistant to norfloxacin, gentamicin, and cotrimoxazole (except L. paracasei ). The probiotic strains were pan-sensitive. Conclusions Prophylactic antibiotics are capable of eliminating the normal vaginal inhabitants, which may increase the probability of UTI. The administration of vaginal probiotics as an alternate or multidrug therapy can restore vaginal microbiota and help prevent recurrent UTI.

Conservative Surgical Management of Mesh Erosion Following Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy.

Abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) provides global support to the prolapsed vault. Hence, it is one of the successful procedures done along with pelvic organ prolapse to prevent future vault prolapse. Mostly, the synthetic mesh is used for the ASC. As, it provides a better strength. However, synthetic meshes are associated with more complications as compared to the autologous graft. Mesh erosion is one of the furious complication with the synthetic meshes. Commonly, these eroded meshes become infected, thus requiring removal. Due to the formation of adhesion and fibrosis around the mesh even the removal of these meshes is difficult. In our institute, we have performed 50 adbominal sacrocolpopexy over the past 9 years. Four mesh erosions had occurred. Two meshes were infected, which responded well to the antibiotics and conservative surgical removal of the mesh.

Hormonal changes and reproductive health issues in females with tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The association between tuberculosis (TB) and female reproductive health issues usually remains unaddressed. TB is considered as one of the major causes of infertility in India. Because of the associated stigma, the suffering females do not discuss the problems they are facing. This may lead to disturbances in serum hormone levels also. Hence, a study was planned to find abnormalities in menstrual patterns and fertility in women in childbearing age, who were suffering from TB, and evaluate disturbances in serum hormone levels of LH, FSH, Prolactin and testosterone, if any. It also aimed to evaluate if hormone levels, or some early disturbances in menstrual cycle, can serve as a predictor for infertility in future lives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 female patients each of child bearing age group from OPD/IPD: of pulmonary TB (PTB), extra pulmonary non genital TB (EPTB), extra pulmonary genital TB (GTB) and healthy controls were enrolled. Thus, a total of 75 patients with TB and 25 healthy controls were taken into the study. Patients were questioned for any abnormalities of menstrual cycle. If married, fertility status, total number of live children, abortions etc and previous history of any reproductive health issues was asked. Serum FSH, LH, Prolactin and testosterone levels on the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle were done. Data so obtained was tabulated and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: TB patients (75/100) and healthy controls (25/100) were matched with respect to age, marital status and rural/urban background. Menstrual abnormalities, infertility and adverse events related to pregnancy were higher in patients with TB than healthy controls (p = 0.176, 0.571 and 0.005 respectively). TB patients had significantly higher levels of Testosterone and significantly lower levels of Prolactin than healthy controls (p=<0.001). Levels of FSH and LH were lower in TB patients than healthy controls (p = 0.428 and 0.274 respectively). On categorization into different types of TB, the sub-groups were matched with respect to rural/urban background. GTB was significantly higher in patients who were married (p = 0.020). Significantly higher GTB patients (10/25) reported menstrual abnormalities (p < 0.001). All the 3 infertile patients reported in the study belonged to GTB sub-group (p = 0.044). GTB had higher number of adverse events related to pregnancy followed by EPTB and PTB. Levels of FSH, LH, Testosterone and Prolactin in the three sub-groups of TB patients did not show any significant difference (p = 0.683, 0.817, 0.781, and 0.187). Since the total number of infertile patients in our study was only 3, relationship of menstrual abnormalities or serum hormone levels as a predictor of infertility could not be assessed. CONCLUSION: Females suffering from TB experience significantly higher adverse events related to pregnancy than healthy controls. Menstrual abnormalities, infertility and adverse events related to pregnancy were more pronounced in females suffering from GTB than PTB/EPTB. Female patients suffering from any form of TB need to be comprehensively managed. Because of highly sensitive issues related to infertility and reproductive health in today's era, it is imperative that any future complications of the same are kept into consideration in female patients with TB.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Patients of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Metformin Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Present study carried out in a tertiary referral hospital in North India attempts to determine the maternal and neonatal outcomes of metformin therapy in patients of gestational diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients of GDM on metformin therapy and to study its adverse effects. METHOD: In this prospective observational study, all women diagnosed with GDM not controlled by medical nutrition therapy were started on metformin therapy and the maternal and neonatal outcomes were studied. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients of GDM, not controlled on MNT and requiring pharmacotherapy, were enrolled for the study. An important clinical data from the study were that in 63.5% of patients there was no family history of diabetes mellitus. Average weight gain during pregnancy ranged from 6 to 10 kg. Glycemic control was achieved in 96.2% of patients with varying doses of metformin therapy, and it reached statistical significance. Duration of metformin therapy ranged from a minimum of 2 months to a maximum of 6 months. No serious side effects were noted except for hypoglycemia in one patient. Patient acceptability toward metformin intake was good. Mean birth weight of newborns was 2972 ± 280 g, and no case of fetal macrosomia was seen. Neonatal hypoglycemia was seen in 3.8% of the babies and 6.7% required NICU admission. No case of congenital malformation was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin is a clinically effective, inexpensive and safe drug for treating gestational diabetes mellitus.

Correction to: Imaging of Adnexal Mass During Pregnancy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s13224-018-1164-y.].

Sexual Health of Postmenopausal Women in North India.

BACKGROUND: Sexual health is the most important aspect of person's well being, self-esteem and quality of life. Sexual pleasure leads to enhanced conjugal relationships and an overall healthy psychological state. There is paucity of data on sexual health of postmenopausal women. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and determinants of sexual health in postmenopausal women of North India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, from January 2016 to June 2017. Standard FSFI-6 questionnaire and various socio-demographic factors were used to analyse the sexual health of 110 menopausal women. RESULTS: 80.9% postmenopausal women reported sexual dysfunction (SD). We found more sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women with increasing age and increasing duration of menopause. Satisfied past sexual experience, joint family structure, low socioeconomic and education status were found to be important determinants of sexual health of postmenopausal females. Parity, substance use and past medical and gynaecological history of participants and various partner's factors like medical disorders, substance use and sexual disorders showed no association with sexual health in postmenopausal females. CONCLUSION: Sexuality varies with cultural and social differences across the globe. The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in our study is much higher because Indian women are suppressed, self conscious, inhibited and hesistant to talk about their sexual problems with health care professionals. Also revalidation of the FSFI tool for Indian population is required. Further studies are needed to evaluate the sexual health in postmenopausal women.

Serial profile of flow-mediated dilatation in primigravida for prediction of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of endothelial dysfunction for prediction of gestational hypertension/preeclampsia (GH/PE). METHODS: Serial assessment of flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of brachial artery was done in first, second, and third trimesters, and within 6 weeks of delivery in primigravida (n = 654). Logistic regression was used to assess the predictive value of FMD for the development of GH/PE. RESULTS: Significant fall in FMD was observed from first trimester to third trimester but decrease in FMD in GH/PE group (57%) was more marked as compared to normal (39%) (p < 0.01). FMD (third trimester) was able to predict the development of GH/PE (OR = 1.303; 95% CI 1.088-1.562; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: FMD can be used as a non-invasive marker to predict the development of GH/PE.

Vitamin D Status in Mothers and Their Newborns and Its Association with Pregnancy Outcomes: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India.

OBJECTIVE: Study was planned to know vitamin D status in mothers and their newborns and effect of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcome. Study design: Two hundred consecutive pregnant women with singleton pregnancy admitted to the labor ward of a tertiary care center were recruited for the study. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken and analyzed for 25(OH) D level. Maternal and fetal outcomes were studied. RESULTS: High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was found among pregnant women. Eighty-six percentage had vitamin D deficiency, 9.5% had insufficiency, and only 4.5% had sufficient vitamin D level. Women with preeclampsia had statistically significant vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency as compared to patients who had normal blood pressure levels (p = 0.04). Cesarean section rate was significantly higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency compared to sufficient group (p = 0.004). Cord blood 25(OH) D levels strongly correlated with maternal serum 25 (OH) D levels (p = 0.001, correlation coefficient r = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a very high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among pregnant women and excellent correlation between maternal and fetal 25(OH) D levels. Hypovitaminosis D was associated with preeclampsia, increased Cesarean rate, and low birth weight babies.

Safety and efficacy of low dose intramuscular magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) compared to intravenous regimen for treatment of eclampsia.

AIM: This study was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of low dose intramuscular magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) (Dhaka regimen) and intravenous (IV) MgSO4 (Zuspan regimen) for the prevention of eclampsia recurrence and to compare serum magnesium concentration. METHODS: Forty one eligible patients with eclampsia were randomly divided into two groups: group I patients received IV MgSO4 according to the Zuspan regime, while group II patients received intramuscular (IM) MgSO4 according to the Dhaka regimen (i.e. low dose MgSO4). The total dose MgSo4 requirements per patient were calculated and serum MgSo4 level was measured. Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean total dose of MgSO4 required for the treatment of eclampsia was higher in group I compared to group II (32 ± 6.8 g vs 25.4 ± 8.8 g, respectively; P < 0.5). The mean serum MgSO4 levels were significantly higher (P < 0.003) in group I compared to group II, although there were no significant differences in seizure recurrence. Statistically, more patients in group I experienced a loss of knee jerk reaction and required dose deferral compared to group II. There was a significantly higher number of babies with poor Apgar scores in group I. Overall the maternal and fetal outcomes were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A low dose IM regimen (Dhaka regimen) of MgSo4 is equally efficacious and safe compared to an IV regimen (Zuspan regimen) for the control and prevention of seizures in patients with eclampsia.

Comparison of One-Step Versus Two-Step Screening for Diagnosis of GDM in Indian Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence, maternal and fetal outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus using one step versus two steps as a screening procedure. METHODOLOGY: A prospective randomized trial involving screening of 1000 pregnant women for gestational diabetes mellitus was conducted. Women were divided in two groups (500 each). Group A comprised of patients screened with two-step approach (ACOG recommendation), and group B comprised of women screened by one-step method (IADPSG criteria). Women diagnosed with 'gestational diabetes' were followed in an antenatal clinic, and incidence of GDM and maternal and fetal outcome between two groups were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: The incidence of GDM was almost double using one-step versus two-step approach which was 19.2 and 11.8%, respectively. Maternal outcomes were comparable in both the groups except the risk of preterm delivery which was 2.5 times more in group A than group B (odds ratio = 2.43 95% CI 1.01-5.79). Further, fetal outcomes were also comparable except neonatal hypoglycemia which was seen in 29.31% in group A versus 7.4% in group B. In the group B, 15 patients (15.8%) with GDM (based on FBS ≥ 92 mg/dl at first ANC visit) showed clinical symptoms and blood sugars in hypoglycemic range on MNT requiring resumption of normal diet. CONCLUSION: The incidence of GDM using IADPSG criteria was almost double versus ACOG criteria. Maternal and fetal outcomes were comparable except in 15.8% women diagnosed as GDM (using FBS ≥ 92 mg/dl at first ANC visit as per IADPSG) and suffered from hypoglycemia. A large trial is being proposed before these criteria are adopted.

Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion: To Treat or Not?

Acardiac twinning or Twin Reverse Arterial Perfusion (TRAP)-sequence is a rare complication of monochorionic twin pregnancy. Whether to start elective or therapeutic treatment in TRAP-sequence is still controversial. In the present case, acardiac twin was not diagnosed till her delivery at 39 weeks. A healthy baby weighing 2.45 kg was delivered along with another amorphous mass (acardiac twin) of about 150 g which was attached to the placenta with a short and separate cord. As outcome of normal twin vary according to the growth of acardiac twin, frequent follow-up of the normal twin is required to look for the features of heart failure. Hence, the diagnosis of acardiac twin is essential in early pregnancy.

Dengue in pregnancy: an under-reported illness, with special reference to other existing co-infections.

OBJECTIVE: To keep the level of awareness high as far as incidence of dengue among pregnant women is concerned. METHODS: A total of 300 blood samples of patients with fever in pregnancy were received in the Department of Microbiology to rule out dengue infection (January 2011 to December 2012). The samples were put up for presence of dengue IgM antibodies and NS1Ag by ELISA. The patients who turned out to be positive for dengue serology were retrospectively analysed with respect to patient's age, gestational age, clinical presentation, complications, platelet counts and maternal as well as foetal outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 300 females tested, 22 (7.3%) were found positive for dengue infection during the said time period. Out of them 9 were positive for IgM antibodies against dengue and 10 were found to be positive for NS1Ag, while 3 were positive for both IgM antibody and NS1Ag. Five patients presented with dengue in first trimester, 9 in second trimester and 8 in third trimester. Two patients had coinfections. Patient with coinfection of dengue with malaria had intrauterine death of fetus at 37 weeks while the second one having dengue with typhoid had a preterm vaginal delivery at 35 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing diagnosis of dengue infection in pregnancy is important for effective management by the obstetricians particularly the mode of delivery due to the potential risk of hemorrhage for both the mother and the newborn. Co-infections seen in endemic areas may be more common than usually reported.

A tender swelling of the left posterior mandible: An unusual case.

Tender swellings of the mandible are majorly due to inflammatory lesions like infected dental cyst, peri-apical abscess or neoplasms like osteoblastomas, cementoblastomas, osteosarcoma and intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma. Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia is a subgroup of cemento-osseous dysplasia typically found in middle-aged black women as multiple, non-tender, diffuse, lobulated radio-opacities distributed throughout the maxilla and mandible, which are usually bilaterally symmetrical. Histologically, they are composed of proliferating fibrous connective tissue stroma containing foci of cementum, osteoid and bone. Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia is rare in Indian population and among all cases of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia, almost 97% of the cases reported till date are in females. The present case describes florid cemento-osseous dysplasia in a 26-year-old male who reported with pain in the left mandibular premolar region.

Second stage caesarean section: evaluation of patwardhan technique.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the maternal and neonatal morbidities between the Patwardhan technique and the routine "Push" and "Pull" method for extraction of the foetus in second stage caesarean sections. METHOD: Retrospective analysis was done of all caesarean sections performed in full dilatation of cervix in 3 years between 2004 to 2006. All the cases were divided into two groups. Group 1 being the Patwardhan technique group and Group 2 where baby was delivered as cephalic or as breech. Maternal morbidity in terms of uterine extensions, need for blood transfusions, as well as, neonatal morbidity, was compared between the two techniques. RESULTS: Review of 79 patients revealed significantly less number of uterine extensions, as well as, need for blood transfusions with Patwardhan technique, which thus amounted to a decreased maternal morbidity. However, there were no differences in neonatal outcomes in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Patwardhan technique is a superior and a safe technique for delivery of foetus in second stage caesarean sections as compared to "Push" and "Pull" methods. While foetal complications are comparable in both methods, maternal morbidities are lesser in Patwardhan technique.