Birth weight, cord blood lipoprotein and apolipoprotein levels in Indian newborns

OBJECTIVES

Primordial prevention of chronic disease is of clinical and public health importance. Considering the fetal onset of atherosclerosis, we aimed to determine the cord blood level of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins as well as their correlation with birth weight and gestational age.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised 100 healthy Indian newborns. Ten ml. of cord blood was collected from placental end of umbilical vein. Serum was separated by centrifugation and analyzed on the same day for lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), very low density lipoproteincholesterol (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoproteins A-I and B (ApoA-I, ApoB). Atherogenic index (AI) was calculated as the ratio of ApoB to ApoA-I.

RESULTS

Cord blood of female newborns had higher TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, Apo A-I, Apo B and AI as compared to male newborns, whereas TG and VLDL-C were higher in male than in female newborns. Significant positive correlation was observed between cord blood Apo A-I and HDL-C (r= 0.45, p<0.01), and between cord blood Apo-B and LDL-C (r= 0.44, p<0.01). Non-significant inverse correlation was observed between Apo A-I and ApoB with gestational age. There was a significant inverse correlation between TG and gestational age (r= -0.197, p <0.05). Positive non-significant correlation was observed between AI and birth weight (r=0.046, p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are another confirmatory evidence for the association of prenatal factors with cord blood lipid profile, and can serve as starting point for studying lipid transport system changes during early life.

Multiple bladder calculi: a rare cause of irreducible uterine prolapse

BACKGROUND

A vesical calculus in a prolapsed cystocele is rare.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight bladder calculi as a cause of irreducible uterine prolapse.

CASE REPORT

A case of irreducible total uterine prolapse caused by multiple vesical calculi is presented. Bladder stones were removed through vaginal cystolithotomy followed by vaginal hysterectomy.

CONCLUSION

In cases of acute irreducible pelvic organ prolapse, the possibility of bladder stones should be kept in mind and X-ray pelvis including the prolapsed mass should be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Maternal mortality in eclampsia: 489 cases

In all, 489 women with eclampsia were reviewed, 20 (4%) of whom died, constituting 16% of all maternal mortality. Of all births in the hospital, 33% had stillbirths.

Destructive operations in modern obstetrics

This is a retrospective study carried out over a period of 7 years at a tertiary care hospital to evaluate the indications, types and complications of destructive operations. During this period, 51 destructive operations were performed on women with obstructed labor and intrauterine fetal death. The most common operation performed was craniotomy (68.62%) followed by decapitation (19.60%), evisceration (7.84%) and cleidotomy (3.92%). The most common indication was cephalopelvic disproportion (31.25%). Out of 53 babies delivered (one triplet delivery), two were grossly malformed and 49.05% babies had birth weight between 3.0 kg and 4.0 kg and 9.43% were macrosomic. A total of 45.09% women had complications like atonic PPH, vaginal and perineal tears, puerperal sepsis and urinary tract infection. However, there was no maternal death. It is felt that for the women who belong to poor socio-economic status and have poor compliance and who present late in labor with features of obstruction, intrauterine sepsis and fetal death, destructive operation is still a good option.

Evaluation of the efficacy of mifepristone/misoprostol and methotrexate/misoprostol for medical abortion

BACKGROUND

Unsafe abortion is a major cause of mortality among women in India accounting for 12% of all maternal deaths. In developing countries, annually, up to 200,000 women die of complications after illegal abortion. Medical abortion is potentially a simple and a safe method for use in developing countries. We conducted a prospective controlled trial to compare the efficacy of low-lose mifepristone and methotrexate for medical abortion.

OBJECTIVE

To find out the efficacy of low-dose mifepristone and methotrexate for inducing abortion.

METHOD

In this prospective clinical study, 100 women opted for a medical method of abortion. Out of these, 50 patients were given 50 mg/m2 of methotrexate intramuscularly followed by 800 micro gm of intravaginal misoprostol, and 50 patients were given 200 mg of mifepristone orally followed by 800 micro gm of intravaginal misoprostol.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complete abortion was the principal outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were side effects and acceptability data.

RESULTS

The rate of expulsion by first week after initiation of treatment was 58% in methotrexate and 98% in mifepristone group (P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Low-dose mifepristone and intravaginal misoprostol is safe, effective, and well tolerated as compared to methotrexate and misoprostol.

Antenatal diagnosis of twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence (acardiac amorphous) in a triplet pregnancy: case report

Acardiac twinning is the most extreme form of twin-twin transfusion syndrome occurring in monzygotic twin pregnancies with monochorionic placentation. A case of acardiac amorphous foetus, occurring in association with spontaneously conceived triplet pregnancy, diagnosed on ultrasound in early second trimester is described and its antenatal management and brief review of literature discussed.

Leiomyosarcoma of the broad ligament mimicking as ovarian carcinoma ? a case report

A 55-year-old postmenopausal lady presented with signs and symptoms of ovarian malignancy. Laparotomy revealed a 8 x 8-cm degenerated, cystic and haemorrhagic mass arising from left broad ligament which on histopathology proved to be leiomyosarcoma.

Successful perinatal outcome following recurrent idiopathic cerebrovascular strokes in pregnancy: a case report

A 25-year-old gravida 2 had two right cerebral hemispheric infarcts documented on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan at 23 and 31 weeks of pregnancy. Investigations failed to reveal any cause. She was empirically treated with heparin, aspirin and nimodipine and had a successful perinatal outcome.

Recent onset neurofibromatosis complicating eclampsia with maternal death: a case report

Neurofibromatosis in pregnancy has been associated with poor perinatal outcome. A 30-year-old multigravida developed peripheral lesions of neurofibromatosis during the third month of pregnancy. She had eclampsia complicated with fatal left-sided massive intracerebral haemorrhage detected on computed tomography at 8.5 months gestation. Investigations were suggestive of HELLP syndrome. A still-born male baby was delivered. In spite of all supportive measures the patient died on the third postpartum day. We conclude that recent onset neurofibromatosis in current pregnancy should be considered as a predictor of potentially adverse maternal and fetal outcome and such pregnancies be managed in tertiary level referral centre.

Effect of oestrogen replacement therapy on serum lipid profile

BACKGROUND

Oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women alters the lipid metabolism unfavourably.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of oral and transdermal oestrogen replacement therapy (ORT) on serum lipid profile.

METHODS

Ninety hysterectomised and oophorectomised women were randomised into three equal groups (no hormones; oral conjugated equine oestrogen, 0.625 mg/day; transdermal oestradiol patches, 50 microg/day). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were determined at the baseline and after 3 and 6 months of therapy. Student's t-test was used for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

Most of the hysterectomised women had abnormal serum lipid profile, especially HDL cholesterol levels (less than 40 mg/dL in 87%). A significant decline in the levels of serum cholesterol (total) as well as LDL and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels were observed following ORT by both modes, the response being comparatively rapid with oral route. After 3 and 6 months, the number of cases with HDL cholesterol levels above 40 mg/dL increased from initial 13 to 63% and 87% (oral) and 30 and 60% (transdermal), respectively. Serum triglyceride levels declined significantly with transdermal therapy but increased with oral ORT.

CONCLUSIONS

Oestrogen replacement therapy either via oral or transdermal route has a beneficial effect on serum lipid profile of menopausal women. Whereas the oral route is more effective in increasing HDL cholesterol levels, the transdermal route is better for reducing the serum triglyceride level; hence, the latter should be the route of choice in women with high serum triglyceride levels.

Cesarean section in a wedged head

Cesarean section many a times, has to be done late in labour when the head is deeply wedged in the pelvis. The techniques described in standard text books, usually result in extension of the incision either laterally into the broad ligament or vertically upwards into the upper segment or downwards posterior to the bladder from the centre of the incision line. In this study we have reviewed the Patwardhan's technique for the extraction of baby and fetomaternal outcome was compared with cases where this technique was not used. There was no extension of the incision either laterally into broad ligament or upwards or downwards. Haemorrhage due to extension of incision requiring blood transfusion occurred in 24% of patients in group II as compared to nil in group I.

A study on plasma selenium level among pregnant women at Rohtak, Haryana

Selenium is an important trace element for human health. Selenium levels in mothers may have significant effects on fetal and neonatal nutrition. In a cross-sectional study undertaken in Rohtak, Haryana, plasma selenium level in mothers was investigated at the time of delivery. The mean plasma selenium level in full term mothers (n=82) was 70.63 +/- 1.62 ppb and in preterm mothers (n = 58), it was 63.28 +/- 2.31 ppb. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). These levels were, however, below the reported normal level of 75-120 ppb in adults. Rura/urban stay, parity, maternal age, socio-economic and literacy status etc. did not influence the selenium level of mothers in either of the groups.

324 cases of misplaced IUCD--a 5-year study

Copper-T remains the mainstay of family planning measures in developing countries but is associated with serious complications like bleeding, perforation and migration to adjacent organs or omentum. Patients with misplaced intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) may present with pregnancy or lost strings or may remain asymptomatic for years. In our series of 324 cases with misplaced IUCD1; in 258 (79.93%) cases copper-T was found in the uterine cavity and in 47 cases (14.51%) it was removed from cervical canal. In only 18 cases (5.56%), it was translocated and of these 66.67% were inserted at primary health centres. Laparoscopic retrieval was successful in 61.11% cases. Endoscopy thus helps in the localization and retrieval of misplaced IUCDs. A regular follow up of IUCDs for visible threads would help in earlier detection of misplaced IUCDs. Proper training of paramedical staff is mandatory in developing countries to provide safe and better family planning services.

Scalp metastasis in carcinoma of the uterine cervix--a rare entity

BACKGROUND

Distant metastasis in carcinoma of uterine cervix is a rare manifestation and bone metastasis is uncommon.

CASE

A 60-year-old woman treated by radical radiotherapy for moderately differentiated cervical carcinoma FIGO stage IIIB presented 4 months later with swelling over right side of the scalp. Fine needle aspiration cytology from swelling showed poorly differentiated metastatic carcinoma. X-ray of the skull was suggestive of osteolytic metastasis of calvaria.

CONCLUSION

Bone metastasis in cervical carcinoma is a late manifestation of advanced malignancy and heralds poor prognosis. Scalp metastasis is a very rarely reported phenomenon.

Transvaginal sonography and saline infusion sonohysterography in the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) and saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) in diagnosing submucous fibroids and endometrial polyps in the patients of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

DESIGN

Prospective, comparative study.

SETTING

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak.

POPULATION

Fifty patients with AUB underwent TVS and SIS prior to hysterectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Comparison of diagnosis of submucous fibroids and endometrial polyps at TVS and SIS with the final diagnosis at hysterectomy ie 'gold standard'.

RESULTS

Both procedures were helpful in detecting submucous fibroids and endometrial polyps. However, SIS was found to be more useful (sensitivity 89.5%, specificity 100%, likelihood ratios of the presence and absence of submucous fibroids of infinity and 0.1 respectively) than TVS (sensitivity 70% and specificity 96.6% and likelihood ratios of 21.2 and 0.3 respectively) for submucous polyps. Saline infusion sonohysterography was also more accurate for endometrial polyps (sensitivity 100%, specificity 97.8%) than TVS (sensitivity 66.6%, specificity 100%). With SIS and TVS, the post-test probability with negative test was 0% and 4%, respectively, thus suggesting that no endometrial polyp would be missed on SIS.

CONCLUSION

Saline infusion sonohysterography is more accurate in diagnosing submucous fibroids and endometrial polyps in the patients of abnormal uterine bleeding than is TVS. TVS should be included in the standard protocol for the management of AUB. Saline infusion sonohysterography should be reserved for those patients who have centrally located fibroids as they may be submucous.

Cantrell's syndrome – report of two cases with one atypical variant

Two cases of Cantrell syndrome occurring over a ten year period are described. One was detected following caesarean section at term and the other underwent termination of pregnancy at 20 weeks following antenatal diagnosis by ultrasound.

Long retained intravaginal foreign body: a case report

Recurrent vaginal discharge in children may be due to variety of causes. Intravaginal foreign body retained for long duration can be a diagnostic dilemma. This report presents the case of a girl who had an intravaginal foreign body for over four years duration. Recurrent, unremitting, foul-smelling, bloody vaginal discharge in a child should alert the clinician to the possibility of a retained vaginal foreign body.

A study of bacterial pathogens in acute pelvic inflammatory disease

The study was carried out on two groups--the study group consisting of 50 women with acute pelvic inflammatory disease and the control group consisting of 20 women admitted for tubal ligation. Pouch of Douglas aspirates were collected under all aseptic precautions with 18 gauge medicut needle. The samples were transferred to thioglycollate broth. A direct Gram staining was done followed by plating on media for aerobic and anaerobic incubation. All cultures were sterile in the control group. There were both monomicrobial (56.7%) and polymicrobial (43.2%) isolates in the study group. The predominant aerobic isolates were coagulase negative Staphylococci, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Amongst anaerobic isolates gram negative bacilli were the most common at 46.6% followed by gram positive cocci at 40%.

Maternal and cord plasma selenium levels in full-term neonates

Selenium is a part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase and has an important role in the prevention of oxygen free radical injury. Hence good selenium nutrition is of special relevance to the neonate. The present study evaluated plasma selenium levels in cord plasma of 82 full term, appropriate for gestational age babies and their mothers at delivery. The plasma selenium levels in babies were 54.17 +/- 1.34 ppb which was significantly lower than 70.63 +/- 1.62 ppb seen in their mothers. Anemic mothers with a Hb < 8 g/dl had a plasma selenium level (60.74 +/- 4.57 ppb) which was lower than those with a Hb > 8 g/dl i.e. 74.19 +/- 2.17 ppb. Maternal age, parity, literacy and socio-economic status did not affect the plasma selenium levels.

Foreign body in vagina--an uncommon cause of vaginitis in children

An intravaginal foreign body of long duration can pose diagnostic dilemma in children. We present a case of eight and a half years old girl who was suffering from blood stained vaginal discharge for 3 years for which she was treated by few gynaecologists. A vaginal examination performed under general anaesthesia revealed a foreign body (lead pencil). In cases of pediatric vaginitis one should always look for foreign body in vagina.

Prophylactic amnioinfusion during labor complicated by meconium

A prospective study to see the safety and efficacy of transcervical amnioinfusion in labour complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) was carried out in a teaching hospital with limited resources. Fifty patients in labour with meconium-stained amniotic fluid and fulfilling the inclusion criteria (vertex presentation, gestational age of 36 weeks or more, no medical or obstetrical complications and normal fetal heart rate at time of inclusion) were taken for the study, 25 patients received amnioinfusion. The control group received only supportive therapy. Labour outcome was compared in the 2 groups. The incidence of Caesarean section was seen to be decreased but neonatal parameters showed no significant difference in the amnioinfusion group.

Leiomyoma of the vagina

Approximately 250 cases of leiomyoma of the vagina have been reported. A case of a 46-year-old female with leiomyoma of the anterior vaginal wall, not associated with uterine leiomyomas is presented. The practical approach to such a vaginal mass entails immediate careful excision.

Spontaneous splenic rupture in early pregnancy

Spontaneous rupture of a normal spleen is a rare entity. We report a case of spontaneous rupture during early pregnancy. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy was suspected preoperatively, but on exploration a splenic rupture was detected and splenectomy performed.