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This study evaluated the effect of an altered ratio of maternal RBC folate (MRF) to serum vitamin B12 (MB12) on pregnancy and newborn outcomes. Blood samples were collected from pregnant women and the umbilical cord at the time of delivery. Estimations of RBC folate and serum vitamin B12 from maternal and cord blood samples and total homocysteine (HCY) were performed. Maternal and newborn anthropometric parameters like placental weight (PW), head circumference (HC), chest circumference (CC), and body weight (BW) were measured in offsprings after birth. We stratified the pregnant women into six groups (a) vitamin B12 normal and folic acid normal (BNFN)-control group, (b) vitamin B12 normal and folic acid elevated (BNFE), (c) vitamin B12 normal and folic acid deficient (BNFD), (d) vitamin B12 deficient and folic acid normal (BDFN), (e) vitamin B12 deficient and folic acid elevated (BDFE) and (f) vitamin B12 deficient and folic acid deficient (BDFD) based on their levels of RBC folate (MRF) and vitamin B12 (MB12). The expression of the one-carbon metabolism genes (methionine synthase (MS), glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) was also studied in placental tissue by using real-time PCR. Cord blood RBC folate was significantly reduced in groups BDFE and BDFD as compared to the control group (BNFN). The cord blood vitamin B12 levels were also reduced in the BDFE group as compared to the BDFD. All the newborn parameters viz. PW, HC, CC, and BW, were reduced in the altered MRF/MB12 ratio (low & high vs. normal ratio). Total HCY was significantly elevated in the groups with (BDFE & BDFN) an imbalance of maternal RBC folate and serum vitamin B12 as compared to the control group. Downregulation of one-carbon metabolism genes like MS (p < 0.001), GNMT (p < 0.05), and CBS (p < 0.01) in placental tissue was observed in the high MRF/MB12 ratio group as compared to the normal ratio group. A strong positive correlation was also observed between MRF, MB12, and newborn parameters. The altered ratio of folate to vitamin B12 in the maternal blood is associated with adverse growth and development of the newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a re-emerging endemic zoonosis in the Asia Pacific region. It is a febrile condition ranging in severity from mild to severe, with fatality rates as high as 30%. The present study aims towards analysing the clinical profile and pregnancy outcomes in 27 cases of scrub typhus admitted to a tertiary care centre in North India. The medical records of 27 pregnant women who had scrub typhus were analysed. The IgM ELISA was used to look for IgM antibodies to Orientia tsutsugamushi in the patient's serum sample. An optical density of more than or equal to 0.468 was considered as positive. Majority of the pregnant females delivered healthy and live babies. However, poor foetal outcomes were observed in four (14.8%) cases with intrauterine deaths occurring in two (7.4%) cases and still birth in one (3.7%) case, while one (3.7%) patient had spontaneous abortion. Maternal mortality was reported in one patient (3.7%) due to a delay in diagnosis. In endemic settings, a strong index of suspicion for scrub typhus is necessary in pregnant females presenting with fever. The key to reducing morbidity in both the mother and foetus is early diagnosis and treatment. What is already known on this subject? Scrub typhus is a febrile condition ranging in severity from mild to severe, with 30% mortality in untreated patients. What do the results of this study add? Majority of the pregnant females delivered healthy and live babies. However, poor foetal outcomes were observed in four (14.8%) cases with intrauterine deaths occurring in two (7.4%) cases and still birth in one (3.7%) case, while one (3.7%) patient had spontaneous abortion. Maternal mortality was reported in one patient (3.7%) due to a delay in diagnosis. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In endemic settings, a strong index of suspicion for scrub typhus is necessary for pregnant females presenting with fever. The key to reducing morbidity in both the mother and foetus is early diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Ramandeep. Bansal, Vanita. Suri, Seema. Chopra, Neelam. Aggarwal, Pooja. Sikka, Subhas. Saha, Parampreet. Kharbanda, Praveen. Kumar AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were: (1) to determine if [...]

Introduction: Obstetrics teleconsultation is a new concept to enable health-care services in the COVID pandemic by limiting in-person visits. This study describes the methodology of mobile-based teleconsultation, preliminary findings, and the experience of the obstetricians. Material and Methods: The data of pregnant women who got registered for teleconsultation in early phase of COVID pandemic lockdown were reviewed and analyzed. A qualitative analysis was performed to assess the experience of obstetricians (consultants, senior residents, and junior residents) via an online electronic survey. Results: The majority of obstetrics teleconsultations were for routine antenatal care (75%) and fetal medicine consultation (12.3%). Out of 187 women, 29.9% were advised to continue antenatal care at local hospitals, whereas 33.6% were asked to follow up via teleconsultation. Most of the obstetricians (73.68%) felt that they were able to satisfy the pregnant women and rated the teleconsultation satisfactory. Conclusion: Obstetrics telemedicine found to be beneficial for providing routine antenatal care services via reducing physical visits and overcrowding in outpatient departments, promoting antenatal care at local hospitals, and making specialized (maternal–fetal medicine) care accessible even during COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy in women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not well described. In this retrospective study, we analyzed data on pregnant women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who were under follow-up care in the cardiology department of a tertiary care hospital. We reviewed data on all women registered in the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy cohort and those who attended the cardio-obstetric clinic and delivered between January 2010 and June 2019. From these 2 groups, we identified 7 pregnant women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who delivered during this period. These 7 women (mean [SD] age, 25 [3.3] years) had a total of 15 pregnancies (range per woman,1-4). This was a high-risk cohort, as 7 (46.7%) pregnancies were in the modified World Health Organization class III. The mean (SD) left ventricular wall thickness was 19.71 (2.56) mm in all pregnancies. Two of the 7 women with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction developed severe symptoms in the third trimester; these improved soon after delivery. Eight pregnancies without obstruction were well tolerated. Two pregnancies occurred after successful alcohol septal ablation. Both remained asymptomatic throughout pregnancy. All women tolerated labor well. Adverse maternal outcomes, including death, were not seen in any patient. All women who became symptomatic during pregnancy had relief of symptoms after delivery. Most women remained asymptomatic or had mild symptoms during pregnancy. Of the women with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, 28.6% had severe symptoms that improved after delivery. Pregnancy was well tolerated after successful alcohol septal ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatic mitral stenosis is the common valvular heart disease seen during pregnancy. Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy is an effective, safe, and recommended treatment for critical mitral stenosis during pregnancy. We hereby report the maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women subjected to percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy at our institute. Methods: Seventy consecutive pregnant women with critical mitral stenosis, who underwent PTMC during the last 10 years, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had a detailed clinical and obstetric evaluation and were optimally managed with drugs, before the intervention. A comprehensive pre- and post-percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation was performed. Detailed obstetric and fetal outcomes were noted at the time of delivery. Six weeks of post-partum follow-up was noted in all patients. Results: The mean gestational age at the time of percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy was 29.5 ± 6.68 weeks. Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy was successful in 97% of patients. Post-percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy New York Heart Association functional class, mitral valve area, trans-mitral pressure gradient, and left atrial pressure had a significant improvement (P < .001). The mean gestational age at the time of delivery was 36.92 ± 3.02 weeks. The mean birth weight of live newborn was 2.29 ± 0.55 kg. The fetal complications include growth restriction in 62.85%, preterm delivery in 34.37%, and low birth weight in 67.21%. A delayed percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy at about 30 weeks of gestation did not affect the maternal and fetal outcomes. Conclusion: Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy is safe and efficacious in managing pregnant women with critical mitral stenosis. There was a significant improvement in clinical symptoms and echocardiographic parameters following percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral hepatitis E is an under‐estimated clinical entity with high mortality (20%–30%), especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. As complications due to hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pregnancy is much greater, it is hypothesized that HEV may cross the placenta and replicate in placental tissues even weeks after clearance from the blood, and cytokines may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of HEV in pregnancy. A total of 12 pregnant women with features of acute viral hepatitis/acute liver failure and positive for either HEV‐immunoglobulin M (IgM)/HEV‐RNA and 30 pregnant women negative for HEV RNA/IgM/immunoglobulin G were enrolled as study subjects and healthy controls, respectively. Following delivery, 5 ml blood was collected from the mother for HEV‐RNA. Replicative RNA and viral load in placental tissue were detected through Real‐Time PCR. Placental tissues from the maternal/fetal sides were stained for HEV antigen using HEV‐open reading frame‐2 antibody by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and for histopathological changes by haematoxylin and eosin. Plasma samples were tested for interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 cytokine levels using Duo‐R&D ELISA kit, whereas peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used to study the inflammasomes and IL‐1β and IL‐18 cytokine genes expression.Of the 10 HEV RNA‐positive sera, 9 had HEV RNA either in the maternal/fetal side of the placenta with the mean viral load of 137.4 IU/ml. Of the 10 HEV RNA‐positive pregnant women, stillbirth in two and fetal and maternal death in one case was reported. IHC revealed strong brownish cytoplasmic staining (HEV antigen) in cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblast cells in positive samples. The maternal/fetal side of the infected placenta showed irregular intervillous fibrin deposition as well as tissue necrosis. The mean levels of IL‐1β and IL‐18 cytokines in serum of infected subjects were significantly higher than the healthy controls (17.31 ± 4.462 vs. 8.85 ± 4.36 pg/ml; p < 0.0001*** and 2275 ± 536.9 vs. 1085 ± 531.7 pg/ml; p < 0.0001***), respectively. Detecting replicative HEV RNA and HEV antigen in placental tissues indicated the extra‐hepatic replication of HEV. Furthermore, placental tissue necrosis and significant rise of cytokine levels in HEV‐infected pregnant women might be contributing to the HEV pathogenesis in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and cost of four commonly prescribed oral iron preparations: ferrous sulfate (FS), ferrous fumarate (FF), ferrous ascorbate (FA), and carbonyl iron (CI) in the treatment of iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women. Methods: It was a prospective, randomized, open‐label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) design with four parallel active control groups: FS, FF, FA, CI. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants becoming non‐anemic (Hb ≥ 11 g%) at the end of the study period. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants achieving normal red blood corpuscular indices such as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; the proportion of participants achieving normal iron indices such as serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron‐binding capacity, and transferrin saturation; and comparison of incidence of any adverse events between treatment groups and comparison of costs of individual drug therapy between treatment groups. Results: One hundred and twenty patients were randomized to four different groups (n = 30). The results of the present study show that all the four iron salts at the dose of 200 mg elemental iron per day were equally effective in improving hemoglobin concentration and other hematological parameters. The adverse effects were more common in the FF group (56.7%). The pharmacoeconomic analysis showed that all the drugs are equally cost‐effective. Conclusion: To conclude from the results of the present study, it can be said that FS, FF, FA, and CI are equally effective in treating IDA and they can be prescribed interchangeably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. Synopsis: Primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PH‐NENs) constitute 0.3% of all NENs, and are rarely reported in pregnancy. A 28‐year‐old pregnant woman was managed successfully, emphasizing diagnostic and management challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels were prospectively studied in pregnant women with heart disease. Methods: Fifty pregnant women with heart disease and 25 controls were evaluated at 24 weeks or under, 30–32 weeks, 34 weeks or more of gestation, and 6 weeks postpartum. Adverse maternal cardiac events were hospitalization for worsening heart failure, stroke, and death. Results: Thirty-eight (76%) women had rheumatic heart disease. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels were (in cases and controls) 118.3 ± 46.5 pg/ml and 66.3 ± 15.9 pg/ml (at 24 weeks or under), 124.8 ± 30.4 pg/ml and 68.4 ± 16.5 pg/ml (30–32 weeks), 135.8 ± 34.9 pg/ml and 68.6 ± 15.6 pg/ml (34 weeks or more), and 110.1 ± 21.9 pg/ml and 65.0 ± 16.1 pg/ml (6 weeks postpartum) (p =.0001). Eighteen women had adverse events. Of these, only 1 had a level less than 100 pg/ml, 12 were between 100 and 200 pg/ml, and 5 more than 200 pg/ml. Conclusions: Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels were higher in women with heart disease at all periods of gestation as well as six weeks postpartum. No woman with a plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels of 98 pg/ml or less had an adverse event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Studies on pregnancy with rheumatic heart disease (RHD), still common in the developing world, are relatively old and small. This retrospective study was conducted to study the outcome of pregnancy in women with RHD and factors associated with poor outcome. We studied 353 pregnancies in 273 women. In 35% of the patients, the diagnosis was first made during index pregnancy. Women with severe MS had lesser gestational age at delivery and birth weight than those with mild-to-moderate MS. Women with NYHA III-IV status delivered at lesser gestational age had lesser birth weight and had higher perinatal and maternal mortality than NYHA I-II status. Pregnancy outcome was better among women who underwent Balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) when indicated than those who did not. Cardiac complications were higher in women with severe MS and poor NYHA status. Early booking is important for the optimal outcome. BMV is safe during pregnancy and should be done when necessary. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Rheumatic heart disease continues to be the major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Most of the recent studies discuss pregnancy with heart disease as a whole with RHD being a part. What do the results of this study add? A large number of women in developing countries conceive with unknown underlying heart disease. Late access to antenatal care is associated with poor outcome. Cardiac and obstetric complications are significantly higher in women with severe mitral stenosis and poor NYHA functional status. Balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) during pregnancy is safe and technically feasible. BMV averts major complications that may occur due to severe disease. Patients with RHD can undergo labour and vaginal delivery under vigilant monitoring. What are the implications for clinical practice? Thorough clinical examination by the clinician at initial visit is important to detect unknown heart disease. Symptoms pointing towards underlying heart disease should prompt evaluation. This study provides evidence for population-based screening for heart disease in women. Optimal management of compensated mitral stenosis requires weighing the risks and benefits of pharmacological therapy versus BMV in the context of maternal condition. BMV should be performed when necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Data on efficacy and safety of levetiracetam (LEV) during pregnancy is still limited. We analyzed efficacy and safety of LEV during pregnancy in North Indian women with epilepsy (WWE) which is being presented here. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 99 WWE (on treatment with a single antiepileptic drug [AED]) who were evaluated in medical-surgical disorder antenatal clinic of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at a tertiary care teaching hospital and referral center in North India. All the obstetric and fetal data as well as data pertaining to epilepsy were noted meticulously. RESULTS: In this study (n = 99), 35 women received carbamazepine, 28 received LEV, 15 received valproate (VPA), 13 received phenytoin (PHT), three each received oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine, respectively, and two received clobazam. Although the use of VPA was associated with significantly better control of seizures compared to LEV, its use was associated with higher risk of major congenital malformations (13.3%). The incidence of gestational hypertension was lower while incidence of fetal distress was significantly higher in WWE receiving PHT during pregnancy. None of the child born to pregnant women receiving LEV had any congenital malformation. CONCLUSION: LEV is a first-line AED during pregnancy. Future prospective studies using therapeutic drug monitoring during pregnancy may further help in establishing its role during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study sought to determine the characteristics of antenatal patients with tuberculosis (TB) and their pregnancy outcomes. Case records of 50 antenatal women with extra-pulmonary and pulmonary TB at a tertiary centre in India were compared to 150 antenatal women not suffering from TB, for adverse medical, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The prevalence of TB was 1.16 per 1000 deliveries. Of these, 62% had extra-pulmonary TB. There were two maternal deaths. TB in pregnancy was associated with a five times higher risk of prematurity and three times higher risk of intrauterine growth restriction than the norm. Maternal prognosis depends on the complications of tuberculosis and treatment compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data comparing pregnancy outcome in hyperthyroid women with euthyroid women are scarce. Hence, this study was carried out to assess the maternal and fetal outcome in pregnant women with hyperthyroidism to ascertain the effect of disease on pregnancy. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted over a period of 28 years. We compared the maternal and fetal outcomes of 208 hyperthyroid women with 403 healthy controls, between women with well-controlled and uncontrolled disease and amongst women diagnosed with hyperthyroidism before and during pregnancy. Results: Maternal outcome: women with hyperthyroidism were at increased risk for preeclampsia (OR = 3.94), intrauterine growth restriction (OR = 2.16), spontaneous preterm labor (OR = 1.73), preterm birth (OR = 1.7), gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.8), and cesarean delivery (OR = 1.47). Hyperthyroid women required induction of labor more frequently (OR = 3.61). Fetal outcome: newborns of hyperthyroid mothers had lower birth weight than normal ones (p = 0.0001). Women with uncontrolled disease had higher odds for still birth (OR = 8.42; 95% CI: 2.01-35.2) and lower birth weight (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Obstetrical complications were higher in women with hyperthyroidism than normal women. Outcome was worsened by uncontrolled disease. Women with pregestational hyperthyroidism had better outcomes than those diagnosed with it during pregnancy. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnancy management is a crucial issue in women with Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) and there are no established guidelines on the management. Aim: To report our experience of pregnancy outcome with BCS. Material and Methods: We report outcome of 13 pregnancies in three women, with favourable outcome after the diagnosis of the condition and its treatment using intervention to bypass obstruction and anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy. Results: Three women had a total of 13 pregnancies; three after the diagnosis and decompressive treatment of the disease. Disease was diagnosed during index pregnancy in two women. Anticoagulation was given in all the three pregnancies (Robertson et al., Br J Haematol, 132:171-196, ). Pregnancies prior to diagnosis and treatment resulted in a live birth. Conclusion: Pregnancy does not seem to be a contraindication in well treated and controlled BCS. Maternal outcome is good with close multidisciplinary surveillance. Foetal outcome, however, may still be poor due to underlying prothrombotic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To study the nature and clinical outcome of pregnancies with obstetric cholestasis on active management and to correlate perinatal outcome to gestational age at delivery. Material and Methods This prospective randomized study included 69 women with obstetric cholestasis. Fetal surveillance began at 34 weeks or later at diagnosis and included daily maternal record of fetal movements, and biophysical profile (i.e. non stress test, the four quadrant amniotic fluid index). Fetal monitoring was conducted weekly before 36 weeks and biweekly after that. Randomization into two groups was done where one group was planned for delivery at 37 weeks whereas in the other group, pregnancy was carried to 38 weeks under surveillance. The primary outcome variable was correlation of fetal and neonatal complication rates to gestational age at delivery. Results There were no stillbirths in the study. No episode of fetal asphyxia or bradycardia was observed. The overall rate of meconium passage was 7.46% (5/67). However, there was no case of meconium aspiration syndrome. Women delivering at or after 38 weeks had a lower incidence of cesarean section (17.85% vs 25.8%), neonatal nursery admission (17.85% vs 22.5%), and neonatal jaundice (17.85% vs 19.35%) compared to those delivering at 37 weeks. The differences between the two groups were, however, not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion The current study demonstrates that with active intervention, pregnancies with obstetric cholestasis can be carried to a later gestation under surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This study was undertaken to analyze the maternal and perinatal outcome in women with prosthetic heart valves on different anticoagulant regimens. Study design: A retrospective chart review of pregnancies in 40 women with mechanical valve prostheses at a tertiary referral centre from 1997 to 2010. The main outcome measures were major maternal complications and perinatal outcome. Results: The valves replaced were mitral (67.5%), aortic (15.0%), or both (17.5%). Forty-nine pregnancies (72.1%) resulted in live births, 3(4.4%) had stillbirths, and 13(19.1%) had spontaneous abortions and 1(1.4%) underwent therapeutic abortions. The live birth rate was higher in women on heparin (78.3%) compared with those on warfarin (66.9%). There were 2 maternal deaths due to acute mitral valvular thrombosis while on acenocoumarol in the second trimester. Hemorrhagic complications occurred in 3 patients on heparin in the postpartum period, 2 of whom required transfusion. In addition one patient who was on acenocoumarol developed secondary hemorrhage. Conclusion: No anticoagulant regimen can be said to be entirely safe for use during pregnancy as there is a degree of risk with each regimen. Further larger studies are needed to come up with sufficient evidence-based recommendations for the best possible management of such patients to reduce the maternal risks after mechanical heart valve replacement without compromising fetal outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

im: To evaluate pregnancy outcome in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: A total of 71 pregnancies in 35 women with SLE were evaluated for maternal and perinatal outcomes in a tertiary centre of Northern India. Thirty-five pregnancies were evaluated prospectively while details of previous 36 pregnancies in the same women were studied retrospectively. Results: The Mean age of pregnant women with SLE was 26.89 ± 2.7 years and 14.57% were nulliparous. The presenting event was arthritis in 60% of the patients; others presented with febrile illness, renal manifestation and cutaneous manifestation. One woman was lupus anticoagulant positive. All women conceived while on disease quiescence period and were continued on the same pre-pregnancy dose of pharmacological agents. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were seen in 28.5% while chronic hypertension was seen in 5.6%. The incidence of abortion, preterm deliveries and perinatal loss was 33.8, 29.57 and 12.67%, respectively. Vaginal delivery rate was 47.88 and 18.3% underwent caesarean section. There was no case of neonatal lupus and none had disease flare-up in the postpartum period. Conclusion: A better pregnancy outcome can be expected if clinical remission is achieved and disease activity is adequately controlled prior to pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluate pregnancy outcome in women with extra hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). A total of 26 pregnancies in 14 women with EHPVO were evaluated for maternal and perinatal outcomes in a tertiary centre of Northern India. Fourteen pregnancies were evaluated prospectively while the details of 12 previous pregnancies in the same women were studied retrospectively. Mean age of pregnant women with EHPVO was 24.5 years and approximately one-third were primigravidae. Only one patient was diagnosed as EHPVO in the index pregnancy. The presenting event was hematemesis in 71% of the patients; others presented with thrombosis, pain abdomen and jaundice or incidental splenomegaly. The incidence of abortion, preterm deliveries and still births was 20%, 15.4% and 7.7%, respectively. Underlying hypercoagulable and prothrombotic state was diagnosed in around one-fifth of the patients. Half of these women required platelet transfusion in the intrapartum period due to hypersplenism resulting in thrombocytopenia. Anemia was seen in 40% of the patients; however, no other major complications were seen as a result of EHPVO. The vaginal delivery rate and obstetrical outcome were similar as in general population. Pregnancy outcome is expected to be successful in women with EHPVO if disease is adequately controlled prior to pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Takayasu's syndrome is a chronic inflammatory arteriopathy of unknown origin which primarily affects women of reproductive age. We report the course and outcome of 37 pregnancies in 15 women with Takayasu arteritis during the period 1999–2008. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 9 years was carried out in a tertiary hospital in Northern India. The effect of disease on the course of pregnancy, complications during pregnancy and perinatal outcome were analyzed. Results: Hypertension was the most common presenting feature (27%). In the majority of the patients, vessels involved were the subclavian artery and arch of the aorta. Superimposed preeclampsia complicated 62% of pregnancies while 16% of pregnancies had intrauterine growth retardation. Six patients had preterm delivery and one had preeclampsia and placental abruption. The mean gestational age at delivery was 36 ± 3 weeks. The majority of the patients had a vaginal delivery. There was one maternal death due to accelerated hypertension and its complications. Conclusion: Adequate control of blood pressure during pregnancy, planning the timing and mode of the delivery and vigilant monitoring during intrapartum period with special reference to management of blood pressure and its complications is essential for an optimum outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality, associated with cyanosis and arrhythmia. Patients often reach childbearing age and pregnant women pose a challenge to the treating physician. We describe the course and outcome of pregnancy in women with Ebstein's anomaly and discuss the related management issues. Methods: Analysis of pregnancies in four women with Ebstein's anomaly was carried out in a referral institute in northern India. Data of two women were analyzed retrospectively and the other two women were prospectively followed in their pregnancies during the study period. The course of the pregnancy, disease and perinatal outcome in each woman were analyzed. Results: Four women had eight pregnancies all resulting in vaginal deliveries. There were two premature deliveries. The mean birth weight was 2.54 ± 0.88 kg. Of the eight babies, six did not have any cardiac anomalies; one was an unexplained neonatal death and for another, no data was available. Pregnancy was well tolerated in two patients, while one had right heart failure during early pregnancy, and one had arrhythmia during labor, which was managed medically; one patient had arrhythmia in the postpartum period, which was managed medically. Conclusion: When a woman with Ebstein's anomaly reaches childbearing age, fertility is not affected, even in cyanotic women. Under close supervision by the woman's obstetrician and cardiologist, the pregnancy outcome is usually favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases commonly affect young women with child-bearing potential. It is important to know the impact of these diseases on pregnancy, and conversely the effect of pregnancy on these diseases, which may have important implications for mothers and neonates. Majority of studies suggest that pregnancy aggravates systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity while ameliorating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This contrasting finding between RA and SLE in pregnancy is postulated to be due to the differences in autoimmune response. There is a raised Th2 type response during pregnancy in comparison to the non-pregnant state, leading to the over expression of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-10. These cytokines are believed to increase the autoantibody response in SLE but to be immunosuppressive in RA. Studies suggest that patients of systemic sclerosis and mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) also have worsening of their underlying disorder while paucity of data precludes any solid conclusion regarding disease activity in patients of Sjogren''s syndrome. Pregnancies in SLE, RA, systemic sclerosis (SSc) and MCTD patients are associated with a greater risk of relatively poor foetal outcome than in the general population, especially with increased disease activity before conception and early in pregnancy. This review provides an update regarding the effect of pregnancy on autoimmune rheumatic disorders and vice-versa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Preeclampsia may lead to heart failure in late pregnancy and early puerperium. Diastolic dysfunction may be the cause of heart failure in these patients. There is paucity of data on diastolic dysfunction in patients with preeclampsia. Aim: To assess cardiac diastolic dysfunction in women with preeclampsia by Doppler echocardiography and to correlate severity of dysfunction with severity of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty nulliparous women in age group of 20-35 years were recruited for the study. Among these, 120 women with preeclampsia were taken as cases and 30 normotensive women as controls. Doppler echocardiography was carried out between 28-36 weeks of gestation in both groups to assess and grade severity of diastolic dysfunction. Results: Of 120 women with preeclampsia, 61 had mild preeclampsia and 59 had severe preeclampsia. Diastolic dysfunction was seen in 25(20.8%) cases. Among these, grade I diastolic dysfunction was seen in 40% and the rest 60% had grade II diastolic dysfunction. In the mild preeclampsia group, only 2(3.3%) patients had diastolic dysfunction. Both had grade I dysfunction. Of severe preeclampsia patients, 8(13.6%) had grade I and 15(25.4%) had grade II diastolic dysfunction (p=0.001). None of these progressed to heart failure or pulmonary oedema. Systolic function assessed by left ventricular ejection fraction was normal in all cases. All controls had normal systolic and diastolic functions. Conclusion: Cardiac diastolic dysfunction occurred in one-fifth of women with preeclampsia. Grade of diastolic dysfunction correlated with the severity of preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To predict the risk of preterm birth (<37 weeks) or early preterm birth (<34 weeks) by cervicovaginal HCG and cervical length measured between 24–28 weeks of gestation in asymptomatic women at high risk for preterm birth. This study was conducted in the departments’ of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Immunopathology of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. In 75 pregnant women at high risk for preterm birth because of prior one on more preterm births due to spontaneous labour or ruptured membranes, cervicovaginal HCG and cervical length (by TVS) were measured between 24–28 weeks of gestation. These parameters were correlated individually and in combination for prediction of preterm birth. Of the 75 women, 20 (26.7%) delivered <37 weeks and 6 (8%) delivered <34 weeks. To predict delivery <37 weeks, cervical length <2.95 cm had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 75%, 80.1%, 71.4% and 90.7% respectively, and cervicovaginal HCG >4.75 mIU/ml had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 70%, 61.81%, 40% and 85% respectively. To predict delivery <34 weeks, cervical length <2.65 cm had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 50%, 85.50%, 23.08% and 95.16% respectively; and cervicovaginal HCG >14 mIU/ml had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 83.3%, 85.5%, 33.3% and 98.3% respectively. Cervical length was superior to predict delivery <37 weeks, whereas HCG was superior to predict delivery <34 weeks. Their combination was superior to predict preterm birth both <37 weeks or <34 weeks, than either parameter used alone. In high risk asymptomatic women, increased cervicovaginal HCG and reduced cervical length and between 24 to 28 weeks of gestation increased the risk of preterm delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study maternal and perinatal outcome in congenital heart disease (CHD) and to compare outcome between cyanotic and acyanotic CHD. Method: A retrospective analysis of 196 cases of CHD was undertaken, and maternal and perinatal outcome of pregnancy was compared in cyanotic and acyanotic cases and between surgically corrected and uncorrected cases. Results: Maternal and perinatal outcome was better in the acyanotic group. Maternal complications included higher incidence of cardiac complications in cyanotic group, (33.3% vs 3.4% in acyanotic group, P = 0.001), abruption (12.5% vs nil) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (16.6% vs 5.2%). Rate of prematurity (25% vs 11.6%), intrauterine growth retardation (50% vs 15.1%, P = 0.003) and abortion (4.1% vs 2.1%) was higher in cyanotic group. Mean gestational age at delivery was better in corrected group, 37.13 vs 34.93 weeks in uncorrected group. There was no case of infective endocarditis. There were four cases of maternal mortality in cyanotic group, two of which were in women with Eisenmenger syndrome. In acyanotic heart disease one case died undelivered and one died on first postoperative day. Conclusion: Maternal and perinatal outcome is better in acyanotic CHD compared to cyanotic CHD. Surgical correction of cardiac lesions prior to conception improves outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Maternal complete heart block (CHB), which manifests for the first time during pregnancy and peurperium, poses a challenge to treating physicians. We present here four cases that were diagnosed during pregnancy and peurperium, and we discuss their management issues. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a 3-year period was carried out in a referral hospital in northern India. The course of pregnancy, disease and perinatal outcome in women with CHB diagnosed during pregnancy was studied. Results: Of the four patients who presented with CHB, only one had a structural cardiac lesion (corrected transposition of great arteries). All of the women had an uneventful delivery. Two women were given prophylactic temporary pacing before labor and three women required subsequent permanent pacing. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was present in two babies and preterm labor occurred in one patient. None of the neonates had any rhythm disturbances. Conclusion: When a multidisciplinary approach is used, both maternal and neonatal outcomes are good. The incidence of IUGR and preterm birth may be on the increase; hence, clinical vigilance for these conditions is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura commonly affects women of childbearing age and is associated with maternal and fetal complications. Management of a pregnant patient is difficult and requires combined care of obstetrician and a neonatologist. We report our experience of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy during the last 7 years. Method. A retrospective study over the 7-year period 1997–2003 was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. The course of pregnancy, disease and perinatal outcome of 19 pregnancies in 16 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was studied. Results. Out of 16 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, eight were already diagnosed while the other eight were diagnosed during pregnancy. Five patients diagnosed during pregnancy had severe thrombocytopenia, and four of them showed hemorrhagic manifestation. Nine patients required steroids during pregnancy. Two patients received immunoglobulin therapy. During the antenatal period one patient developed pre-eclampsia and one patient had gestational diabetes mellitus. Both of these patients were on steroids. There was no postpartum hemorrhage or maternal death. None of the neonates had bleeding complication, irrespective of mode of delivery. Conclusion. Pregnant patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura have generally good maternal and perinatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze pregnancy course and outcomes in women treated for acromegaly and compare outcomes based on disease activity at the time of conception. Retrospective study. Women with acromegaly diagnosed prior to or during pregnancy from 2010 to 2019, representing cases (14 pregnancies in 12 cases), were later stratified based on active (n = 5) or controlled disease (n = 9) at time of conception. Female acromegalic patients over the same period constituted the 'acromegaly cohort' (AC) (n = 75). All cases had macroadenomas with nadir GH of 15.06 ng/ml (IQR 9–30), IGF-I index of 3.04 (1.96–3.82), for which they had undergone pituitary surgery; except two patients diagnosed during pregnancy, who received pharmacotherapy followed by surgery 4 months postpartum. Adjuvant pharmacotherapy was required in 71.4% patients and radiotherapy in 35.7%. Pregnancy occurred at a median of 2 (0.8–5.1) years after surgery and 21.4% required assisted reproduction. All had term delivery with normal APGAR except one case with gestational hypertension, who delivered a preterm baby. None had congenital malformations. Despite higher baseline IGF-I, GH and tumor volume in those with pre-conceptional active acromegaly, materno-fetal outcomes were not different from those with controlled disease (p > 0.05). Similar or greater proportion of cases had normal GH and no residual tumor postpartum, even in those with pre-conceptional active acromegaly. The current study showed conducive outcomes of gestation in women treated for acromegaly and no higher rates of pregnancy parameters or complications than non-acromegaly pregnancies in the same population. Active acromegaly does not seem to have an adverse bearing on outcomes. • Acromegaly has customarily been associated with subfertility and adverse gestational outcomes. • In the current study, gestational complications in acromegaly pregnancies were comparable to non-acromegaly pregnancies. • Materno-fetal complications were not higher in those with active disease at conception. • Acromegaly in pregnancy may even show spontaneous remission following delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controversies persist regarding risks associated with pregnancy and delivery in women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). To date, pregnancy outcome data for these patients is scarce. We report the experience of pregnancies with HCM in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Data regarding cardiac illness and obstetric profile of all women attending the cardio-obstetrics clinic from January 1990 to December 2012 were studied. The records of cardiac illness of all women were checked and all patients with HCM were included in the study. Results: Out of total 2016 patients booked in the cardio-obstetrics clinic between 1990 and 2012, only 4 women were found to have a diagnosis of HCM (0.2%). Of these, 2 women with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and one with non-obstructive HCM had only mild symptoms and tolerated pregnancy and labour well. One patient had HCM with restrictive physiology developed heart failure and intra-uterine fetal death. Conclusion: HCM is underdiagnosed and rarely identified in pregnancy. Most patients with HCM tolerated pregnancy well, howeverone patient with restrictive physiology developed heart failure during her first pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 25-year-old woman, third gravid, with previous two miscarriages presented to the emergency at 17 weeks 2 days of gestation with complaints of pain in the abdomen for 1 day and decreased urine output for 2 days. She was in shock. There was no history of bleeding per vaginum, trauma, surgical procedure or medical illness. Her obstetrical history was marked by a spontaneous second trimester miscarriage at 24 weeks that was followed by fever for 1 week. Ultrasound revealed an extra uterine fetus with sac en caul secondary to uterine rupture. She was resuscitated and taken up for emergency salvage laparotomy. The ragged fundal rent was excised and uterine reconstruction was performed. Histology revealed placenta percreta. The patient had a rapid recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a patient with pregnancy at term in whom appendicitis mimicked haemolysis, elevated liver enzyme and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. A high index of suspicion of appendicitis should be kept in patients with abdominal pain and biochemical evidence of HELLP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omental pregnancy is a very rare form of ectopic pregnancy. A 29-year-old woman presented with severe abdominal pain. History of the patient revealed use of combined oral contraceptive pills. There was no gestational sac in the endometrial cavity and no tubal ring in the adnexa, but free peritoneal fluid was detected at ultrasonography. Laparotomy was done according to pre-operative diagnosis of ruptured tubal pregnancy. Bilateral tubes and ovaries were intact; gestational sac was detected attached to the necrotic lower edge of omentum. Although 16 cases of omental pregnancy (mostly secondary) were reported in the literature, herein we describe a primary omental pregnancy without adnexal involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unicornuate uterus is a rare anomaly caused by one of the mullerian ducts failing to develop. It may consist of an apparently normal looking uterus on one side with a rudimentary horn on the other side (1). Although rare, pregnancy can occur, with an estimated incidence of 1: 140000 deliveries (2). O'Leary & O'Leary (2) reported that in 90% of reported cases rupture of the rudimentary horn occurred in the second trimester. Pentti et al. [3] reported a pregnancy in an uncommunicating rudimentary horn with a rupture and fetal salvage. We also administered a noncommunicating rudimentary horn pregnancy, diagnosed only at the time of elective cesarean section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]