Ovarian Cystadenofibroma: An Innocent Tumor Causing Early Postoperative Small Bowel Obstruction and Perforation Peritonitis.

Ovarian serous cystadenofibroma (CAF) is a relatively uncommon variant of benign epithelial tumors of the ovary. It is frequently misdiagnosed as malignant ovarian mass, on both ultrasound (USG) and computed tomography (CT). Although most cases are easily treatable by surgery, some cases can present with life-threatening complications increasing patient morbidity and mortality. The present case report briefs about a 69-year-old female, P4 L4, who presented to the gynecology outpatient department with a complaint of pain in the lower abdomen for 2-3 months. USG and CT were suggestive of a suspicious-looking ovarian mass favoring malignancy. A staging laparotomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy with omental biopsy was done. Although the tumor was benign, extensive surgery, due to the suspicion of malignancy led to the patient developing early postoperative small bowel obstruction, mandating a re-exploration. CAF is a specific type of ovarian tumor that exhibits a combination of benign characteristics. This tumor presents as a partly cystic (containing fluid-filled sacs) and partly solid (composed of fibrous tissue) growth within the ovary, displaying a diverse architectural pattern. Mostly the diagnosis is incidental, on USG done for some other indication. CAF of the ovary needs a very high index of suspicion for diagnosis as these are frequently misdiagnosed as malignant ovarian masses. Although an innocent tumor, extensive surgery done for CAF, under suspicion for malignancy, can sometimes lead to serious complications.

Russell Body Cervicitis in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive Female: An Unusual Presentation of Prolonged Cervical Inflammation.

Individuals living with HIV face an elevated susceptibility to various plasma cell disorders, encompassing a spectrum that spans from benign conditions like plasma cell chronic inflammation to more severe conditions such as aggressive multiple myeloma. The present case is one of the few cases of plasma cell rich inflammation of the cervix, and is probably the first being reported in an HIV positive female. A 34-year-old female, P2L2 with last child birth 8 years back visited gynecology OPD with complaints of copious vaginal discharge from last 1 year. The discharge was yellowish in color, non-foul smelling, watery in consistency and present all through the menstrual cycle. On per speculum examination, the cervix looked unhealthy and bleeding on contact was present. The Pap Smear was suggestive of a high grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (HSIL). Biopsy revealed intense plasma cell-rich inflammation in the subepithelial stroma with Russel bodies. A summary of all reported cases of Russel cell cervicitis, reported till date and key points to differentiate it from other plasma cell rich cervical lesions like malakoplakia and plasmacytoma are also presented.

Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Training of Undergraduate Medical Students Regarding the Management of Eclampsia: A Randomized Controlled Educational Trial.

Introduction Obstetric emergencies, like eclampsia, need a quick and accurate response from the treating physician coming into first contact with the patient. Therefore, all doctors, even primary care physicians, interns, and resident doctors, need training to handle such cases proficiently, leaving minimal chances of error. Providing training for the management of these critical conditions on actual patients is not practically feasible. Clinical simulation in obstetrics can be used for the improvement of these skills for undergraduate and postgraduate students. We conducted a non-blinded randomized controlled trial with the primary aim of developing and implementing a module for training undergraduate medical students on the assessment and management of eclampsia and to evaluate and compare it with traditional didactic lectures or case-based learning. Methods The present randomized controlled educational trial was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India. The undergraduate medical students (Phase 3, Part 1) posted in the department during their clinical postings or tutorials were randomized into two groups. A total of 62 students were randomly divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, each consisting of 31 students. However, only 24/31 (77.42%) in Group A and 19/31 (61.3%) in Group B finally agreed to participate in the study. One group (Group A, with 24 participants) was taught the diagnosis and management of antepartum eclampsia through simulation-based training, and the other group (Group B, with 19 participants) was taught the same topic through conventional teaching, which consisted of didactic lectures through PowerPoint presentations and case-based discussion. Learning objectives were kept identical for both groups. Pre- and post-test scores were compared for both groups. Results The mean pre-test score of the simulation group was 6.13 ± 1.39, and that of the conventional teaching group was 6.05 ± 1.54. The post-test score of the simulation group was 9.17 ± 1.34, and that of the conventional teaching group was 7.37 ± 1.70. The simulation group showed an extremely significant (two-tailed p < 0.0001) improvement in their post-test scores when compared to their scores before the module was taught. The difference in the scores of simulated teaching (Group A) and conventional teaching (Group B) was also statistically significant (p = 0.005). Simulation-based learning was found to be more interactive, helpful in providing real-life-like experiences, led to better retention and understanding, and motivated the students for self-directed learning. Conclusion Although both conventional and simulation-based teaching were useful, simulation-based training was more effective in teaching undergraduate medical students regarding the diagnosis and management of eclampsia. Simulation-based learning is more interactive, provides real-life-like experiences, leads to better retention and understanding, and motivates the students for self-directed learning.

Submental Artery Island Flaps (SAIF) for Oral Cavity Cancer: Surgical Technique and Tertiary Care Experience.

In oral cancer surgeries, oncological outcomes take precious driverseat. But the copassengers like reconstruction, cosmesis, swallowing and speech outcomes deserve equivalent importance. Submental Artery Island Flaps (SAIF) provide an underutilized and extremely versatile option for reconstruction of defects following early stage oral cavity tumour resections. In this prospective observational analysis, we describe the technique, challenges and outcomes of SAIF at our tertiary care institute. Sixteen patients with Stage I and II oral cavity cancers were enrolled between June 2020 to May 2021. Verrucous carcinomas were five and well differentiated carcinomas were 11 patients. After tumour excision and neck dissections, defects were reconstructed with Pedicled submental flaps. Complications and functional outcomes were analyzed over two years. Nineteen percent were ladies and 81% were gentlemen. Median age was 52 years. Tongue tumours formed majority with 56% cases. Largest skin paddle taken was 36 cm2. Flap survival was 88%. There were variations in venous drainage of flaps which have been depicted in case figures. There was no report of orocutaneous fistula. Grade 3-4 speech satisfaction was achieved by 81.2% patients at 6 months. Swallowing was excellent, grade 4-5 for 100% of patients at 6 months. One patient had distant metastasis at 7 months and died. SRLR (Submental flap Recurrences) and trismus were zero percent at two years. The unexplored field of submental flaps can be used for oral cancer reconstructions in a versatile way. Donor site easy closures, no scars on face, early resumption of daily activities and short hospital stay makes it one of the ideal options in early stage oral cavity defects.

Fraser syndrome with limb reduction defect: a rare and unique anatomic variation.

INTRODUCTION: Fraser syndrome, named after George Fraser, is an autosomal recessive disorder showing a highly variable interfamilial phenotypic variation, with malformations ranging from minor symptoms to lethal anomalies like renal agenesis, incompatible with survival. Limb reduction defects have not been reported to be associated with it. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old primigravida presented to the antenatal outpatient department with a level two targeted anomaly scan report suggestive of severe oligohydramnios with suspected renal agenesis. The cranial vault bones were compressed, and orbital globes and lenses could not be visualized. Renal agenesis was confirmed due to sleeping adrenals sign, non-visualization of the urinary bladder, and Doppler of renal arteries. A detailed examination of the fetal head in the sagittal section showed the absence of an eye globe and lens, arousing suspicion of Fraser syndrome. After pregnancy termination, a complete fetal autopsy was done to look for any additional findings. CONCLUSION: Patients who have a syndromic mix of acrofacial and urogenital abnormalities with or without cryptophthalmos should be evaluated for Fraser syndrome, which can be diagnosed by clinical examination and perinatal autopsy.

Stratified Mucin-Producing Intraepithelial Lesion of the Cervix in an HPV- 16 Positive Woman: A Rare Encounter.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally and has a strong association with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Stratified mucinproducing intraepithelial lesion (SMILE), a variant of Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), is a rare cervical precancer lesion that is often missed or detected incidentally. CASE PRESENTATION: The present case report briefs the finding of a 39-year-old woman who presented to the gynecological outpatient department with complaints of vaginal discharge for 6-8 months. She had no history of irregular menstrual cycles or postcoital bleeding. Her routine Pap smear revealed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and was positive for HPV-16 type. Her cervical biopsy report revealed AIS and her histopathological report of hysterectomy revealed SMILE, a variant of AIS. DISCUSSION: The SMILE variant of AIS is a rare cervical precancerous lesion characterized by the morphological overlap of both squamous intraepithelial lesions and AIS. It is often difficult to diagnose on Pap smear and is commonly associated with high-risk HPV infections. The management of SMILE is the same as that for AIS, which is the excisional procedure followed by a hysterectomy if the margins are negative and depending on the fertility desires of the patient, followed by regular follow-up with HPV testing. CONCLUSION: SMILE is a rare variant of AIS, which is often missed on cytological screening of the cervix. It is commonly associated with high-risk types of HPV. Hence, incorporating HPV testing in the screening of cervical cancer is important and recommended to increase the overall sensitivity of screening for adenocarcinoma lesions.

Uncommon Location for a Common Disease, Simulating Cervical Cancer: A Rare Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Genital tuberculosis (GTB) is a common form of extra-pulmonary TB with cervical TB being a rare entity accounting for 0.1-0.65% of all TB cases globally. It is usually asymptomatic but may present with infertility, menstrual irregularities, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhoea, or vaginal discharge. CASE PRESENTATION: The present case report briefs about a 39 years old nulliparous infertile woman who presented with complaints of irregular menstrual cycles and amenorrhea with an erosive papillary growth over the cervix simulating invasive cervical carcinoma. Her Pap smear report revealed the presence of granulomas. On cervical punch biopsy also a large number of granulomas were seen and on Ziehl Nielsen staining the diagnosis of TB was further confirmed by the presence of acid-fast rodlike bacilli. The patient responded well to anti-tubercular drugs. DISCUSSION: GTB in most of the cases remains asymptomatic with infertility being the most common presenting complaint. Other symptoms include menstrual irregularities, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and occasionally abnormal vaginal discharge. Tuberculous cervicitis is difficult to diagnose clinically and many times mimics cervical malignancy. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Hence, cervical tuberculosis should be kept in the differential diagnosis of cervical cancer especially in an infertile woman from a developing country.

Urorectal Septum Malformation Sequence With Retroperitoneal Neuroblastoma: A Case Report of an Unusual Association.

Urorectal septum malformation sequence (URSMS) is an uncommon disease characterized by a failure of the anorectal septum to divide the cloaca and fuse with the cloacal membrane. Complete URSMS is usually lethal in newborn due to severe renal dysfunction and pulmonary hypoplasia. Partial URSMS is compatible with life with a single perineal opening draining a common cloaca with an imperforate anus which amenable to surgical management. Antenatal diagnosis of URSMS is challenging because of multisystem, complex abnormalities involving gastrointestinal, urogenital tract, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. In this case report, we describe a 15-week male fetus with partial URSMS having a spectrum of multisystem structural anomalies associated with fetal neuroblastoma in retroperitoneal location and adrenal neuroblastoma in situ.

Can a diagnosis of Leiomyosarcoma soft palate be missed in the era of commoner oral carcinomas? - Rare case report and review of literature.

Leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) of the head and neck are an extremely rare entity. Of all smooth muscle tumors, 4%-10% occur in the head and neck and only 0.06% in the oral cavity. Because of its infrequency, it has been associated with both delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Here, we report the clinicopathological findings of a case of primary LMS of the soft palate in a 42-year-old male patient with an emphasis on the judicious use of ancillary diagnostic modalities to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. Intraorally, LMSs present as painless, lobulated, fixed masses of the submucosal tissues in middle-aged or older individuals. The treatment modalities and lymph nodal dissection criteria are dissimilar to more common oral carcinomas. Hence, definitive diagnosis is necessary.

Seminal plasma testis expressed sequence (TEX)-101 as a biomarker for the qualitative assessment of male factor infertility: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to assess the role of seminal plasma Testis Expressed Sequence (TEX)-101 as a biomarker of male infertility. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted on 180 men (20-50 years) with 90 having abnormal semen reports as cases and 90 with normal reports as controls in a rural tertiary care center in Southern India over two years. After the enrolment of cases and control, semen samples were cryopreserved till the desired sample size was achieved and a biochemical test for TEX-101 was run using Human Testis-expressed Protein 101 ELISA Kit. The results of TEX-101 were compared between cases and controls and correlated with various semen parameters. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 22.0, a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean ± SD age of all participants was 29.94 ± 4.91 years. Of 90 cases, 48.9% had asthenospermia, 24.4% oligoasthenospermia, 15.6% oligospermia, 11.1% azoospermia. A statistically significant difference was observed in mean values of seminal plasma TEX-101 between cases (1.45 ± 0.08 ng/mL) and controls (2.26 ± 0.18 ng/mL), p = 0.001. A significant correlation (p = 0.001) was found between seminal TEX-101, semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of TEX-101 between cases and controls was 1.00 (p = 0.001), indicating TEX-101 as a potential biomarker for distinguishing men with abnormal semen parameters from those with normal semen parameters. At a cut-off value of 1.84 ng/mL, seminal plasma TEX-101 had a sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of 100% for male infertility prediction. CONCLUSION: Seminal TEX-101 is a potential seminal biomarker and can be used in the qualitative assessment of male factor infertility.

"Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on Menstrual Cycle Patterns of Reproductive-Age Women: A Multi-centric Observational Study."

AIM: The study was conducted to know the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on menstrual cycle patterns and pre- and post-menstrual symptoms in women aged 18-45 years. BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccination was introduced to combat the dreadful impacts of human coronavirus infection. The two indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in India are COVISHILED and COVAXIN. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on the menstrual cycle, pre- and post-menstrual symptoms and to establish the correlation with the type of vaccine received. METHODS: Multi-centric observational study conducted in six institutes of national importance in different states of India over one year. A total of 5709 female participants fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled. Data about the impact of vaccines (COVISHIELD and COVAXIN) and prior COVID-19 infection on the menstrual cycle and its associated symptoms were obtained using all participants' online and offline interviews. RESULTS: Of 5709 participants, 78.2% received COVISHIELD and 21.8% COVAXIN. Of the total 5709 participants, 333(5.8%) developed post-vaccination menstrual disturbances, with 32.7% having frequent cycles, 63.7% prolonged cycles, and 3.6% inter-menstrual bleeding. A total of 301 participants noticed changes in the amount of bleeding, with 50.2% excessive, 48.8% scanty, and 0.99% amenorrhea followed by heavy bleeding. Furthermore, the irregularities of the menstrual cycle (p=0.011) and length (0.001) were significantly higher in the COVAXIN group (7.2%) as compared to the COVISHIELD (5.3%) group. A total of 721 participants complained of newly developed/worsening pre- and post-menstrual symptoms. These symptoms were significantly higher in the COVISHIELD group (p=0.031), with generalized weakness and body pains as the main complaints (p=0.001). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of COVID-19 infection with these vaccines. No significant associations were observed when comparing menstrual abnormalities among those with COVID-19 infection (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: COVISHILED and COVAXIN vaccines were associated with menstrual cycle disturbances and pre-and post-menstrual symptoms in a small proportion of participants, with 94.7% having no change in the amount of bleeding during menstruation post-vaccination. The menstrual irregularities observed were significantly higher with the COVAXIN vaccine. Others: Further, long-term studies are required to confirm that the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the menstrual cycle may be short-lasting, with no severe effects on women's menstrual health.

Influence of fetal gender on overall perinatal outcome: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Fetal gender is considered as one of significant predictors of pregnancy and perinatal outcome. The aim of this study is to assess impact of fetal gender on perinatal outcome. METHODS: Present observational study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of rural tertiary center of Northern India over one year (January-December 2018) on all randomly selected antenatal women at gestation ≥28 weeks, delivering by any route (cesarean/vaginal) and fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled. Immediately after delivery, neonatal birth weight was measured using table top beam weighing scale. Apgar scores at 1- and 5-minutes, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission, neonatal complications were assessed by pediatrician. Adverse perinatal outcome including neonatal morbidities (prematurity, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal complications) and perinatal mortality were compared between two genders. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22 version software. RESULTS: Of 3085 delivered neonates, 1450 (47%) were females, 1,633(52.9%) males and two (0.06%) had ambiguous genitalia, hence excluded. Mean values for neonatal birth weight for males was 2.77±0.540 kg and females 2.65±0.506 kg (P=0.0000). One- and 5-minute Apgar scores for male neonate were 6.81±1.565, 8.51±1.841 and for females 6.98±1.184, 8.70±1.383, respectively (P=0.001). NICU admission rate, need for oxygen and intubation, complications were significantly higher for male neonates (P<0.05) whereas females had higher incidence of intra-uterine growth restriction (P=0.000). Intra-uterine deaths were also more common with male gender (P=0.007). No significant difference was observed between two genders in relation to gestation at birth (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Male neonates had higher birth weight, but adverse perinatal outcome as compared to females.

Sperm Mitochondria, the Driving Force Behind Human Spermatozoa Activities: Its Functions and Dysfunctions - A Narrative Review.

Male infertility is a major issue, and numerous factors contribute to it. One of the important organelles involved in the functioning of human spermatozoa is mitochondria. There are 50-75 mitochondria helically arranged in mid-piece bearing one mitochondrial DNA each. Sperm mitochondria play a crucial role in sperm functions, including the energy production required for sperm motility and the production of reactive oxygen species, which in the physiological range helps in sperm maturation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. It also plays a role in calcium signaling cascades, intrinsic apoptosis, and sperm hyperactivation. Any structural or functional dysfunction of sperm mitochondria results in increased production of reactive oxygen species and, a state of oxidative stress, decreased energy production, all leading to sperm DNA damage, impaired sperm motility and semen parameters, and reduced male fertility. Furthermore, human sperm mitochondrial DNA mutations can result in impaired sperm motility and parameters leading to male infertility. Numerous types of point mutations, deletions, and missense mutations have been identified in mtDNA that are linked with male infertility. Methods: Recent literature was searched from English language peer-reviewed journals from databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Scholar, and Web of Science till September 2021. Search terms used were "Sperm mitochondria and male fertility", "Bioenergetics of sperm", "Sperm mitochondria and reactive oxygen species", "Sperm mitochondrial mutations and infertility". Conclusion: Sperm mitochondria is an important organelle involved in various functions of human spermatozoa and sperm mitochondrial DNA has emerged as one of the potent biomarkers of sperm quality and male fertility.

Role of admission cardiotocography in predicting the obstetric outcome in term antenatal women: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Admission cardiotocography (CTG) used for fetal heart rate monitoring is an easy, cost-effective, non-invasive screening method for fetal well-being. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of admission CTG in predicting fetal hypoxia in term antenatal women during labour ward admission and to correlate the results with perinatal and maternal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present prospective observational study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the rural tertiary centre in Northern India over one year on 100 term antenatal women admitted to the labour ward in the first stage of labour. Participants were subjected to admission CTG for 20 minutes, and the pattern of fetal heart rate (reactive, suspicious, ominous) was recorded. Perinatal and maternal outcomes were assessed based on the fetal heart rate pattern on the admission CTG. RESULTS: Of 100 term antenatal women, 51 were low-risk and 49 were high-risk cases. In the low-risk group, 92.16% had reactive traces, 3.92% suspicious and 3.92% ominous traces on admission CTG, whereas, in the high-risk group, 40.81% had reactive, 32.65% suspicious and 26.54% ominous tracing (p < 0.0001). The most common mode of delivery in both groups with ominous tracing was cesarean section (p = 0.0001). Abnormal CTG was significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes including poor one-minute Apgar scores (p < 0.05), need for resuscitation and NICU admission (p < 0.05). The specificity and negative predictive value of admission CTG in low- and high-risk groups were 97.9% and 93.6%, and 85.0% and 85.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Admission CTG is an effective, inexpensive, non-invasive technique to detect fetal hypoxia in low-and high-risk pregnancies in developing countries with an increased workload.

Early Clinical, Biochemical and Radiological Features in Obese and Non-Obese Young Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Comparative Study.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous condition accounting for serious health complications. The present study was conducted to assess the early clinical, biochemical, and radiological features in obese, non-obese young women with PCOS as compared to non-PCOS women. The study was conducted on 120 young women (18-22 years) with 80 having features of PCOS [40 obese (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and 40 non-obese (BMI<25 kg/m2) PCOS] as cases and 40 without PCOS as controls in a rural tertiary care center of Northern India over one year (2017-2018). After enrolment of cases and control, the anthropometric measurements, early clinical symptoms, and biochemical and ultrasonographic features were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 22.0 (p-value<0.05). A significant difference in anthropometric measurements were observed between obese and non-obese PCOS cases. Clinical features like acne, acanthosis nigricans, and hirsutism were more prevalent in obese PCOS as compared to non-obese and controls. On ultrasound, PCOS cases had a significantly increased number of peripherally arranged ovarian follicles, and ovarian volume. The LH: FSH ratio was significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. The levels of serum LH (10.04±1.60 vs. 8.93±2.40 mIU/ml) and total testosterone (2.71±0.39 vs. 2.21±0.39 pg/ml) were higher in obese PCOS as compared to non-obese PCOS cases. In conclusion, clinical, biochemical, and radiological features can be used in the early diagnosis of PCOS. Obesity is an independent risk factor for PCOS and is associated with an increased risk of complications.

Umbilical cord arterial blood lactate dehydrogenase and pH as predictors of perinatal outcome in high-risk term pregnancies: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Birth asphyxia is a common cause of perinatal morbidity, mortality. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of umbilical cord arterial blood lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pH as predictors of neonatal outcome in high-risk term pregnancies using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Present retrospective cohort study was conducted in the rural tertiary centre of Northern India over two years (January 2017-December 2018). Neonates delivered to 300 term (≥37 - ≤42 weeks) high-risk antenatal women were enrolled after fulfilling inclusion criteria. Immediately after delivery of a newborn by any mode, the segment of the umbilical cord (10 cm) was double clamped, cut, and arterial blood samples were taken for LDH and pH and were compared with neonatal outcome. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22.0 software. RESULTS: For all 300 neonates mean ± SD values of cord blood LDH and pH were 545.19 ± 391.93 U/L and 7.13 ± 0.15, respectively. High cord blood lactate and low pH values were significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcomes including neonatal resuscitation, NICU admission, complications and early neonatal deaths (p=0.000). The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of cord blood LDH in the prediction of neonatal death was 100.00%, 53.17%, 100%, and pH was 93.75%, 53.17%, 99.34%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cord blood lactate and pH help in the early prediction of neonatal outcomes, but cord blood lactate is a better predictor.

Influence of paired pandemic of COVID-19 and HIV infection on pregnant women and children: A challenging issue.

COVID-19 infection started in China in December 2019 and was declared a global pandemic of international concern by the WHO in March 2020. With rapid spread of infection worldwide, health systems and health care programs came to a standstill, leaving essential services such as antenatal care and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comprehensive care for children and pregnant women completely devastated. Furthermore, due to lockdowns, children and pregnant women living with HIV were forced to stay at home with no access to health facilities, loss of follow-up, and discontinuation of antiretroviral drugs therapy. The present review briefs concerning the impact of COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS pandemics on children and pregnant women worldwide.

Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection, its Vertical Transmission, and Impact on Overall Perinatal Outcomes: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic caused by single-stranded RNA containing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in early December 2019 from the Wuhan city of China and has been affected millions of people, including pregnant women worldwide. Research from all over the world has shown that the SARS-CoV-2 infection can be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus but is very rare. Neonatal infection with COVID-19 accounts for only a small proportion of the total population infected. Furthermore, very few studies have observed the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on neonatal outcomes. Thus, the literature about neonatal transmission and outcomes in COVID-19 infected antenatal women is very scattered and limited. The present review briefs on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection from mother to fetus and its impact on perinatal outcomes. METHODOLOGY: English language articles from various databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Scholar, MedRxiv, and Web of Science and from the World Health Organization site were searched from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic up to June 2021. The search terms used were "SARS-CoV-2 and pregnancy outcome, "COVID-19 and neonatal outcome", "Placental changes in COVID-19 infected pregnant women", "Vertical transmission of COVID-19". CONCLUSION: Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection can be transmitted to the fetus, though uncommon, and can lead to adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm births, intrauterine growth restriction, NICU admission, stillbirths. The data on transmission and the adverse neonatal outcome is sparse, and many more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanism by which maternal COVID-19 infection can affect fetuses and neonates.