Seetesh Ghose

Correlation between 24-h urine protein, spot urine protein/creatinine ratio, and serum uric acid and their association with fetomaternal outcomes in preeclamptic women

Background: It is well-known that estimation of 24-h urine protein and spot urine protein/creatinine (P/C) ratio are commonly performed investigations to assess proteinuria in preeclamptic women. Serum uric acid has been shown to correlate well with disease severity in preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: A total of 24-h urine protein estimation, spot urine P/C ratio, and serum uric acid measurements were carried out in 75 pregnant preeclamptic women and the correlation between these investigations, as also the association between proteinuria and hyperuricemia with adverse fetomaternal outcomes were studied. Results: Pearsons correlation test showed a positive correlation between 24-h urine protein and spot urine P/C ratio. A statistically significant and direct correlation was also found between serum uric acid and spot urine P/C ratio, while there was no statistically significant difference between proteinuria and hyperuricemia with respect to the various fetal and maternal outcome parameters studied. Conclusion: In the present study, we found a moderate correlation between 24-h urine protein and spot urine P/C ratio. There was a moderate correlation between spot urine P/C ratio and uric acid, while there was no statistical significance of the association between proteinuria and uric acid with fetomaternal outcomes in preeclampsia.

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.

A randomized trial comparing the ovulation induction efficacy of clomiphene citrate and letrozole

Background: Letrazole is an aromatase inhibitor, which is useful in ovulation induction. However, evidence on its efficacy over clomiphene citrate, which is the first of drug used for therapy of anovulation, is insufficient in Indian patients. Aims: To compare the efficacy of letrozole and clomiphene citrate in attaining optimal follicular growth. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the infertility clinic of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry, India from June 2008 to December 2009. Fifty women with ovulatory dysfunction as a cause of infertility were enrolled and randomized into two groups of 25 each. Group 1 received clomiphene citrate in incremental dose from 50 mg up to150 mg and Group 2 patient received letrozole in incremental dose from 2.5 mg to 7.5 mg, depending upon the ovulation response. In both the groups, number of follicles, diameter of large follicle, endometrial thickness, and serum estradiol and pregnancy rate were compared. The data from both groups are represented as mean and standard deviation and statistically compared using Students t test. Results: The number of follicles (1.89 ± 0.9 vs 1.18 ± 0.393) and serum estradiol levels (437.5 ± 293.7 pg/mL vs 291.82 ± 59.86 pg/mL) were higher in Group 1, while follicular diameter (20.67 ± 0.970 mm vs. 20.76 ± 0.903 mm) and endometrial thickness (8.5 mm vs.7.4 mm) were similar in both the Groups. Conclusions: Although letrozole is used for ovulation induction in anovulatory infertility, no significant beneficial effects of letrozole compared to use of clomiphene citratewere observedin ourstudy. Hence, we concur with the use of clomiphene citrate as the first line of drug for ovulation induction in Indian population and warrant larger size studiesto further validate our results.

Non Puerperal Uterine Inversion in a young female- A case report

We report a case of 28-year-old, primipara who presented with complaints of mass descending per vaginum along with excessive bleeding and foul smelling vaginal discharge for the past six months. Clinical examination revealed an inverted uterus, cervix and vagina with a large submucosal fundal fibroid. A diagnosis of non-puerperal uterine inversion was made. Surgical management included vaginal myomectomy with repositioning of the uterus using an abdomino-vaginal approach and a successful outcome. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma. Hence, we conclude that uterus-sparing surgery should be considered in young females desirous for future pregnancy until the final pathology is known.

B-Lynch: A Technique for Uterine Conservation or Deformation? A Case Report with Literature Review

Postpartum haemorrhage is a leading cause of global maternal mortality and morbidity, accounting for 25-30% of all maternal deaths, and 75-90% of these casualties result from uterine atony. Uterine compressive sutures are a well established measure for control of haemorrhage following atonic postpartum haemorrhage, when medical and nonmedical interventions fail. Here, we are reporting a case of secondary infertility in a 24-year-old lady who had undergone an elective caesarean section for central placenta previa in her first pregnancy. She had massive postpartum haemorrhage, for which B-Lynch suture and vessel ligation were done. Subsequently, she failed to conceive for 4 years. This was because of severe pelvic adhesions and uterine deformation which were found intraoperatively, as a consequence of previous use of B-Lynch suture. As no definitive treatment could be offered to her, we suggested her to go for adoption.

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.

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.

Foetal fibular hemimelia with focal femoral deficiency following prenatal misoprostol use: A case report

Misoprostol is a well known abortifacient. It can cause teratogenicity like Mobius sequence and terminal transverse limb defects. We report a rare case of proximal focal femoral deficiency with fibular hemimelia in a woman who had attempted abortion with self-administered misoprostol and later continued the pregnancy. Though the absolute risk of congenital malformations with its use is low ∼1%, this should be clearly communicated to the women requesting abortion to help them make fully informed reproductive health decisions.

Complete molar pregnancy in postmenopausal women

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is an abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic tissue during pregnancy. It is a disease of reproductive age, and a few cases have also been seen in women with advanced age, although it is extremely rare in postmenopausal women. Here, we describe an uncommon case of complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) in a postmenopausal woman, who has presented to us with complaints of bleeding per vagina, vomiting with 22 weeks size gravid uterus. Ultrasound finding along with raised serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (α -HCG) 400,000 mIU/ml suggested the diagnosis of CHM. In view of postmenopausal status and future risk of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, we performed a total abdominal hysterectomy . Uterus was 20 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm filled with cystic, grapes such as vesicles. Microscopic examination demonstrated generalized trophoblastic proliferation with hydropic degenerated villi suggested of benign CHM. Follow-up showed steady fall in serum α -HCG level and no evidence of any residual disease. A suspicion of GTD should be kept in mind while evaluating a patient with peri- or post-menopausal bleeding so that it will prevent a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

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.