Comparison of fetal safety of vaginal Misoprostol tablet and Dinoprostone gel for induction of labor: An open-label randomized control trial.

AIM: In modern obstetrics, need of labor induction is increasing along with increased caesarean deliveries. Major contributions for these operative deliveries are due to induction failure. This demands a potent labor-inducing agent. Dinoprostone gel is an established method but having some drawbacks. Misoprostol could be an effective alternative to Dinoprostone, but its fetal safety is not yet well established. This study aimed to evaluate the fetal safety of vaginal Misoprostol tablet by measuring fetal heart rate changes during induction of labor. METHODS: This was a single-center randomized controlled trial incorporating 140 term women, equally randomized to get either tablet Misoprostol or Dinoprostone gel. Fetal heart rate patterns were compared in both the groups by continuous cardiotocographic tracing. All the data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant changes in fetal heart rate pattern in both Misoprostol and Dinoprostone groups. Vaginal deliveries were statistically higher in Misoprostol group. Neonatal parameters like 1 min Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration score and neonatal intensive care unit admission were comparable, and there was no significant difference in terms of major adverse events and side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Misoprostol is a safe alternative to Dinoprostone gel for induction of labor and found to be more effective labor-inducing agent. In the background of higher caesarean rate, vaginal Misoprostol can be a potential labor-inducing agent especially in a resource poor setting.

Management of abnormal uterine bleeding in women with mechanical heart valve prosthesis and anticoagulant therapy.

In a prospective observational case series, we assessed the effects and management and outcome of oral anticoagulant associated abnormal uterine bleeding in women with mechanical heart valve prosthesis. Six women with mechanical heart valve prosthesis, who were admitted with persistent severe vaginal bleeding between 2003 and 2010, were evaluated. For each woman, detailed history, treatment received, if there was any complication and their final outcome and satisfaction were recorded. All the 6 women were parous, with their ages ranging from 27 to 50 years. They were receiving oral anticoagulant therapy for mechanical heart valve prosthesis. Of the 6 women, 4 had uterine fibroids, and the other 2 had dysfunctional uterine bleeding.Three patients with uterine fibroids underwent abdominal hysterectomy, and one underwent balloon thermal ablation of endometrium. While 1 patient with dysfunctional uterine bleeding underwent hysterectomy, the other patient desirous for further children, required levonorgestrel intra-uterine system. Two women requiring hysterectomy, developed postoperative complications, one a massive intraperitoneal haemorrhage and another a rectus sheath haematoma. At follow-up, 5 women were satisfied, and 1 woman had died suddenly at home 1 year after hysterectomy. Because of the twin problem of heart disease and anticoagulant therapy, treatment of abnormal vaginal bleeding in these women is extremely challenging. Although medical treatment yields only temporary relief, endometrial ablative procedures or levonorgestrel intra-uterine system provides more durable solution. As anticoagulant associated peri-operative haemorrhage can be potentially fatal, hysterectomy should be reserved for women with major pelvic pathologies. Proper counselling and integrated management involving gynaecologist, cardiologist, haematologist and anaesthesiologist is essential to tackle this problem.

A case of endometrioma causing ureteric obstruction.

A 32 years old married woman presented at the outpatients' department with the complaints of pain lower abdomen and irregular heavy menstrual bleeding for last 6 months. She was married for 7 years and attended an infertility clinic. Diagnostic laparoscopy was carried out there which revealed an endometrioma arising from right overy. On bimanual examination a mass was palpable in the right fornix. USG and Intervenous pyelography were advised. The diagnosis was confirmed endometrioma from right ovary and right sided ureter as hydro-ureter and there was hydronephrosis. She was operated and the endometrioma was resected out. She was discharged on 10th postoperative day with the advice to take tablet danazol (400) orally daily for 2 months.