Prediction of maternal and foetal outcomes among patients with preeclampsia using circulatory biomarkers (MMP-9 & ST2) - A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its complications include but are not limited to eclampsia, intracerebral haemorrhage and cardiovascular diseases in the later stages of life. The combination of clinical and risk variables and a panel of multiple biomarkers will help clinicians in risk stratification and prognostication of clinical outcomes among preeclamptic women. We evaluated MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase - 9) and ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity 2) for utility as biomarkers and for predicting maternal and foetal outcomes in women with preeclampsia. METHODS: This prospective cohort study involved 49 preeclamptic women and 80 healthy controls. Biomarkers were measured in plasma using ELISA. The patients were followed up to assess maternal and foetal outcomes. RESULTS: The mean value of MMP-9 was 2.42 ng/mL in the preeclamptic group and 2.67 ng/mL in controls. The mean value of ST2 (1937.4 ± 747.81) in the preeclamptic group was high compared to the control group (1005.7 ± 683.6) and the difference was significant (P = 0.0001). The study population was divided into those with high and low MMP-9 and those with high and low ST2. Lower levels of MMP-9 seemed to be related to both early and late onset preeclampsia. The ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve did not show the ability to predict maternal and foetal outcomes. DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrated that women with preeclampsia had low MMP-9 and high ST2 compared to healthy pregnant women. But neither of the biomarkers could predict complications of preeclampsia.

Evaluation of Endpoints Used in Clinical Trials on Adenomyosis - A Systematic Review.

Adenomyosis lacks approved pharmacological treatment even after decades of its identification. We performed this study to review the status of clinical research on adenomyosis for finding an effective drug therapy and to identify the most common endpoints used in adenomyosis trials. A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov registries to identify interventional trials for analysis without any time and language restrictions. Our search revealed that barely 15 drugs have been assessed for the management of adenomyosis from 2001 to 2021. Among these, LNG-IUS was found to be the most evaluated drug, followed by dienogest. In these trials, the most commonly assessed endpoints included VAS, NPRS for pain, haemoglobin and PBAC for menstrual bleeding, uterine volume, and serum estradiol. There appears to be a need for developing a comprehensive score that takes into consideration all disease symptoms as well as incorporates some objective elements to evaluate the disease.

Quality of Labor Epidural Analgesia and Maternal Outcome With Levobupivacaine and Ropivacaine: A Double-Blinded Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Quality of labor analgesia plays a vital role in the maternal outcome. Very few literature are available analyzing the quality of epidural labor analgesia. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 0.1% levobupivacaine and 0.1% ropivacaine with fentanyl as an adjuvant for epidural labor analgesia in terms of onset, duration, quality of analgesia, and degree of motor blockade. METHODOLOGY: Sixty nulliparous parturients, with singleton uncomplicated pregnancy, were recruited by continuous sampling. Parturients were randomized to receive either levobupivacaine 0.1% or ropivacaine 0.1% with 2 µg/ml fentanyl as an intermittent epidural bolus. The epidural analgesia was initiated with 12 ml of study drug solution in the active stage of labor (cervix 3 cm dilated). Demand bolus was given whenever the visual analog scale (VAS) score >3. Onset, duration, and quality of analgesia and degree of motor blockade were analyzed. Maternal outcome was evaluated in terms of mode of delivery, duration of labor, and assisted vaginal delivery. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: All the data were recorded in Microsoft Office Excel. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 19.0 (IBM SPSS, USA) software with Regression Modules installed. Descriptive analyses were reported as mean and standard deviation of continuous variables. RESULTS: The mean onset of analgesia was shorter in ropivacaine (21.43 ± 2 min) than in levobupivacaine group (23.57 ± 1.71 min) (P = 0.000). Duration of analgesia was shorter in ropivacaine (60 ± 14 min) than levobupivacaine (68 ± 11 min) (P = 0.027). Levobupivacaine produced a better quality of analgesia in terms of not perceiving pain and uterine contraction during labor analgesia but was associated with 37% incidence of instrumental delivery. Duration of labor and rate of cesarean section were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: Quality of analgesia in labor epidural was superior to levobupivacaine but was associated with higher incidence of instrumental vaginal delivery.

Unusual Complication of Surgical Abortion with Pelvic Extrusion of Fetal Head: A Case Report.

Unsafe abortion is one of the causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in developing countries. The complications mostly results following unsafe abortion procedure done by unskilled provider with or without minimal medical knowledge in rural part of developing countries. These complications can endanger the life of mother if proper medical or surgical interventions are not offered in time. A majority of these complications remains confidential. The uterine perforation is one of the serious but preventable complications of surgical abortion. A 21-year-old woman G4P2L2A1, presented in the emergency ward with complaints of lower abdominal pain for four days after attempting twice surgical termination of pregnancy at 19 weeks of gestation for an unwanted pregnancy. Transabdominal sonography and MRI revealed uterine rent with pelvic extrusion of fetal head. Emergency laparotomy with removal of fetal head and uterine rent repair was done. This case illustrates the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion by the gynaecologist for uterine perforation in patient presenting with abdominal pain a few days after undergoing surgical abortion, also shows the complementary role of sonography and MRI in evaluation of the similar patient and this case also highlights the rampant illegal unsafe abortion procedure in rural India despite of legalization of abortion act.

Diagnostic dilemma in ovarian pregnancy: a case series.

Ovarian pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy but it is the most common type of nontubal ectopic pregnancy. Many times it is operated with a misdiagnosis of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy or hemorrhagic corpus luteum. The high resolution transvaginal ultrasonography is a valuable tool for diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy but ovarian pregnancy still remains a diagnostic problem and a continuous challenge to the gynecologist. The correct diagnosis is made at the time of surgery and confirmation is by histopathological report. Here we report three cases of primary ovarian ectopic pregnancies, consistent with the Spiegelberg's criteria. Out of this, two cases have corroboration of ovarian ectopic pregnancy with use of intrauterine contraceptive device and one case by chance without any preexisting risk factors, probably due to interference in the release of ovum from the follicle. In all the three cases, emergency laparotomy was done for ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy and the diagnosis of ruptured primary ovarian pregnancy was made at the time of surgery, this was subsequently confirmed by histopathology report. In the era where wider usage of intrauterine devices, ovulatory drugs and assisted reproductive techniques are rife, there is a possibility of an increase in the incidence of this rare entity, so ovarian ectopic pregnancy should be kept in mind as a possibility. Thereby early diagnosis by high resolution transvaginal ultrasound and laparoscopy can decrease the risk of complications like rupture, secondary implantation, hemorrhagic shock and maternal mortality.

Lymphangiocele: A very rare cause of primary infertility.

There are limited causes of surgically treatable male infertility. Lymphangiocele of scrotum is a very rare condition particularly in adult life. Lymphangiocele causing infertility is further rare and not reported in English literature so far. We report an extremely rare case of lymphangiocele in a 29 years male presenting with male infertility that improved after surgery.

Comparison of obstetric outcome in pregnant women with and without microalbuminuria.

BACKGROUND: Maternal and neonatal outcome is an index of quality of health and life in human society. To predict serious outcomes in pregnancy various parameters are being researched so that pregnant women who are at risk are identified early and measures taken to ensure a good outcome of pregnancy. Studies have shown an association between microalbuminuria and adverse pregnancy outcome. This study was undertaken to compare obstetric outcome in pregnant women with and without microalbuminuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed on 69 pregnant women between 20 and 28 weeks of gestation. Urine tests for albuminuria and creatinine measurements were performed in all women and the albumin to creatinine ratio was calculated. The women with microalbuminuria and those without microalbuminuria were monitored until the end of their pregnancy and compared for pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: The age distribution in the two groups was found to be similar and comparable. Preterm labor was strongly associated with microalbuminuria group (P = 0.001**)strongly significant. Incidence of maternal complications were more with microalbuminuria group (P < 0.001**). Fetal complications were significantly more in terms of intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, low birth weight, low Apgar score and more incidence of neonatal intensive care unit admission with microalbuminuria group (P = 0.010*)moderately significant. CONCLUSION: It was found that fetal complications were more associated with babies of pregnant women with microalbuminuria. Though maternal complications were more associated with microalbuminuria group, individual events like premature rupture of membrane, preterm premature rupture of membrane had no statistically significant association with microalbuminuria except preterm labor. However, occurrence of pre-eclampsia was more with microalbuminuria, though it didn't carry any statistical significance.

Misdiagnosis of abdominal pain in pregnancy: acute pancreatitis.

We report a case of acute pancreatitis in a pregnant woman who presented to our emergency department with complaints of severe abdominal pain, was misdiagnosed as scar dehiscence and underwent emergency repeat caesarean section at 33 wks for fetal distress. The preterm baby developed severe respiratory distress and succumbed on the second postnatal day. Persistent severe pain in the postoperative period in the mother prompted further evaluation which led to a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Conservative and supportive management was instituted leading to an eventual favourable maternal outcome.

Ferric carboxymaltose: A revolution in the treatment of postpartum anemia in Indian women.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to compare the safety and efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), intravenous (IV) iron sucrose and oral iron in the treatment of post = partum anemia (PPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 366 women admitted to SCB Medical College, Cuttack between September 2010 and August 2012 suffering from PPA hemoglobin (Hb) <10 g/dL were randomly assigned to receive either oral iron or IV FCM or iron sucrose. FCM, IV iron sucrose, and oral iron were given as per the protocol. Changes in hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels at 2 and 6 weeks after treatment were measured and analyzed using ANOVA. Adverse effects to drug administration were also recorded. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in Hb and serum ferritin level were observed in all three groups, but the increase in FCM group was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than conventional iron sucrose and oral iron group. The mean increase in Hb after 2 weeks was 0.8, 2.4, and 3.2 g/dL and 2.1, 3.4, and 4.4 g/dL at 6 weeks in oral iron, iron sucrose and FCM groups, respectively. The mean increase in serum ferritin levels after 2 weeks was 2.5, 193.1, and 307.1 and 14.2, 64, and 106.7 ng/mL after 6 weeks in oral iron, iron sucrose and FCM groups, respectively. Adverse drug reactions were significantly less (P < 0.001) in FCM group when compared with other two groups. CONCLUSION: Ferric carboxymaltose elevates Hb level and restores iron stores faster than IV iron sucrose and oral iron, without any severe adverse reactions. There was better overall satisfaction reported by the patients who received FCM treatment.

Successful Management of Live Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Cervical pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy with potential grave consequences occurring in approximately 1:9,000 deliveries. It is life-threatening as the pregnancy is implanted in the endocervical canal and the trophoblast can penetrate through the cervical wall and into the uterine blood supply resulting in catastrophic haemorrhage. Historically, the treatment had been hysterectomy because of the considerable risk of life-threatening haemorrhage, but in the recent past various conservative management modalities have been applied to preserve fertility. Here, we report a case of successful (both medical and surgical) management of cervical ectopic pregnancy in a young woman. A 29-year-old, gravid 2, para1 and living 1 with previous caesarean section had presented with mild bleeding per vagina for 5 days following 7 weeks of amenorrhoea. Past menstrual, medical, surgical and family history were unremarkable except the previous caesarean section. On examination vital signs were normal but pelvic examination revealed a distended cervix with bulky uterus, without anyadnexal mass or tenderness and no cervical motion tenderness. Further transvaginal sonography showed a live cervical gestation of 7 weeks and 4 days and serum beta-HCG value of 1,03,113mIU/ml. Patient received conservative approach with combination of intraamniotic potassium chloride and methotrexate and suction curettage. Due to conservative approach emergency hysterectomy and blood transfusion was avoided.

Fibroid after hysterectomy: a diagnostic dilemma.

Broad ligament fibroids are rare and often pose clinical diagnostic difficulties. We report a case of broad ligament fibroid in a woman after hysterectomy. The lady presented to us with continuous lower abdominal pain of seven months duration. Bimanual examination revealed a firm mass on the right side of the vaginal vault. Transvaginal sonogram and computed tomography scan was suggestive of possible parasitic leiomyoma or a broad ligament fibroid. Exploratory laparotomy and removal of the mass, followed by histological examination confirmed leiomyoma. Extra-uterine fibroid should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses even in the post-hysterectomy state.

Measurement of cervical biometry using transvaginal ultrasonography in predicting preterm labor.

CONTEXT: Preterm delivery is associated with high perinatal mortality and morbidity. Although detection of fetal fibronectin in cervical can predict preterm labor, but it is not available in lower source setting area. So, cervical length measurement by ultrasound can be used as an alternative to fetal fibronectin for predicting preterm labor. AIMS: To find out the effectiveness of assessment of cervical length by endovaginal ultrasonography in predicting preterm delivery. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted in the infertility clinic of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry from January 2010 to July 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 130 women with singleton gestation were studied with transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) to assess the cervical changes (cervical length, dilation of internal os, presence of funneling) between 22 weeks and 24 weeks of gestation. The gestational age at delivery in women with cervical length with ≥25 mm were compared with those of <25 mm. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test. The P value is <0.001 which is statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean cervical length in the study population was 33.16 mm. 16 women had cervical length <25 mm at mid trimesters can out of which 13 (40.62%) went for spontaneous preterm delivery. The relative risk of preterm delivery increased as the length of the cervix decreased. The P value is <0.001 which is statistically significant. A significant difference was found between multigravida at risk of preterm being 62.5% compared to primigravida which was 37.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of spontaneous preterm delivery is increased in women who are found to have a short cervix by TVS during pregnancy and it is a sensitive, simple and cost effective method of assessing risk of preterm delivery.

Association of Elevated first Trimester Serum Uric Acid Levels with Development of GDM.

BACKGROUND: Early intervention and appropriate treatment in patients with GDM will help in preventing the adverse maternal and fetal outcome and protect them from long term complications. Several studies have shown the association of hyperuricemia with GDM. This study was undertaken to find out the association of elevated first trimester uric acid with development of GDM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in Mahatma Gandhi Medical Collage and Research Institute, Pondicherry, India, between November 2010 and May 2012. A total of 70 pregnant women were included and parameters like age, parity, BMI, history of DM, serum uric acid at <15 weeks and at 24 to 28 weeks and one step test at 24 to 28 weeks were noted and compared. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between the demographic variables and GDM, but a moderate significance noted between the family history of DM and one step test (p=0.048). Though there is a proportional increase in the serum uric acid with increase in the BMI, it was not statistically significant. A significant correlation was seen between BMI and risk of development of GDM (p= 0.001). Though there is a significant correlation between serum uric acid at <15 weeks and at 24 to 28 weeks, serum uric acid at <15 weeks of gestation is a better predictor of GGI and GDM (Pearson's correlation = 0.735). CONCLUSION: There is increase in the risk of development of GDM with increased levels of serum uric acid in the first trimester. Uric acid levels at <15 weeks of gestation is more significantly associated with risk of development of GDM than it's levels at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation.

Peripheral arterial disease in a female using high-dose combined oral contraceptive pills.

The association between oral contraceptive (OC) pills and vascular diseases is well-known, although, the present generation of pills is considered to be relatively safer in this regard. Hormonal treatment for severe abnormal uterine bleeding is usually considered after ruling out malignancy, when such bleeding is resistant to all other forms of treatment. We report a case of severe peripheral arterial disease in a female, who had been on high-dose OC pills for an extended period of time for severe uterine bleeding.