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Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene1,2 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leratong Hospital, Krugersdorp, South Africa; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South AfricaCorrespondence: Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Email nnabuike.ngene@wits.ac.zaBackground: Teaching philosophy defines the beliefs and ideas that guide practices in teaching and learning. Writing teaching philosophy statements for promotion or employment is daunting for inexperienced new faculty members.Aim: This article aims to discuss the principles of relevant educational domains that academics need to know to be well informed when writing their teaching philosophy. It also provides a new perspective on how to write the personal statements.Methods: Journal articles published in English language between 2018 and 2023 (as well as important older ones) in electronic databases (Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and SCOPUS) were searched, sifted, reviewed and used for this narrative literature review. Additionally, the websites of educational organisations such as higher education institutions were selected using convenience sampling method and searched to ascertain practices.Results: Educators need to link teaching philosophy statements to the literature about teaching. However, there is a scarcity of literature that provides a comprehensive overview of the required domain knowledge. These domains are Supervision, Curriculum development, Assessment, Mentorship, Pedagogy, and Scholarship of teaching and learning (S-CAMPS domains).Conclusion: Using various teaching practices and models to achieve the best quality learning and valued transformation is crucial in achieving a comprehensive Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Therefore, developing a personal philosophy provides the opportunity for reflection on utilizing the theory-practice-philosophy perspective best to serve the students, academic institution, and society.Keywords: 21st cent. medicine, academic achievement, learning, philosophy, teaching

The growing demand for medical professionals in undergraduate and graduate/postgraduate medical education to attain comprehensive health training has not abated and necessitates the development of curricula encompassing relevant issues pertaining to clinical practice as well as the educational context. Therefore, diversity in learning activities should be embedded in a teaching curriculum to achieve the required competencies. This includes considering at least the following during the design and analysis of a teaching curriculum: Harden's ten questions to be posed when designing a curriculum; Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) competency framework which has been approved by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; 21st-century skills; Diana Laurilliard's conversational framework; and general quality measures to improve diversity in a teaching curriculum., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Background: Chronic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia affect patients' functioning, making caregiving necessary although burdensome., Aim: This study aimed to determine caregiver burden and its sociodemographic determinants in family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia attending a Psychiatric Outpatient Department (POD)., Setting: Tertiary hospital in Northern Pretoria, South Africa., Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted over 3 months, 300 consecutive family caregivers who attended the POD were administered a 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22), which has a score of 0-88, with higher values indicating more burden. Their sociodemographic characteristics were ascertained. Linear and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants or predictors of total and severe burdens, respectively., Results: Most caregivers were aged 46.0 ± 14 years, females (62%), parents (39%), of low-income status (93.7%), had secondary education (70%), resided with the patient (87%), and helped with all troublesome activities (95.3%). The median ZBI-22 score was 19.0 (interquartile range: 13.0-30.5). The determinants of both total and severe burdens were: caregiver age ≥ 50 years adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.55, confidence interval (CI): 1.49-4.36; residential area farther away from the hospital aOR: 1.76, CI: 1.3-2.99; increasing months of caregiving aOR: 1.0, CI: 1.001-1.009, p = 0.006; and not having another family member that needs care aOR: 0.43, CI: 0.24-0.78., Conclusion: Having mental healthcare facilities close to residential areas and assisting caregivers aged ≥ 50 years who have multiple family members who need care may alleviate the burden., Contribution: Predicting total and severe caregiver burdens contemporaneously is effective for identifying potential burden interventions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article., (© 2024. The Authors.)

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex heterogeneous disorder with overlapping clinical phenotypes that complicate diagnosis and management. Although several pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, placental dysfunction due to inadequate remodelling of uterine spiral arteries leading to mal-perfusion and syncytiotrophoblast stress is recognized as the unifying characteristic of early-onset PE. Placental overgrowth and or premature senescence are probably the causes of late-onset PE. The frequency of PE has increased over the last few decades due to population-wide increases in risk factors viz. obesity, diabetes, multifetal pregnancies and pregnancies at an advanced maternal age. Whilst multimodal tools with components comprising risk factors, biomarkers and sonography are used for predicting PE, aspirin is most effective in preventing early-onset PE. The incidence and clinical consequences of PE and eclampsia are influenced by socioeconomic and cultural factors, therefore management strategies should involve multi-sector partnerships to mitigate the adverse outcomes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the pregnancy outcomes of women who had 2017 American College of Cardiologists stage 1 hypertension during the first prenatal clinic visit before 20 gestational weeks in a tertiary hospital in South Africa., Study Design: A retrospective cohort study involving the review of medical records of 127 participants with stage 1 hypertension and 128 control with blood pressure (BP) less than stage 1 hypertension before 20 weeks' gestation., Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was progression to stage 2 hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg). Secondary outcome measures were a combination of maternal variables (postpartum BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg, use of antihypertensives within 24 h postpartum, pulmonary oedema, and maternal death within 24 h postpartum) and perinatal variables (fetal growth restriction, gestational age at delivery, fetal compromise, abruptio placenta, birth weight, Apgar score in 1 and 5 min)., Results: The study and control arms were similar in age, parity, and comorbidities (p > 0.05). The following maternal outcomes were worse (p < 0.001) in the study compared to control arm: progression to stage 2 hypertension (46 % vs 1.6 %), postpartum systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg (33.9 % vs 1.6 %), postpartum diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg (22.1 % vs 1.6 %) and use of antihypertensives within 24 h postpartum (27.6 % vs 0.8 %). Other outcome measures did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: Stage 1 hypertension occurring before 20 weeks' gestation increases the risk of progression to stage 2 hypertension in pregnancy and the use of antihypertensive drug therapy within 24 h postpartum., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Racial disparities exist in the prevalence of preeclampsia (PE), with women of African ancestry suffering the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. Genetic changes may play a role in the preponderance of PE among women of African ancestry. This review discusses 30 genes with variants that have been studied in PE in women of African ancestry. These studies found that a single gene is not responsible for PE susceptibility as 13 genes have been implicated. These genes subserve endothelial, immune, hemodynamic, homeostatic, thrombophilic, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolic pathways. Notably, maternal-fetal gene interactions also contribute to the susceptibility of the disease. For instance, the maternal KIR AA genotype and paternally inherited fetal HLA-C2 genotype confer risk for developing PE. Additionally, genetic changes such as epigenetic modulation of expression of the MTHFR gene through DNA methylation is also associated with the occurrence of PE. In contrast, some genes such as the KIR B centromeric region protect against development of PE in some women. The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) contributes to the development of PE and is a potential novel therapeutic option for targeted gene silencing of anti-angiogenic sFLT-1 gene. Additionally, NOS3 gene is an important target for pharmacogenomics because it is responsible for the production of endothelial nitric oxide. In conclusion, maternal genetic and epigenetic variants confer susceptibility to PE, indicating the need for further studies to develop a screening tool incorporating maternal genetic variants to identify women at high risk for PE and offer them a preventive therapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Obesity is a major determinant of health outcomes and is on the increase in women worldwide. It predisposes to surgical site infection (SSI). Risk factors for the SSI include extremes of age, smoking, comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes, inappropriate vertical abdominal and or uterine wall incisions, increased operating time, subcutaneous layer of 3 cm or more, and unnecessary use of subcutaneous drain. Most bacteria that cause SSIs are human commensals. Common organisms responsible for SSI include Staphylococcus aureus and coliforms such as Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli. A surgeon's gloves post caesarean section in the obese has a preponderance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, which increases SSI risk. The interaction of skin commensals and vaginal microbiome at the surgical incision site increases the risk of SSI in the obese compared to non-obese. Minimizing the risk of SSI involves modification of risk factors, timely treatment of SSI to prevent sepsis and compliance with the recommended care bundles., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Several schoolgirls attain reproductive age with undiagnosed gynaecological problems which pose challenges in their livelihood. These conditions include precocious puberty, congenital reproductive tract abnormalities, and delayed sexual development. Many children with these conditions face additional challenges including physical pain, psychological trauma and delayed diagnosis., Methods: A 14-year-old girl presented with acute on chronic pelvic pain and haematocolpometra due to imperforate hymen during COVID-19 pandemic. She has not undergone cultural virginity test in her community. The hymenal membrane was unusually non-bulging despite the haematocolpometra. A partial hymenotomy with a narrow margin of excision was performed., Results: The hymenal orifice later obliterated and resulted in a repeat partial hymenectomy where a wide surgical margin of the hymen was excised., Conclusions: A wide rather than narrow partial hymenectomy prevents obliteration of the hymenal orifice after surgery for imperforate hymen. There is a need for timely interventions such as counselling and community awareness that prevent undue consequences of an imperforate hymen and its treatment including pain and possible inability to pass cultural virginity test in some African communities., Competing Interests: None., (© 2023 Bvumbi R et al.)

In low- and middle-income countries, urban and rural settings are distinct communities with the latter being more likely to have limited resources, particularly in health care services. We assessed the inequality in health care services in urban and rural settings in South Africa, highlighting the disparities between public and private health services, given that the latter are located mainly in urban settings. Rural settings suffer the highest inequality in the availability of drugs and supplies, overcrowding of health care facilities, delays in transporting patients, inadequate emergency medical services, and lack of experienced health care professionals. Rural settings also preferentially have a shortage of various levels of health care services, and increased security threats by criminals. In addition to specific remedies, the overarching key to solving these challenges is socio-economic growth, as well as visionary and compassionate leadership with integrity and accountability, which ensures policy development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Objective: To determine if any of maternal pre-delivery soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PIGF), or sFlt-1/PIGF ratio correlate with either perceived stress scale (PSS) or verbal numeric rating scale (VNRS) pain scores., Methods: Among 50 pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia and 90 normotensive pregnant women observed from 48 h or less before delivery until day 3 postpartum, correlations between the following were performed: (1) serum concentrations of each angiogenic factor (sFlt-1, PIGF, and sFlt-1/PIGF ratio) sampled within 48 h before childbirth and a four-item PSS (pre-delivery and one-off 48-72 h postpartum score); (2) the same angiogenic factors above and VNRS ranging from 0 to 10; and (3) PSS and VNRS (both pre-delivery and postpartum)., Results: In the normotensive group, there was a positive correlation between sFlt-1 and postpartum PSS (ρ +0.214 and P = 0.043), and between sFlt-1/PIGF ratio and postpartum PSS (ρ +0.213 and P = 0.044). In the normotensive and severe pre-eclampsia groups there were non-significant negative correlations between PIGF and postpartum PSS (P > 0.096) and non-significant positive correlations between pre-delivery PSS and pre-delivery VNRS (P > 0.053). Other correlations were uninformative., Conclusion: Maternal pre-delivery sFlt-1/PIGF ratio in normotensive pregnancy is a promising biomarker for identifying risk of increased postpartum PSS to enable early counselling., (© 2021 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Background: The proximity of the uterus and the cervix to the urinary tract predisposes the latter to injury during obstetrical and gynaecological surgical procedures. Following a difficult surgical procedure on the lower uterine segment and or adnexa, urinary tract injury should be excluded., Methods: A booked 39-year-old G3P2 lady who suffered an ischaemic stroke in the index pregnancy had a caesarean delivery at 39 weeks of gestation and sustained an extensive tear that extended inferiorly on the left lateral aspect of the uterus and this resulted in postpartum haemorrhage. Following the repair of the tear, uterine artery ligation was performed to achieve haemostasis., Results: Postoperatively, conventional ultrasonography which was performed to exclude ureteric injury suggested left hydronephrosis and a preliminary report of computerized tomography (CT) showed the same finding. The patient subsequently had left ureteric stenting. The final report of the CT scan was delayed but showed a simple left renal cyst and no hydronephrosis., Conclusion: Renal cyst is a differential diagnosis of hydronephrosis. Delayed availability of the final result of medical investigations jeopardises patients' safety. A preliminary imaging report is prone to error and its use to determine the indication for an invasive procedure should be limited to emergencies., (© 2022 Ngene NC.)

Cardiac disease is one of the commonest causes of indirect maternal deaths globally. This brief report is a reminder that isolated maternal tachycardia at rest is a clinical alert and warrants a detailed history in relation to cardiac disorders, thorough clinical examination of all organ systems, relevant investigations such as imaging, and expert advice to avoid serious adverse events. We reflect on a belatedly investigated persistent maternal tachycardia resulting in a fatal postpartum collapse due to mitral stenosis. The lost window of opportunity for appropriate investigation and management of the tachycardia provides an insight into many similar maternal deaths in South Africa. Key clinical messages regarding persistent maternal tachycardia are presented for midwives and doctors caring for pregnant women.

Assigning a primary cause of death to a deceased patient who had multiple principal diagnoses including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is challenging because of the difficulty in selecting the most appropriate cause. To proffer a solution, the authors reviewed the literature on assigning a primary cause of death. In 2015, the Nnabuike-Jagidesa (NJ) model II was devised to improve the International Classification of Diseases and related health problems, 10th revision (ICD-10) guideline on how to assign a primary cause of death. The NJ model II stipulates that when there are multiple diagnoses with no plausible explanation that one of the illnesses could have resulted in the other clinical conditions, the single most appropriate primary cause of death is the condition with the highest case fatality ratio in that setting. In the index report, the authors opine that if the case fatality ratios are similar, the following objective criteria (listed in the order of priority) should be used to assign a primary cause of death: condition with the highest infection fatality ratio, condition that was the main indication for the last acute surgical or invasive procedure performed (during the course of the same ill-health) before the death and the disease that theoretically affects the highest number of body organs. Additionally, a clinical descriptor should be used when none of the objective criteria are satisfied. This novel approach, termed the modified NJ model II , is expected to improve the objectivity and reproducibility of the assigned primary cause of death in a deceased who had multiple diagnoses, which may include COVID-19., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article., (© 2022. The Authors.)

Background: Hypertension is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and its control has important clinical and socio-economic benefits to the family and community. Unfortunately, the extent of blood pressure (BP) control and its potential predictors in hypertensive patients in many rural communities in low-resource settings are largely unknown. This study assessed the extent of uncontrolled BP and its predictors amongst hypertensive patients accessing primary health care in a rural community in South Africa., Methods: This cross-sectional study included 422 randomly selected hypertensive patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected using structured face-to-face questionnaire supplemented by respondents' clinical records., Results: Obesity plus overweight (n = 286, 67.8%) and diabetes (n = 228, 54.0%) were the most common comorbidities. Treatment adherence was achieved in only 36.3% and BP was controlled to target in 50.2% of the respondents. Significant predictors of uncontrolled BP were poor treatment adherence (odds ratio [OR] = 15.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.96, 28.14, p  0.001), obesity compared with normal weight and overweight (OR = 3.75, 95% CI = 2.17, 6.46, p  0.001) and being a diabetic (OR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.74, 4.61, p  0.001)., Conclusion: Poor adherence to treatment was the major predictor of uncontrolled BP. The increase in uncontrolled BP in the presence of diabetes and/or obesity as risk predictors, indicates the need for appropriate behaviour change/interventions and management of these conditions in line with the health belief model (HBM). We also propose the use of Community-Based Physical and Electronic Reminding and Tracking System (CB-PERTS) to address poor treatment adherence.

Background: The risk of uterine perforation during manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is reduced by using Karman cannula (which has a rounded tip) during the procedure., Methods: A 35-year-old multigravida at 13 gestational weeks presented with vaginal bleeding of a day duration and ultrasound evidence of retained products of conception suggestive of incomplete miscarriage. The patient was rhesus D positive and stable. She had MVA which was performed using Karman cannula, and developed severe vaginal bleeding. The differential diagnoses were incomplete uterine evacuation and uterine perforation., Results: During a laparotomy in Lloyd-Davies position, haemoperitoneum and six uterine perforations on the anterior and fundal parts, each approximately 5 mm in length (Figure 1), were found. The perforations were repaired and a check uterine curettage under oxytocic cover showed an empty uterus. The abdominal cavity was washed and closed. She was transfused three units of red blood cell concentrate and had a normal six weeks follow-up., Conclusion: When an instrument inserted into the uterus is pushed beyond the estimated depth of the uterus, a perforation must be suspected and the condition may be managed conservatively. A surgical procedure complicated by surgeon's loss of perception (in this case tactile) of tissues' anatomy is hazardous., (© 2022 Ngene NC.)

Objective: To describe risk factors and outcomes of pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to South African healthcare facilities., Methods: A population-based cohort study was conducted utilizing an amended International Obstetric Surveillance System protocol. Data on pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalized between April 14, 2020, and November 24, 2020, were analyzed., Results: A total of 36 hospitals submitted data on 673 infected hospitalized pregnant women; 217 (32.2%) were admitted for COVID-19 illness and 456 for other indications. There were 39 deaths with a case fatality rate of 6.3%: 32 (14.7%) deaths occurred in women admitted for COVID-19 illness compared to 7 (1.8%) in women admitted for other indications. Of the women, 106 (15.9%) required critical care. Maternal tuberculosis, but not HIV co-infection or other co-morbidities, was associated with admission for COVID-19 illness. Rates of cesarean delivery did not differ significantly between women admitted for COVID-19 and those admitted for other indications. There were 179 (35.4%) preterm births, 25 (4.7%) stillbirths, 12 (2.3%) neonatal deaths, and 162 (30.8%) neonatal admissions. Neonatal outcomes did not differ significantly from those of infected women admitted for other indications., Conclusion: The maternal mortality rate was high among women admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection and higher in women admitted primarily for COVID-19 illness with tuberculosis being the only co-morbidity associated with admission., (© 2021 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Due to the disparity in resource availability between low- and high-resource settings, practice recommendations relevant to high-income countries are not always relevant and often need to be adapted to low-resource settings. The adaptation applies to induction of labour (IOL) which is an obstetric procedure that deserves special attention because it involves the initiation of a process that requires regular and frequent monitoring of the mother and foetus by experienced healthcare professionals. Lack of problem recognition and/or substandard care during IOL may result in harm with long-term sequelae. In this article, the authors discuss unique challenges such as insufficient resources (including staff, midwives, doctors, equipment, and medications) that result in occasional inadequate patient monitoring and/or delayed interventions during IOL in low-resource settings. We also discuss modifications in indications and methods for IOL, issues related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, the feasibility of outpatient induction, clinical protocols and a minimum dataset for quality improvement projects. Overall, the desire to achieve a vaginal birth with IOL should not cloud the necessity to observe the required safety measures and implement necessary interventions; given that childbirth practices are the major determinants of pregnancy outcomes and patient satisfaction., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In view of the continuing worldwide spread of COVID-19 infection, the increased morbidity and mortality from the disease during pregnancy, and the current efficacy and safety of vaccines in non-pregnant individuals, vaccines should not be withheld from women simply because of pregnancy or lactation. All pregnant women, especially healthcare professionals, should be offered vaccination and counselled about its advantages and disadvantages by their maternity care providers. Complete eradication of COVID-19 infection will be possible if potential niduses of the infection, which may act as sources for future outbreaks, are protected against the pathogen. However, if a hypothetical medication is the only means yet proven of limiting severe compromise to maternal health, access to the medication should be at the pregnant woman's discretion. Shared decision-making requires physicians to actively engage with their patients and share their knowledge about the subject matter.

Transient gestation hypertension is a contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes particularly when it progresses to pre-eclampsia (PE). This requires frequent monitoring. We illustrate the need for stringent monitoring of gestational hypertension, transient gestational hypertension (TGH) and PE without severe features and conducted a brief rapid review of the literature. Two cases are presented: Firstly, a 25-year-old primigravida at 30 gestational weeks who had an isolated TGH with high blood pressure (BP) of 141/87 mmHg, which was not investigated. Four weeks later, she presented with a BP of 202/128 mmHg, imminent eclampsia and intrauterine foetal death and had an uncomplicated induction of labour and delivered a 1400 g macerated male stillborn. Secondly, a 30-year-old primigravida at 30 gestational weeks who developed PE but her monitoring was compromised initially by inadequate healthcare capacity including unavailability of hospital bed-space for inpatient care and later by poor clinic attendance as a result of poor finances. At 32 gestational weeks, she presented with decreased foetal movement and was diagnosed as haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome and intrauterine foetal death. She was stabilised, had induction of labour and delivered a 1400 g male macerated stillborn. Thereafter, the need for her to go home to complete the cultural burial rites of her baby and the pressure from her workplace resulted in an inadequate postpartum follow-up care. In conclusion, transient gestational hypertension is associated with adverse maternal and foetal outcomes, including foetal demise. Unavailability of hospital bed-space and poor personal finances interfere with stringent monitoring of hypertensive disorders and can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Stringent laboratory monitoring in these cases is defined by the authors as testing at least blood levels of serum Creatinine, Haemoglobin concentration, Alanine transaminase and Platelet count (abbreviated as 'CHAP') weekly.

Background: It is uncommon to find ampullary tubal pregnancy in the second trimester., Methods: A 35-year-old G4P3 at 16 gestational weeks presented with a day history of sudden severe lower abdominal pain and no vaginal bleeding. The patient had a normal pulse of 82/minutes, haemoglobin concentration of 6.3 g/dl and ultrasonography showed an empty uterus with an alive fetus in the right adnexa. She was provisionally diagnosed to have an abdominal pregnancy., Results: The patient had an emergency laparotomy where 2.2 L of haemoperitoneum and a slow-leaking right ampullary tubal pregnancy were found. Right total salpingectomy was performed and she had an uncomplicated post-operative follow-up. Histology of the lesion confirmed tubal pregnancy., Conclusion: The growth of a pregnancy in the ampulla beyond the first trimester is possibly due to increased thickness and or distensibility of the fallopian tube. A tubal pregnancy may present with a normal pulse despite significant haemorrhage., (© 2020 Ngene NC et al.)

Objective: To determine blood pressure (BP) patterns in the immediate postpartum period in preeclampsia with severe features (sPE) and normotensive pregnant women who had cesarean deliveries (CD). Study design: The BP levels of two groups comprising 50 sPE and 90 normotensive pregnant women who had CD were measured before delivery and on days 0-3 postpartum at four time points (05:00, 08:00, 14:00, and 22:00). Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PIGF) were measured in the maternal serum ≤48 h before delivery. Results: Antihypertensive therapy was administered to 98, 96, 82, 78, and 56% of sPE antepartum and on postpartum days 0-3, respectively. De novo postpartum hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) occurred in 24.4% (22/90) of the normotensive group but only one required antihypertensive therapy. The occurrence of de novo postpartum hypertension was associated with maternal weight before delivery ≥ 84.5 kg (relative risks (RR) 2.6, CI 95% 1.2-5.8, p = .017), and body mass index before delivery ≥ 33.3 kg/m 2 (RR 2.9, CI 95% 1.3-6.4, p = .008). In sPE, the BP decreased between predelivery period and postpartum day 0. From days 1 to 3 postpartum, there was a continuous increase in the daily mean BPs in both groups, with average daily increments (systolic/diastolic) being 5.6/4.6 mmHg and 0.6/1.3 mmHg in the sPE and normotensive women, respectively. Patient's group and time had a significant effect on BP, p  < .001. Overall, daily mean BPs were higher in the sPE than the normotensive group ( p  < .001). Perceived stress ( p = .022), low birth weight ( p = .002), 5 min Apgar score ≤ 6 ( p  < .001) were significantly higher in the sPE group. sFlt-1/PIGF ratio was high in the hypertensive groups: sPE versus normotensive group, p  < .001; de novo postpartum hypertension versus normotensives group that remained normotensive, p = .102. Conclusion: Postpartum BP and antihypertensive requirements are important considerations in managing sPE and normotensive pregnancies. sPE is associated with increased maternal stress and poor perinatal outcomes.

Background: Induction of labour (IOL) is an obstetric procedure that should be conducted in a healthcare facility with the capacity to provide optimal care based on the patient risk status. Inadequate monitoring, untimely procedure and lack of readily available and experienced medical staff to participate in the care of the patient undergoing induction are hazardous with snowball effects., Methods: A 38-year-old G4P2+1 had IOL because of oligohydramnios at term in a district hospital. The procedure was inadequately monitored and fetal demise occurred. The duration of second stage was prolonged and sequential use of vacuum and forceps deliveries were unsuccessfully performed., Results: At the ensuing caesarean delivery, uterine rupture/tear was diagnosed, and the patient died due to haemorrhage during an emergency hysterectomy., Conclusion: This report highlights important clinical lessons on IOL in a high-risk pregnancy. The timelines for monitoring during IOL, particularly when there is fetal demise in labour, are proposed., (© 2020 Ngene NC et al.)

Introduction: there is variance in both the types and combinations of antihypertensive drugs used for managing pre-eclampsia in the postpartum period. Knowledge of the most common and suitable single or combination antihypertensive drug therapies in the postpartum period will minimize harmful effects, promote adherence to medications, overcome any fears that lactating mothers may have about these drugs and will assist in healthcare planning. Objective: to determine the types of antihypertensive drug therapies used in managing pre-eclampsia with severe features (sPE) in the postpartum period in a regional hospital in South Africa., Methods: fifty consecutively presenting pregnant women with sPE were followed up prospectively from the pre-delivery period (within 48 hours before delivery) until day 3 postpartum. The antihypertensive drug therapies administered to the participants were observed. Their blood pressures were measured daily at 04: 00, 08: 00, 14: 00 and 22: 00 hours., Results: nifedipine was the commonest rapid-acting agent used for severe hypertension. Prepartum, 9 different combinations of antihypertensive drugs were prescribed; alpha-methyldopa was the commonest single long-acting agent used. Postpartum, the number of different drug combinations administered were 15, 18, 22 and 16 on days 0, 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Alpha-methyldopa was the commonest single agent used on postpartum days 0 - 2 while hydrochlorothiazide was the most frequently used single agent on postpartum day 3. Postpartum, the commonest combination therapy was alpha-methyldopa and amlodipine on day 0; alpha-methyldopa and amlodipine as a regimen as well as alpha-methyldopa, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide as another regimen on day 1; alpha-methyldopa and amlodipine on day 2; and many amlodipine-based regimens on day 3., Conclusion: a variety of antihypertensive drug combinations were used in the postpartum period indicating the need for standardised guidelines; however, detailed studies are required to evaluate their efficacies completely., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Nnabuike Chibuoke Ngene et al.)

In South Africa, large numbers of individuals with medical emergencies initially visit a general practitioner or family physician. In the case of maternity care, this may occasionally involve acute onset of severe hypertension during the antenatal period. Primary care providers (PCPs) are therefore faced with the conundrum of treating and stabilising high blood pressure or referring the patient to an appropriate hospital. Case reviews within groups of medical practitioners provide an opportunity for learning in the practical management of obstetric emergencies. The case history of a patient with severe hypertension was presented, and reflections on this patient encounter were highlighted. Amongst the challenges faced by generalists in their interactions with the public health sector are availability of standard clinical protocols, medicines, the need to work in partnership and the need to have 'feedback'.

Background: Eclampsia remains a major cause of maternal mortality, particularly in teenage pregnancies. Healthcare professionals providing antenatal must regard teenagers as a high risk group for the pre-eclampsia-eclampsia syndrome., Setting: Data extracted from the South African Saving Mothers Report: 2014-2016., Aim: To establish the clinical details in teenage maternal deaths owing to eclampsia., Method: Retrospective review of the case records and maternal death assessment forms of teenagers that died due to eclampsia during 2014-2016., Results: There were 47 teenagers (aged 14 to 19 years) who died from eclampsia. Of these 18 out of 47 (38%) deaths occurred in the post-partum period. Forty (85.1%) of the patients had antenatal care. Three (6.4%) had post-partum eclampsia, and of the remaining 44 of the 47 (93.6%), the gestational age at first occurrence of a seizure ranged from 25 to 39 weeks. The blood pressures at the time of seizure ranged from systolic of 131 to 210 mmHg and diastolic of 89 to 130 mmHg. The commonest final causes of death were intracerebral haemorrhage associated with severe hypertension and multi-organ failure. Avoidable factors included transport delays, referral to the wrong levels of health care and poor care by health professionals., Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for eclampsia-related death; awareness of borderline elevations of blood pressure levels from baseline values (prehypertension levels) and taking following national guidelines on the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy will decrease deaths from eclampsia.

The placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) describes invasion and adherence of the placenta onto or beyond the myometrium. Prenatal imaging improves management outcomes. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), however, the unavailability of ultrasonography in some health facilities delays the diagnosis, particularly if the prenatal period is asymptomatic. Following vaginal delivery, it often manifests as failure to remove a retained placenta manually. In the absence of haemorrhage, expectant management involving leaving the placenta in situ, is an option. In the presence of haemorrhage and/or sepsis, hysterectomy is usually recommended. We present a case of an expectantly managed PAS following a spontaneous preterm vaginal birth. The patient developed puerperal uterine prolapse with the placenta in situ, a previously unreported complication, but this was successfully reduced manually.

Background: The imbalance between circulating concentrations of anti- and pro-angiogenic factors is usually intense in preeclampsia with severe features (sPE). It is possible that pre-delivery circulating levels of angiogenic factors in sPE may be associated with postpartum antihypertensive drug requirements., Objective: To determine the predictive association between maternal pre-delivery serum concentrations of angiogenic factors and the use of ≥3 slow- and/or a rapid-acting antihypertensive drug therapy in sPE on postpartum days zero to three following caesarean delivery., Study Design: Women with sPE (n = 50) and normotensive pregnancies (n = 90) were recruited prior to childbirth. Serum samples were obtained from each participant < 48 hours before delivery to assess the concentrations of placental growth factor (PIGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) using the Roche Elecsys platform. Each participant was followed up on postpartum days zero, one, two and three to monitor BP and confirm antihypertensive treatment. The optimal cut-off thresholds of sFlt-1/PIGF ratio from receiver operating characteristic curve predictive of the antihypertensive therapy were subjected to diagnostic accuracy assessment., Results: The majority 58% (29/50) of sPE had multiple severe features of preeclampsia in the antenatal period with the commonest presentation being severe hypertension in 88% (44/50) of this group, followed by features of impending eclampsia which occurred in 42% (21/50). The median gestational age at delivery was 38 (Interquartile range, IQR 1) vs 36 (IQR 6) weeks, p < 0.001 in normotensive and sPE groups respectively. Notably, the median sFlt-1/PIGF ratio in normotensive and sPE groups were 7.3 (IQR 17.9) and 179.1 (IQR 271.2) respectively, p < 0.001. Of the 50 sPE participants, 34% (17/50) had early-onset preeclampsia. The median (IQR) of sFlt-1/PIGF in the early- and late-onset preeclampsia groups were 313.52 (502.25), and 166.59(195.37) respectively, p = 0.006. From postpartum days zero to three, 48% (24/50) of sPE received ≥ 3 slow- and/or a rapid-acting antihypertensive drug. However, the daily administration of ≥ 3 slow- and/or a rapid-acting antihypertensive drug in sPE were pre-delivery 26% (13/50), postpartum day zero 18% (9/50), postpartum day one 34% (17/50), postpartum day two 24% (12/50) and postpartum day three 20% (10/50). In sPE, the pre-delivery sFlt-1/PIGF ratio was predictive of administration of ≥3 slow- and/or a rapid-acting antihypertensive drug on postpartum days zero, one and two with the optimal cut-off ratio being ≥315.0, ≥181.5 and ≥ 267.8 respectively (sensitivity 72.7-75.0%, specificity 64.7-78.6%, positive predictive value 40.0-50.0% and negative predictive value 84.6% - 94.3%). The predictive performance of sFlt-1/PIG ratio on postpartum day 3 among the sPE was not statistically significant (area under receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3-0.8)., Conclusion: A pre-delivery sFlt-1/PIGF ratio (< 181.5) is a promising predictor for excluding the need for ≥3 slow- and/or a rapid-acting antihypertensive drug therapy in the immediate postpartum period in sPE., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Purpose: Pregnancy causes physiological changes in maternal organ systems, and blood pressure (BP) is one of the variables affected. This review is focusing on the physiology of BP relevant to the management of hypertension in pregnancy., Materials and Methods: A detailed literature search was performed using electronic databases (including WorldCat, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar) to retrieve and review reports related to physiology of BP in pregnancy., Results: During pregnancy, there is vasodilation caused by mediators such as increased levels of progesterone and nitric oxide. The vasodilation leads to a reduction in vascular resistance, BP, and renal blood flow. In compensation, the following postulated events occur: activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, resetting of osmotic threshold for thirst, and an increase in the production of vasopressin. Sodium and water conservation ensue to increase the total body water, end-diastolic volume, cardiac output, and BP. The increase in cardiac output incompletely compensates for the decreased vascular resistance, and BP therefore decreases in midpregnancy and returns to prepregnancy level toward term., Conclusions: An understanding of the physiological changes in BP is essential for appropriate management of pregnancy-related hypertension.

Measurement of blood pressure is essential for clinical management of patients. To obtain an accurate blood pressure reading, the use of a validated device and an appropriate technique are required. This is of particular importance in pregnancy where the physiological changes affect vessel wall compliance. Moreover, currently it is difficult to predict in early pregnancy (prior to 20 weeks of gestation) which women would develop hypertension or pre-eclampsia. For this reason, blood pressure devices require validation in pregnancy and in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to ensure that accurate readings are obtained and utilised for clinical decisions, otherwise the safety of the mother or the foetus/neonate or both may be compromised. The authors provide a narrative review on devices and techniques for blood pressure measurement in pregnancy and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as well as the associated challenges.