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Conducting defect (CD) co-existing with interatrial septal anomaly (ISA) like Atrial Septal Aneurysm (ASA) is a rare congenital heart disease presenting with bradyarrhythmia in-utero due to defects in the heart electrical conducting system. We report a case of a preterm female ‘CC’ (GA=35weeks) low birth weight (2.4kg) neonate with CD and associated ASA. CC’s mother presented with poor foetal movements and bradyarrhythmia and had an emergency caesarian section at 35weeks with Apgar score of 3, 5. She was managed for perinatal Asphyxia. This report highlights the fact that ASA resolved at around the first year of life but the associated heart electrical conducting system defects persisted. The report also emphasizes the challenges of anaging a rare neonatal cardiac condition in a resource limited setting and the importance of thorough foetal biophysical profile and early interventional delivery when it is necessary.

Chukwuemeka Anthony Iyoke,1 Fausta Chioma Emegoakor,1 Euzebus Chinonye Ezugwu,1 Lucky Osaheni Lawani,2 Leonard Ogbonna Ajah,1 Jude Anazoeze Madu,3 Hyginus Uzo Ezegwui,1 Frank Okechukwu Ezugwu4 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, 3Department of Haematology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Enugu State University, Enugu, Nigeria Background: Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional cause of anemia in pregnancy and is often responsible for puerperal anemia. Puerperal anemia can impair postpartum maternal and neonatal well-being. Objective: To determine the effect of treatment of moderate puerperal iron-deficiency anemia using a single intravenous total-dose iron dextran versus daily single dose oral iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose. Methodology: A randomized controlled study in which postpartum women with moderate iron-deficiency anemia were randomized into treatment with either a single total-dose intravenous iron dextran or with daily single doses of oral iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose tablets for 6 weeks. Effects on hemoglobin concentration using either method were compared at 6 weeks postpartum. Analysis was per protocol using SPSS version 17 for windows. P-values ≤0.05 were considered significant. Results: Two hundred eighty-four women were recruited for the study: 142 women received single total dose intravenous infusion of iron dextran while 142 received daily oral iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose tablets. Approximately 84.0% (237/282) completed the study and were analyzed including 81% (115/142) of those randomized to injectable iron therapy compared to 85.9% (122/142) of those randomized to oral treatment. The proportions of women who had attained hemoglobin concentration of at least 10 g/dL by the 6 weeks postpartum visit did not differ significantly between cases and controls (95.7% vs 94.3%; P=0.73). Similarly, the mean increases in hemoglobin following either therapeutic route were comparable (1.03±0.56 g/dL for intravenous iron and 0.97±0.46 g/dL for the oral group; P=0.42). Conclusion: Single total-dose intravenous iron for treatment of puerperal iron-deficiency anemia was as effective as daily single doses of ferric iron tablets. For puerperal patients with iron-deficiency anemia in whom compliance with and tolerability of oral iron are not certain, a single total-dose intravenous iron can be safely offered. Keywords: effect, intravenous, iron, puerperal, anemia

Fausta Chioma J Emegoakor,1 Chukwuemeka Anthony Iyoke,1 Hyginus Uzo Ezegwui,1 Frank Okechukwu Ezugwu,2 Odidika Ugochukwu Umeora,3 Izuchukwu Obumneme Ibeagha41Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, Enugu, 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, 4Department of Haematology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, NigeriaBackground: Low serum ferritin levels signify low iron stores and this could predispose to iron deficiency anemia.Objective: To determine the rate and predictors of low serum ferritin levels during the puerperium in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.Study design: A hospital-based prospective longitudinal study involving parturient women who delivered singleton fetuses at term. Venous blood samples were collected to determine the serum ferritin concentration at 48 hours and 6 weeks postpartum. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics at 95% confidence interval (CI) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 20.0.Results: Two-hundred and two women who carried singleton pregnancies to term were studied. The mean serum ferritin levels at 48 hours and 6 weeks were 27.82±18.41 µg/L and 36.12±21.53 µg/L, respectively. Forty-eight hours postdelivery, 29.2% had low ferritin levels and this decreased to 12.4% at 6 weeks postpartum. There was a significant positive correlation between the serum ferritin level at 48 hours postdelivery and the serum ferritin level at 6 weeks postpartum (r=0.89, P

CA Iyoke,1 FO Ezugwu,2 OL Lawani,3 GO Ugwu,1 LO Ajah,3 SG Mba11Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu; 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria Purpose: To describe the methods preferred for contraception, evaluate preferences and adherence to modern contraceptive methods, and determine the factors associated with contraceptive choices among tertiary students in South East Nigeria.Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of sexual habits, knowledge of contraceptive methods, and patterns of contraceptive choices among a pooled sample of unmarried students from the three largest tertiary educational institutions in Enugu city, Nigeria was done. ­Statistical analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics at the 95% level of confidence.Results: A total of 313 unmarried students were studied (194 males; 119 females). Their mean age was 22.5±5.1 years. Over 98% of males and 85% of females made their contraceptive choices based on information from peers. Preferences for contraceptive methods among female students were 49.2% for traditional methods of contraception, 28% for modern methods, 10% for nonpharmacological agents, and 8% for off-label drugs. Adherence to modern contraceptives among female students was 35%. Among male students, the preference for the male condom was 45.2% and the adherence to condom use was 21.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that receiving information from health personnel/media/workshops (odds ratio 9.54, 95% confidence interval 3.5–26.3), health science-related course of study (odds ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.3–9.6), and previous sexual exposure prior to university admission (odds ratio 3.48, 95% confidence interval 1.5–8.0) all increased the likelihood of adherence to modern contraceptive methods.Conclusion: An overwhelming reliance on peers for contraceptive information in the context of poor knowledge of modern methods of contraception among young people could have contributed to the low preferences and adherence to modern contraceptive methods among students in tertiary educational institutions. Programs to reduce risky sexual behavior among these students may need to focus on increasing the content and adequacy of contraceptive information held by people through regular health worker-led, on-campus workshops. Keywords: modern contraceptives, preference, young people, sexual behavior

George O Ugwu,1 Chukwuemeka A Iyoke,1 Hyacinth E Onah,1 Vincent E Egwuatu,2 Frank O Ezugwu2 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria Background: Obstetricians in developing countries appear generally reluctant to conduct vaginal delivery in women with a previous Cesarean because of lack of adequate facilities for optimal fetomaternal monitoring. Objective: To describe delivery outcomes among women with one previous Cesarean section at a tertiary hospital in Southeast Nigeria. Methods: This was a prospective observational study to determine maternal and perinatal outcomes of attempted vaginal birth after Cesarean sections (VBAC) following one previous Cesarean section. Analysis was done with SPSS statistical software version 17.0 for Windows using descriptive and inferential statistics at 95% level of confidence. Results: Two thousand six hundred and ten women delivered in the center during the study period, of whom 395 had one previous Cesarean section. A total of 370 women with one previous Cesarean section had nonrecurrent indications, of whom 355 consenting pregnant women with one previous Cesarean section were studied. A majority of the women (320/355, 90.1%) preferred to have vaginal delivery despite the one previous Cesarean section. However, only approximately 54% (190/355) were found suitable for trial of VBAC, out of whom 50% (95/190 had successful VBAC. Ninety-five women (50.0%) had failed attempt at VBAC and were delivered by emergency Cesarean section while 35 women (9.8%) had emergency Cesarean section for other obstetric indications (apart from failed VBAC). There was no case of uterine rupture or neonatal and maternal deaths recorded in any group. Apgar scores of less than 7 in the first minute were significantly more frequent amongst women who had vaginal delivery when compared to those who had elective repeat Cesarean section (P=0.03). Conclusion: Most women who had one previous Cesarean delivery chose to undergo trial of VBAC, although only about half were considered suitable for VBAC. The maternal and fetal outcomes of trial of VBAC in selected women with one previous Cesarean delivery for nonrecurrent indications were good. Obstetricians in this area should do more to allow VBAC in women with one previous Cesarean section for nonrecurrent indications. Keywords: previous Cesarean section, vaginal birth, pregnancy, VBAC

Emmanuel O Ugwu,1 Godwin U Odoh,1 Samuel N Obi,1 Frank O Ezugwu2 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria Background: Male factor infertility presents one of the greatest challenges with respect to infertility treatment in Africa. Artificial insemination by donor semen (AID) is a cost-effective option for infertile couples, but its practice may be influenced by sociocultural considerations. The purpose of this study was to determine the awareness and acceptability of AID among infertile couples in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria, and identify the sociocultural factors associated with its practices. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to a cross-section of 200 consecutive infertile couples accessing care at the infertility clinics of two tertiary health institutions in Enugu, Nigeria, between April 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013. Results: Among the 384 respondents, the level of awareness and acceptability of AID were 46.6% (179/384) and 43% (77/179), respectively. The acceptability rate was significantly higher among female respondents, women with primary infertility, and those whose infertility had lasted for 5 years and beyond (P

Chukwuemeka Anthony Iyoke,1 George Onyemaechi Ugwu,1 Euzebus Chinonye Ezugwu,1 Frank Okechukwu Ezugwu,2 Osaheni Lucky Lawani,3 Azubuike Kanayo Onyebuchi3 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, Enugu, 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria Background: There are reports of increasing incidence of gynecological cancers in developing countries and this trend increases the need for more attention to gynecological cancer care in these countries. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the presentation and treatment of gynecological cancers and identify barriers to successful gynecological cancer treatment in a tertiary hospital in South East Nigeria. Methods: This study was a retrospective longitudinal analysis of the presentation and treatment of histologically diagnosed primary gynecological cancers from 2000 to 2010. Analysis was by descriptive and inferential statistics at the 95% level of confidence using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17 software. Results: Records of 200 gynecological cancers managed during the study period were analyzed. Over 94% of cervical cancers presented in advanced stages of the disease and received palliative/symptomatic treatment. Only 1.9% of cervical cancer patients had radical surgical intervention, and postoperative mortality from these radical surgeries was 100%. Approximately 76% of patients with ovarian cancer had debulking surgery as the mainstay of treatment followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperative mortality from ovarian cancer surgery was 63%. Cutting edge cytotoxic drugs were not used as chemotherapy for ovarian and chorionic cancers. Compliance with chemotherapy was poor, with over 70% of ovarian cancer patients failing to complete the prescribed courses of chemotherapy. Most patients with endometrial and vulval cancers had only surgical treatment, as compliance with follow-up for adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy was poor. Functional radiotherapy facilities were not available at the center during the study period, thereby necessitating external referrals to centers hundreds of kilometers away. Conclusion: Late presentation of cases, noncompliance with treatment regimens, lack of use of cutting edge cytotoxic drugs, the poor outcome of radical surgeries, and lack of a functional radiotherapy facility combined to create a very difficult gynecological cancer care environment at the study center. Keywords: gynecological cancer, management challenges, cancer surgery, chemotherapy

Chukwuemeka A Iyoke,1 Frank O Ezugwu,2 George O Ugwu,1 Osaheni L Lawani,3 Azubuike K Onyebuchi3 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Nigeria Background: Medical ethics is not given due priority in obstetric care in many developing countries, and the extent to which patients value compliance with ethical precepts is largely unexplored. Objective: To describe the expectations and experiences of obstetric patients in South East Nigeria with respect to how medical ethics principles were adhered to during their care. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study involving parturient women followed in three tertiary hospitals in South East Nigeria. Results: A total of 1,112 women were studied. The mean age of respondents was 29.7 ± 4.1 years. Approximately 98% had at least secondary education. Ninety-six percent considered ethical aspects of care as important. On the average, over 75% of patients expected their doctors to comply with the different principles of medical ethics and specifically, more than 76% of respondents expected their doctors to comply with ethical principles related to information and consent during their antenatal and delivery care. There was a statistically significant difference between the proportions of women who expected compliance of doctors with ethical principles and those who did not (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that increasing levels of skilled occupation (odds ratio [OR] 9.35, P < 0.001), and residence in urban areas (OR 2.41, P < 0.001) increased the likelihood of patients expecting to be informed about their medical conditions and their opinions being sought. Although the self-reported experiences of patients concerning adherence to ethical principles by doctors were encouraging, experiences fell short of expectations, as the level of expectation of patients was significantly higher than the level of observed compliance for all the principles of medical ethics. Conclusion: The level of practice of medical ethics principles by doctors during obstetric care in South East Nigeria was encouraging but still fell short of the expectations of patients. It is recommended that curriculum-based training of doctors and medical students should be implemented, and hospital policy makers should do more to promote ethical aspects of care, by providing official written guidelines for adherence to medical ethical principles during obstetric care. Keywords: medical ethics, obstetric care, principles

Chukwuemeka A Iyoke,1 George O Ugwu,1 Frank O Ezugwu,2 Osaheni L Lawani,3 Azubuike K Onyebuchi31Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, 2Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, 3Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, NigeriaObjective: The purpose of this study was to compare maternal weight gain in pregnancy and obstetric outcomes between women with obesity in early pregnancy and those with a normal body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of women with obesity in early pregnancy and those with a normal BMI who were seen at three teaching hospitals in South-East Nigeria. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17.0 software, with descriptive and inferential statistics at the 95% level of confidence.Results: The study sample consisted of 648 women (324 obese and 324 healthy-weight). The mean age of the obese women was 26.7 ± 5.1 years and that of the healthy-weight women was 26.6 ± 4.9 years. Although both excessive weight gain (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.54) and inadequate weight gain (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.04–0.15) were less common in women with early pregnancy obesity than in healthy-weight women, a significantly higher proportion of obese women with excessive weight gain had adverse fetomaternal outcomes. Also, a significantly higher proportion of obese women had specific complications, such as premature rupture of membranes (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.12–5.04), gestational hypertension/pre-eclampsia (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.12–5.04), antepartum hemorrhage (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.02–7.93), gestational diabetes (OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.62–11.74), cesarean delivery (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–5.44), macrosomia (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.06–8.41), severe birth asphyxia (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.63), abnormal Apgar scores (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.46–4.93), and newborn special care admissions (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.0–3.29).Conclusion: Early pregnancy obesity was associated with a wide range of adverse fetomaternal outcomes, and could be a genuine risk factor for increased pregnancy-related morbidity and/or mortality in this population. Interventions to reduce prepregnancy obesity could therefore be useful in this low-resource African setting.Keywords: obesity, early pregnancy, maternal weight gain, obstetric outcomes

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal mortality especially in developing countries. The majority of previous trials on the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss were performed in low-risk women for postpartum hemorrhage. A recent Cochrane Systematic Review recommended that further research was needed to determine the effects of prophylactic tranexamic acid for preventing intraoperative blood loss in women at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage., Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid in reducing intraoperative blood loss when given prior to cesarean delivery in women at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage., Study Design: The study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial., Methods: The study consisted of 200 term pregnant women and high-risk preterm pregnancies scheduled for lower-segment cesarean delivery at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria. The participants were randomized into two arms (intravenous 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo) in a ratio of 1:1. The participants received either 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo (20 mL of normal saline) intravenously at least 10 min prior to commencement of the surgery. The primary outcome measures were the mean intraoperative blood loss and hematocrit change 48 h postoperatively., Results: The baseline sociodemographic characteristics were similar in both groups. The tranexamic acid group when compared to the placebo group showed significantly lower mean blood loss (442.94 ± 200.97 versus 801.28 ± 258.68 mL; p = 0.001), higher mean postoperative hemoglobin (10.39 + 0.96 versus 9.67 ± 0.86 g/dL; p = 0.001), lower incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (1.0% versus 19.0%; p = 0.001), and lower need for use of additional uterotonic agents after routine management of the third stage of labor (39.0% versus 68.0%; p = 0.001), respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the mean preoperative hemoglobin (11.24 ± 0.88 versus 11.15 ± 0.90 g/dL; p = 0.457), need for other surgical intervention for postpartum hemorrhage (p > 0.05), and reported side effect, respectively, between the two groups., Conclusion: Prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid significantly decreases postpartum blood loss, improves postpartum hemoglobin, decreases the need for additional uterotonics, and prevents postpartum hemorrhage following cesarean section in pregnant women at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Its routine use during cesarean section in high-risk women may be encouraged.The trial was registered in the Pan-African Clinical Trial Registry with approval number PACTR202107872851363 .

Objective: To compare the effects on feto-maternal outcomes of expectant versus active management for premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term., Methods: This was a prospective randomized (1:1) controlled study involving 86 pregnant-women who received either expectant management (n = 43) or active management with misoprostol (n = 43) for PROM at term. Primary outcome was route of delivery. Secondary outcomes were: PROM to presentation interval; latency period; PROM to delivery interval; recruitment to delivery interval; labour and delivery complications., Results: Baseline-characteristics were similar between groups. There was no significant difference between active and expectant groups in mean PROM to presentation/admission, or PROM to delivery. However, mean latency period (11.1 ± 7.3 hours vs 8.8 ± 5.5 hours) and mean recruitment to delivery intervals after PROM (14.7 ± 5.2 hours vs 11.8 ± 5.0 hours) were significantly shorter for the active group compared with the expectant group. Although the rate of caesarean section was less in expectant management group (21%) compared with the active management group (30%), the difference was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences between groups in delivery or perinatal complications., Conclusion: Active and expectant management for PROM at term gave comparable outcomes in terms of methods of delivery and complications. However, active management significantly shortened the latency period and induction to delivery intervals compared with expectant management. Trial-Registration: Pan-African-trial-registry-(PACTR)-approval-number PACTR202206797734088.

Objective: To measure postoperative pain relief following the use of rectal diclofenac combined with intramuscular pentazocine compared with intramuscular pentazocine alone in patients undergoing a caesarean delivery., Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled pregnant women that had a caesarean section at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Study participants were randomized to receive either 100 mg of rectal diclofenac given every 12 h plus 30 mg of intramuscular pentazocine given every 6 h (group A) or 60 mg of intramuscular pentazocine given every 6 h (group B). The primary outcome was the level of pain as measured using a visual analogue scale. The secondary outcomes were the level of satisfaction with pain relief and need for rescue analgesia., Results: A total of 200 participants were randomized equally into the two groups. Participants in group A had significantly better pain control and satisfaction over the 48 h after surgery compared with group B. Significantly more of group B required rescue analgesia for breakthrough pain compared with group A., Conclusion: Rectal diclofenac combined with intramuscular pentazocine was significantly better at controlling pain compared with pentazocine alone in the first 48 h following caesarean section. Trial registration number: PACTR202107706925314 at www.pactr.org on 28 July 2021.

Background: Puerperal period is an important and thought-provoking period for puerperal mothers. Surprisingly, reports have indicated that there is increasing number of women resuming menstruation within six weeks of childbirth (puerperal menstruation). To the best of knowledge, there is no prior study on predictors of puerperal menstruation., Objective: To determine frequency and predictors of puerperal menstruation., Methods: This was a single tertiary health institution cross-sectional study at ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria that included data from May 2015 to December 2018. Women were interviewed at the end of the first six weeks of their childbirth. Women with HIV positive or had uterine rupture or peripartum hysterectomy were excluded. Bivariate analysis was performed by the chi-squared test and conditional logistic regression analysis was used to determine variables associated with puerperal menstruation. Statistical significance was accepted when P- value is <0.05., Results: A total of 371 women met the inclusion criteria. The return of menses within 6 weeks was present in 118(31.8%) women versus 253 (68.2%) women without puerperal menstruation, given a ratio of 1:3. Of the 371 women, 249 (67.1%) were on exclusive breastfeeding. The significant associated risk factors were age (p = 0.009), parity (p<0.001), early use of family planning (p = 0.001), socio-economic status (p<0.001) and manual removal of placenta (p = 0.007). At conditional logistic regression analysis, early use of family planning (p = 0.001), exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.027) and manual removal of placenta (p = 0.012) were independently associated with puerperal menstruation. Induction/augmentation of labor, postpartum misoprostol use and mode of delivery were not statistically significant (p>0.05, for all)., Conclusion: One in 3 women resumes menstruation within 6 weeks of childbirth. The major predictor was early initiation of family planning, and exclusive breastfeeding with manual removal of placenta a major protective factor. These interesting issues require further investigation to better understand the mechanism of puerperal menstruation., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of life-threatening complications related to pregnancies with abortive outcome and the associated health service events and performance in Nigerian public tertiary hospitals., Design: Secondary analysis of a nationwide cross-sectional study., Setting: Forty-two tertiary hospitals., Population: Women admitted for pregnancy-related complications., Methods: All cases of severe maternal outcomes (SMO: maternal near-miss or death) due to abortive pregnancy complications (defined as spontaneous or induced abortion, and ectopic pregnancy) were prospectively identified over 1 year using uniform identification criteria., Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of SMO, mortality index (% maternal death/SMO), case fatality rate, time until death after admission, and health service performance., Results: Of 5779 women admitted with abortive pregnancy complications, 444 (7.9%) experienced an SMO: 366 maternal near-misses and 78 maternal deaths. Intra-hospital maternal mortality ratio from complicated abortive pregnancy outcome was 85/100 000 live births. Case fatality rate was worst for abortion-related infections (19.1%). A quarter of maternal deaths occurred on the same day of admission; however, the peak time of occurrence of death was 3-7 days of admission. Women experiencing cardiovascular, renal or coagulation organ dysfunction were less likely to survive. Higher level of maternal education and closer residence to a health facility improved chance of maternal survival., Conclusions: Abortive outcome remains a major contributor to SMO in Nigeria. Although early hospital presentation by women is critical to surviving abortive pregnancy complications, improved, appropriate, and timely management is essential to enhance maternal survival., Tweetable Abstract: 78 maternal deaths and 366 near-misses occurred from abortions and ectopic pregnancies in 42 Nigerian referral hospitals in 1 year., (© 2019 World Health Organization; licensed by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.)

Purpose: To determine values of combinations of interleukin-6 (IL-6)/cervical native insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1)/total IGFBP-1 (Premaquick©) in predicting spontaneous deliveries and spontaneous exclusive preterm deliveries in women with threatened preterm labor., Methods: Women with singleton pregnancies between gestation age (GA) of 24 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days with preterm labor were recruited during a prospective multicenter study. Premaquick© was positive when at least two of three biomarkers were positive. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were estimated for both prediction of spontaneous deliveries and spontaneous exclusive preterm deliveries., Results: Ninety-seven (99.0%) out of 98 women enrolled were analyzed. Based on delivery status 7/14 days post-enrollment of general study population, Premaquick© had a sensitivity of 87.1/85.7%, a specificity of 92.4/96.8%, a PPV of 84.4/93.8% and a NPV of 93.9/92.3% for prediction of spontaneous delivery. Predictive accuracy of Premaquick© test in relation to days of enrollment were: 90.7% (≤7 days) and 92.8% (≤14 days). For women enrolled at GA <35 weeks, Premaquick© had a sensitivity of 100.0/87.5%, a specificity of 94.1/96.9%, a PPV of 70.5/87.5%, a NPV of 100.0/96.9% and an accuracy of 95.0/95.0% for prediction of preterm delivery within 7/14 days of enrollment, respectively. PPV was most significantly different in both groups when outcomes were compared between 2 days and 14 days post-enrollment (P<0.001)., Conclusion: This novel triple biomarker model of native and total IGFBP-1 and IL-6 appears to be an accurate test in predicting spontaneous deliveries and spontaneous exclusive preterm deliveries in threatened preterm labor in singleton pregnancies.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine accuracy and response time of duo of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1)/alpha-fetoprotein (Amnioquick duo+) versus placental alpha-microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) in diagnosing premature rupture of membranes (PROM)., Methods: A multicenter prospective study was conducted among women with features suggestive of PROM between 24 and 42 gestational weeks (GW). PROM was confirmed post-delivery based on presence of any two of these criteria: delivery within 48 h to 7 days, chorioamnionitis, membranes overtly ruptured at delivery, and adverse perinatal outcomes strongly correlated with prolonged PROM. Response time analysis was also done. Outcome measures included specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and response time for both tests., Results: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for Amnioquick duo+ were 97.9%, 97.6%, and 97.9%, which were higher than the levels for PAMG-1, of 95.3%, 90.0%, and 95.7%, respectively (not significant). Accuracy of Amnioquick duo+ versus PAMG-1 in equivocal (pooling = negative) cases was (98.4% vs 96.8%) at ≥34 GW but each was 100.0% at <34 GW (not significant). Overall diagnostic concordance rate of Amnioquick duo+ and PAMG-1 was 97.0% and both have equal positive predictive value (99.5%). Response time analysis showed that the overall response time of PAMG-1 was 4.5% higher than that of Amnioquick duo+., Conclusion: This is the largest study to date to reveal that Amnioquick duo+ and PAMG-1 have a comparatively high diagnostic accuracy in identifying women with PROM, with a concordance rate of 97.0%. The diagnostic response time of Amnioquick duo+ appears shorter. In equivocal cases, accuracy of Amnioquick duo+ was equal to that of the PAMG-1., (© 2017 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Purpose: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1/alpha fetoprotein (Amnioquick duo+®) compared with traditional clinical assessment (TCA) of nitrazine, ferning and pooling for the diagnosis of prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM)., Methods: A double-blinded, multicenter clinical study was conducted between February 2015 and August 2015 among pregnant women presenting with symptoms or features suggestive of PROM between 24 and 42 weeks gestation. Confirmation of PROM was done after delivery based on the presence of any two of these criteria: delivery within 48 h to 7 days, evidence of chorioamnionitis, membranes explicitly ruptured at delivery and adverse perinatal outcomes strongly correlated with prolonged PROM. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were outcome measures assessed., Results: Two hundred and thirty-six women were recruited. Three women were excluded from the final analysis due to lack of follow-up data and failure to meet inclusion criteria. Two hundred and thirty-three women had complete data for analysis. The specificity and sensitivity values for TCA were 76.2% and 85.2%, which were lower than those of Amnioquick duo+, which were 97.6% and 97.9%, respectively. The accuracy of Amnioquick duo+ was statistically higher (97.9% vs. 83.7%; RR=1.17; 95%CI=1.10-1.24; P<0.001). In equivocal cases (pooling=negative), the accuracy of Amnioquick duo+ vs. TCA was 98.4% vs. 69.4% (RR=1.42; 95%CI=1.20-1.68; P<0.001) at ≥34 weeks gestation and 100.0% vs. 71.4% (RR=1.40; 95%CI=1.07-1.83; P=0.021) at <34 weeks gestation., Conclusion: The performance matrix of Amnioquick duo+® was superior to that of TCA for diagnosing PROM even in equivocal cases.

Objectives: To determine diagnostic performance of placental alpha-microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) test compared to conventional clinical assessment (CCA) in women with prolonged pre-labour rupture of membranes (PROM)., Methods: A double-blind study of women with symptoms and signs of PROM in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, in south-east Nigeria using CCA for PROM and PAMG-1 test was done. Women were included if their symptoms, signs or complaints suggestive of PROM was more than 24 h duration. PROM was diagnosed if two out of three methods from CCA (pooling, positive nitrazine test or ferning) were present. Confirmation of PROM was done after delivery using any two of these clinical criteria: delivery in 48 h to 7 days, evidence of chorioamnionitis, membranes obviously ruptured at delivery and adverse perinatal outcomes strongly correlated with prolonged PROM., Results: Accuracy, specificity and sensitivity value for CCA were 72.5, 36.8 and 86.0% lower than for PAMG-1 test which were 95.7, 94.1 and 96.2%. In equivocal cases, PAMG-1 was significantly more accurate than CCA (92.3% versus 38.5%; p < 0.001)., Conclusions: This study in women with prolonged PROM, confirms that PAMG-1 test has high diagnostic accuracy irrespective of the duration of PROM before clinical evaluation.

Background: The most predominant form of tobacco use is cigarette smoking, and it poses serious threats to maternal and child health. The magnitude of cigarette smoking in pregnancy in our environment is not well-known. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking among pregnant women in Enugu, Nigeria as well as their exposures and perceptions of cigarette smoking advertisement., Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were administered to a cross-section of pregnant women randomly selected from three hospitals in Enugu, South-East Nigeria, from May 2, 2012 to June 12, 2012. Analysis was both descriptive and inferential at 95% confidence levels., Results: The prevalence of tobacco smoking in pregnancy was 4.5% (9/200). Over 90% of respondents admitted that cigarette smoking could harm both mother and unborn baby. In all, 79.5% (159/200) of respondents had seen or heard of advertisement for cigarette smoking as against 82.5% (165/200) that had seen or heard of antismoking advertisement (P = 0.444, odds ratio = 1.2 [95% confidence intervals: 0.74, 2.00])., Conclusions: The prevalence of cigarette smoking in pregnancy in Enugu, Nigeria was low, and there was high exposure to both pro-and anti-smoking advertisement. The awareness of harmful health effect of smoking was high but, that of the specific diseases associated with smoking in pregnancy was limited. Hence, antenatal classes and antismoking advertisement should be scaled-up to include maternal and peri-natal diseases/conditions associated with cigarette smoking.