Lower Segment Caesarean Section Research Articles

813 Management of Massive Air Leak with Persistent Pneumothorax and Pneumoperitoneum in a 1.2kg Preterm Neonate – a Case Report

Abstract Pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition with potential iatrogenic causes which can extend to pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum. Risk factors of spontaneous pneumothorax include prematurity, low birthweight, low APGAR scores and caesarean-section delivery. A 1255 grams preterm boy (Twin-2) was born at 28+3 weeks of gestation by emergency lower segment caesarean section. He showed signs of respiratory distress after uncomplicated endotracheal tube insertion which was required due to apnoeic episodes during continuous positive airway pressure ventilation. Recurring tube thoracocentesis and high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) treated persistent right-sided pneumothorax and nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum, with improvement on day-10, gradual removal of five chest drains by day-19 and extubation on day-24. Transillumination and chest radiography were main diagnostic investigations. Laryngotracheobronchoscopy on day-16 identified erythema and possible old injury at the carina. He was also treated for hypotension, suspected sepsis and pulmonary hypertension and was discharged home on day-66. Identifying pneumothorax promptly is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Lung ultrasound would improve diagnosis and monitoring. Management is patient-specific and includes needle and tube thoracocentesis and HFOV. Use of blood patch, fibrin glue or chemical agents, selective bronchial ventilation have been reported. Surgery is usually applied in unstable patients where bridging the defect is not feasible. nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum should be considered in ventilated neonates and those with airway injury to avoid exploratory laparotomy. Our case demonstrates challenges of managing a massive air leak in a premature newborn, who with adequate tube thoracocentesis and HFOV, successfully recovered from presumed iatrogenic persistent pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum with conservative management.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Findings for the Prediction of Scar Integrity in Women With Previous Lower Segment Cesarean Sections.

We aimed to compare the clinical and radiological findings to predict scar integrity in term antenatal mothers with a previous lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). This prospective study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology department of LN Medical College, Bhopal, India, from August 2020 to August 2021. We included all pregnant women with term gestation (37+0 to 42+0 weeks) who were admitted either for elective repeat LSCS or for emergency LSCS and had a history of a previous LSCS. A detailed history and clinical examinations were performed. We noted the presence of scar tenderness and conducted transabdominal ultrasound (USG) to assess the integrity of the uterine scar in all women. During surgery, the surgeon identified the lower uterine segment scar and graded it as normal, thinned-out, dehiscent, or ruptured. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for both clinical findings (scar tenderness) and ultrasound findings as predictors of scar integrity. A total of 60 pregnant women were included in the study. During a repeat cesarean section, we found a thinned-out scar in 26 women out of 60 (43.3%). Out of 60 women, 13 had scar tenderness, and among these 13 women, 12 had thinned-out scars intraoperatively. Forty-seven women had no scar tenderness; 14 had thinned-out scars intraoperatively. The sensitivity of scar tenderness as a predictor of a thinned-out scar was 46.2%, specificity was 97.1%, PPV was 92.3%, and NPV was 70.2%. Whereas the sensitivity of ultrasound scar thickness as a predictor of a thinned-out scar was only 19.2%, with a specificity of 94.1%, a PPV of 71.4%, and an NPVof 60.4%. Thus, we documented a significant correlation between intraoperative and clinical findings (κ = 0.46; p<0.05), but no agreement could be found between ultrasound and intraoperative findings (p>0.05). Clinically evident scar tenderness continues to be a useful parameter to predict intraoperative scar status.

Intraoperative Direct Vision of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block versus Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block for Pain Control after Caesarean Section (CS). A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background Adequate postoperative analgesia following CS hastens post-operative mobilization, decreases maternal morbidity and facilitates bonding with the newborn. Aim of the Work to assess pain scores at (rest and movement), and need for opioids in women receiving intraoperative direct vision of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) Block versus women receiving ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) Block following cesarean section in first 24H. Study Design Randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on Patients undergoing lower segment Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia with intra thecal hyper baric bupivacaine 0.5%. Patients were randomized to study group that received intraoperative direct vision transversus abdominis plane (TAP) Block and control group received ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) Block. Postoperative pain score was recorded using visual analog scale (VAS) score and analgesic consumption recorded from patient medication chart. Result A total of 220 eligible women planned to undergo elective lower segment caesarean section were recruited in the current trial, and were randomly allocated into one of the two groups, there were no significant differences between women of both groups regarding age, parity or BMI. No significant differences between the studied group regarding patient pain perception (VAS Score) during rest and movement at different times of follow up (6,8,12,24 H) postoperatively. The dose and the first time of analgesic requirement was non-significantly different among studied groups. Conclusion USG and surgical TAP blocks were safe and had similar efficacy in providing postoperative analgesia in pregnant women following cesarean section under spinal analgesia. Surgical TAP block is an efficacious, safe and rapid technique, particularly in patients in whom USG TAP block is technically challenging (obese women), and where the ultrasound isn’t available in operative theater.

Addition of Neostigmine and Atropine to Conventional Management of Postdural Puncture Headache in Patients Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgeries

Abstract Background Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a complication of spinal anesthesia or lumbar puncture and is an unpleasant experience for the patient as well as the anesthetist. It is thought to result from meningeal traction related to low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure or cerebral vasodilation as an indirect effect of decreased CSF pressure. Neostigmine is a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme cholinesterase, which results in an increased concentration of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It produces cholinergic-mediated analgesia and has been used as an adjunct analgesic postoperatively. Neostigmine can pass through the choroid plexus but not the blood–brain barrier, the central effect of both neostigmine and atropine influence both CSF secretion and cerebral vascular tone which are the primary pathophysiological changes in PDPH. Objective Assess the effectiveness of postdural anesthesia with addition of Neostigmine and Atropine versus conventional postdural anesthesia. Patients and Methods A 90 patients were included in our prospective randomized controlled double-blind study that was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals for 4 months on patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria: patients with ASA Grade I &amp; II, aged from (18 to 40) years old and scheduled for cesarean section. All patients aged &amp;gt;18 or &amp;lt;40, body weight &amp;gt;50, ASA III, IV, patients with uncontrolled chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardiac, renal, hepatic, cerebral diseases and peripheral vascular diseases, patients with history of PDPH, chronic headache, cluster headache, migraine, convulsions, cerebrovascular accident, signs of meningismus, preeclampsia, eclampsia coagulopathy, and previous neurological diseases and patients with history of bronchial asthma were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I (experimental group): neostigmine and atropine and Group II (placebo group): Saline placebo. Results The results of this study showed that incidence of postoperative headache was significantly lower among the intervention group, furthermore, VAS was significantly lower in the experimental arm versus placebo one. However, there was no significant difference regarding demographic, vital signs, and need for post-operative analgesia. The presented study showed that there is statistically non-significant difference between the studied groups regarding age, weight, and height and body mass index. There is statistically non-significant difference between the studied groups regarding duration of surgery. Conclusion After demonstrating many management options for post dural puncture headache (PDPH), in this study, we tried to prove the value of the use of neostigmine as a new management option that looks promising to alleviate the symptoms of such distressing condition. The current study results proved that the drug reduced the number of cases that experienced (PDPH) after spinal anesthesia for lower segment caesarean section, and how it prevent &amp;control headache. A combination of neostigmine and atropine are effective in managing PDPH by reducing the associated VAS score and preventing persistence of headache.

Effect of Rectus Muscle Re-approximation and Postoperative Pain in Women with Previous Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Cesarean section rate has increased dramatically worldwide but there is still debate about the optimum operative technique of cesarean section. Rectus muscle reapproximation at cesarean delivery (CD) is performed frequently by some obstetricians; however, the effect on postoperative pain is unclear. To this end, we investigated whether rectus muscle reapproximation increases postoperative pain. Objective In women with previous cesarean delivery, the aim of this prospective double blind randomized controlled trial is to assess the effect of rectus muscle approximation on postoperative pain. Patients and Methods This study was a prospective, doubleblind, randomized controlled trial. It included 340 women with previous cesarean delivery, with a singleton pregnancy, who underwent elective lower segment cesarean section at term. The patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups; Group I (study group) in which rectus muscle approximation were done (surgeons were instructed to place three vertical midline loose interrupted sutures to re-approximate the rectus muscles by using Vicryl 0 suture) while in Group II (control group) rectus muscle approximation not done. Intra- and postoperative pain management was standardized within the study protocol. Results Both groups were comparable in age, body mass index (BMI), parity, gestational age (GA), sub-rectus hematoma, surgical site infection and subsequent hospital stay. While study group had significantly longer operation duration, significantly higher pain score from first day of operation and up to 6 weeks postoperative and significantly higher NSAID dose and opioid requirements at first and second day postoperative. Conclusion Our results suggest that rectus muscle reapproximation increases operative time &amp; postoperative pain and subsequently associated with higher short-term postoperative opioid use among women undergoing cesarean section (CS). Surgical complications do not appear to be impacted by rectus muscle reapproximation. So, the benefits described with rectus muscle reapproximation such as less adhesions, should be weighed against the potential for a modest increased postoperative pain and corresponding opioid use.

307 Intraluminal Migration of Gossypiboma and rectal expulsion an unusual Case- Case Report

Abstract Background Gossypiboma refers to foreign body retained in the body at the end of operation and can be in the form of gauze, sponge or any form of textile resulting in grave consequences for both the patient and the surgeon. Case Summary A 23-year-old female presented with complain of generalized abdominal pain along with non-bilious vomiting since 10 days. She also had relative constipation since four days. Her past surgical history was unremarkable except for three elective lower segment caesarean sections at another hospital. Upon abdominal examination, she had a scar of pfannenstiel incision along with 3x4 cm swelling in umbilical region with positive cough impulse. Her bowel sounds were exaggerated. DRE was unyielding. Clinical diagnosis of subacute intestinal obstruction was made and she was managed conservatively. Ultrasound abdomen showed dilated gut loops with hyperperistalsis. It also revealed a defect measuring 8.5 cm in the supraumbilical region of anterior abdominal wall through which fat content was seen protruding. She was advised contrast enhanced CT abdomen, developed diarrhoea and later on expelled the surgical sponge per rectally. After passage of surgical sponge, condition of patient improved and symptoms resolved. Discussion Diligent efforts are required to prevent this human error by ensuring meticulous sponge count, use of radio-opaque sponges, adjunctive use of WHO safety checklist and introduction of new advancements like tagging system in our healthcare system. Conclusion Gossypiboma is under-reported due to reluctance of institutions to report it to governing body. Reporting of such dreadful complications of surgery and analysis of their root cause should be done to prevent such events from happening.

Maternal and Fetal Outcome Following Post In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract Background: While the majority of in vitro fertilization (IVF)-conceived children are healthy, IVF has been associated with an increased risk of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm labor and preterm delivery, and low birth weight (LBW). Objective: The objective of the study is to assess pregnancy, maternal, and perinatal outcomes in patients undergoing IVF embryo transfer (IVF-ET) at tertiary care center in North India. Methodology: It was a prospective observational study carried out for duration of 20 months among women who conceived following an IVF-ET. The sample size was 107 consecutive mothers and data were collected using a predesigned semi-structured study pro forma. Detailed menstrual, obstetric, and medical histories of each patient were noted. Findings of the general, physical, systemic, and obstetrical and gynecological examination were noted for all patients. Results: One hundred and seven mothers who fulfilled the study criteria were included. Of these, 4 had an abortion. Rest of the 103 mothers were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the mothers was 30.39 ± 4.7, ranging from 22 to 50 years. Twin pregnancy rate was 45.7%. All were dichorionic-diamniotic twins. Based on gestational age, 5% were extreme preterm births, 14% were very preterm births, 32% were late preterm births, and 48% were early-term births. Normal vaginal delivery (NVD) occurred in 26.2% of the mothers, elective lower-segment cesarean section (LSCS) in 21.4%, emergency LSCS in 51.4%, and one case had vacuum delivery. Hence, NVD occurred in 27% and 73% had LSCS. With respect to neonates born to study participants, 8% were extremely LBW, 7.3% were very LBW, 46% were LBW, and the rest 38.7% weighed 2.5 kg or more at birth. Conclusion: IVF-ET is a safe and highly successful treatment for infertility. Many of adverse outcomes are largely due to an increased risk of multiple gestations in IVF. Patients with infertility are likely to be older and have preexisting comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, or other endocrinopathies which may predispose them to adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. It is also recommended that patients should be given adequate preconception counseling regarding increased maternal as well as neonatal risk.

The Incidence of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cases Returning to Operation Theater due to Postoperative Complications in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Unexpected return to operation theater carries high rate of morbidity and mortality for patients, in addition to increased hospital stay. A close look at such cases would help in identifying high-risk patients thus improving outcome. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of Obs/Gyn cases returning to OT due to postoperative complications in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: It was a retrospective observational study done at tertiary care hospital settings affiliated with academic center in the UAE. The records of patients were scrutinized, and all booked and non-booked pregnant patients of any age undergoing emergency or elective obstetrics or gynecological procedure from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 were enrolled in the study. Relaparotomy was defined as cases opened within same admission and causally associated with previous primary obstetrics or gynecological operation. Result: A total of 21,276 operations were performed from 2016 to 2020. In these 4 years, 33 patients had unexpected return to operation theater making the incidence of re-exploration to 0.15% (33/21,276). There were 16 (48.48%) emergency operations and 17 (51.52%) elective operations previously done on these patients. The most common primary procedure for which re-exploration was done was lower segment caesarean section done in 11 (33.3%) of cases followed by laparoscopic adhesiolysis and myomectomy. Hematoma in the pelvic region and ooze from raw area were the most common per-operative finding in 48.48% of cases. There was no mortality in the abovementioned cases; however, 2 (6.06%) had early acute kidney injury and both recovered from it. Discussion: The incidence of relaparotomy in our hospital is comparable to international literature. Most patients returned to OT within 48 h. Bleeding was the most common indication for laparotomy, and lower segment cesarean section was most common primary operation. This study underscores the need for meticulous hemostasis before closing to avoid return to OT. Conclusion: Return to OT for the right indication saves life. Mortality in such cases may be reduced by earlier detection and treatment of postoperative problems, consideration of relaparotomy, active ICU monitoring, and postoperative care.

FETOMATERNAL OUTCOME OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IN PRIMIGRAVIDA DELIVERED AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: To determine the Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in primigravida and their feto-maternal outcome who delivered at tertiary care hospital in western Rajasthan. Methods: A retrospective chart review study will be conducted on primigravida delivered at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MDM Hospital Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India from May 2022 to December 2022. Results: The prevalence of GDM in primigravida was 6.42%, maximum occurrence between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation (53.3%). 8.8% of GDM patients had a preterm delivery, out of these 8 women polyhydramnios were seen in 4 women. 49% had lower segment cesarean section and 3% had instrument delivery. preeclampsia was seen in 25.56%, urinary tract infection in 10%, preterm labor was seen in 8.89%, premature rupture of membrane was seen in 5.56% of the study population. 10% of babies were low birth weight. The incidence of congenital anomalies was seen in 6.6%. Intrauterine death was seen in 2 babies who had congenital anomalies. Conclusion: GDM is associated with adverse complications in both the mother and fetus.

A comparative study for feto-maternal outcome of trial of labour after caesarean: spontaneous versus induction

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the foeto-maternal outcome of trial of labour after previous one lower segment caesarean section in spontaneous and induced labour and to ascertain the success rate of VBAC.(Vaginal birth after cesarean section) Methods It was a prospective study conducted from May2019-November2020.The pregnant women admitted in BPSGMC (BPS Government Medical College), labour ward who had previous one caesarean section undergoing trial of labour after either spontaneous onset or induction of labour, were included in the study. Results Total patients were 130, [65 each, in group I(spontaneous) and group II (induced)]. Successful TOLAC (Trial of labour after cesarean section) happened in 80% in spontaneous labour (gp I) patients and 66.2 % women in induced patients (group II), (p value-0.075). There was no significant difference in age, parity and gestational age (p value &gt;0.05), APGAR score and NICU (Neonatal intensive care unit) admissions in both spontaneous labour(gp I) and induced patients (gp II). There incidence of fetal distress was not statistically significant in spontaneous (group I) and induced patients (group II), (p value-0.744). Indication of primary LSCS (Lower segment cesarean section) showed no significant effect on outcome of TOLAC in spontaneous and induced group patients. History of prior vaginal delivery had more chances of VBAC. Hospital stay and PPH was more in induced patients(group II). The dfference of scar dehiscence in group I(spontaneous) and II (induced) were not statistically significant (p value=0.721). There were no cases of scar rupture in both the groups. Conclusion Induction of labour and spontaneous labour both have almost similar VBAC success rates. Also with fewer scar dehiscence and no rupture, IOL (Induction of labour) is a good option in previous one cesarean patients.

Study of maternal and neonatal outcome in women with one previous lower segment caesarean scar in Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS)

Background: The rate of primary caesarean section (CS) is on the rise; it was 30.8% for primiparous women and 11.5% for multiparous women. A trial of vaginal delivery can prevent the risk of repeat CS. Aim: The study was to determine the success rate, and also maternal and neonatal implications of VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Caesarean), attempted in women with one previous lower segment caesarean section (LSCS). Materials and Methods: The retrospective and descriptive study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital, RIPAS Hospital, Brunei Darussalam, over a period of three months (from February 2010 to May 2010). All women with prior LSCS who are suitable for a trial of labour after the previous caesarean (TOLAC) were included in our study. Sixty-one pregnant women with a history of one previous LSCS were enrolled in the study. Results: In our study (38/61) 62.3% of patients had a successful VBAC, and (23/61) 37.7% had undergone a repeat emergency LSCS. In those who had the previous VBAC, cervical dilatation of &gt;4 cm at the time of admission and those who had the previous VBAC are significant factors for a successful VBAC. Conclusion: The trial of VBAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS, as it has a considerable success rate and is not associated with serious maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality.

The Correlation between Maternal Factors and Infants Lower Birth Weight

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) continues to remain a major public health problem worldwide. There are numerous factors contributing to LBW both maternal and fetal. The mortality of low birth weight can be reduced if the risk factors are detected early and managed by simple techniques. Objective: In this study our main goal is to assess the correlation between maternal factors and infants lower birth weight. Method: This research was conducted as a cross- sectional analysis at a tertiary care medical facility between January 2022 and January 2023. Where a convenience sample of 100 moms aged 11–19 who were hospitalized throughout the research period was chosen. Ultrasound and other diagnostic procedures verified the pregnancy. Results: During the study, the average age of the participants in the study group was 18.02±05 years, and only 19% of the patients visited the antenatal care facility more than four times. Among the study group, 34% of the participants had anemia, followed by 20% with premature rupture of membranes (PROM), 6% with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), 11% with mild eclampsia, 7% with severe eclampsia, 5% with gestational hypertension, and 6% with gestational diabetes. In terms of delivery methods, 40% had normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD), 28% had emergency lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), 17% had planned LSCS, and 13% underwent instrumental delivery. Regarding postpartum complications, 5% of the study group experienced postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), 2% had uterine atony, 3% had wound disruption, 1% had perineal tear, and 1% of the cases resulted in maternal death. Adverse neonatal outcomes were also observed, with 15% of the newborns having a body weight of less than 2500 grams, 11% having low APGAR scores, 12% developing neonatal jaundice, 2% experiencing intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), 2% being stillborn, 1% having congenital anomalies, and 1% suffering from respiratory distress syndrome. ...

Pregnancy and assisted reproductive technology use in Australian female transfusion-dependent haemoglobinopathy patients: a 20-year retrospective analysis.

In the last few decades, the life expectancy of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (TDT) and sickle cell disease (SCD) has improved significantly, in part because of improved iron chelation. Fertility challenges and pregnancy complications have historically limited reproductive options in this group; however, improved multi-disciplinary care has made infertility a chronic disease complication requiring attention. Despite this, there are very few reports and no Australian data describing fertility and pregnancy outcomes in this population. To identify the rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) utilisation in our female transfusion-dependent haemoglobinopathy patients and to establish the nature of maternal and neonatal complications in this cohort. A 20-year retrospective analysis (1997-2017) at an Australian centre captured data on conception rates, use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in female transfusion-dependent haemoglobinopathy patients. Conception was attempted in 14 women (11 TDT and three SCD) during the study period. A total of 28 pregnancies resulting in 25 live births were recorded. ART supported 13 conceptions. A positive association was not identified between elevated mean serum ferritin and ART use; however, all patients with an established diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) required ART. Maternal complications included gestational diabetes mellitus and post-partum haemorrhage. There were no cardiac complications. Two-thirds of women underwent lower segment caesarean section, with prematurity complicating 20% of births. There were no neonatal or maternal deaths. Pregnancy is an achievable goal for women with transfusion-dependent haemoglobinopathies, although the support of ART may be required in a subset of patients.

Early Verse Conventional Ambulation on Postoperative Pain among Women with Lower Segment Cesarean Section

Introduction: A cesarean section is a surgical procedure by which one or more babies are delivered through an incision made on a mother’s abdomen and uterus. In post cesarean section phase, early ambulation and oral intake are need to be encouraged after declined effects of anesthesia. The present study was conducted with aim to assess the effectiveness of early ambulation on postoperative pain among the women with a lower segment cesarean section. Materials and Methods: The study design was quasi-experimental design and 60 subjects were enrolled by convenient sampling technique. In experimental group, the pain level was assessed after performing breathing exercise, moving legs and hands, upright sitting position, stand and walk with and without support after 10 h of surgery for first 3 postoperative days. While in control group, the mothers were ambulated after 24 h of surgery as per the hospital protocol. Results: There was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.001) between the mean postoperative pain scores after early ambulation among experimental on day 1st, day 2nd, and day 3rd. There was a significant decline in pain scores in experimental group compared to control group (P &lt; 0.001) with days progresses. Conclusion: The early ambulation was significantly effective in reduce postoperative pain scores among the mothers after cesarean section. The present approach may be adopted for the mothers to decline the need of analgesics during postoperative period.

Neonatal Mastauxe – Case Report

Abstract Neonatal mastauxe is a fairly common condition of enlarged breasts in neonates. It is often incorrectly called ‘mastitis neonatorum’. Falling levels of oestrogen after birth are thought to stimulate prolactin secretion which in turn promotes the hypertrophy of breast tissue. Undue manipulation of enlarged neonate’s breasts, a common practice in Indian culture, may complicate the condition, even mandating surgery. The role of nurses in counselling and teaching the family in such cases is important. This case report presents a baby born by lower segment caesarean section in our unit with neonatal mastauxe.

Efficacy of intravenous ketamine as premedicant for prevention of intraoperative hypotension after spinal anesthesia in parturients posted for elective cesarean section

Background: Hypotension following spinal anesthesia (SA) in lower segment cesarean section can be deleterious to the parturient and to fetus. Ketamine acts by stimulating the cardiovascular system leading to high blood pressure and increase in heart rate (HR) and cardiac output. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of 15 mg of prophylactic intravenous ketamine in elective cesarean section for prevention of hypotension after SA. Materials and Methods: This double-blinded randomized controlled study was conducted on 98 participating parturients who were American Society of Anesthesiologists term pregnant women. The parturients were randomly divided into two groups (n=49 in each). All the parturients received SA. Ketamine group - Group K received 15 mg of ketamine IV bolus in 3 mL saline and control group - Group C received the same volume of normal saline IV bolus. HR and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were recorded at baseline at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after the injection and then every 15 min till the end of the operation. Incidences of hypotension were recorded. The total number dose of ephedrine used, APGAR score, and Visual Analog Scale scores were recorded. The Ramsay Sedation Score was also recorded at baseline, then 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45 min after injection, and then at the end of the operation. Results: This study showed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of hypotension and higher use of intravenous ephedrine 6 mg boluses in the control group when compared to the ketamine group. Forty-two parturients in the control group developed hypotension compared to 23 parturients in the ketamine group with P&lt;0.001. The total ephedrine dose was significantly lower among the ketamine group. Sedation was observed for the first 15 min intraoperatively in the ketamine group with P=0.001. There was no statistically significant difference in APGAR score between the two groups. Conclusion: There was significantly higher hemodynamic stability in the ketamine group with regard to SBP, diastolic blood pressure, and HR. Hence, low-dose ketamine, when used as a premedicant, is an effective agent that can be used in preventing post-spinal intraoperative hypotension in parturients undergoing cesarean section delivery.

Using days alive and out of hospital to measure surgical outcomes in New Zealand: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo measure differences at various deciles in days alive and out of hospital to 90 days (DAOH90) and explore its utility for identifying outliers of performance among district health boards...

Effectiveness of norepinephrine versus phenylephrine intravenous boluses for the treatment of hypotension in elective lower-segment cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: A randomized controlled, double-blind study

Abstract Background and Aim: Hypotension following spinal anesthesia is a common adverse effect during caesarean sections, with potentially harmful consequences for both the mother and the fetus. While phenylephrine is the current first-line treatment for maternal spinal hypotension during obstetric anesthesia, norepinephrine has been proposed as a possible alternative due to its weaker b-agonist-mediated positive chronotropic action. However, there is a lack of comparative data on the safety and efficacy of these two drugs in obstetric anesthesia. This study aimed to compare the number of bolus doses of phenylephrine and norepinephrine required to treat hypotension after spinal anesthesia in lower segment caesarean sections, as well as to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in both groups, including complications. Materials and Method: A prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted, The study included 60 term parturients between the ages of 18 and 40, who had singleton pregnancy and were categorized as American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical class II, and who were scheduled for elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. the parturients were randomized into two groups: Group N and Group P. Group P patients received an intravenous dose of phenylephrine 100 µg, while Group N patients received an intravenous dose of 8 µg whenever the systolic arterial pressure dropped below 20% of the baseline.primary objective was number of intravenous drugs required to treat spinal hypotension, secondary objective were incidence of maternal and foetal Complications. The data was collected on a form and entered into Excel. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info 7.2.1.0 for Windows. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check normality. Mean and standard deviation or median and range were used to present numerical data, while frequency and percentage were used for categorical data. T-tests compared quantitative variables, and Chi-square tests compared categorical data. Two-tailed tests were used, and a P-value of &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Result: The patient’s demographic profile was comparable in both groups.T he number of bolus doses of study drug required to treat spinal hypotension was significantly lower in Group N versus P (1.50 ± 0.57 vs. 2.13 ± 0.73, p =0.001)Incidence of bradycardia was more in group P, but not statistically significant. Other maternal complications like bradycardia, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, shivering were comparable in both groups. Conclusions: According to our study, Intermittent boluses of norepinephrine were effective in the management of spinal-induced hypotension during caesarean section. Norepinephrine boluses can thus be considered as an alternative to phenylephrine boluses.

Impact of Maternal Obesity on Obstetric Outcome: A Prospective Study in a District Hospital of West Bengal

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity among women is an increasing problem, especially in urban population due to sedentary lifestyles and altered dietary habits. Maternal obesity has consequences on pregnancy and perinatal outcome. The present study was conducted to determine the impact of maternal obesity on maternal and perinatal outcome. Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital-based study was conducted on 176 pregnant women with body mass index (BMI) &lt;25 kg/m2 and 166 pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Data on maternal outcomes and perinatal outcomes were collected by following up on antenatal women till the end of the pregnancy and results were analyzed among the two groups using SPSS version 27. Results: Around 31.3% of pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had developed gestational hypertension, 22.9% had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), 7.8% had preeclampsia/eclampsia, 9.6% had prolonged labor, and more than half (53%) of them had emergency lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Less than 1/3rd of pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had induction of labor and perineal injuries. Association of gestational hypertension, GDM, preeclampsia/eclampsia, prolonged labor, and mode of delivery (emergency LSCS) was found to be significant with maternal obesity. About 16.9% and 7.2% of pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had preterm and postterm delivery, respectively. Only 0.6% of pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had weight of newborn &gt;4 kg. Conclusions: Maternal obesity leads to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes and is an important contributor to the burden of obstetric care. Thus, effective intervention is required in preconception period to reduce the obstetric complications.

A retrospective study on maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy with COVID-19

Abstract Background: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global health emergency. At that time, it was unclear how COVID-19 affected pregnant individuals and whether its symptoms presented differently than nonpregnant women. Objective: To investigate the effects of COVID-19 on both the pregnant mother and the developing fetus. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis concentrated on 58 pregnant individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022, at a Tertiary Care Center in Navi Mumbai, India. This study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 infection on maternal and fetal well-being during pregnancy. Results: In the study’s findings, it was observed that among the participants, 48.3% were primigravida (experiencing their first pregnancy), whereas 51.7% were multigravida (having been pregnant previously). Of the participants, 44% underwent lower segment cesarean section, whereas the remaining 56% had vaginal deliveries. The primary indications for performing cesarean sections were oligohydramnios and fetal distress. Approximately 41.3% of the newborns required admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The neonatal mortality rate was recorded at 5.1%, and none of the newborns tested positive for COVID-19. Conclusion: In summary, while most patients were admitted without symptoms (89.7%) or mild symptoms, it became evident that COVID-19 was a virulent virus capable of causing rapid and unexpected deterioration in the mothers’ health, ultimately impacting fetal well-being. Notably, this study only observed fatalities during the second wave of the pandemic.