Family Support to Women During Pregnancy and Its Impact on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Family support is one of the determinants of lifestyle habits and relevant health behavior for pregnancy outcomes. In India, the joint family system is still practiced. Due to education, urbanization, and industrialization, the family institution continues to play a central role in people's lives. Pregnancy is a crucial period in women's lives. Good care during pregnancy is important for the health of the mother and the newborn baby. During this period, hormonal changes are complex and involve multiple hormones working together to support the developing fetus and prepare the mother's body for labor, delivery, and breastfeeding. To avoid maternal and fetal complications, she needs support from her family throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the influence of the level and quality of family support during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes and to identify any association between the sociodemographic variables and the impact of the level and quality of family support during the first trimester. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study used a quantitative approach with a survey research design. Data were collected from four Primary Health Centers at Karad, Maharashtra, India, i.e., Rethare, Vadgaon, Kale, and Supane. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select the 344 subjects from the Rethare, Vadgaon, Kale, and Supane areas of Karad Taluka. Data were collected before the completion of the first three months of pregnancy, then during the second trimester and after delivery. Upon evaluation, the tool was validated by experts representing a range of specialties, including community health nursing, mental health nursing, obstetric gynecology, and pediatric care. A pilot study was conducted on 30 samples. The data collected were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULT: The findings of the study show a significant association between the psychosocial support received in the first trimester and the total gestational weeks completed at the time of delivery (p < 0.05). The study suggests the need for psychosocial support during the first trimester for better maternal and fetal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial family support is needed by pregnant women during the first trimester to achieve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Neuroendocrine tumor of the liver in pregnancy: A very rare case report.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the liver represent a rare entity. Amongst this group of uncommon diseases primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (PH-NEN) represent only 0.3% of all NENs. Moreover, PH-NEN has very rarely been reported in pregnancy. We report a 28-year-old young patient with metastatic small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the liver complicated with pregnancy. She was evaluated and managed through a multidisciplinary team approach and received two cycles of chemotherapy with a cisplatin/etoposide regimen during the antenatal period and delivered at 37 weeks period of gestation (POG). This case highlights the importance of major challenges faced during the diagnosis and management of this very rare disease in pregnancy and the successful fetomaternal outcome.

Key Components of Successful Management of Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare, potentially fatal obstetric emergency. Due to its nonspecific signs and symptoms, there is often a delay in diagnosis and management which is associated with morbid complications and high mortality. We report a case of a 30-year-old female gravida 3 para 2 at 32 weeks gestation who presented with nausea and vomiting for two weeks, pruritis for three days, and upper abdomen pain for a day. A clinical diagnosis of HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome/obstetric cholestasis/AFLP was made. Despite prompt management, her postpartum period was complicated by acute hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal shutdown, pancreatitis, coagulopathy, postpartum hemorrhage, and large abdominal wall hematoma. A high index of suspicion, prompt delivery, advanced critical support, and multidisciplinary team involvement led to successful fetomaternal outcomes in the patient.

Evaluation of the Effect of Vitamin D Levels During the Last Trimester of Pregnancy on Fetomaternal Outcomes in Patients With Preeclampsia.

Introduction Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder with hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. Among many predictors of preeclampsia, vitamin D being one of them is under many studies for establishing a correlation between levels of vitamin D and preeclampsia. Objective To observe a relation between vitamin D levels and preeclampsia and assess related fetomaternal outcomes. Method It is an observational study at the tertiary care center. One hundred twenty patients, out of which 60 were taken as cases with BP>140/90, and 60 were taken as controls with normal BP in a tertiary care center from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. All investigations were sent, and the mode of delivery and the fetomaternal outcome were assessed. Results Compared to normal pregnant patients, preeclamptic patients have significantly lower levels of vitamin D with a p-value of <0.001, which is significant. Conclusion There is a relationship between vitamin D levels and preeclampsia. However, the effects of supplementation of vitamin D on fetomaternal outcomes need further studies.

A Randomized Controlled Study Comparing the Efficacy of 75mg Versus 150mg Aspirin for the Prevention of Preeclampsia in High-Risk Pregnant Women.

Background Preeclampsia is a major factor in both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The most widely investigated preeclampsia prevention medication is low dose Aspirin. However, guidelines differ considerably regarding the prophylactic dose of Aspirin for preeclampsia. Objective The objective is to compare the efficacy of 150mg versus 75mg Aspirin for the prevention of preeclampsia in pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia. Methodology This was a parallel, open-label, randomized control trial carried over a period of one year and three months at a tertiary care center of Eastern India. Block randomization was done and block sizes of 2 and 4 were used to ensure balanced distributions within the study arms. Primary outcome was the development of preeclampsia and secondary outcomes were fetomaternal complications in both groups. Results The present clinical trial was conducted on 116 pregnant women with a risk factor of preeclampsia and they were randomly assigned to receive either 150mg or 75mg of Aspirin daily beginning from 12 to 16 weeks of gestation till 36 weeks' gestation. A significantly greater number of pregnant females who received Aspirin 75mg (33.92%) developed preeclampsia in contrast to those who received Aspirin 150mg (8.77%), p=0.001, OR = 5.341, 95%CI = 1.829-15.594. There was an insignificant difference in fetomaternal outcome among both the groups of women. Conclusion Among women who are at high risk of developing preeclampsia, Aspirin 150 mg once a day at bedtime is more effective than Aspirin 75 mg once a day at bedtime in preventing preeclampsia with similar fetomaternal outcomes (NICU admission, IUGR, neonatal death, still birth, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption and pulmonary edema).

Feto-maternal outcome of pregnancy related acute kidney injury in a North Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication in pregnancy, resulting in significant maternal and fetal morbidity/mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of pregnancy-related AKI (PRAKI) in a North Indian population, and its contributing factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at the department of obstetrics and gynecology in collaboration with the nephrology unit and internal medicine department at King George Medical University from June 2019 to October 2020. After informed consent and ethical clearance, a total of 150 PRAKI women were enrolled, and 98 women were subjected to renal replacement therapy as per Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes 2012 guideline and were followed for 3 months for renal and fetomaternal outcome. RESULTS: There was a high incidence (1.02%) of AKI during pregnancy and puerperium. Majority (57.3%) of the women were aged 26-30 years, and 93.3% had institutional deliveries. About 49% of the women suffering from PRAKI were multipara, and most were identified in the postpartum period (82%). Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (48%), puerperal sepsis (45%), and hemorrhage (34%) were the associated causes for PRAKI. Stillbirth/intrauterine death (IUD) was higher in Stage II (53.8%) and Stage III AKI (37.7%) (none in Stage I AKI). The majority of the neonates were born with a birth weight of ≤2500 g irrespective of the stages of AKI. Preterm deliveries were significantly higher in Stage II AKI (53.8%) than in Stage I (33.3%) and Stage III (20.0%). Thirty-seven cases of PRAKI were managed conservatively, while 98 required dialysis. Complete recovery occurred in 27.3% and partial renal recovery in 31.3%. However, 3.3% progressed to chronic kidney disease, 34% expired, and 4% were lost to follow-up. High maternal mortality of 30.1% was observed in those dialyzed. CONCLUSION: AKI is associated with fetal growth restriction and preterm deliveries. Stillbirth/IUD is higher in Stage II and Stage III AKI.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in Pregnancy Complicated by Intrahepatic Cholestasis.

Introduction Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is characterized by pruritus of the hand and sole with abnormal liver function test and bile acid metabolism. IHCP occurs in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery. The overall prevalence is about 1.2 to 1.5%. This study was conducted to assess the fetomaternal outcome according to maternal serum bile acids levels and its correlation with liver function tests in patients with IHCP. Material and methods This ambispective observational study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) for two years at AIIMS Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It included all the pregnant women attending the outpatient department of OBG with the complaint of pruritis in the palm and sole after 28 weeks of pregnancy and diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy after investigations. Results Only 152 patients were diagnosed with IHCP out of 4,148 deliveries, with a prevalence of 3.6%. Among these, 140 (92.11%) had mild IHCP, 10 (6.58%) had moderate IHCP and two (1.32%) had severe IHCP. There was a significant difference between the birth weight in mild, moderate and severe IHCP (P-value 0.004). About 12.5% (n=19) of patients had meconium-stained liquor during delivery. Two patients (1.32%) with moderate IHCP had intrauterine fetal death in the third trimester, and 6.58% (n=10) neonates were kept on continuous positive airway pressure. Conclusions IHCP is associated with adverse fetal outcomes like spontaneous or iatrogenic preterm delivery, low birth weight, increase in the rate of lower section cesarean section (LSCS) and intrauterine death of a fetus. A significant correlation found between raised bile acid levels and variables of liver function test, hence cost-effectiveness and feasibility of liver function test (LFT) should be considered for the management of IHCP.

Seroprevalence and burden of hepatitis E viral infection among pregnant women in central Nigeria attending antenatal clinic at a Federal Medical Centre in Central Nigeria.

Introduction: HEV infection may be life threatening in pregnant women and has been linked with 20-30% mortality, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. HEV infection leads to elevated levels of preterm labour and other immunological parameters. It is vertically transmitted and could lead to poor feto-maternal outcomes. especially in fulminating viral hepatitis where both the mother and foetus could be lost. There is currently no known treatment or vaccine for HEV. There is therefore a need to study HEV seroprevalence and burden among vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and their newborns in Nigeria, where maternal mortality is highly significant. Methods: A total of 200 samples were collected from pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, in central Nigeria, of which (156/200) samples were from HIV-negative pregnant women and (44/200) were from HIV-positive pregnant women, using a simple random sampling method. Results: In total, 200 pregnant women [78.0% (156/200) HIV-negative pregnant women and 22.0% (44/200) HIV-positive pregnant women] were recruited for this study. The ages of the pregnant women ranged from 15-49 years, with a mean age of 26.4 years (± 6.23). The overall HEV IgG seropositivity in the study population was 31.5% (63/200); 95% CI (30-33). Conclusion: This study highlighted an unexpectedly high seroprevalence of HEV and poor feto-maternal outcomes in pregnant women residing in a rural and urban setting of central Nigeria. The study showed that the inherently high HEV seropositivity and poor feto-maternal outcomes may not be attributed to HEV viral hepatitis only but may be a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

Dengue and HELLP: Beware of the Masquerade.

HELLP is a syndrome characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. It is a rare complication of pregnancy and is usually associated with pre-eclampsia. However, 10-20% cases of HELLP can present without hypertension. Dengue fever is an arboviral-borne tropical illness that is characterized with fever, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding manifestations. We present a case of a primigravida with HELLP syndrome masquerading in the background of dengue fever. Unique features to this case report include delayed presentation of HELLP syndrome with normotension which can have overlapping features with dengue fever, especially in term pregnancy. This case highlights the need of strict vigilance in cases of dengue fever with pregnancy. How to cite this article: Patnaik R, Kulkarni S, Karan N. Dengue and HELLP: Beware of the Masquerade. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(5):639-640.

Prognosticating Fetomaternal ICU Outcomes.

Although no scoring system is as yet fully validated for predicting maternal outcomes in critically ill obstetric patients, prognostication may be done objectively using severity predicting models. General critical care scoring systems which have been studied in obstetric patients are outcome prediction models (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] I-IV, Simplified Acute Physiology Score [SAPS] I-III, Mortality Probability Model [MPM] I-IV) and organ dysfunction scores (Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score [MODS], Logistic Organ Dysfunction Score [LODS], Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA]). General critical care scoring systems may overpredict mortality rates in obstetric patients secondary to an altered physiology of organ systems during pregnancy. Obstetric prediction models were developed keeping in mind the physiological characteristics of obstetric population. They are Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS), Obstetric Early Warning Score (OEWS), Maternal Early Warning Trigger (MEWT), and disease-specific obstetric scoring systems. The APACHE II model and MPM II are most often used scoring systems for predicting maternal mortality. The SOFA model is the best predictive model for sepsis in obstetrics. APACHE II and SAPS are more useful for nonobstetric population. Recent studies have also underscored the applicability of the OEWS in intensive care unit (ICU) settings with results comparable to the more elaborate APACHE II and SOFA scores. The Early Warning System helps in identifying acutely deteriorating pregnant and postpartum women in non-ICU settings who may require critical care. Fetal outcomes are largely dependent upon maternal outcomes. Prognostic systems applied to mothers may help in estimation of perinatal mortality and morbidity. How to cite this article: Suri J, Khanam Z. Prognosticating Fetomaternal ICU Outcomes. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(Suppl 3):S206-S222.

Parturient with Acute Abdomen.

Management of a parturient with an acute abdomen presents unique challenges. We aim to review the common obstetric and nonobstetric causes for acute abdomen in pregnancy, approach to diagnosis, the role of imaging, and management including the scope and timing of operative intervention. How to cite this article: Kundu R, Srinivasan S. Parturient with Acute Abdomen. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(Suppl 3):S223-S229.

Critically Ill Obstetric Patients and Fetomaternal Outcome.

Reduction in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) continues to be a worldwide challenge. With repeated analytical studies done over decades, it has become possible to identify the significant contributors to this challenge. Right from low socioeconomic status to the availability of recent technological advances, many factors need attention and prioritization. Obstetric hemorrhage remains an important cause followed by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and sepsis. In this issue of IJCCM, Miglani et al. have highlighted the various levels of the delays, which are significant contributors to the high MMR. In other preventive strategies, efforts will be needed to improve patient education, infrastructure, availability of trained manpower, blood storage facilities, timely referrals, transport facilities, etc., at peripheral levels. In the tertiary care centers, there is an increased need for trained manpower in critical care, the obstetric medical emergency team as a new concept, aggressive teamwork in intensive care unit (ICU) and operation theaters, the use of advanced technologies and newer drugs, etc. It will remain a tough challenge to reduce global MMR to 70 per 100,000 live births, as per plans by the United Nations, by the year 2030. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bande BD. Critically Ill Obstetric Patients and Fetomaternal Outcome. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(11):1005-1007.

A Study of Clinical Profile and Fetomaternal Outcome of Obstetric Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Hospital-based Study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study clinical profile of obstetric patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and to analyze the relation of demographic factors such as age, parity, literacy level, socioeconomic status, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and level of delay with fetomaternal outcome. DESIGN: It is a prospective cross-sectional observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After admission to ICU a detailed history, analysis of basic demographic variables along with level of delay was done. APACHE II score was calculated. These parameters were correlated with fetomaternal outcome. The Chi-squared test was used to compare categorical variables. The one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the continuous variables among the strata with Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Incidence of obstetric ICU admission was 0.77%. Mean age was 26.03 years. Most common indication of ICU admission was obstetrical hemorrhage (37.1%) followed by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (25.8%). Type I delay was the most common followed by type II delay. Mean APACHE II score was 14.77 ± 6.85. Observed mortality rate (30.6%) was found to be higher than predicted mortality rate (25%). APACHE II score was significantly high in the presence of level 1 (p = 0.003) and level 2 delays (p = 0.0001). Also, it was significantly increased with the duration of delays. CONCLUSION: Unbooked and referred cases had high incidence of ICU admission. The presence of delay was associated with poor outcome. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Miglani U, Pathak AP, Laul P, Sarangi S, Gandhi S, Miglani S, et al. A Study of Clinical Profile and Fetomaternal Outcome of Obstetric Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Hospital-based Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(11):1071-1076.

The association of chronic hepatitis B infectivity with fetomaternal outcome: A retrospective cohurt study in a tertiary hospital / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background@#Hepatitis B infection on pregnancy has been linked to preterm labor, risk of prematurity, low birth weight, and the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus.@*Objective@#To determine the association between Chronic Hepatitis B infectivity and fetomaternal outcome such as preterm birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia among pregnant patients admitted in a Tertiary Hospital.@* Methodology@#A retrospective cohort study was done among pregnant women diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection admitted in a tertiary hospital from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. The association of Hepatitis B infectivity and fetomaternal outcomes namely preterm birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and low birth weight was determined.@*Results@#Chronic Hepatitis B infection had 1.43% prevalence among the study group. 149 patients were able to able to fulfill the inclusion criteria. Pregnant women with high infectivity Hepatitis B infection tend to be younger, have lower BMI, have lesser gravidity and parity than patients who are nonreactive to Hepatitis B e-antigen. AST and ALT were also higher among those with high infectivity Hepatitis B. However, there was no significant difference among the two groups in terms of elevated ALT. There was no significant association between Hepatitis B infectivity and fetomaternal outcomes such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth and low birth weight. There is no increased risk for patients with high infectivity for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and low birth weight. There appears to be an excess risk in the likelihood of preterm birth/labor among those women who have a high infectivity Hepatitis B infection during pregnancy.@*Conclusion@#The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection among Filipino pregnant women admitted in a tertiary hospital was 1.43% from 2014 to 2018. There was no association between chronic hepatitis B infectivity and preeclampsia, Gestational diabetes mellitus. There seems to be an increased risk for HBeAg positive patients for preterm birth preterm labor, and occurrence of low birth weight, but was not statistically significant in the study population.

Outcome of Pregnancy in Saudi Women with Sickle Cell Disease Attending the Tertiary Care University Hospital in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic genetic hematological disorder with multiorgan involvement and is associated with complications during the pregnancy. This is a well-known disorder in Saudi Arabia, but no study has reported its outcomes in pregnant Saudi females of the Eastern region. This study was carried out to compare the fetomaternal outcome in patients with SCD with those without SCD. This was a retrospective cohort study done in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in a tertiary care, teaching hospital, by retrieving the data through the code ICD-9 for SCD, the control group was also selected with comparable characteristics. A total of 302 SCD pregnant patients were included for comparison with 600 pregnant women without SCD as control, during the period of Jan 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018. After the data retrieval, percentages of complications were calculated between the study and control groups. Fischer's exact test and t-test were used for statistical analysis by using SPSS version 22. The results showed higher complication rates in pregnancies of patients with SCD. Hypertensive disorders (13.3%), abruptio placenta (1.6%), intrauterine growth restriction (19.2%), thromboembolism (6.6%) and stroke (2.6%) were all higher in SCD as compared to the control group .The complications of SCD itself including anemia (89.4%), acute chest syndrome (13.2%) and sickle cell crisis (39.2%) were also increased during the pregnancy. Both still birth (3.3%) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (1.6%) were also higher in SCD. SCD during the pregnancy is a high-risk situation and can lead to many fetomaternal complications; however, preconceptional counselling, early booking, a careful monitoring during pregnancy and multidisciplinary management approach can prevent potential adverse outcome in this regard.

A Two-Year Analysis Of Uterine Rupture In Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Uterine rupture, an obstetrical emergency though rare but still has grave implications. Uterine rupture is the occurrence of breach in the wall of uterus. Complete rupture involves complete disruption of uterine wall resulting in spillage of uterine contents into the abdominal cavity whereas an incomplete rupture has intact peritoneum or serosa. The most commonly reported risk factor in developed countries is previous caesarean section whereas in developing countries neglected and obstructed labour are more frequently reported predisposing factors. METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive study which was carried out for a period of 2 years from January 2015 to December 2016 in Gynae "A" unit of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. RESULTS: In our study frequency of uterine rupture was 0.63%. Previous scar dehiscence was the most common risk factor for uterine rupture. Maternal mortality was 4% out of total 52 ruptured uterus, while 94.2% was perinatal mortality. CONCLUSION: Although uterine rupture can be prevented but its frequency is still high. Therefore, proper antenatal care, health education, utilisation of health facilities is needed to reduce adverse outcome associated with this avoidable condition..

Maternofetal outcome of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Asymptomatic bacteriuria has been reported to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. This study sought to determine the prevalence and complications of asymptomatic bacteriuria amongst parturient in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). METHODS: The study was a prospective cohort study involving 220 eligible antenatal attendees. Urine culture and sensitivity was conducted for each participant and the fetomaternal outcome between affected and unaffected women were compared and p value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sixty-five of the participants had asymptomatic bacteriuria giving a prevalence of 29.5%. Twenty-three (35.4%) cultures yielded Klebsiella spp while Fifty-eight (89%) of the cultured organisms were sensitive to Nitrofurantoin. There was no statistical difference in the rate of prelabour rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, birth asphyxia and low birth weight between affected and unaffected women. CONCLUSION: Contrary to widely held view, there was no significant increase in adverse pregnancy outcome amongst affected women.

Antepartum Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Analysis from a Northern Nigerian Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) contributes significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in the developing world like ours. Prevention, early detection, and prompt management cannot be overemphasized to significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. OBJECTIVES: The study is aimed at determining the prevalence, etiology, sociodemographic characteristics, and the fetomaternal outcome of pregnancies complicated by APH in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 5 years retrospective study of all pregnancies complicated by APH at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria, between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013, was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 224 cases of APH were recorded out of the 18,273 cases admitted for delivery during the study period, giving an institutional prevalence rate of 1.2%. Two hundred and eighteen folders were retrieved and analyzed giving a retrieval rate of 97.3%. The mean gestational age at presentation was 35.3 ± 2 weeks and the most common causes were abruptio placenta and placenta previa constituting 68.3% and 30.0%, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with the occurrence of APH included age, booking status, parity, and socioeconomic status. The peak prevalence of APH was observed in the 35-39 year age group accounting for 33.0%. There were 123 live births and 92 stillbirths. The cesarean section rate was 53.5%. Major complications were intrauterine fetal deaths in 42.8%, postpartum hemorrhage in 24.2% of cases, and anemia necessitating blood transfusion in 61.5%. There were three maternal deaths all due to abruptio placentae during the study period giving a case specific fatality rate of 2%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of APH in our setting is high. The major causes were abruptio placenta and placenta previa. The major fetal complication was intrauterine fetal death, and the major maternal complications were postpartum hemorrhage and anemia with consequent high blood transfusion rate. Early detection, provision of antenatal care, and emergency obstetric care services can reduce the negative effects of APH.

Pregnancy with chronic kidney disease: maternal and fetal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered to be high risk. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of pregnancy on CKD and the fetomaternal outcome in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of medical sciences, New Delhi over a period of 11 years. A total number of 80 pregnant patients with CKD were reviewed. Staging of CKD was done according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Maternal demographic profile, stage of CKD, biochemical profile, antenatal and neonatal records were analyzed. The course of pregnancy was then reviewed and note was made of any maternal or fetal complication. At the time of analysis, patients were divided into early (Stage 1, 2) and late stage (Stage 3-5) disease. All the variables were compared between two groups. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 20.0. RESULTS: There was significantly increased incidence of preeclampsia (p=0.001) and moderate to severe anemia (p=0.001) in late stage disease as compared to early stage. The renal parameters including mean GFR and serum creatinine deteriorated with pregnancy in both the groups. Among fetal complications, the patients in late stage had significantly increased incidence of small for gestational age, low 5min Apgar score and increased NICU admissions. The overall preterm delivery rate was 57.5%. There was an overall increase in the incidence of caesarean section (CS) rate (64%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in antenatal care, incidence of adverse events in mother and fetus remain high in these women of CKD as compared to the rates expected in the general population. In all patients of CKD planning for pregnancy, the pre-existing disease should be optimized before conception.

Risk factors and perinatal outcome of uterine rupture in a low-resource setting.

BACKGROUND: Uterine rupture has continued to be a catastrophic feature of obstetric practice especially in the low-resource settings. This study determined the incidence, predisposing factors, treatment options and feto-maternal outcome of ruptured uterus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10-year retrolective study of all cases of uterine ruptures that were managed in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria between 1st January, 2001 and 31st December, 2010 was undertaken. The proforma was initially used for data collection, which was transferred to a data sheet before entering them into the Epi-info software. Analysis was done using Epi info 2008 (version 3.5.1). RESULTS: Out of 5,585 deliveries over the study period, 47 had uterine rupture, giving an incidence of 0.84% or 1 in 119 deliveries. All the patients were multiparous and majority (63.8%) was unbooked. Traumatic (iatrogenic) rupture predominated (72.1%). Uterine repair with (55.8%) or without (34.9%) bilateral tubal ligation was the commonest surgery performed. Case fatality rate was 16.3%, while the perinatal mortality rate was 88.4%. Average duration of hospitalization following uterine rupture was 10.3 days. CONCLUSION: Uterine rupture constituted a major obstetric emergency in the study hospital and its environs. The incidence, maternal and perinatal mortalities were high. The traumatic/iatrogenic ruptures constituted the majority of cases, hence, majority of the cases are preventable. There is therefore a dire need for education of our women on health-related issues, utilization of available health facilities, adequate supervision of labour and provision of facilities for emergency obstetric care.