Mid-trimester Pregnancy Research Articles

Use of uterine electromyography in the prediction of preterm birth after transvaginal cervical cerclage

BackgroundPreterm birth (PTB), complications of which account for approximately 35% of deaths among neonates, remains a crucial issue. Cervical insufficiency (CI) is defined as the inability of the utrine cervix to retain a pregnancy, leading to PTB. Cervical cerclage is an efficient surgery for CI patients by preventing the cervix from being further mechanically shortened. Unfortunately, a certain number of patients who had cerclage still delivered prematurely, raising the urgent need to accurately assess the risk of PTB in patients with cerclage. Uterine electromyography (uEMG) is an emerging technology that characterizes uterine contractions by describing the actual evolution process of uterine activity and has been used to predict PTB in recent years.MethodIn this single-center retrospective case-control study, singleton pregnancy women who received cervical cerclage and uEMG assessment between January 2018 and January 2022 at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled.Results32 PTBs were observed of the 69 women who underwent assessment. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, PTB after cerclage was significantly associated with previous PTB history or mid-trimester pregnancy loss (OR: 2.87, 95%CI: 1.49–5.54) and contraction frequency detected by uEMG (OR: 2.24, 95%CI: 1.44–3.49). The AUC of contraction frequency (0.766, P<0.001) was observed, and the optimal cut-off value suggested by Youden Index was 1.75 times per hour. Combined with previous preterm history and cervical length, the AUC of contraction frequency reached 0.858. After stratification by contraction frequency, the median duration was 11 weeks in the high frequency group (> 1.75 times per hour) and 15 weeks in the low frequency group (≤ 1.75 times per hour) (P<0.001).ConclusionsThe uEMG effectively predicts PTB after transvaginal cervical cerclage and provides a new method for clinicians to evaluate the pregnancy outcome of CI patients.

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy with successful stabilization and delivery on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report

Abstract Background Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is rare. Clinicians need to adapt management to the altered anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, and the well-being of two patients (mother and foetus) may come into consideration. The medical literature has limited reports on outcomes following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in pregnancy. Case summary We report the evaluation, management, and outcome of a woman with cardiac arrest and severe left ventricle (LV) dysfunction in mid-trimester of pregnancy. The previously well woman had tolerated two prior term pregnancies without complication. At 25 weeks of gestation, she presented to the hospital with breathlessness and vomiting after a pre-syncopal episode at home. She then had in-hospital cardiac arrest, managed initially with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The LV was dilated, thin walled, and severely impaired (LV ejection fraction 14%), and there was a secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). She was supported with veno-arterial ECMO. Planned birth occurred 5 days post-arrest for maternal indication. Coronary angiography demonstrated 99% proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis and aneurysm, raising the possibility of previous subclinical Kawasaki disease. She underwent surgical revascularization and ASD closure. Both mother and infant made a good recovery. Discussion We report a case of cardiac arrest in pregnancy as first presentation of severe LV dysfunction. The case highlights the role of ECMO for cardiac arrest in pregnancy and outlines specific interventions and management concepts in this setting.

Prediction model for spontaneous preterm birth less than 32 weeks of gestation in low-risk women with mid-trimester short cervical length: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundA short cervix in mid-trimester pregnancy is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth. However, there is currently a lack of predictive models and classification systems for predicting spontaneous preterm birth in these patients, especially those without additional risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth.MethodsA retrospective observational cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnant women with a short cervix (≤ 25 mm) measured by transvaginal ultrasonography between 22 and 24 weeks was conducted. A multivariate logistic regression model for spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks in low-risk pregnant women with a short cervix was constructed. Moreover, we developed a nomogram to visualize the prediction model and stratified patients into three risk groups (low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups) based on the total score obtained from the nomogram model.ResultsBetween 2020 and 2022, 213 low-risk women with a short cervix in mid-trimester pregnancy were enrolled in the study. Univariate logistic analysis revealed that a high body mass index, a history of three or more miscarriages, multiparity, a short cervical length, leukocytosis, and an elevated C-reactive protein level were associated with spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks, but multivariate analysis revealed that multiparity (OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.13–9.68), leukocytosis (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.24–12.61) and a short cervical length (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82–0.94) were independent predictors of sPTB < 32 weeks. The model incorporating these three predictors displayed good discrimination and calibration, and the area under the ROC curve of this model was as high as 0.815 (95% CI, 0.700-0.931). Patients were stratified into low- (195 patients), intermediate- (14 patients) and high-risk (4 patients) groups according to the model, corresponding to patients with scores ≤ 120, 121–146, and > 146, respectively. The predicted probabilities of spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks for these groups were 6.38, 40.62, and 71.88%, respectively.ConclusionsA noninvasive and efficient model to predict the occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth < 32 weeks in low-risk singleton pregnant women with a short cervix and a classification system were constructed in this study and can provide insight into the optimal management strategy for patients with different risk stratifications according to the score chart.

Surgical Tips for Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Abdominal Cerclage: A Minimally Invasive Approach.

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in the developed world. An important cause of preterm birth is cervical insufficiency, leading to membrane prolapse, premature rupture of membranes, and mid-trimester pregnancy loss. A cerclage can be placed vaginally or abdominally to treat cervical insufficiency. In cases of failed prior transvaginal cerclage (TVC), transabdominal cerclage (TAC) is the alternative. The procedure can be completed via laparoscopy or open approach. The suture is placed at the internal os giving greater structural support.1 In this article, we review the definition of cervical incompetence, we present the indications for TAC, we discuss the outcomes of minimally invasive TAC compared to open approach, and we review surgical tips and tricks for robotic assisted (RA) TAC placement that can be used prior to pregnancy or in early gestation. The included images delineate the surgical technique for safe placement of robotic assisted laparoscopic abdominal cerclage in the management of cervical insufficiency.

First-trimester ultrasound of the cerebral lateral ventricles in fetuses with open spina bifida: a retrospective cohort study

Beyond 18 weeks of gestation, an increased size of the fetal lateral ventricles is reported in most fetuses with open spina bifida. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the definition of ventriculomegaly is based on the ratio of the size of the choroid plexus to the size of the ventricular space or the entire fetal head. However, contrary to what is observed from the midtrimester of pregnancy, in most fetuses with open spina bifida at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation, the amount of fluid in the ventricular system seems to be reduced rather than increased. This study aimed to compare the biometry of the lateral ventricles at 11 0/7 to 13 6/7 weeks of gestation between normal fetuses and those with confirmed open spina bifida. This was a retrospective cohort study that included all cases of isolated open spina bifida detected at 11 0/7 to 13 6/7 weeks of gestation over a period of 5 years and a group of structurally normal fetuses attending at our center over a period of 1 year for the aneuploidy screening as controls. Transventricular axial views of the fetal brain obtained from cases and controls were extracted from the archive for post hoc measurement of cerebral ventricles. The choroid plexus-to-lateral ventricle length ratio, sum of the choroid plexus-to-lateral ventricle area ratio, choroid plexus area-to-fetal head area ratio, and mean choroid plexus length-to-occipitofrontal diameter ratio were calculated for both groups. The measurements obtained from the 2 groups were compared, and the association between each parameter and open spina bifida was investigated. A total of 10 fetuses with open spina bifida were compared with 358 controls. Compared with controls, fetuses with open spina bifida showed a significantly smaller size of the cerebral ventricle measurements, as expressed by larger values of choroid plexus-to-lateral ventricle area ratio (0.49 vs 0.72, respectively; P<.001), choroid plexus-to-lateral ventricle length ratio (0.70 vs 0.79, respectively; P<.001), choroid plexus area-to-fetal head area ratio (0.28 vs 0.33, respectively; P=.006), and choroid plexus length-to-occipitofrontal diameter ratio (0.52 vs 0.60, respectively; P<.001). The choroid plexus-to-lateral ventricle area ratio was found to be the most accurate predictor of open spina bifida, with an area under the curve of 0.88, a sensitivity of 90%, and a specificity of 82%. At 11 0/7 to 13 6/7 weeks of gestation, open spina bifida is consistently associated with a reduced amount of fluid in the lateral cerebral ventricles of the fetus, as expressed by a significantly increased choroid plexus-to-lateral ventricle length ratio, choroid plexus-to-lateral ventricle area ratio, choroid plexus area-to-fetal head area ratio, and choroid plexus length-to-occipitofrontal diameter ratio.

The Effect of Oral Isosorbide Mononitrate Therapy on Umbilical Artery Doppler Resistance Index in Pregnancies with Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial

Abstract Background Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with impaired placentation. Patients who are at risk of developing IUGR can be identified by abnormal umbilical artery Doppler at mid-trimester pregnancy. Nitric oxide (NO)-donors like isosorbide mononitrate reduce the impedance in the uteroplacental vessels and possess protecting effects on the endothelium. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Isosorbide Mononitrate therapy in reducing umbilical artery Doppler resistance index (RI) in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction. Patients and Methods This prospective randomized control trial was conducted at Obstetric Outpatient Clinic – Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University Maternity Hospitals from February 2021 until February 2022 and performed on women who attended ASUMH ECDU with IUGR. Results Finally, as regard side effects of isosorbide mononitrate therapy, our study reported that headache and overall side effects were statistically significant higher compared with control group. Conclusion Evident from the current study, nitric oxide (NO)-donors like isosorbide mononitrate had no prophylactic or therapeutic effects in management of pregnant cases associated with IUGR. It had no improving effect on umbilical artery Doppler or placental circulation. On the other hand it had unfavorable maternal adverse effects.

Cavernous haemangioma and mid trimester pregnancy loss leading to severe haemorrhage and hysterectomy: a case report and review of literature.

Cavernous haemangiomas are benign vascular tumours that are known to occasionally involve the female genital tract, including the uterus. They are often underdiagnosed during pregnancy, although they can also lead to severe postpartum or antepartum haemorrhage. Describe our case of an uncommon second-trimester pregnancy loss in a woman with a diffuse cavernous haemangioma of the uterus and cervix and review the wider literature. The review was conducted using MEDLINE, Scopus and PubMed electronic databases from beginning of the database to May 2023, using the following keywords: arteriovenous malformation; cavernous haemangioma/hemangioma; uterine neoplasms; pregnancy complications; abnormal vaginal bleeding. Description of the characteristics of cavernous haemangioma during pregnancy as well as diagnostic criteria and treatment options. Twenty publications were included in the review, which included English-language case reports over a period from 1959 to 2022. No pathognomonic symptoms for cavernous haemangioma of the uterus in a pregnant woman were noted. Complications including massive secondary postpartum haemorrhage, haemoperitoneum, and severe thrombocytopenia with anaemia after delivery were reported. Diagnosis and management during pregnancy can be challenging and requires considerable attention, with a multidisciplinary approach including gynaecologists, radiologists, and pathologists to avoid major complications. An additional case of diffuse cavernous haemangioma of the uterus and cervix is described, that adds to the little existing literature.

The “cortical invagination sign”: a midtrimester sonographic marker of unilateral cortical focal dysgyria in fetuses with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum

Agenesis of the corpus callosum is associated with several malformations of cortical development. Recently, features of focal cortical dysgyria have been described in fetuses with agenesis of the corpus callosum. This study aimed to describe the "cortical invagination sign," a specific sonographic feature of focal cortical dysgyria, which is consistently seen at midtrimester axial brain ultrasound in fetuses with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 2018 to 2021, including patients referred to 5 fetal medicine centers in the second trimester of pregnancy (19 0/7 to 22 0/7 weeks of gestation) with suspected complete agenesis of the corpus callosum. All cases with the diagnosis of complete agenesis of the corpus callosum were submitted to an axial sonographic assessment of the fetal brain on the transventricular plane. In this scanning section, the mesial profile of both cerebral hemispheres at the level of the frontal-parietal cortex was investigated. In this area, the operator looked for an abnormal invagination of the cortical surface along the widened interhemispheric fissure, which was referred to as the "cortical invagination sign." All fetuses were submitted to dedicated antenatal magnetic resonance imaging to reassess the ultrasound findings. Cases with additional brain anomalies, which did not involve the cortex, were excluded. The final diagnosis was confirmed at postnatal brain magnetic resonance imaging or postmortem examination, for cases undergoing termination of pregnancy. The primary outcome of this study was to evaluate the presence and laterality of the "cortical invagination sign" in fetuses with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum at antenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. During the study period, 64 cases of complete agenesis of the corpus callosum were included; of those cases, 50 (78.1%) resulted in termination of pregnancy, and 14 (21.9%) resulted in a live birth. The "cortical invagination sign" was detected at ultrasound in 13 of 64 cases (20.3%) and at targeted brain magnetic resonance imaging in 2 additional cases (23.4%), all of which were electively terminated. Moreover, the "cortical invagination sign" was found to be exclusively unilateral and on the left cerebral hemisphere in all the cases. There was a predominant number, although nonsignificant, of male fetuses (80.0% of cases; P=.06) in the group of complete agenesis of the corpus callosum with the "cortical invagination sign." The "cortical invagination sign" is a specific marker of focal cortical dysgyria, which seems to characterize at midtrimester of pregnancy in a large group of fetuses with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum. The etiology, pathophysiology, and prognostic significance of this finding remain to be elucidated.

Preconception laparoscopic cervical cerclage for prevention of mid-trimester pregnancy loss and preterm birth: A 6-year study

ObjectiveTo evaluate surgical results and pregnancy outcomes of preconception laparoscopic cervical cerclage (LCC) in women with cervical insufficiency. Study designWe conducted an observational study in consecutive women who had preconception LCC. Data was prospectively collected from 55 women at high risk of second trimester miscarriage and extreme preterm delivery due to cervical insufficiency who underwent pre-conception LCC between January 2017 – December 2021. This included patient demographics and relevant obstetric & gynaecological history, previous cervical cerclage, operative complications and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. All women included in study had at least one previous unsuccessful transvaginal cervical cerclage. The surgeries were conducted in private tertiary hospital in Hyderabad, India. The follow-up was until December 2022. The primary outcome was neonatal survival. Surgical morbidity and complications were also recorded. ResultsThere were 49 pregnancies of which 46 progressed beyond first trimester. 4.34 % (2/46) were delivered between 28 and 33 weeks due to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). 13.04 % (6/46) including 5 women with pregnancy complications and one with unicornuate uterus needed delivery between 34 and 36 weeks. 82.60 % (38/46) women were delivered at or beyond 37 weeks of pregnancy. In those who carried pregnancy beyond first trimester, live-birth rate and neonatal survival rate were 100 %. All neonates had favourable outcome with no long-term morbidity. There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. Two women had long-term complication in the form of tape erosion needing further surgery. ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that LCC improves pregnancy outcomes significantly in those with cervical weakness, without increasing the safety risk.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO COMPARE COMBINED USE OF INTRAVAGINAL MISOPROSTOL AND INTRACERVICAL FOLEY CATHETER VERSUS INTRAVAGINAL MISOPROSTOL ALONE FOR TERMINATION OF MID-TRIMESTER PREGNANCY IN DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY SMS MEDICAL COLLEGE, JAIPUR

Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to compare the mean induction to abortion interval and efficacy of intra-vaginal misoprostol alone versus combined use of intravaginal misoprostol and intracervical Foley catheter in termination of mid-trimester pregnancy. Methods: This was prospective, comparative study conducted during March 2021 to April 2022 at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur. The study included sample size of 60 cases (30 cases in each group). 60 cases were randomly allocated to either intravaginal misoprostol alone (Group A) or combined use of intravaginal misoprostol and Foley catheter (Group B) for termination of mid-trimester pregnancy. The study included all pregnant females between 14 and 20 weeks of gestation who were admitted for termination of pregnancy. Results: Mean induction to abortion interval±standard deviation for Group A was 20.79±2.01 h and for Group B, it was 17.29±3.58 h. Mean dose of tablet misoprostol required for Group A±standard deviation was 1453.3±267.47 mcg and for Group B, it was 1053.33±267.47 mcg. Conclusion: In this study, we found that with the combined use of intravaginal misoprostol and intracervical Foley catheter, there was a significant reduction in duration of induction to abortion, total dose misoprostol required, and hospital stay than in intravagnial misoprostol alone in termination of mid-trimester pregnancy.

Can transvaginal cervical length and cervical strain elastography predict mid-trimester medical induction to abortion intervals?

Objective Mid-trimester pregnancy terminations are becoming an increasingly common practice in obstetrics. Accurate prediction of delay from induction to abortion may help in planning the optimal time for the medical induction process and optimising the use of healthcare services. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether the transvaginal cervical length and cervical elastography can predict the time interval from medical induction to abortion in cases of medically indicated mid-trimester pregnancy termination. Materials and methods We performed a prospective observational pilot study between January 2022 and October 2022 in patients who have undergone medically indicated mid-trimester pregnancy termination with a non-dilated cervix for foetal morphological, chromosomal abnormalities or preterm premature rupture of membranes. Cervical length (CL) and cervical strain ratio (CSR) were measured by transvaginal sonography. The predictive value of CL and CSR on the induction to abortion interval was calculated after medical induction with misoprostol. Results Fifty-three eligible pregnant women were evaluated. The mean gestational age at abortion was 17.61 ± 2.81 weeks. The mean time interval from induction to abortion was 31.72 ± 16.57 h. In multivariate linear regression analysis, CL and the history of previous vaginal delivery were the significant independent predictors of the induction to abortion interval (all p < 0.01), with no additional significant contribution from CSR. Conclusion Transvaginal CSR is unlikely to be useful in the prediction of induction to abortion interval in the mid-trimester medically indicated termination of pregnancy. SHORT CONDENSATION Transvaginal cervical length is the significant independent predictor of the induction to abortion interval in the mid-trimester medically indicated termination of pregnancy with no additional significant contribution from cervical strain ratio.

Comparison between vaginal and laparoscopic cerclage in women with mid-trimester pregnancy loss or history of spontaneous preterm delivery.

Women with unfavorable obstetric history can benefit from prophylactic cerclage ("history indicated") which can be performed vaginally or transabdominally with laparoscopic techniques. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness in the prevention of preterm birth of the vaginal technique and of the minimally invasive laparoscopic technique in women with an unfavorable obstetric history. This was a retrospective cohort study examining elective cerclages performed in women with adverse obstetrics history. The primary outcome was rate of early preterm and second trimester deliveries while other outcomes analyzed were surgical complications, the time needed for cerclage procedures, live birth rate, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar score. Data from 64 women were analyzed; among them, 14 underwent a laparoscopic procedure (22%) while 50 a vaginal cerclage (78%). The two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics, but of course differed significantly in terms of obstetrics history, as well as for the surgical indications of cerclage procedures. The rate of early preterm deliveries and second trimester miscarriage were the same in the vaginal and laparoscopic group (8%), comparable to what was reported in literature. The operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group, but with similar duration of the hospital stay. We reported no intraoperative complications in both groups. As the laparoscopic procedure, usually reserved for women with a previous failed vaginal cerclage, has been proved to be equally safe and effective, it may could be proposed to a wider group of women. Prospective randomized studies are needed to provide new and conclusive data about this topic.

A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Intravaginal Misoprostol Alone and Combined Use of Intravaginal Misoprostol and Intracervical Foley's Catheter for Termination of Mid Trimester Pregnancy in Women with Previous Ceserean Section

A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Intravaginal Misoprostol Alone and Combined Use of Intravaginal Misoprostol and Intracervical Foley's Catheter for Termination of Mid Trimester Pregnancy in Women with Previous Ceserean Section

A Retrospective Analysis of Cervical Cerclage Outcomes in a Low-Income Country

Background: Cervical incompetence (CI) is a common cause of mid-trimester pregnancy loss. Clinical evidence has demonstrated the role of cervical cerclage in reducing preterm births alongside engendering successful maternal and foetal outcomes in carefully selected women with cervical incompetence. This study aimed at determining foetal and maternal outcomes in women with cervical incompetence after elective cervical cerclage. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 88 patients who had elective cervical cerclage at the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria between January 2015 to December 2017. Data from the case records of these patients were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Descriptive analysis was generated and summarized with the aid of pie chart, bar chart and frequency tables. Chi-square statistic was used in testing for associations between categorical variables. Results: The mean age was 32.5 ± 4.2 years. Most of the women (78%) had cervical cerclage performed between 14 -16 weeks’ gestation. The most observed complication was pre-term contractions (76.2%). Eighteen women (20.5%) had a miscarriage and 50 women (56.8%) had term deliveries. The mean gestational age (GA) at delivery was 34.1 ± 5.8 weeks. Maternal complications, use of tocolytics and duration of hospital stay had a significant influence on the gestational age at delivery (p&lt;0.005). Conclusion: Cervical cerclage is an effective surgical procedure for preventing and delaying preterm births in women with cervical incompetence evidenced by a successful outcome in 56.8% of cases depicted in this study. Its use in a low-income country with high rates of preventable pregnancy wastages cannot be over-emphasized.

Role of Serum β-hCG and First Trimester Ultrasonographic Parameters in Predicting Mid-trimester Pregnancy Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: One of the concerns in pregnant women is the risk of miscarriage and the psychological sequelae that follow. Screening in early pregnancy can identify future miscarriages in asymptomatic pregnancies. Aim: To study the role of serum Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-hCG) doubling and ultrasonic parameters like Yolk Sac Diameter (YSD), Gestational Sac Diameter (GSD), and Crown-Rump Length (CRL) in predicting mid-trimester pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at SRM Medical College and Hospital in Tamil Nadu, India, among 381 antenatal women between 6-10 weeks of gestation for a period of two years from December 2017 to July 2019. At baseline, parameters like serum β-hCG doubling titer at 48 hours and ultrasound parameters like YSD, GSD, and CRL were evaluated. The participants were followed-up until 20 weeks of gestation. The results were statistically analysed using sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), and Negative Predictive Value (NPV). Results: The mean age of the women included in the study was 25.89±4.2 years, with the majority of women belonging to the 21-29 years age group. Among the enrolled pregnant women, 347 had normal outcomes while 34 experienced pregnancy failure. The results indicated that β-hCG was the strongest predictor of pregnancy outcomes with a sensitivity of 52.9%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, and NPV of 95.6%. YSD predicted loss rates with a sensitivity of 50%, specificity of 97.1%, PPV of 62.9%, and NPV of 95.2%. GSD predicted miscarriage with a sensitivity of 17.6%, specificity of 97.4%, PPV of 40%, and NPV of 92.3%. CRL predicted miscarriage with a sensitivity of 30.5%, specificity of 97.9%, PPV of 61.1%, and NPV of 93.2%. Conclusion: β-hCG, YSD, GSD, and CRL were found to be statistically significant in predicting abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Among the four, β-hCG proved to be the best predictor.

Gas gangrene in pregnancy, delivery and abortions requiring urological and surgical management; our experiences in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: In spite of a high contribution of 26.7% to 35.0% of sepsis to maternal mortality in our hospital, there is little or no documentation about pyogaseous infections in pregnancy in the area. We present here a series of cases of different forms and presentations of pyogaseous infections managed at designated hospitals in Port Harcourt and its environs. Materials and Methods: Using a common proforma containing clinical and relevant laboratory tests, consecutive patients that presented to designated hospitals in Port Harcourt and its environs with normal and complicated pregnancies, deliveries and abortions were evaluated. Those with diagnosis of gas gangrene were treated and enlisted in this study. Socio-demographic and clinical data including outcome of all investigative and therapeutic procedures in pregnancy, puerperium and abortions were recorded. Results were presented. Results: One thousand five hundred and eighty-three (n=1583) patients were evaluated. Five (5) patients (aged 19-35years) had features of gas gangrene. One patient had gas gangrene in the mid-trimester of pregnancy. In three the disease complicated abortions; one after Cesarean section done for complicated term pregnancy. Two patients survived. Three died in spite of treatment. Conclusion/ Recommendations: High index of suspicion, early diagnosis, complete surgical excision of affected tissues, antibiotic therapy, maintenance of homeostasis and team work were needed for successful treatment. Intraoperative findings in one patient agree with observations of others that gastrointestinal etiology should be sought for gas gangrene of anterior abdominal wall. Recommendations are given on improvement of treatment of the lesion in affected rural areas.

7292 Laparoscopic Foetal Extraction and Repair of Uterine Rupture at 20 Weeks of Gestation

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To demonstrate the viability of laparoscopic intervention for uterine rupture in selected cases. <h3>Design</h3> Case report. <h3>Setting</h3> Hospital with ICU facility. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> A 28-year-old G4 P2 A1 with uterine rupture at 20 weeks looking to preserve her fertility. <h3>Interventions</h3> Laparoscopic intervention instead of laparotomy for a ruptured uterus. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Termination of pregnancy is a common medical procedure performed in the second trimester when the foetus has multiple anomalies. Termination of mid-trimester pregnancy constitutes about 10 to 15% of all abortions worldwide. We demonstrate a laparoscopic approach for foetal extraction which will definitely benefit the patient especially when she is planning to have another baby. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Uterine rupture is a rare complication following induction of labour for the termination of pregnancy with previous surgeries. It is usually associated with severe lower abdominal pain and sudden cessation of contractions along with haemorrhagic shock caused by intra- abdominal haemorrhage. Laparotomy is the standard procedure to repair uterine rent or to perform a hysterectomy. Here, we present a case of uterine rupture in a patient at 20 weeks of gestation who underwent termination of pregnancy by induction of labour for multiple fetal anomalies. Patient was successfully managed by laparoscopy. It suggests that laparoscopy can be an effective approach in the treatment of uterine rupture for hemodynamically stable patients.

Student Competency for Midtrimester Obstetrics Scan upon Completion of the Master's Degree in Medical Sonography.

To evaluate the competency of medical sonographer students who have completed training to estimate the gestational age (GA) and perform fetal biometric measurements compared to obstetricians. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study at the end of the medical sonographer students' practice sessions. In total, 80 midtrimester (18-28 weeks) pregnant women were recruited, and an ultrasound was performed according to the International Society of Sonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) guideline. Estimated GA calculated from fetal biometric measurements was compared between medical sonographer students and qualified obstetricians. Subsequently, images were randomly evaluated by maternal-fetal medicine specialists to assess the measurement performance. There was no significant difference in the estimated GA between the medical sonographer students and obstetricians (mean difference, 0.01 ± 2.92 day, p = 0.89). However, there was a significant difference in the measurement of the head circumference (HC) and abdominal circumference (AC) (p < 0.001). The overall image quality of the fetal head, abdomen, and femur was considered a good to excellent score (77.5%-80%). There was a perfect and nearly perfect agreement regarding the presence of the placenta previa, adequacy of amniotic fluid, and position of the placenta (k = 0.9-1.0). The medical sonographer students demonstrated competency in GA estimation by fetal biometry measurement similar to obstetricians. However, the quality of the acquired images, according to the ISUOG recommendation, needs improvement, and this should be emphasized in the sonography course curriculum. The results suggest that medical sonographers can relieve obstetricians' workload for ultrasound screening in midtrimester pregnancies.

Intra-amniotic inflammation in the mid-trimester of pregnancy is a risk factor for neuropsychological disorders in childhood.

Intra-amniotic inflammation is a subclinical condition frequently caused by either microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity or sterile inflammatory stimuli, e.g., alarmins. An accumulating body of evidence supports a role for maternal immune activation in the genesis of fetal neuroinflammation and the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, schizophrenia, and autism. The objective of this study was to determine whether fetal exposure to mid-trimester intra-amniotic inflammation is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in children eight to 12years of age. This is a retrospective case-control study comprising 20 children with evidence of prenatal exposure to intra-amniotic inflammation in the mid-trimester and 20 controls matched for gestational age at amniocentesis and at delivery. Amniotic fluid samples were tested for concentrations of interleukin-6 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, for bacteria by culture and molecular microbiologic methods as well as by polymerase chain reaction for eight viruses. Neuropsychological testing of children, performed by two experienced psychologists, assessed cognitive and behavioral domains. Neuropsychological dysfunction was defined as the presence of an abnormal score (<2 standard deviations) on at least two cognitive tasks. Neuropsychological dysfunction was present in 45% (9/20) of children exposed to intra-amniotic inflammation but in only 10% (2/20) of those in the control group (p=0.03). The relative risk (RR) of neuropsychological dysfunction conferred by amniotic fluid inflammation remained significant after adjusting for gestational age at delivery [aRR=4.5 (1.07-16.7)]. Of the 11 children diagnosed with neuropsychological dysfunction, nine were delivered at term and eight of them had mothers with intra-amniotic inflammation. Children exposed to intra-amniotic inflammation were found to have abnormalities in neuropsychological tasks evaluating complex skills, e.g., auditory attention, executive functions, and social skills, whereas the domains of reasoning, language, and memory were not affected in the cases and controls. Asymptomatic sterile intra-amniotic inflammation in the mid-trimester of pregnancy, followed by a term birth, can still confer to the offspring a substantial risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Early recognition and treatment of maternal immune activation in pregnancy may be a strategy for the prevention of subsequent neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.

Transabdominal cerclage during pregnancy: A retrospective single operator series over a quarter century.

To describe the pregnancy outcomes and complications observed in a series of cases of transabdominal cerclage (TAC), which is reserved for highly selected women with recurrent mid-trimester pregnancy loss, due to cervical insufficiency. A retrospective audit covering 25 years (January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2021) was performed at the Obstetric Special Care division, Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. All 118 pregnancies from 94 procedures, operated and managed by the principal author were included for descriptive analysis. Eighty-four (91.3%) of the 92 first pregnancies after first insertion had successful outcomes. All second and third pregnancies (24/24; 100%) were successful. Eight pregnancies did not achieve viability, two women (2/8) did however achieve a successful pregnancy after a subsequent repeat TAC procedure. For the viable pregnancies (110/118), the median gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks (range 28-39 weeks). The median intraoperative blood loss during cerclage insertion was 100 ml (range 25-750 ml). In experienced hands, TAC during pregnancy is a safe and effective operation, when other less invasive procedures have failed.