Prevalence of congenital anomalies in the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies represent an important global health issue. Data on the prevalence and pattern of congenital anomalies in the Caribbean region are scarce and lacking altogether in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (ABC islands). METHODS: We performed a population-based surveillance study to determine the prevalence of structural congenital anomalies in the ABC islands, including all live births and stillbirths between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017 with major congenital anomalies according to EUROCAT guide 1.5. Terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly were included as well. Cases were identified by active case ascertainment, using multiple sources including pediatric patient files and discharge letters, delivery records, and clinical genetic patient files. Total and subgroup prevalence rates were compared between the three islands and to the French West Indies and Northern Netherlands. RESULTS: Total prevalence of congenital anomalies on the ABC islands was 242.97 per 10,000 births. Total prevalence of congenital anomalies in Bonaire (325.15 per 10,000 births) was higher compared to Aruba (233.29 per 10,000 births) and Curaçao (238.58 per 10,000 births), which was mainly attributable to a higher prevalence of limb anomalies, in particular polydactyly, in Bonaire. Total prevalence of congenital anomalies on the ABC islands was comparable to the French West Indies (248.69 per 10,000 births) but significantly lower compared to the Northern Netherlands (298.98 per 10,000 births). In the subgroup prevalence analysis, the prevalence of polydactyly and atrial septal defect on the ABC islands was significantly higher compared with the French West Indies and the Northern Netherlands, while the prevalence of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract and genetic disorders was significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to establish the prevalence and pattern of congenital anomalies on the ABC islands, which is important to inform healthcare managers and policymakers and to provide a basis for continuous surveillance of congenital anomalies.

Cancer antigen 125 level after a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: what is the contribution of the ovary to the cancer antigen 125 level?

OBJECTIVE: Serum cancer antigen (CA) 125 is the only biomarker used frequently in women with or at risk for ovarian cancer. However, the same reference level is used before and after (prophylactic) bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). We evaluated the effect of BSO on CA125 level in BRCA mutation carriers and tested which factors interact with the change in CA125 level. METHODS: All women who participated in the Nijmegen gynecological screening program and underwent prophylactic BSO were included. Information was obtained on age, smoking, menopausal state, previous hysterectomy and breast cancer, histopathological examination of the adnexa, hormone therapy use, and CA125 level before and after surgical operation. Ovarian volume was calculated. The logarithmic-transformed CA125 levels were used in a linear mixed model to study the relative change in CA125 level and possible interaction. RESULTS: In 60 women, a relative decrease of 18% in CA125 level after BSO was found (P < 0.01). The median serum CA125 level was 10.15 U/mL before and 8.36 U/mL after BSO. Menopausal state interacted with CA125 before and after the surgical operation (P < 0.01). In addition, ovarian volume did not explain the difference in CA125 level (P = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: BRCA mutation carriers show a relative decrease in CA125 level after BSO. Menopausal state interacts with CA125. Ovarian volume was excluded as a confounder. Possibly, the hormonal effect of ovaries plays a role in the CA125 level. Our study suggests that not the reference level of 35 U/mL but a lower level, as already suggested for postmenopausal women, should be applied to women after a salpingo-oophorectomy.

The B-Lynch technique for postpartum haemorrhage: an option for every gynaecologist.

Postpartum haemorrhage may be a life threatening complication. Seven cases are described in which the B-Lynch surgical technique (a brace like suture over the uterus) was successful in obtaining haemostasis. In four cases, the B-Lynch technique was the first line of treatment. In three cases, the B-Lynch was used after, or in combination with artery or other vessel ligation.