Elective Caesarean Section Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Preoperative Melatonin for Women Undergoing Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.

Background: Cesarean section (CS) has been linked to a number of negative effects, such as pain, anxiety, and sleeping problems. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the safety and efficacy of preoperative melatonin on postoperative outcomes in pregnant women who were scheduled for elective CS. Methods: We systemically searched 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) from inception until 10 March 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing melatonin and placebo for postoperative outcomes in CS patients. For risk of bias assessment, we used the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Continuous variables were pooled as mean difference (MD), and categorical variables were pooled as a risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: We included 7 studies with a total of 754 pregnant women scheduled for CS. The melatonin group had a lower pain score (MD = -1.23, 95% CI [-1.94, -0.51], p < 0.001) and longer time to first analgesic request (MD = 60.41 min, 95% CI [45.47, 75.36], p < 0.001) than the placebo group. No difference was found regarding hemoglobin levels, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, total blood loss, or adverse events. Conclusions: Preoperative melatonin may reduce postoperative pain in CS patients without side effects. This research offers a safe and affordable pain management method for this population, which has clinical consequences. Further research is needed to validate these findings and determine the best melatonin dosage and timing.

Neonatal outcomes of elective caesarean section at term without prophylactic use of antenatal corticosteroids

Background: We aimed to describe the outcomes of neonates born at or near term to women undergoing elective C-section without prophylactic corticosteroids. Methods: Single-centre retrospective observational study of neonates born between 36+0 and 42+0 weeks. Associations between neonatal complications and maternal and neonatal factors were evaluated by univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 2151 (26%) neonates were born by elective C-section during the study period, of whom 429 were included in the study. Fifty-six (13.05%) neonates developed some complication with 39 (9.1%) requiring NICU admission. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and hypoglycemia occurred in 21 (4.9%) and 7 (1.6%) neonates, respectively. Maternal age &gt;35 was associated with higher odds of neonatal complications (OR: 5.52, 95% CI: 1.02-29.74, p=0.047). Conclusions: The rate of RDS was comparable to other reported studies. The study revealed a high rate of term elective C-sections, providing grounds for conducting further research on administering antenatal corticosteroid to this population to reduce new-born morbidities.

Prediction of Hypotension During Neuraxial Anesthesia in Patients with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension Through Subclavian Vein Collapsibility Index

Objective: To explore and evaluate the predictive value of subclavian vein collapsibility index (SCV-CI) on hypotension during neuraxial anesthesia in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Methods: Pregnant women with PIH who underwent elective cesarean section in our hospital from January to July 2021 were selected as the research subjects. Patients who experienced hypotension during anesthesia were included into the hypotension group, whereas patients who had a normal blood pressure during anesthesia were included in the normotensive group. The SCV-CI was then calculated for three respiratory cycles, the average value was taken as the base value, and the patient was monitored for another 20 minutes. The blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and SCV-CI of the patients were measured, and the incidence of maternal nausea and vomiting and cord blood gas were recorded. Then, a correlation analysis was conducted on the relationship between subclavian vein collapsibility index and hypotension. A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to seek the threshold value of subclavian vein collapsibility index for post-anesthesia hypotension. Results: There was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) between the two groups before anesthesia (P &gt; 0.05). After anesthesia, the above indexes (SBP, 103.25 ± 12.48 mmHg; DBP, 58.94 ± 7.46 mmHg; and HR, 52.96 ± 6.48 beats/min) were significantly lower than those of the normal blood pressure group, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). In comparison, the SCV-CI in the hypotension group was 35.82 ± 4.93% greater than that in the normal blood pressure group (23.85 ± 5.27%), and the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the hypotension group (40.0%) was significantly higher than that in the normotensive group (10.53%), and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The area under the curve of SCV-CI prediction against hypotension in patients with PIH under neuraxial anesthesia was 0.825 (95% CI: 0.762–0.893, P &lt; 0.001), the cut-off value was 25.68%, the predictive sensitivity was 92.68%, and the specificity was 81.24%. Conclusion: SCV-CI has a good predictive value for the occurrence of hypotension in patients with PIH during neuraxial anesthesia.

Association of duration of skin-to-skin contact after cesarean delivery in China: a superiority, multicentric randomized controlled trial

In China, rates of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding are low. The high cesarean section rates further contribute to low breastfeeding outcomes. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC), a key component of Early Essential Newborn Care, is known to be associated with improved breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity; however, the necessary duration has not been subjected to an RCT. To determine the association of duration of SSC after cesarean section on breastfeeding outcomes and maternal and neonatal health outcomes in China. A multi-centric RCT was conducted at four hospitals in China. 720 participants ≥37 gestational weeks with singleton pregnancy receiving elective cesarean section, using epidural anesthesia or spinal anesthesia or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia were randomly divided into 4 groups at the ratio of 1:1:1:1. The control group received routine care. Intervention group 1 (G1), 2 (G2) and 3 (G3) received 30, 60 and 90 minutes of SSC immediately after cesarean section, respectively. Between January 3 and October 14, 2021, 659 participants were recruited, including 173 in control group, 176 in G1, 146 in G2, and 164 in G3. Among G1, G2 and G3, the rate of early initiation of breastfeeding within 60 minutes of birth was 56%, 71% and 72%, compared to 22% in control group (p<0.001). The exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge were 69%, 62% and 71%, compared to 57% in control group (p=0.003). EENC practices were associated with reduction in postpartum blood loss and NICU or neonatal ward admission (p< 0.001, p=0.022) . Our findings highlight that prolonged SSC after cesarean section was associated with higher initiation and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. It also found associations with reduced postpartum blood loss and NICU or neonatal ward admission.

Role of Internal Jugular Vein Collapsibility Index in Predicting Post-spinal Hypotension in Pregnant Women Undergoing Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction Post-spinal hypotension (PSH) frequently occurs in women undergoing cesarean section. In recent studies, Ultrasound-guided measurements of the internal jugular vein (IJV) have been reported to predict fluid responsiveness. We planned to evaluate the correlation between the internal jugular vein collapsibility index (IJVCI) and PSH in cesarean section patients. Methods Ninety-one parturients who underwent elective lower segment cesarean section with a singleton pregnancy were recruited. Preoperatively, patients were placed in a supine position with a 15-degree left lateral tilt. Maximum (at the end of expiration) and minimum (at the end of inspiration) IJV diameters (mm) and IJVCI were assessed using M-mode imaging during spontaneous and deep breathing. Spinal anaesthesia was performed at the L3-4 or L4-5 level. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2 were recorded from baseline till the delivery of the baby. Results Among 91 patients, 40 (45.5%) patients had at least one episode of hypotension. Demographic variables and baseline vitals were comparable between the hypotensive and normotensive groups (p>0.05). In spontaneous and deep breathing, IJV diameter at the end-expiration (IJVdmax), end-inspiration (IJVdmin), and IJVCI amongst both hypotensive and non-hypotensive pregnant women were statistically similar. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that during spontaneous breathing, using a cut-off point of 29.5%, IJVCI had a sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 23%, respectively, for predicting PSH; whereas during deep breathing, IJVCI had a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 27%, respectively, for predicting the same using a cut-off value of 37.5%. Conclusion We conclude that internal jugular vein parameters such as maximum diameter, minimum diameter, and IJVCI during spontaneous and deep breathing cannot be used as reliable predictors of post-spinal hypotension in pregnant patients undergoing elective cesarean section.

Neonatal and maternal outcomes with elective cesarean section compared to induction of labor in twin pregnancies: A prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare neonatal and maternal outcomes in twin pregnancies with elective cesarean section (ECS) and induction of labor (IOL) to better inform women during the counselling process. Materials and methodsWe conducted a cohort study including all twin pregnancies referred to the Department of Obstetrics at Kolding University Hospital, Denmark between January 2007 to April 2019 (n = 819). The primary analysis compared maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies planned for IOL with those planned for ECS after week 34. A secondary analysis compared maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies who underwent IOL followed by successful vaginal delivery with outcomes in those who underwent ECS. ResultsAmong 587 eligible twin pregnancies, the rates of unplanned CS did not differ between those planned for ECS compared to those planned for IOL (38% vs. 33%; p = 0.27). IOL resulted in successful vaginal delivery in 67% (155/231) of those planned for IOL. Maternal outcomes did not differ between women who were planned for, or received, delivery with either IOL or ECS. Regarding neonatal outcomes, significantly more neonates required treatment with C-PAP in ECS group, than in the IOL group, and a higher median number of maturity days among mothers planned for ECS. However, no other significant difference in neonatal outcomes was observed when comparing successful IOL with successful ECS. ConclusionInduction of labor was not associated with worse outcomes compared to elective caesarean section in this large cohort of routinely handled twin pregnancies. In women with twin pregnancies indicated for delivery, who does not go into spontaneous labor, induction of labor is a safe option for both the mothers and their neonates.

Comparison between Effects of Ketofol and Dexmedetomidine as Sedative in Elective Caesarean Section under Subarachnoid Anaesthesia

Background: Regional anaesthesia has become an important anaesthetic technique now a days. The use of spinal(subarachnoid) anaesthesia is often limited by the unwillingness of patients to remain awake during surgery.Pharmacologically induced tranquility improves acceptance of regional technique. Objective: This study compares Ketofol (Ketamine + Propofol) and Dexmedetomidine in terms of onset and recovery ofsedation, haemodynamic effects, respiratory effects and adverse effects of both the drugs during elective Caesariansection under spinal anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 60 ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists)grade I and II patients between age 20-40 years undergoing elective Caesarean sections under Subarachnoidanaesthesia during the period January 2022 to June 2022. Patients were randomly allocatedto one of two groups:Ketofol group (Group KP, n=30), who received Ketofol in a single dose of 0.5mg/kg (Ketamine-0.5mg/ kg+Propofol-0.5mg/kg) and Dexmedetomidine group (Group D, n=30), who received Dexmedetomidine in a single dose of 2mcg/kg.Spinal anaesthesiawas conducted by injecting a hyperbaric solution of 0.5% bupivacaine 3ml through a 25G spinalneedle at L3-4 level. All parameters were documented at 5 min intervals until arousal of the patient. The onset ofsedation i.e. time from iv (intravenous) injection of Ketofol or Dexmedetomidine to closure of eye lids (OAA/S score of3) and the arousal time from sedation i.e. time from closing of the eye lids to OAA/S score of 5 ( patient is awakeclinically) were noted. Any complication during operation was documented. Patient’s satisfaction with the sedation wasassessed by the 5 point ‘Likert verbal rating scale’. Results: There was no significant difference of mean blood pressure and mean heart rate between the two groups indifferent time intervals (P&gt;0.05). Time of onset of sedation was significantly delayed in Dexmedetomidine group(P&lt;0.001). The arousal time i.e. duration of sedation was comparable between the two groups (P&gt;0.05). Ketofol wasassociated with significantly higher incidence of some adverse effects like pain in arm during drug administration thanDexmedetomidine (33.33% vs 10%, P&lt;0.05). Satisfaction with sedation was comparable between the two groups(66.66% vs 86.66%, P value 0.136). Conclusion: As duration of sedation was comparable between the two drugs but adverse effects was less withDexmedetomidine, it is recommended that Dexmedetomidine is a better choice than Ketofol for sedation in single dosetechnique during Subarachnoid block for Caesarean section. Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2023; 11 (1): 13-18

A retrospective observational study of labour ward work Intensity: The challenge of maternity staffing

BackgroundThe UK and Ireland are facing significant challenges in the recruitment and retention of midwifery staff. Deficiencies in staffing, training and leadership have been cited as contributory factors to substandard care in both regional and global independent maternity safety reports. Locally, workforce planning is critical to maintaining ‘one to one’ care for all women in labor and to meet the peaks of daily birthing suite activity. ObjectivesAnalyze the variation in work intensity, defined by the mean number and range of births per midwifery working hours. MethodsRetrospective observational study of birthing suite activity between 2017 and 2020. 30,550 singleton births were reported during the study period; however, 6529 elective Cesarean sections were excluded as these were performed during normal working hours by a separate operating theatre team. The times of 24,021 singleton births were organized into five proposed midwifery working rosters lasting eight or 12 h; A (00.00–07.59), B (08.00–15.59), C (16.00–23.59), D (20.00–0.759) and E (0.800–19.59). ResultsThe number of births was comparable between the eight-hour and 12-hour work periods with a mean of five to six babies born per roster (range zero to 15). Work periods D and E lasting 12-hours both recorded a mean of eight births (range zero to 18). Hourly births ranged from a minimum of zero to a maximum of five births per hour (greater than seven times the mean), a number that was achieved 14 times during the study period. ConclusionsThe mean number of births is consistent between normal working hours and unsociable ‘on-call’ periods, however there is an extreme range of activity within each midwifery roster. Prompt escalation plans remain essential for maternity services to manage unexpected increases in demand and complexity. What is already known on this topicShortfalls in staffing and inadequate workforce planning have been frequently cited in recent maternity safety reports as barriers to sustainable and safe maternity care. What this study addsOur study shows that the mean number of births in a large tertiary center are consistent across day and night rosters. However, there are large fluctuations in activity during which births can exceed the number of available midwives. How this study might affect research, practice or policyOur study reflects the sentiments of the Ockenden review and APPG report on safe maternity staffing. Investment in services and the workforce to aid recruitment and reduce attrition is essential to establish robust escalation plans, including the deployment of additional staff in the event of extreme service pressures.

Women’s experiences of birth and birth options counselling after laparoscopic or open myomectomy

There is emerging evidence that vaginal birth after open and laparoscopic myomectomy may be safe in many pregnancies, however, there are no studies examining the perspectives of women who have given birth post myomectomy and their preferences regarding mode of birth. We performed a retrospective questionnaire survey of women who had an open or laparoscopic myomectomy followed by a pregnancy within 3 maternity units in a single NHS trust in the UK over a 5-year period. Our results revealed only 53% felt actively involved in the decision making for their birth plan and 90% had not been offered a specific birth options counselling clinic. Of those who had either a successful trial of labour after myomectomy (TOLAM) or elective caesarean section (ELCS) in the index pregnancy, 95% indicated satisfaction with their mode of birth however, 80% would prefer vaginal birth in a future pregnancy. Whilst long term prospective data is required to fully establish the safety of vaginal birth after laparoscopic and open myomectomy, this study is the first to explore the subjective experiences of women who had given birth post laparoscopic or open myomectomy and has highlighted the inadequate involvement of these women in the decision-making process. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Fibroids are the commonest female solid tumours in women of childbearing age with surgical management including open and laparoscopic excision techniques. However, the management of a subsequent pregnancy and birth remains controversial with no robust guidance on which women may be suitable for vaginal birth. What do the results of this study add? We present the first study to our knowledge which explores women’s experiences of birth and birth options counselling after open and laparoscopic myomectomy. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We provide a rationale for using birth options clinics to facilitate an informed decision-making process and highlight the current inadequate guidance for clinicians on how to advise women having a pregnancy following a myomectomy. Whilst long term prospective data is required to fully establish the safety of vaginal birth after laparoscopic and open myomectomy, this needs to be carried out in a way which promotes the preferences of the women affected by this research.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MEPHENTERMINE AND PHENYLEPHRINE IN THE TREATMENT OF HYPOTENSION DURING SPINAL ANAESTHESIA FOR CAESAREAN SECTION

Purpose: To compare the effects of mephentermine and phenylephrine in maintaining arterial blood pressure in patients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia who develop hypotension. Materials and method- This randomized study consisted of 42 parturient women who underwent elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia and developed hypotension during the operation. The patients were equally divided into 2 groups: Group I &amp; Group II. Participants in Group I received intravenous bolus of Phenylephrine 100 mcg whereas participants in Group II received intravenous bolus of Mephentermine 6 mg. Mean heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured at baseline and then at 2 minutes intervals till 10th minute and thereafter at every 5 minutes till 30th minute and then at 45th, 60th, 75th, 90th and 120th minute. Results- Mean heart rate, SBP, DBP and MAP were comparable at baseline in both the groups. The reduction in mean heart rate after administration of a vasopressor was statistically signicant in Group I in comparison with Group II. Both Mephentermine &amp; Phenylephrine were efcacious in maintaining the SBP, DBP and MAP within the normal range i.e., 20% of the baseline value and no statistically signicant difference was observed between them. Both the vasopressors, Mephentermine and Phenylephrine have s Conclusion- imilar efcacy in maintaining post spinal maternal hypotension during caesarean section, although Phenylephrine causes reduction in heart rate which can be advantageous in patients with undesirable tachycardia. In addition to this, both the groups had no signicant adverse effects.

Analysis of clinical series with the use of adjuvants to general anesthesia during elective caesarean section

Background. Caesarean section remains one of the most common surgical interventions in the world. The main disadvantages of the general anesthesia in caesarean section are a high risk of awareness during the operation and a pronounced hemodynamic reaction to the surgical trauma in a patient. The most dangerous period of intervention in terms of these complications is the period before the birth of a child. This article analyzes our own clinical cases of the general anesthesia during elective caesarean section with the addition of adjuvants and compares anesthetic management with world practices. In all cases from our own clinical practice, total intravenous anesthesia with artificial lung ventilation was performed. Intravenous forms of medical drugs were used as adjuvants: paracetamol (1000 mg) and clonidine (100 μg), 30 minutes before the elective surgical intervention. The newborns were examined with the Apgar scale and umbilical venous blood gas analysis was carried out. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients was based on recommendations of the Enhanced Recovery After Caesarean Section and guidelines of the PROSPECT working group. Results. The analysis of our own clinical cases revealed the presence of a hemodynamic reaction of the patient’s body to the operative injury (in the period before the birth of a child), which does not exceed safe levels; absence of anesthetic complications and cases of accidental awareness during surgery; absence of a negative influence of adjuvants on newborns; sufficient depth of anesthesia and reduction of the intraoperative doses of opioids and intravenous anesthetics (“on patient’s request”). Conclusions. The analysis of clinical cases argues for the need to use “safe adjuvants” (acetaminophen, clonidine) to general anesthesia during elective caesarean section and the necessity for further research.

Role of perfusion index in early detection of hypotension following spinal anesthesia for cesarean section

ABSTRACT Background The most common drawback of spinal anesthesia (SA) is hypotension, which has adverse effects on both mother and fetus; consequently, early detection and management of spinal hypotension have been considered a very important topic in obstetric anesthesia. Additionally, the capability to ultimately diagnose hypotension could permit initiation of adequate treatment. The standard method to estimate blood pressure during cesarean section is noninvasive blood pressure measurement. However, periods of hypotension could be missed within a reasonable time frame. Methods Perfusion index (PI) and blood pressure were measured in 100 pregnant women during elective cesarean section under SA. Results PI had a significant negative correlation with the change occurred in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = −.432, p < .0001); by using univariate linear regression analysis, the PI explains 20.2% of variability in SBP as PI significantly predicts the change occurred in SBP (F = 24.8, p < .0001), as each one unit increase in PI, accompanied by a significant decrease in SBP by 2.089 (mm/hg), as (b, t, p) (−2.089, −4.987, .0001), respectively. There was a significant difference in SBP and PI before and after giving oxytocin bolus [(z = −1.9, P = .05) and (z = −4.3, P < .0001), respectively]. By comparing PI before vs. after taking ephedrine bolus, there was a significant decrease in median of PI [median of PI before 10 (5.5–15) vs. median of PI after 7.5 (6–15.5) (z = −6.6, P < .0001)]. Discussion After SA with sympathetic blockade, peripheral vascular tone declined and therefore PI increased. Conclusion PI could anticipate the incidence of hypotension during cesarean delivery with SA. Ephedrine effect could be evaluated rapidly by the alteration in the PI so that further need can be judged. Oxytocin has a significant impact on vascular tone with 5 international unit bolus, although it does not have a significant effect on blood pressure.

Comparison of Estimated Blood Loss between Tranexamic Acid and Control in Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section

Background: Tranexamic acid is being utilized related to uterotonic agents to treat hemorrhage post-delivery. Evidence suggests that tranexamic acid may reduce bleeding and resultant chances of postpartum hemorrhage. However, limited data is available on the prophylactic utilization of tranexamic acid in local women undergoing elective lower segment cesarean section. This study aimed to compare reduction in mean blood loss between control and tranexamic acid group during and after elective lower segment cesarean section. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was done in a period of 6 months i.e. 17th December 2018 to 17th June 2019 in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, FUI, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. Sixty women were randomly equally allocated to Group A (tranexamic acid) and Group B (non-tranexamic acid). Patients were given tranexamic acid 1gm intravenous 15 minutes before skin incision. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were estimated on second post cesarean day (before discharge) as well to measure outcome i.e. estimated blood loss. Results: In tranexamic acid group, mean estimated blood loss following elective lower segment cesarean section found to be 301.66±64.97 ml while in non-tranexamic acid group it was 433.33±137.29 ml. The significant (P&lt;0.05) difference was noted. Conclusion: The mean estimated blood loss reduced significantly in patients who were given tranexamic acid before elective lower segment cesarean section than those who were not given tranexamic acid. Keywords: Postpartum hemorrhage, tranexamic acid, elective lower segment cesarean section (E:-LSCS)

Challenging the Hypothesis of in Utero Microbiota Acquisition in Healthy Canine and Feline Pregnancies at Term: Preliminary Data.

At present, there are no data on the presence of bacteria in healthy canine and feline pregnancies at term. Here, we investigated the uterine microbiome in bitches (n = 5) and queens (n = 3) undergoing elective cesarean section in two facilities. Samples included swabs from the endometrium, amniotic fluid, and meconium, and environmental swabs of the surgical tray as controls. Culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to investigate the presence of bacteria. Culture was positive for 34.3% of samples (uterus n = 3, amniotic fluid n = 2, meconium n = 4, controls n = 0), mostly with low growth of common contaminant bacteria. With sequencing techniques, the bacterial abundance was significantly lower than in environmental controls (p < 0.05). Sequencing results showed a species-specific pattern, and significant differences between canine and feline bacterial populations were found at order, family, and genus level. No differences were found in alpha and beta diversities between feto-maternal tissues and controls (p > 0.05). Dominant phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in different proportions based on tissue and species. Culture and sequencing results suggest that the bacterial biomass is very low in healthy canine and feline pregnancies at term, that bacteria likely originate from contamination from the dam's skin, and that the presence of viable bacteria could not be confirmed most of the time.

Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis following influenza infection: a case report

BackgroundAcute hemorrhagic pancreatitis is a life-threatening condition leading to shock and multiorgan failure. Although prevalent in the general population, the incidence during pregnancy is low, with a high maternal and fetal mortality rate. The highest incidence is in the third trimester/early postpartum period. Infectious etiology for acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis is rare with only a handful of cases following influenza infection being documented in the literature.Case presentationA 29-year-old Sinhalese pregnant lady in the third trimester presented with an upper respiratory tract infection and abdominal pain, for which she was managed with oral antibiotics. An elective caesarean section was done at 37 weeks gestation due to a past section. On postoperative day 3 she developed a fever with difficulty in breathing. Despite treatment, she succumbed to death on the sixth postoperative day. The autopsy revealed extensive fat necrosis with saponification. The pancreas was necrosed and hemorrhagic. The lungs showed features of adult respiratory distress syndrome and necrosis was observed in the liver and kidneys. Polymerase chain reaction of lungs detected influenza A virus (subtype H3).ConclusionAlthough rare, acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis from an infectious etiology carries risk of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a high level of clinical suspicion must be upheld among clinicians to minimize adverse outcomes.

The Effect of Delivery Mode, ABO Blood Type, and Passive Smoking on Postpartum Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

Background Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression that can occur after childbirth and is characterized by feelings of sadness. It is a common psychological problem that affects women and children. This study aimed to assess the association between PPD and risk factors, such as delivery mode, ABO blood group, and passive smoking in Saudi Arabia. Methods PPD was assessed in this cross-sectional using an Arabic version of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale through an online questionnaire distributed to women in Saudi Arabia between January and March 2022. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26(IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 354 postpartum women completed the questionnaire within six weeks of giving birth. Their mean age and BMI were 30.1±6.78 years and 25.98±5.84 kg/m2, respectively. PPD occurred in 56.2% of the participants. Elective cesarean section and operative vaginal delivery were associated with the presence of PPD symptoms in 17.6% and 7% of the women, respectively. The majority of those with third and fourth degrees and those who had instrumental assisted delivery had postpartum depression and this was statistically significant (p=0.017). About 26.6% of the participants were exposed to passive smoking, and 21.9% of them developed PPD. However, it was not statistically significant. Moreover, women with PPD were more likely to have blood type O+, followed by A+. Demographic factors did not show a significant correlation with developing PPD except for age (p=0.01), those who developed PPD were much younger on average than those who did not develop PPD (29.28±6.61 years vs. 31.15±6.86 years). Conclusion A significant association was found between PPD and the type of delivery. The association between PPD and passive smoking, ABO blood groups was insignificant. However,women who developed PPD were younger on average than those who did not develop PPD.

Twin birth rates and obstetric interventions in Iceland: A nationwide study from 1997 to 2018.

Twin pregnancies are associated with increased antepartum and intrapartum risks. Limited multiple embryo transfers are associated with decreased twin birth rates. We aimed to study the effect of 2009 Icelandic regulations on twin birth rates and examine obstetric intervention rates for twin births during the study period. The study included all births (N = 94 028) in Iceland during 1997-2018. Twin birth rates and obstetric intervention rates were compared over birth year periods using modified Poisson regression adjusted for confounders. An observed decrease in the twin birth rate trend was most notable from 2006 until 2009. Twin birth decreased in 2009-2013 (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-0.86) and in 2014-2018 (PR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64-0.86) compared with 1997-2002. This decrease was only evident for women aged 30+ years in stratified analysis. Induction of labor rates increased from 26% in 1997-2002 to 44% in 2014-2018 (adjusted rate ratio [ARR] 2.10, 95% CI 1.72-2.57) whereas elective cesarean section (ARR 0.80, 95% CI 0.59-1.07) and urgent cesarean section (ARR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-1.00) rates appeared to decline. Twin births decreased during the study period. International guidelines published before the Icelandic regulations may have affected twin birth rates in Iceland. Induction of labor rates for twins increased while cesarean section rates decreased.

Frequency of puerperal pyrexia with meconium stained amniotic fluid.

Objective: To determine the association of meconium stained amniotic fluid with puerperal pyrexia. Study Design: Cohort Study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Period: 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2018. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 66 women with singleton pregnancy, gestational age 37-40 weeks of any parity undergoing elective caesarean section were eligible for study. Patients with rupture of membranes (≥18 hours), preterm delivery and postdate pregnancy were excluded. During elective caesarean section, after rupture of membranes, women were divided in two equal groups. Thirty three patients with meconium stained liquor group (MSAF) and 33 patients with clear liquor group. Puerperal pyrexia was defined as temperature of ³ 38°C on any two occasions was reported during first ten days postpartum excluding first 24 hours. Frequency, percentage and mean ±SD were presented for variables. Chi-square test was applied to compare puerperal infection in both groups taken p £ 0.05 as significant. Results: Age range in this study was from 15 to 45 years with mean age 15 to 45 years with mean of 29.5± 2.5 years in MSAF group while 28.5 ± 3.5 years in clear liqour group. Mean gestational age was 39.1±1.0 weeks in MSAF group while 38.5±1.10 weeks. Puerperal pyrexia was seen in 45.5% patients in MSAF group as compare to 10% in clear liqour group (p=0.005). Conclusion: There is strong correlation between meconium stained amniotic fluid and postpartum febrile illness.

Amniotic fluid embolism causing multiorgan embolisms and reinforces the need for point-of-care ultrasound.

Pregnant patients are at risk of several possible complications during the peripartum period. Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a peripartum complication with high mortality and morbidity. The sudden entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation causes a rapid and dramatic sequence of clinical events called AFE. The reported incidence of AFE after a cesarean section is around 19%, and after a normal delivery, it is 11%. AFE causing multiple embolisms is not reported in the literature, nor is the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the diagnosis of AFE. We report a case of AFE causing pulmonary and ovarian embolisms. A 34-year-old pregnant lady had an elective lower section cesarean section (LSCS) for transverse lying and placenta previa under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia. She was gravida 3 para 2 and had regular antenatal check-ups, and she presented for her LSCS at 36 weeks of gestation. Immediately after delivery of the fetus, the patient had convulsions, cardiac arrest, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Immediately, cardiopulmonary resuscitation started, and the team achieved a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in 3 minutes. DIC was corrected with blood and blood products during this maneuver, and POCUS of the inferior vena cava and heart showed multiple small particles floating, thus confirming the diagnosis of AFE in this patient. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), intubated, and ventilated, necessitating a vasopressor infusion. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) showed pulmonary embolism and ovarian vein embolism, which were managed with heparin infusion. She was hemodynamically stable and weaned from vasopressors, and the ventilator was then extubated on day 13 of ICU admission. She remained awake and in stable condition. The patient was transferred to the ward and subsequently discharged to go home on the 20th-day post-delivery. AFE can be quickly diagnosed using clinical manifestations and POCUS, and it can be managed early for better patient outcomes. POCUS will show multiple smaller and a few larger amniotic fluid emboli in the heart and vena cava. These larger AFE emboli can migrate and cause multiple embolisms, requiring systemic anticoagulation.

Anaphylactic Reaction to Cryoprecipitate in a Patient with Von Willebrand Disease During Factor Correction for Elective Cesarean Section

A 40-year-old patient with Type I Von Willebrand Disease presented for elective cesarean section. At the operating theater before delivery, while receiving cryoprecipitate, she developed an anaphylactic reaction requiring resuscitation. Once she was hemodynamically stable, factor VIII/VWF concentrates were administered and operative delivery performed, with a good maternal and fetal outcome.