Nihal Al-Riyami

Caesarean Myomectomy: Feasibility and safety.

OBJECTIVES Caesarean myomectomy has traditionally been discouraged due to fears of intractable haemorrhage and increased postoperative morbidity. However, a number of authors have recently shown that myomectomy during Caesarean section does not increase the risk of haemorrhage or postoperative morbidity. METHODS We present a series of 8 cases from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, where myomectomy was performed during Caesarean section for large lower segment fibroids. Seven were anterior lower segment fibroids, while one was a posterior lower uterine fibroid which interfered with closure of the uterine incision. The antenatal course, perioperative management, and postoperative morbidity are discussed. RESULTS The average age of the women was 28.7 years and mean gestational age at delivery was 36.75 weeks. Regarding intra-operative blood loss, 1 patient lost 900 ml, 5 patients lost 1-1.5 litres, 2 lost 1.5-2 L, and 1 patient with a 10 x 12 cm fibroid lost 3.2 L. Despite the majority being large myomas (7 of the 8 patients had myomas >5 cm in size) and 50% being intramural, no hysterectomy was required. Stepwise devascularisation was necessary in one case and preoperative placement of uterine balloon catheters was necessary in another. The size of the fibroids was confirmed by histopathology. Myomectomy added 15 minutes to the operating time and 1 day to the hospital stay, but there was no significant postoperative morbidity. Neonatal outcome was good in all patients. CONCLUSION In selected patients, myomectomy during Caesarean section is a safe and effective procedure at tertiary centres with experienced surgeons.

Maternal Complications and The Association with Baseline Variables in Pregnant Women with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited hemoglobinopathy with multi system complications. It has been associated with multiple maternal complications. A retrospective review of 68 consecutive pregnant women with sickle cell disease, followed in a tertiary center, was conducted over 5 years, to estimate the incidence of different maternal complications and the impact of baseline characteristics. Sixty-eight patients were analyzed (mean age 30 years). Sixty-two patients had a Hb SS genotype. The initial mean hemoglobin (Hb) level was 9.5 g/dL. Twelve patients delivered by Cesarean section. Sixty-five patients required admission for sickle cell disease/pregnancy-related complications [96.0%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 91-100]. Infection was seen in 17 patients (25.0%, 95% CI 14-36). Blood transfusions were given to 61 patients (90.0%, 95% CI 82-97). Eight patients had gestational hypertension (18.0%, 95% CI 4-20), while five patients (7.0%, 95% CI 1-14) had pre term labor. One patient developed eclampsia and one had a uterine rupture. One patient died due to post partum hemorrhage. The multi variable logistic regression model on the impact on the major maternal complications revealed none of the baseline factors to be statistically significant. Sickle cell disease patients have low mortality and pregnancy-related morbidity but high sickle cell disease-related morbidity. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Twin Pregnancy with a Complete Hydatidiform Mole and a Coexisting Live Fetus Rare entity

A hydatidiform mole with a coexisting live fetus is a rare occurrence and the optimal management for this condition is not yet known. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman (gravida 3, para 2) who presented to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, in March 2012 at 13 gestational weeks with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. An ultrasound examination revealed a hydatidiform mole pregnancy coexisting with a live fetus. After extensive counselling, the patient and her husband opted for a conservative management approach. Unfortunately, a hysterotomy had to be performed at 17 gestational weeks due to severe haemorrhage. The postoperative period was uneventful and histopathology results confirmed one complete mole with a coexisting fetus and normal placenta. The patients serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin level remained normal for 18 months following her surgery.

Red Cell Alloimmunization to Rhesus Antigen Among Pregnant Women Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Oman.

OBJECTIVES The detection of maternal alloimmunization against red cell antigens is vital in the management of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. We sought to measure the presence of allosensitization to Rhesus D (RhD) antibodies in antenatal women attending a tertiary care hospital and assess the fetal outcome in sensitized women. 
 METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of pregnant Omani women who registered at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital between June 2011 and June 2013. Pregnant women were tested for ABO blood type and were screened for RhD antigen and antibodies at their first antenatal clinic visit. In women who tested positive for the RhD antibodies, an antibody titer was performed to evaluate the severity of their case. RESULTS Data was available on 1,251 pregnant women who were managed and delivered at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The prevalence of RhD negative pregnant women was 7.3%. Blood group O was the most common followed by A, B, and AB. The rate of RhD negative alloimmunization was 10%, and anti-D was the most common antibody detected. There were no stillbirths or neonatal deaths. Postnatal transfusion was necessary for only one baby. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of RhD negativity was comparable to other Asian countries. Previous RhD alloimmunization and history of miscarriages were the most common maternal medical history.

Use of Intracervical Foley Catheter for Induction of Labour in Cases of Previous Caesarean Section: Experience of a single tertiary centre in Oman

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate rates of success and perinatal complications of labour induction using an intracervical Foley catheter among women with a previous Caesarean delivery at a tertiary centre in Oman. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 68 pregnant women with a history of a previous Caesarean section who were admitted for induction via Foley catheter between January 2011 and December 2013 to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. Patient data were collected from electronic and delivery ward records. RESULTS Most women were 25-35 years old (76.5%) and 20 women had had one previous vaginal delivery (29.4%). The most common indication for induction of labour was intrauterine growth restriction with oligohydramnios (27.9%). Most women delivered after 40 gestational weeks (48.5%) and there were no neonatal admissions or complications. The majority experienced no complications during the induction period (85.3%), although a few had vaginal bleeding (5.9%), intrapartum fever (4.4%), rupture of the membranes (2.9%) and cord prolapse shortly after insertion of the Foley catheter (1.5%). However, no cases of uterine rupture or scar dehiscence were noted. Overall, the success rate of vaginal birth after a previous Caesarean delivery was 69.1%, with the remaining patients undergoing an emergency Caesarean section (30.9%). CONCLUSION The use of a Foley catheter in the induction of labour in women with a previous Caesarean delivery appears a safe option with a good success rate and few maternal and fetal complications.

Placental tumour: What could it be?

Placental tumours include placental chorioangiomas, teratomas, haemangiomas, and haematomas. Placental chorioangiomas are benign vascular tumours and are the most common placental tumours, with a prevalence of 1%. Large placental chorioangiomas are rare and may lead to pregnancy complications and poor perinatal outcomes. These complications include fetal anaemia, hydrops fetalis, fetal growth restriction, polyhydramnios, and preterm delivery. We report a case of a large placental chorioangioma, the antenatal management and the maternal and fetal outcomes.