Prevalence of postpartum depression & anxiety among women in rural India: Risk factors & psychosocial correlates.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Postpartum depression and anxiety (PPD/A) impact a woman's physical and psychological wellbeing. In the absence of corroboratory evidence from the community setting in India, the present study was undertaken to examine the prevalence, psychosocial correlates and risk factors for PPD/A in the rural community of India. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 680 women during the postpartum period from a rural community in northern India. Screening for PPD/A was done using Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory. Diagnostic assessment of screened-positive women was done using Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). The psychosocial evaluation was done on parameters including women's social support, bonding with the child, functionality, parental stress, interpersonal violence and marital satisfaction. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of PPD/A/both in community women was 5.6 per cent, with a specific prevalence of 2.2 per cent for PPD, 0.74 per cent for PPA and 2.8 per cent for both disorders. Comparative analysis indicated that women with PPD/A/both experienced significantly higher levels of parenting stress, poor lifestyle (prior two weeks), less support from their partner, parents-in-law and parents, less marital satisfaction, high intimate partner violence, poor bonding with infants and higher infant-focussed anxiety. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher education, marital satisfaction, support from partners and in-laws were associated with reducing the risk of PPD/A/both. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSIONS: Rural Indian women experience PPD/A/both which causes stress and impacts their functionality, bonding with the infant and relationship with their spouse and parents. Higher education, marital satisfaction and higher support from partners and in-laws reduce the risk of developing PPD/A/both.

Prediction of pre-eclampsia in diabetic pregnant women.

Background & objectives: Gestational or preexisting diabetes is one of the risk factors of pre-eclampsia. Both are responsible for higher maternal and fetal complications. The objective was to study clinical risk factors of pre-eclampsia and biochemical markers in early pregnancy of women with diabetes mellitus (DM)/gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) for the development of pre-eclampsia. Methods: The study group comprised pregnant women diagnosed with GDM before the 20 wk of gestation and DM before pregnancy and the control group had age-, parity- and period of gestation-matched healthy women. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and the polymorphism of these genes was evaluated at recruitment. Results: Out of 2050 pregnant women, 316 (15.41%) women (296 had GDM and 20 DM before pregnancy) were included in the study group. Of these, 96 women (30.38%) in the study group and 44 (13.92%) controls developed pre-eclampsia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated those who belonged to the upper middle and upper class of socio-economic status (SES) were likely to be at 4.50 and 6.10 times higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia. The risk of getting pre-eclampsia among those who had DM before pregnancy and pre-eclampsia in their previous pregnancy was about 2.34 and 4.56 times higher compared to those who had no such events, respectively. The serum biomarkers [SHBG, IGF-I and 25(OH)D] were not found to be useful in predicting pre-eclampsia in women with GDM. To predict risk of development of pre-eclampsia, the fitted risk model by backward elimination procedure was used to calculate a risk score for each patient. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for pre-eclampsia showed that area under the curve was 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.63-0.73); P<0.001. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of this study suggested that pregnant women with diabetes were at a higher risk for pre-eclampsia. SES, history of pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancy and pre-GDM were found to be the risk factors.

A 5-year comparative study of efficacy and acceptability of three different sizes of TCu380Ag and TCu380A intrauterine devices.

BACKGROUND: The intrauterine contraceptive device TCu380Ag when compared with TCu380A at 1 year of use had better acceptability and continuation rates. OBJECTIVES: To study the continuation rate, efficacy, and acceptability of TCu380Ag in three sizes versus TCu380A at 5 years of use. METHODS: A total of 600 women opting for intrauterine contraceptive devices were randomized equally into two groups. Group 1 received the TCu380Ag device (Normal, Maxi, and Mini for uterocervical length 7-8.5 cm, 8-9 cm, and 6-7.5 cm, respectively) and Group 2 received the TCu380A device. Follow-up was performed at 5 years to assess efficacy, acceptability, and continuation. Frequency data comparisons was performed across categories using χ2 /Fisher exact test. RESULTS: At 5 years of use, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that TCu380Ag compared with TCu380A had a higher continuation rate (45% vs. 35%, P = 0.010) with 100% efficacy each. TCu380Ag had fewer side effects, including heavy menstrual bleeding (16.6% vs. 34.1%, P < 0.001), abdomen pain (12.1% vs. 23.0%, P = 0.001), and expulsions (4.4% vs. 8.7%, P < 0.050), and fewer discontinuations attributable to contraceptive side effects (42.7% vs. 56.9%, P = 0.012). The mini TCu380Ag had the highest continuation rates and least menstrual irregularity (P < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: The TCu380Ag device in three sizes is an alternative to TCu380A for women desiring 5 years of contraception with equal efficacy, better continuation, and acceptability. The mini size is preferred for women with a uterocervical length of 6 to 7.5 cm.

Prevalence of mental health problems in mothers of preterm infants admitted to NICU: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of mental health problems among mothers of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: In this cross-sectional two-arm study, 130 mothers in each group, with either term infants not in NICU or preterm infants admitted to NICU, underwent mental health assessment using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire and Modified Parental Stress Scale-NICU. Their coping styles and quality of life were also assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS IBM 25.0. RESULTS: Anxiety (66.2% versus 46.9%) and depression (45.4% versus 23.1%) were more common among NICU mothers. Regarding subdomains of acute stress reaction, a higher number of NICU mothers showed symptoms of anxiety, re-experience and functional impairment. For mothers with infants in NICU, sight, sound, and parental role alterations were stressful. They had reduced quality of life scores in domains of physical health, psychological health, and social relationships. Also, a higher number of these mothers exhibited problem-solving and emotion-focused coping. CONCLUSION: Preterm birth with NICU admission of the infant is more stressful for a mother than the term birth of a healthy neonate. It affects her mental health and quality of life. Both the obstetrician and the pediatrician should be mindful of this.

Central nervous system metastasis from epithelial ovarian cancer- predictors of outcome.

Management of central nervous system (CNS) metastases from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is an unmet need. We analyzed data on 41 such patients to evaluate predictors of outcome. Between January, 2010 and December 2020, among 1028 patients with EOC treated at our institute 41 (3.98%) developed CNS metastasis. Median age of patients was 48 years, ranging from 22 to 75 years. Primary outcome measure was progression free survival (PFS). Overall survival (OS), and analysis of prognostic factors were secondary outcome measures. An intention to treat analysis was done. We also performed review the literature (n=2253) as regards to clinicopathological and radiological features, treatment received, survival outcomes and prognostic factors. Median time from diagnosis of EOC to CNS metastasis was 27 months (range: 0 to 101 months). 33(80.5%) patients had FIGO stage III-IV at baseline and serous carcinoma (75.6%) was common pathology subtype. Thirteen (31.7%) patients had isolated CNS metastasis and 28 (68.3%) had intra-abdominal disease in addition. Nineteen (46.3%) patients achieved complete response post treatment with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Median PFS and OS from the time of CNS metastasis is 12 (range:1 to 51) months and 33 (range: 1 to 71) months, respectively. Absence of extracranial disease and lower serum CA-125 at diagnosis of CNS metastasis were predictive of superior PFS and OS on multivariate analysis. CNS metastasis is a late event in EOC, post multiple lines of treatment. Patients with disease limited to brain and treated with surgical resection and chemoradiation have best outcome.

Evaluation of the cell-free DNA integrity index as a liquid biopsy marker to differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from chronic liver disease.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs in the majority of patients with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD) of viral and non-viral etiologies, which requires screening for early HCC diagnosis. Liquid biopsy holds great promise now for early detection, prognosis, and assessment of response to cancer therapy. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a liquid biopsy marker can be easily detected by a real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay for a change in its concentration, integrity, and fragmentation in cancer. Methods: Patients with HCC (n = 100), CLD (n = 100), and healthy (n = 30) controls were included in the study. The cfDNA was isolated from serum and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was carried out using primer pairs for large (>205 bp) and small (110 bp) fragments of repetitive elements (ALU and LINE1) and housekeeping genes (ß-Actin and GAPDH). Total cfDNA concentrations and integrity index were determined by the absolute quantitation method (L/S ratio or cfDII-integrity). The cfDII as a measure of fragmentation was determined by comparative Ct (2-ΔΔCt) method of relative quantification (cfDII-fragmentation). Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, cfDII-integrity and cfDII-fragmentation were used to differentiate HCC from CLD patients or healthy controls. Results: The total cfDNA concentrations in the sera of HCC (244 ng/ml) patients were significantly higher than those of CLD (33 ng/ml) patients and healthy (16.88 ng/ml) controls. HCC patients have shown poor DNA integrity or excess cfDNA fragmentation than CLD patients and healthy controls. The cfDII-integrity of GAPDH and ALU fragment significantly differentiate HCC from CLD at AUROC 0.72 and 0.67, respectively. The cfDII-fragmentation following normalization with cfDNA of healthy control has shown significant differential capabilities of HCC from CLD at AUROC 0.67 using GAPDH and 0.68 using the ALU element. The ROC curve of LINE1 and ß-actin cfDII was not found significant for any of the above methods. The cfDII-fragmentation trend in HCC patients of different etiologies was similar indicating increased cfDNA fragmentation irrespective of its etiology. Conclusion: The cfDII measuring both DNA integrity (L/S ratio) and fragmentation of the Alu and GAPDH genes can differentiate HCC from CLD patients and healthy individuals.

Effect of body temperature on the cyclic fatigue resistance of the nickel-titanium endodontic instruments: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effect of body temperature (I) on the cyclic fatigue resistance (O) of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments (P) to that of room temperature (C). Methods: The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020204286). A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey was conducted in English until December 31, 2021. In vitro studies comparing the cyclic fatigue resistance of NiTi instruments at the body (35°C ± 2°C) and room temperature (20°C-25°C) were included. Eligible studies were evaluated for risk of bias and meta-analyzed to estimate the effects. Results: Twenty-one studies out of 347 met the criteria for inclusion. The meta-analysis included six studies (n = 215) with comparative study parameters. The overall effect sizes (5.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.04-6.93) were significantly different (P < 0.001), indicating that the mean values at room temperature were significantly (P < 0.001) higher. The effect sizes for full rotary motion (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 4.80; 95% CI: 3.04-6.56) and reciprocating motion (SMD: 6.37; 95% CI: 3.63-9.11) were not significantly different (P = 0.346). Heterogeneity was high (I 2 = 94%). Sensitivity analysis revealed that the SMD values were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the overall effect size, indicating that none of the studies had an effect on the overall effect size. Conclusions: Within the limitation of the study, the cyclic fatigue resistance of heat-treated NiTi endodontic files is significantly reduced at body temperature when compared to room temperature. Cyclic fatigue testing should be conducted at simulated body temperature.

Pattern recognition receptor CD14 gene polymorphisms in alcohol use disorder patients and its Influence on liver disease susceptibility.

Background: Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) leading to liver disease is major concern over other spectrum of disorder. Excessive alcohol consumption resulting in leaky gut syndrome is attributed to alcohol-induced liver injury through portal translocation of bacterial endotoxin. Susceptibility to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in AUD patients could be dependent upon genes responsible for inflammation and alcohol metabolism. The pattern recognition receptor CD14 gene is a major player in endotoxin-mediated inflammation and susceptibility to ALD. This study investigated the genetic association of CD14 polymorphisms and other mechanisms relevant to altered inflammatory responses leading to ALD. Methods: Patients with alcohol use disorder with ALD (n = 128) and without liver disease (ALC, n = 184) and controls without alcohol use disorder (NALC, n = 152) from North India were enrolled. The CD4 gene polymorphisms in the North Indian population were evaluated by RFLP and sequencing. Secretory CD14 (sCD14), LBP, TLR4, MD2, TNFα, IL1b, IFNγ, IL6, IL10, and IL4 levels in serum were measured by ELISA among groups. The influence of polymorphisms on CD14 gene promoter activity and circulatory bacterial DNA level was determined. Results: The CD14 gene promoter and exonic region SNPs were found to be monomorphic, except for SNP rs2569190 for the North Indian population. The genetic association of SNP rs2569190(C/T) with the risk of developing ALD was found significant for TT genotype [ORTT, 95% CI = 2.19, 1.16-4.13 for ALD vs. ALC and OR, 2.09, 1.18-3.72 for ALD vs. NALC]. An increased sCD14 level was observed in AUD patients compared to NALC control. Increased levels of LBP, TLR4, TNFα, IL1ß, IFNγ, and IL6 and reduced levels of MD2, IL10, and IL4 were observed among the ALD patients compared to the other two control groups. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory and reduced levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were observed in the risk genotype TT groups of ALD patients and the ALC group compared to NALC. Promoter activity was observed in the intronic region flanking SNPs and risk genotype can influence reporter activity, indicating CD14 gene expression. Conclusion: Enhanced CD14 expression associated with inflammatory responses increases susceptibility to ALD in the TT genotype of AUD patients.

iTRAQ proteomics of sentinel lymph nodes for identification of extracellular matrix proteins to flag metastasis in early breast cancer.

Patients with early breast cancer are affected by metastasis to axillary lymph nodes. Metastasis to these nodes is crucial for staging and quality of surgery. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy that is currently used to assess lymph node metastasis is not effective. This necessitates identification of biomarkers that can flag metastasis. Early stage breast cancer patients were recruited. Surgical resection of breast was followed by identification of sentinel lymph nodes. Fresh frozen section biopsy was used to assign metastatic and non-metastatic sentinel lymph nodes. Discovery phase included iTRAQ proteomics coupled with mass spectrometric analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins. Data is available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD027668. Validation was done by bioinformatic analysis and ELISA. There were 2398 unique protein groups and 109 differentially expressed proteins comparing metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes. Forty nine proteins were up-regulated, and sixty proteins that were down regulated in metastatic group. Bioinformatic analysis showed ECM-receptor interaction pathways to be implicated in lymph node metastasis. ELISA confirmed up-regulation of ECM proteins in metastatic lymph nodes. ECM proteins have requisite parameters to be developed as a diagnostic tool to assess status of sentinel lymph nodes to guide surgical intervention in early breast cancer.

Psychological impact of suspension/postponement of fertility treatments on infertile women waiting during COVID pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychological impact of suspension/postponement of various fertility treatments on infertile women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted as an online survey among infertile women consulting either through teleconsultation or physical consultation at a fertility clinic of a tertiary care referral unit. A validated questionnaire was given as a WhatsApp link to the women who were consulting for the resumption of services. Questions asked were based on their socio-demographic parameters, fertility treatment at the time of suspension, anxiety (self-reported) and stress (perceived stress scale-4, PSS-4) due to delay in treatment, psychosocial effect of pandemic, and wishes regarding the resumption of fertility services. RESULTS: Of 430 patients who received the questionnaire, 250 completed the survey (response rate: 58%). The mean age of participants was 29.26±4.18 years and the majority (70.4%) had lower socioeconomic status. The average PSS-4 score was 7.8±0.71, and the prevalence of self-reported anxiety was 72%. Those who suffered migration during the pandemic had significantly higher PSS-4 scores, and increasing age was associated with increased self-reported anxiety due to the suspension of fertility services. The top three priorities reported were infertility and treatment delay (48.4%), job loss (19.2%), and the risk of contracting COVID-19 infection (16%). The degree of spousal support was significantly correlated with lower PSS-4 scores (r=-0.30, P<0.01). On multivariate logistic analysis, duration of infertility, delay in treatment due to suspension of services, and fear of COVID-19 infection were significant predictors of stress and anxiety. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the need to investigate psychosocial health and to provide psychological support to this vulnerable population in addition to triaging fertility treatments in a phased manner.

The ultrastructural study of human cochlear nerve at different ages.

Ultrastructural and molecular changes in the myelin of the cochlear nerve (CN) have been associated with decreased hearing-acuity with increasing age. But most of these are animal studies or with very few human samples. Hence, we studied the ultrastructure of the human CN at different ages. We obtained samples of CN from persons, who at the time of death belonged to young, middle or old age-groups; defined as ≤ 30, 31 to 50, and ≥ 51 years of age, respectively. These were processed for viewing under a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Morphology and morphometry were assessed after blinding the observer. Measurements of diameter (whole nerve fibre, axon), myelin thickness and calculation of G-ratio were made on calibrated images using ImageJ software. K-Means cluster analysis was performed based on total and inner nerve fibre area. Middle and old age CN showed degenerating axons, splitting of myelin sheath and myelin balloons. Between the middle and old age groups there was significant decrease in axon diameter (p<0.001), inner nerve fibre area (p<0.001), myelin thickness (p<0.001), nerve fibre diameter (p<0.001), and G-ratio (p<0.001). By clustering, we identified three distinct populations of myelinated nerve fibres: large, medium and small. The large fibres (by size), seen in the young, disappeared in the old age-group. We were unable to find any unmyelinated nerve fibres in this study. The morphological deterioration CN fibres may be a visible sign of molecular degeneration and contribute to decreased hearing-acuity.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma optimizes endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes in women with refractory thin endometrium of varied aetiology during fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) optimizes endometrial thickness (EMT) and improves live birth rates (LBR) in women with refractory thin endometrium due to varied aetiology during fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). METHODS: A prospective interventional study was conducted at the ART Centre of a tertiary care academic hospital. Twenty-two infertile women with refractory thin endometrium (<7mm) despite standard hormone replacement therapy were assessed. Twenty patients underwent 26 PRP cycles from December 2018 - June 2020 during fresh IVF-ET and FET. Primary endpoint was expansion of EMT and secondary outcomes were implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and LBR in fresh and FET cycles and aetiology wise. RESULTS: Mean EMT increased significantly following PRP administration (p<0.001) with average increase of 1.07mm and 0.83mm after first PRP (p<0.001) during fresh IVF and FET, respectively. CPR, IR and LBR showed no significant difference when compared during fresh vs. FET cycles (p>0.05). PRP led to significant increase in EMT in tuberculosis (TB), diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in CPR, IR and LBR among three aetiological factors (p>0.05). Overall, clinical pregnancy and LBR reached up to 20% and 25%, respectively. No adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONS: PRP enhances EMT significantly during fresh and FET cycles in thin endometrium associated with TB, PCOS and DOR, thus improving the CPR and LBR in these low prognosis patients.

Cervical Cancer Screening in HIV-Positive Women in India: Why, When and How?

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is an AIDS-defining illness, and HIV-positive women are at high risk. The present study aimed to determine the magnitude of the problem, compare the performance of screening tests and assess factors affecting participation. METHODS: HIV-positive women aged 30-59 years attend the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinics were screened by conventional Pap, HPV testing (Hybrid Capture 2) and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). A cohort of HIV-negative women from the community matched for age and parity were screened similarly. Screen-positive women underwent colposcopy and biopsy. Factors affecting participation were assessed. RESULTS: Pap, VIA and HPV were positive in 48 (23.8%), 65 (32.2%) and 76 (37.6%) subjects, respectively, among HIV-positive women, and in 12 (5.9%), 10 (4.9%) and 12 (5.9%) subjects, respectively, among HIV-negative women. CIN2 + was present in 12 (6.4%) HIV-positive women and in 1(0.5%) HIV-negative woman (p = < 0.004). Sensitivity of HPV, Pap and VIA for detection of CIN2 + lesions was 91.7%, 75.0% and 75.0%, respectively; specificity was 68.4%, 83.9% and 72.5%, respectively. Lack of availability of screening facilities in the ART clinic and long waiting times were a strong deterrent to participation among HIV-positive women. CONCLUSIONS: There was higher prevalence of HPV infection and CIN2 + lesions in HIV-positive women. VIA showed equivalent sensitivity to Pap and could be a good substitute in low resource settings. Setting up cervical screening services in ART clinics and sensitising physicians can improve outcomes among these women.

Gynecological laparoscopic surgeries in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The novel coronavirus pandemic led to the suspension of elective surgeries and the diversion of resources and manpower towards pandemic control. However, gynecological emergencies and malignancies must be addressed despite the restricted resources and the need for protective measures against COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the types of gynecological surgeries performed, difficulties encountered, and their outcomes in the setting of the pandemic. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study over 6 months at a single tertiary center, including 60 women with gynecological complaints, categorized as emergencies and semi-emergencies, who underwent further surgery. Their surgical outcomes were measured through various parameters. RESULTS: We found that 68.3% were emergency cases, while the rest were classified as semi-emergencies. Fibroid and adenomyosis with failed medical management (48.3%), followed by cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (10%), and malignancies (10%) accounted for the semi-emergency cases, while ruptured ectopic pregnancies (13.3%) and torsion and ovarian cysts (18.4%) comprised the emergency cases. The decision to incision time between emergency and semi-emergency cases varied widely due to the safety prerequisites during the pandemic, ranging from 1 hour in emergency cases to 48 hours in semi-emergency cases. In addition, we studied the ease of preoperative preparation, patient satisfaction, and the average number of personnel available to run the operation theaters at these times. No serious perioperative adverse events were observed in the present study. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, gynecological surgeries could continue to be safely performed with all precautions in place against COVID-19 infection and related morbidities.

Feasibility and efficacy of modern minilaparoscopy with 2.9 mm laparoscope for diagnostic and level II gynaecological procedure.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopy has now become a state-of-the-art technique for many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with known advantages over laparotomy. There is scarce literature from India regarding minilaparoscopy, as per our literature review. Therefore, we performed this study with a 2.9-mm laparoscope to determine its feasibility and efficacy for diagnostic purposes and level II surgeries with the aim of reducing postoperative pain and better cosmesis. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted from June 2019 to March 2020. Diagnostic modern minilaparoscopy with a 2.9-mm telescope was performed under general anesthesia by a single surgeon. Operative intervention was performed depending on the intraoperative findings. RESULTS: The mean age was 29.3 years. The most common indication for laparoscopy was infertility (98%). Only diagnostic laparoscopy was performed in 76% of patients, while 24% underwent operative laparoscopy. The various operative procedures performed were cystectomy, salpingectomy, ovarian drilling, and adhesiolysis. The mean visual analog scale scores at 1 hour and 2 hours postoperatively and discharge were 1.57±0.59, 1.41±0.51, and 1.29±0.47, respectively. Mild pain was present in 70 (72.2%) patients at the time of discharge, and only one patient had severe pain. Five or more analgesic tablets were required in only 16.5% of patients in the postoperative period. There was no wound infection or port-site hernia at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Modern minilaparoscopy with a 2.9-mm laparoscope is a feasible and safe option for diagnostic laparoscopy and level II gynecological procedures with minimal postoperative morbidity, such as pain and wound infection, and provides good cosmetic outcomes.

Role of para-cervical block in reducing immediate postoperative pain after total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of 0.5% bupivacaine in paracervical block to reduce immediate postoperative pain after total laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted at a tertiary referral center involving thirty women each in the treatment and placebo groups. Paracervical block with 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine (treatment group) or 0.9% saline (placebo group) was administered following general anesthesia and prior to proceeding with total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 30 and 60 minutes post extubation and mean VAS score (average VAS score at 30 and 60 minutes) were compared. Adequate pain control was defined as mean VAS score ≤5. Additional postoperative opioid requirement, hospital stay, and readmissions were also compared. RESULTS: Baseline variables such as age, previous history of cesarean section, operating time, and weight of the specimen were comparable in both groups. VAS scores at 30 (5.0±2.8 vs. 7.0±1.4) and 60 minutes (5.2±2.8 vs. 7.0±0.8) and the mean VAS score (5.1±2.7 vs. 6.8±0.9) were significantly lower in the treatment group. Adequate pain control (mean VAS score ≤5) was 57% higher and additional opioid consumption was 47% lower in the treatment group. No significant difference was found in the duration of hospital stay and readmission rate. CONCLUSION: Paracervical block with bupivacaine was useful in reducing immediate postoperative pain with a 25% reduction in mean VAS score and a 47% reduction in opioid consumption in the first hour after total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Impact of myoinositol with metformin and myoinositol alone in infertile PCOS women undergoing ovulation induction cycles - randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the benefits of myoinositol plus metformin versus myoinositol alone in infertile polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women undergoing ovulation induction cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 116 infertile PCOS women were randomized: Group I (n = 57): metformin (1500 mg) plus myoinositol (4 g) per day; Group II (n=59): myoinositol 4 g per day. Subjects were advised to try for spontaneous conception. Those who did not conceive after three months were given three cycles of ovulation induction. Primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate after 6 months. Secondary outcomes were improvement in metabolic and endocrine parameters, ongoing pregnancy, abortion and multiple pregnancy rate. RESULTS: Baseline demographic, metabolic and hormonal parameters were comparable in two groups. After 3 months of therapy, both study groups had comparable improvement in metabolic and hormonal parameters. After 6 months, clinical pregnancy rate was 42.0% in Group I and 45.5% Group II respectively (RR 0.92(95% CI:0.60-1.43) (p > .05). Side-effects (mainly gastrointestinal) were significantly higher in Group I than group II. CONCLUSIONS: Myoinositol (4 g) might be used alone as an insulin sensitizer to improve metabolic, hormonal and reproductive outcome in infertile PCOS women. Further studies with large numbers are warranted to confirm the role of myoinostiol as a sole insulin sensitizer.

The Effect of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Administration on the Day of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Trigger on Assisted Reproductive Technique Outcomes in Patients Undergoing In vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

AIM: The aim is to study the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) administration on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger on the assisted reproductive technique (ART) outcomes in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study was conducted in the ART center of our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and ninety IVF/ICSI cycles performed between September 2012 and August 2017 were included in the study. Patients who received 375 IU of FSH on the day of hCG trigger (149 cycles) were compared with those who did not receive FSH on the day of trigger (141 cycles). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test and Student's t-test were used. RESULTS: The FSH co-administered group had a significantly higher number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, and fertilization rate compared to those who did not receive FSH on the day of trigger (p < 0.001). The total number of embryos, the number of grade 1 embryos and the number of embryos available for cryopreservation were also significantly higher in the FSH administered group (p < 0.001). Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that FSH administration on the day of the trigger may be considered in IVF cycles receiving hCG trigger to improve the oocyte recovery and maturity if the patient is not at increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and serum estradiol on the day of the trigger is <4500 pg/ml. However, there is only an increase in the total number of oocytes retrieved and the number of mature oocytes but no significant change in the implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates.

Follicular Flushing Versus Direct Aspiration at Oocyte Retrieval in Poor Responders Undergoing in vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIM: This study aims to study the effect of follicular flushing at oocyte retrieval on Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) outcomes in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in the ART center of our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 71 patients who responded poorly during controlled ovarian stimulation were recruited. Patients were randomized to follicular flushing or to direct aspiration group. The primary outcomes of the study were the total number of oocytes retrieved and the number of metaphase (M II) oocytes retrieved. Secondary outcomes were anesthesia time, procedure time, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, total number of embryos, number of embryos transferred, number of Grade 1 embryos, failed oocyte recovery, failed fertilization, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test and Student's t-test. RESULTS: The total number of oocytes retrieved, number of M II oocytes, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, total number of embryos, number of Grade 1 embryos, failed oocyte recovery, failed fertilization, implantation rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate were comparable between the two groups. The anesthesia and procedure time was significantly higher in the flushing group. CONCLUSIONS: Follicular flushing does not result in a significant improvement in the ART outcomes despite increasing procedure and anesthesia times.Trial registration number CTRI/2017/07/009062.