Aparna Rajesh

Levels of Serum Calcium and Magnesium in Pre-eclamptic and Normal Pregnancy: A Study from Coastal India

BACKGROUND Pre-eclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Though the aetiology is obscure, recent studies indicate that serum levels of calcium and magnesium may have a role in pre-eclampsia. AIM The aim of this study was to find out the relationship of serum levels of calcium and magnesium in pre-eclamptic pregnancies compared to normal pregnancies in women from southern coastal India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN This study was done in a medical college hospital in southern coastal India. MATERIALS AND METHODS The blood samples from 60 pre-eclamptic women and an equal number of controls were analysed for calcium and magnesium levels. Data on Body Mass Index, maternal and gestational ages, serum calcium and magnesium were compared between the two groups. Outcome of pregnancy was analysed in both the groups and compared. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Data was expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20. Comparison of serum levels of the elements between the two groups was performed by Independent t-test and Chi-square test and P-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The serum calcium concentration was significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group compared to normotensives (7.84 ± 0.87 mg/dl Vs 8.97± 0.69 mg/dl, p<0.001) whereas the levels of serum magnesium showed a marginal difference in both the groups. (1.43± 0.55 mg/dl Vs, 1.57 ± 0.72 mg/dl P 0.257) The study also showed that pre-eclamptic women were older, their BMI was higher and birth weight of babies lower compared to normotensives. CONCLUSION According to the results of our research, intake of supplements, mainly calcium may help in the reduction of incidence of pre-eclampsia especially in a population of a developing country like ours where the nutrition is poor. Not many studies have been done in developing countries to assess the role of these elements in pre-eclampsia. The actual role of magnesium and calcium supplements needs further investigation.

Ovarian Gonadoblastoma with Dysgerminoma in a Young Girl with 46, XX Karyotype: A Case Report

Gonadoblastoma is a rare gonadal tumour consisting of a mixture of germ cells and sex cord stromal derivatives resembling immature granulosa and Sertoli cells. It usually arises in various types of gonadal dysgenesis containing Y chromosome like pure or mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Occurrence in phenotypically and chromosomally normal women is very rare. We report here a case of gonadoblastoma with dysgerminoma in a 14-years-old girl who presented with a huge tumour, virilisation and normal 46XX karyotype. Association of dysgerminoma is seen in 50% cases of gonadoblastomas. Elevated tumour markers like hCG and alpha Fetoprotein may make the diagnosis challenging.

Prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis in Pregnancy among Coastal South Indian Women

Prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis in Pregnancy among Coastal South Indian Women Vulvovaginal candidiasis is characterized by curd like vaginal discharge and itching. It is associated with considerable distress to the patient. The incidence is increased in pregnancy and may lead to complications like abortions, preterm delivery, candida chorioamnionitis and others. This study was done to determine the prevalence of vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women in Mangalore, a coastal city in South India

Oxidative Stress in Obese Postmenopausal Women: An Additive Burden for Atherosclerosis

INTRODUCTION Coronary Artery Disease are on the rise in the general population and is the leading cause of death in both men and women. The impact of CAD is underappreciated in younger women when compared to men. Women have unique risk factors for CAD and postmenopausal women are at higher risk of developing CAD when compared to normal menstruating women. AIM The aim of our study was to find out the difference in oxidative stress levels between obese postmenopausal women and normal menstruating women, also to compare the same in normal weight postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty one normal and 29 obese postmenopausal women with age more than 45 years who visited obstetrics and gynaecology outpatient department for general clinical evaluation at a tertiary care centre were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Thirty normal menstruating women were compared. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and the body mass index was calculated. Serum Malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase was measured using a spectrophotometer. RESULTS There was a significant difference in mean MDA levels in postmenopausal women (1.477 ± 0.359) when compared to normal menstruating women (0.666 ± 0.302) (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in mean SOD levels in postmenopausal women (2.836 ± 0.899) when compared to normal menstruating women (2.986 ± 0.686) (p > 0.05). Also, there was a significant increase between mean MDA levels in obese postmenopausal women (2.48 ± 0.52) when compared to normal weight postmenopausal women (1.65 ± 0.36) (p < 0.01). There was a significant difference between mean SOD levels in obese postmenopausal women (1.36 ± 0.96) and normal weight postmenopausal women (2.56 ± 1.03) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The oxidative stress was higher in obese postmenopausal women when compared to normal weight postmenopausal women and normal menstruating women.

Cyclical hematuria-ureteral endometriosis: a case report

Endometriosis is a benign gynaecological condition characterised by the presence of the functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It usually involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, rectovaginal septum, cul-desac, and pelvic peritoneum. Various other sites of involvement of endometriosis has also been observed, such as, skin, lungs, brain, gastrointestinal tract, umbilicus and the genitourinary tract.