Fetomaternal outcomes in pregnant women with congenital heart disease: a comparative analysis from an apex institute.

OBJECTIVE: With advancements in cardiac surgical interventions during infancy and childhood, the incidence of maternal congenital heart disease (CHD) is increasing. This retrospective study compared fetal and cardiac outcomes in women with and without CHD, along with a sub-analysis between cyanotic versus non-cyanotic defects and operated versus non-operated cases. METHODS: A 10-year data were retrospectively collected from pregnant women with CHD and a 1:1 ratio of pregnant women without any heart disease. Adverse fetal and cardiac outcomes were noted in both groups. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 86 pregnant women with CHD were studied, with atrial septal defects (29.06%) being the most common. Out of 86 participants, 27 (31.39%) had cyanotic CHD. Around 55% of cases were already operated on for their cardiac defects. Among cardiovascular complications, 5.8% suffered from heart failure, 7.0% had pulmonary arterial hypertension, 8.1% presented in New York Heart Association functional class IV, 9.3% had a need for intensive care unit admission, and one experienced maternal mortality. Adverse fetal outcomes, including operative vaginal delivery, mean duration of hospital stay, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth (<37 weeks), low birth weight (<2,500 g), 5-minute APGAR score <7, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions, were significantly higher in women with CHD than in women without heart disease. CONCLUSION: Women with CHD have a higher risk of adverse fetal and cardiac outcomes. The outcome can be improved with proper pre-conceptional optimization of the cardiac condition, good antenatal care, and multidisciplinary team management.

Synchronous Bilateral Torsion of Nonpathological Ovaries in an Adolescent Girl with Unilateral Recurrence.

Synchronous bilateral ovarian torsion is rare that too in nonpathological ovaries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case of synchronous bilateral ovarian torsion of nonpathological ovaries in adolescents. A 14-year-old girl presented with pain lower abdomen, vomiting, and constipation for the last 10 days. Ultrasonography (USG) suggested bilateral ovarian torsion without any ovarian pathology. Emergency laparoscopy confirmed bilateral ovarian torsion with necrosed-looking ovaries, and detorsion was done. During follow-up period, she had intermittent mild pain abdomen, and on USG, her left ovary returned to normal size, but her right ovary had been bulky throughout without any cyst. At around 10 months, the patient presented with severe abdomen pain. This time only right ovarian torsion was there. Laparoscopic bilateral ovarian detorsion with bilateral ovarian ligament plication was done. Ovarian torsion can be bilateral, even in nonpathological ovaries. Ovarian fixation should be done in these cases to prevent recurrent torsion.

Blended Teaching Methodology of E-learning and Simulation Training in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Undergraduate Medical and Nursing Trainees.

Context The concept of simulation-based teaching has become a standard practice for health education in the present era. However, there is a paucity of literature on integrating simulation-based teaching in the conventional training of undergraduate medical and nursing students. Aim To explore the effectiveness and benefits of e-learning along with low-fidelity simulation in obstetrics and gynecology among undergraduate medical and nursing students at a tertiary care center in India. Methodology It was a prospective study conducted on 53 final-year undergraduate medical students and 61 final-year undergraduate nursing students. All students underwent a knowledge-based pre-test followed by exposure to an e-learning module on four selected obstetrics and gynecology skills, namely, conducting normal delivery, episiotomy suturing, pelvic examination, and insertion of intrauterine device. Students practiced these four skills on low-fidelity simulators. After this, they underwent a post-test assessment and gave feedback. A focused group discussion was conducted to explore their experiences. Results There was a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test knowledge scores of all the students (p =< 0.001). Students found this teaching strategy useful and reported an increase in self-assessed confidence. Focused group discussion revealed various themes like improved satisfaction and ability to practice repeatedly without fear of harming patients. Conclusions Based on the results, this teaching methodology should be integrated as an adjunct method of teaching in the undergraduate curriculum from the first year itself, which will motivate students to participate in clinical care and will result in quality improvement of health care.

Meta-analysis comparing diabetes in pregnancy study group India (DIPSI) vs the international association of the diabetes and pregnancy study groups (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosis of gestational diabetes among Indian population.

Despite consensus on universal screening of women at 24-28 weeks for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, controversy remains on an appropriate criterion. The study is aimed to find out the sensitivity and specificity of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) criteria compared to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). A meta-analysis of studies comparing DIPSI as an index test to IADPSG as the reference test for diagnosing GDM was carried out. A total of 8 comparative studies were included. Pooled analysis showed a sensitivity of 0.44 [0.29 to 0.60] and specificity of 0.97 [0.94 to 0.98], which means the index test DIPSI will correctly identify only 44% of the subjects who have the disease (GDM positive) but it will also fail to identify 56% of the GDM positive subjects. Derek's funnel graph revealed fewerchances of publication bias. Though convenient, DIPSI criteria was not found to be sensitive enough for a diagnosis of GDM and missed an opportunity to improve pregnancy and subsequent long-term outcomes for a substantial number of women. Further studies should focus on comparing pregnancy outcomes for the two criteria, so that decision to adopt any criteria is more evidence-based.

Comparison of Accuracy of Freestyle Libre Pro and Medtronic iPro2 Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in Pregnancy.

There are limited data on head-to-head performance of Freestyle Libre Pro (FSL-Pro) and blinded Medtronic iPro2 continuous glucose monitoring system in pregnancy. In this prospective observational study, women with hyperglycemia in pregnancy (n = 42) underwent simultaneous FSL-Pro and Medtronic iPro2 sensor insertion and self-monitoring of blood glucose using Contour Plus meter (reference). The overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) for iPro2 and FSL-Pro systems were 8.0% ± 9.2% and 19.0% ± 12.7%, respectively. At hypoglycemic range, both sensors performed less accurately (MARD: 18.0% and 16.8%, respectively), whereas iPro2 showed higher accuracy at euglycemic (8.2% and 19.3%, respectively) and hyperglycemic (6.8% and 18.0%, respectively) ranges. On Bland-Altman analysis, iPro2 and FSL-Pro underestimated glucose by 0.01 and 1.09 mmol/L, respectively. The ISO criteria were fulfilled for 88.5% and 44.9% of all values, respectively. To conclude, iPro2 was more accurate; however, both sensors demonstrated inaccuracy at hypoglycemic range, highlighting the need for refinements in the current generation of sensors to address this problem.

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.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Profile of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Missed Using Isolated Fasting Plasma Glucose-Based Strategies Alternative to WHO 2013 Criteria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)-based glycemic parameters between women with normoglycemia and early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) identified on the basis of mild fasting plasma glucose elevation (FPG, 5.1-5.5 mmol/L) and/or post-load plasma glucose elevation (PLG, 1-h ≥ 10.0 mmol/L or 2-h ≥ 8.5 mmol/L). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included women with singleton pregnancy (8+0 to 19+6 weeks of gestation) and normoglycemia or GDM per World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 criteria. We evaluated the glycemic parameters of clinical interest using blinded CGMS evaluation and reported them per standard methodology proposed by Hernandez et al. RESULTS: A total of 87 women (GDM, n = 38) were enrolled at 28.6 ± 4.5 years. Among women with GDM, 10 (26.3%) had isolated mild FPG elevation (5.1-5.5 mmol/L), 10 (26.3%) had isolated PLG elevation (1-h ≥ 10.0 mmol/L or 2-h ≥ 8.5 mmol/L), and 7 (18.4%) had a combination of both. The remaining 11 (28.9%) had elevated FPG (≥ 5.6 mmol/L) with or without PLG elevation. Thus, when an isolated FPG cutoff ≥ 5.6 mmol/L is used to diagnose GDM, 27 (71.0%) women would be perceived as normoglycemic. Such women had significantly higher CGMS parameters of clinical interest, such as 24-h mean glucose, fasting glucose, 1-h and 2-h postprandial glucose (PPG), 1-h PPG excursion, and peak PPG. CONCLUSIONS: An isolated FPG threshold, especially the higher cutoff ≥ 5.6 mmol/L, can potentially miss a large proportion of women (nearly three-fourths) diagnosed with GDM per WHO 2013 criteria. Eventually, such women fare significantly differently from normoglycemic women in various CGMS parameters of clinical interest.

Continuous glucose monitoring system profile of women diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus by International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria and labeled as normoglycemic by alternate criteria in early pregnancy.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate and compare continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)-based glycemic parameters in women in early pregnancy (<20 weeks of gestation) who were classified as: (i) gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG), but normoglycemia by alternate (UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Canadian Diabetes Association and Diabetes in Pregnancy Study group of India) criteria; and (ii) normoglycemia by both (IADPSG and alternate) criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, eligible women underwent standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, followed by the placement of a CGMS. Glycemia-related parameters were calculated using the standard approach for CGMS data in pregnancy. RESULTS: We enrolled 96 women at 14.0 ± 3.2 weeks of gestation. Of the women diagnosed as GDM by IADPSG criteria, 34.2%, 26.3% and 44.7% were classified as normoglycemic by UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Canadian Diabetes Association and Diabetes in Pregnancy Study group of India criteria, respectively. Mean 1-h postprandial glucose and time above range were significantly higher in women who were GDM by IADPSG, but normoglycemia by Canadian Diabetes Association criteria, compared with women with normoglycemia using both criteria. Similarly, mean 1-h postprandial glucose, 2-h postprandial glucose, peak postprandial glucose, 1-h postprandial glucose excursion and time above range were significantly higher in women who were not identified as GDM by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence criteria. Finally, women missed by the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study group of India criteria had significantly higher mean 1-h postprandial glucose, 2-h postprandial glucose, peak postprandial glucose, postprandial glucose excursion, 24-h glucose and time above range parameters. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-quarter of women diagnosed as GDM by IADPSG criteria are not identified by alternate criteria. Such women are significantly different from normoglycemic women in terms of several CGMS-based glycemic parameters of clinical significance.

Extraperitoneal Laparoscopy in Severe Intra-abdominal Adhesions: A Safe Alternative to Laparotomy.

Surgery in a frozen abdomen can be difficult and dangerous with a significant risk of visceral injuries. We report a case of a 26-year-old lady with chronic pelvic pain diagnosed to have large bilateral adnexal cysts on magnetic resonance imaging with normal tumor markers. She had previous two laparotomies for benign conditions. Laparoscopy was planned, but pneumoperitoneum could not be created due to dense intraperitoneal adhesions. Direct entry was done into the preperitoneal space followed by insufflation of gas in this space. Blunt and sharp dissection of this space was done without breaching the peritoneum to reach the adnexa. The adnexal cyst was found to be encysted collection due to adhesions from previous surgeries. Deroofing was done followed by the visualization of pelvic structures intraperitoneally. Extraperitoneal laparoscopy may be used as a safe alternative to laparotomy in patients with dense intra-abdominal adhesions with the advantage of faster postoperative recovery.

Establishing the practice of birth companion in labour ward of a tertiary care centre in India-a quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND: Birth companion is a key component for providing respectful maternity care and has been recommended by WHO and Government of India. It is a low-cost beneficial intervention that is vital in improving quality of care during labour and delivery. LOCAL PROBLEM: Despite the available evidence on benefits of birth companion, there was no policy on allowing birth companion at our hospital in the past. METHODS AND INTERVENTIONS: We aimed to establish the practice of allowing birth companions in all eligible women in labour ward from existing 0% to 50% in 6 weeks' duration. This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. A quality improvement (QI) team was formed, and after obtaining the baseline data, problems were analysed using fish bone chart. A new policy of allowing birth companion was made and efforts made to sensitise and train the doctors and nurses posted in labour ward. Changed ideas were executed in multiple plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. Simple interventions such as dress code for birth companions, curtains for ensuring privacy, display of posters and frequent reminders on WhatsApp groups were planned . RESULTS: The median value of women accompanied by birth companion marginally increased to 25% after the first PDSA cycle. Implementation of further changed ideas led to increase in median, which reached 66.6%. Thereafter, there was a decline, but by the end of 6 months, it was possible to attain the goal and sustain it. CONCLUSIONS: Simple steps of QI methodology can be used to address the prevalent problems in our healthcare. Implementation of any new practice comes with major challenges, but we could achieve our goal because of a motivated team working together on multiple changed ideas applied sequentially in PDSA cycles.

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.

Retrospective analysis of surgically treated cases of squamous cell carcinoma vulva.

CONTEXT: Vulvar carcinoma accounts for 3%-5% of gynecologic malignancies. The past three decades has observed changes in the trends of clinical characteristics and treatment modalities used in managing this disease. AIMS: The aim of the present study is to analyze the clinic-pathological characteristics and survival of women with squamous cell carcinoma vulva who underwent primary surgical management. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Case records of 30 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of vulva during the period of 2010-2016 were retrospectively reviewed and their clinical profile, treatment details, complications, and survival were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, followed by logrank test, was used for survival outcome, and Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess significant risk factors. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 58 ± 12.9 years. The most common symptom was growth over vulva (73.3%), itching (63.3%), and nonhealing vulval ulcer (26.6%). The most common site for disease was labia majora. The surgical treatments ranged from wide local excision to radical vulvectomy. Postoperative adjuvant therapy was required for 16 patients. The median (95% confidence interval [CI]) overall survival was 27 (21.7-32.2) months. Five-year survival probability for early-stage disease (I + II) was 49% (95% CI: 12.9, 78.4) and for advanced disease (III + IV) was 24.8% (95% CI: 4.8, 42.6). Lymph node-positive status was found to have a significant impact on survival (hazard ratio of 4.9 [95% CI: 1.15-21.02, P = 0.02]). CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in detection and management modalities, the survival for vulval malignancies has not improved.

Impact of COVID-19 on psychosocial functioning of peripartum women: A qualitative study comprising focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.

OBJECTIVE: Peripartum is a period of profound hormonal changes in the body and COVID-19 seems to have an additional impact on these women's psychosocial functioning. This calls for a need to address the psychosocial and behavioural impact of COVID-19 on peripartum women's lives. METHODS: Three focus group discussions and ten in-depth interviews were conducted. A format to guide discussions and interviews was made to bring uniformity across groups and participants. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. In verbatim transcription was done, followed by thematic analysis to extract key conceptual themes. RESULTS: Fourteen pregnant and eleven postpartum women were included. The mean age was 28.5 years. Two major domains were identified: 1) the psychological domain including the categories of thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, and 2) the social domain comprising categories of relationships with family members and friends, perceived loss of social support, doctor-patient relationship, and social determinants of health. CONCLUSION: The pandemic has indeed affected the psychosocial functioning of peripartum women. The study results might prove to be helpful for clinicians and mental health specialists who can suggest and develop different coping strategies for peripartum women during this pandemic.

Family planning and abortion services in COVID 19 pandemic.

Many routine and elective services have already been postponed or suspended by both Government and private setups in most parts of the world because of the unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19. Healthcare systems everywhere in the world are under pressure. Being a component of essential health services, family planning and abortion services should continue to cater the population in order to prevent the complications arising from unintended pregnancies and sudden rise in STIs. Due to airborne nature of transmission of the virus, it is advisable for all consultations relating to family planning services to be done remotely unless and until visit is absolutely necessary. Contraception initiation and continuation can be done by telemedicine in most individuals. Post partum contraception can be advised before discharge from hospital. In an individual planning for pregnancy, currently it is not advisable to discontinue contraceptive and plan for pregnancy as not much is known about the effect of the virus on foetal development. Also, pregnancy requires routine antenatal and peripartum care and complications arising from pregnancy may necessitate frequent hospital visits, exposing the individual to the risk of infection. Abortion services are time sensitive therefore should not be denied or delayed beyond legal limit. We need to change from real to virtual consultation to prevent the rise in unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and unsafe abortions.

Glycemic profile of women with normoglycemia and gestational diabetes mellitus during early pregnancy using continuous glucose monitoring system.

AIM: We studied women between 8 and 20 weeks of gestation with the aim of evaluating and comparing those having normoglycemia and GDM according to WHO 2013 criteria. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study (2017-2019), eligible pregnant women underwent a 75-g OGTT, followed by placement of a CGMS. RESULTS: Women (n = 96, 58 with normoglycemia and 38 with GDM) were enrolled at 14.0 ± 3.2 weeks of gestation. Mean preprandial, 1-h and 2-h postprandial and peak glucose values were significantly higher in women with GDM. Peak glucose value was achieved 60.0 ± 12.3 and 64.3 ± 11.6 min after meal in the normoglycemia and GDM group, respectively. 24-h mean glucose (5.8 ± 0.6 vs. 5.3 ± 0.4 mmol/L), mean daytime glucose (6.0 ± 0.6 vs. 5.5 ± 0.4 mmol/L) and mean nocturnal glucose (5.4 ± 0.7 vs. 5.0 0 ± 0.5 mmol/L) were significantly higher in women with GDM. Total time spent in range was significantly lower in the GDM group compared to the normoglycemia group (92.1 vs. 98.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights differences in glycemic patterns between women with normoglycemia and GDM in the context of a South Asian population where burden of GDM is high but good quality data in early pregnancy are limited.

Effectiveness of Misoprostol in Office Hysteroscopy in Premenopausal Nulliparous Women: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this was to evaluate the effectiveness of misoprostol in premenopausal nulliparous women with 200-mcg single vaginal dose 4 h before the procedure. DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: This study was conducted in a tertiary care and academic research center. PATIENTS: One hundred patients were included in the study: 50 in misoprostol group and 50 in placebo. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent office hysteroscopy 4 h after vaginal application of misoprostol or placebo. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ease of doing hysteroscopy was significantly better in the misoprostol group (difficulty score: 2.74 ± 1.20) as compared to placebo (difficulty score: 4.20 ± 1.10), P = 0.001. The time taken for negotiating the internal os (cervical passage time) was found to be significantly shorter in the misoprostol group (6.20 ± 5.21 s) as compared to placebo (14.78 ± 11.84 s), P = 0.001. The overall Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was significantly lower in the intervention group (2.64 ± 1.62) as compared to placebo (4.90 ± 1.90), P = 0.001. Moreover, the VAS score at the point of passing internal os was significantly lower in the misoprostol group (2.82 ± 1.39) as compared to placebo (4.94 ± 1.96), P = 0.001. Misoprostol had a significant positive effect on satisfaction level of patients; 76% (n = 38) of women in the misoprostol group expressed their willingness to undergo the procedure again if required versus 18% (n = 9) in placebo, P = 0.001. Furthermore, 78% (n = 39) of women in the misoprostol group would recommend the procedure to their friends and relatives versus 36% (n = 18) in placebo, P = 0.001. CONCLUSION: Preoperative cervical preparation with 200 mcg of misoprostol vaginal application 4 h before office hysteroscopy in premenopausal nulliparous women significantly reduces the difficulty encountered in negotiating the cervical canal. Further, it significantly reduces the pain experienced by the patient at the point of passage through internal os as well as throughout the entire procedure.

Impact of energy devices on the post-operative systemic immune response in women undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease of the uterus.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic surgery is associated with reduced surgical stress response, lesser post- operative immune function, and consequent early recovery compared with conventional open surgery. There is a lack of evidence regarding the inflammatory stress response with the use of different energy devices. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the inflammatory response in total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) using three different energy devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in 60 women with abnormal uterine bleeding undergoing TLH. They were divided into three groups based on the energy devices used, namely integrated bipolar and ultrasonic energy (Thunderbeat), ultrasonic (Harmonic) and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system (Ligasure). Cytokines and chemokines were measured in all three groups at different time points. RESULTS: Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) increased postsurgery in all three groups and gradually declined by 72 hours. The geometric mean serum (IL)-6 levels was highest with Ligasure at 24 hours as compared with the other groups. Levels of TNF-α, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1) α, MIP-1 ß were also higher at 3 hours in the Ligasure group. When the differences between the groups were measured at different time points, there was a significantly greater increase in serum IL-6 levels in the Ligasure group at 24 hours (p=0.010). No significant difference was found in the post-operative course between the groups. CONCLUSION: A greater inflammatory response was seen after the use of Ligasure indicating greater tissue damage. However, this response was not correlated with any difference in postoperative recovery.

Pregnancy with massive splenomegaly: A case series.

Background: Pregnancy with massive splenomegaly is a rare entity and is associated with increased risk to both mother and foetus. There is paucity of studies in the literature to guide clinicians for the management of this condition. Methods: We reviewed the course of pregnancy, maternal and foetal outcomes of 5 pregnant women with massive splenomegaly who were managed in our unit during 2015-16. Results: All 5 women had anaemia and thrombocytopenia, and had different causes for splenomegaly. One patient had chronic malaria, 2 had portal hypertension with cirrhosis and the remaining 2 had non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Life-threatening complications were present in 2 patients; one of them had severe pre-eclampsia complicated by pulmonary oedema, cardiac arrest and the other patient developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Intrauterine growth restriction and meconium-stained liquor were the most common perinatal complications. Two patients had vaginal delivery and 3 required emergency caesarean section. Postpartum haemorrhage was present in 2, and the hospital stay was prolonged in all the patients. All mothers and babies were discharged in a satisfactory condition. Conclusion: Pregnancy with massive splenomegaly poses a challenge because of diverse aetiology and potentially adverse outcomes. Multidisciplinary care in a tertiary centre can help optimize the outcome.