A case of disseminated tuberculosis during a twin pregnancy following in vitro fertilization.

A woman presented with cough, fever, and dyspnea during a twin pregnancy following a 13th in vitro fertilization procedure. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with miliary tuberculosis and tuberculostatic treatment was initiated, complicated by drug-induced hepatotoxicity. In retrospect, previous pelvic tuberculosis had likely been overlooked. This case report highlights the need to recognize tuberculosis as a cause of infertility even in low-incidence countries and emphasizes that the peripartum period is a major risk factor for drug-induced liver injury.

Improving medical students' communication competencies to deal with intimate partner violence using clinical simulations in Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: During their medical training, medical students aim to master communication skills and professionalism competencies to foster the best possible patient-physician relationship. This is especially evident when dealing with sensitive topics. This study describes and analyses the outcomes of a simulation-based training module on clinical communication competency through interacting with simulated intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors. The training was set up as part of a broader IPV module within a Gynaecology and Obstetrics Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Medicine (MBBS). METHODS: In total, 34 (59%) of all fourth-year medical students from one medical school in Mozambique were involved. A mixed-method approach was adopted. First, a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was adopted to study the impact of the intervention to tackle critical IPV knowledge, skills, and attitudes, underlying a patient communication script. Second, a qualitative analysis of student perceptions was carried out. RESULTS: The results of the paired sample t-tests point at a significant and positive change in post-test values when looking at the general IPV self-efficacy (IPV SE) score and the subscales mainly in attitudes. Participants expressed a desire for additional IPV communication competency and suggested enhancements to the module. CONCLUSION: We conclude that due to IPV being a sensitive issue, simulation activities are a good method to be used in a safe environment to develop clinical skills. The results of this study are a good complement of the analysis of the competencies learned by the medical students in Mozambique with the current curriculum.

The International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems study of uterine rupture: a descriptive multi-country population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: International comparison of complete uterine rupture. DESIGN: Descriptive multi-country population-based study. SETTING: International. POPULATION: International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems (INOSS). METHODS: We merged individual data, collected prospectively in nine population-based studies, of women with complete uterine rupture, defined as complete disruption of the uterine muscle and the uterine serosa, regardless of symptoms and rupture of fetal membranes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of complete uterine rupture, regional variation and correlation with rates of caesarean section (CS) and trial of labour after CS (TOLAC). Severe maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: We identified 864 complete uterine ruptures in 2 625 017 deliveries. Overall prevalence was 3.3 (95% CI 3.1-3.5) per 10 000 deliveries, 22 (95% CI 21-24) in women with and 0.6 (95% CI 0.5-0.7) in women without previous CS. Prevalence in women with previous CS was negatively correlated with previous CS rate (ρ = -0.917) and positively correlated with TOLAC rate of the background population (ρ = 0.600). Uterine rupture resulted in peripartum hysterectomy in 87 of 864 women (10%, 95% CI 8-12%) and in a perinatal death in 116 of 874 infants (13.3%, 95% CI 11.2-15.7) whose mother had uterine rupture. Overall rate of neonatal asphyxia was 28% in neonates who survived. CONCLUSIONS: Higher prevalence of complete uterine ruptures per TOLAC was observed in countries with low previous CS and high TOLAC rates. Rates of hysterectomy and perinatal death are about 10% following complete uterine rupture, but in women undergoing TOLAC the rates are extremely low (only 2.2 and 3.2 per 10 000 TOLACs, respectively.) TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Prevalence of complete uterine rupture is higher in countries with low previous CS and high TOLAC rates.

Anorectal symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum: a prospective cohort study.

AIM: The aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of anal symptoms prepartum and postpartum. METHOD: A prospective observational cohort study was carried out in Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. Ninety-four pregnant women between their 19th and 25th week of pregnancy were included. An anal symptom questionnaire was filled in at four different times: in the second and third trimester, immediately postpartum and 3 months postpartum. Descriptive data were obtained from patient files. A proctological diagnosis was presumed on the basis of combined symptoms (i.e. rectal bleeding, anal pain and swelling). Constipation was defined by the Rome III criteria. Risk factors were identified using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-eight per cent of the patients developed anal symptoms. The most prevalent symptom was anal pain. Constipation was reported by 60.7% during the study period. Seven women (7.9%) suffered from faecal incontinence. The most prevalent diagnoses were haemorrhoidal thrombosis (immediately postpartum), haemorrhoidal prolapse (in the third trimester and immediately postpartum) and anal fissure (not episode related). The two independent risk factors for anal complaints were constipation, with a 6.3 odds ratio (95% CI 2.08-19.37), and a history of anal problems, with a 3.9 odds ratio (95% CI 1.2-13). The Bristol Stool Chart was shown to be a reliable indicator in pregnancy and postpartum as significant correlations were observed in all study periods. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of pregnant women have anal symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum, especially haemorrhoidal complications and anal fissure. The most important risk factor is constipation. The prevention of constipation in pregnant women is therefore highly recommended.

Determination of the median effective dose (ED50 ) of spinal chloroprocaine in labour analgesia.

The primary goal of this study was to determine the median effective dose (ED50 ) of spinal chloroprocaine for labour analgesia. Thirty-eight parturients requesting neuraxial analgesia were enrolled. Doses of 1% chloroprocaine were determined by the technique of up-down sequential allocation, with an initial dose of 20 mg and steps of 2 mg. The chloroprocaine spinal dose was given as the spinal component of a combined spinal-epidural, which was then supplemented with an epidural dose of 7.5 µg sufentanil in 7 ml saline. Effective analgesia was defined as a score ≤ 10 mm within 15 min on a 100-mm visual analogue pain scale. Using the isotonic regression estimator method, the ED50 of chloroprocaine for the spinal component of a combined spinal-epidural for labour was calculated to be median (95%CI) 12.0 (9.3-17.0) mg.

The Belgian Obstetric Surveillance System to monitor severe maternal morbidity.

BACKGROUND: In 2011 the Belgian Obstetric Surveillance System (B.OSS) was set up to monitor severe maternal morbidity in Belgium. AIM: The aim of B.OSS is to get an accurate picture of the obstetric complications under investigation and secondly, to improve the quality and safety of obstetric care in Belgium by practical recommendations based on the results. METHODOLOGY: Data are obtained through prospective active collection of cases by a monthly call according to the principle of nothing-to-report, along with data collection forms that confirm the diagnosis and gather detailed information. Data-collection occurs web-based since August 2013 through www.b-oss.be. RESULTS: B.OSS achieves excellent participation rates and response rates. The results of the first registration round are gradually brought out by means of scientific publications and presentations, biennial reports, newsletters and the website. The international comparison of results within the International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems (INOSS) gives important added value. No alternative mandatory data sources are appropriate to check for underreporting. CONCLUSIONS: B.OSS is successful in monitoring severe maternal morbidity thanks to the willingness of the Belgian OB-GYNs. The results of the first studies suggest the need to develop nationally adopted guidelines. Furthermore, the results invite to critically evaluate the current organisation of obstetric health care in Belgium. B.OSS aims to monitor the impact on patient safety in future surveys, when guidelines and recommendations are put into practice.

Nationwide population-based cohort study of uterine rupture in Belgium: results from the Belgian Obstetric Surveillance System.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the prevalence of uterine rupture in Belgium and to evaluate risk factors, management and outcomes for mother and child. DESIGN: Nationwide population-based prospective cohort study. SETTING: Emergency obstetric care. Participation of 97% of maternity units covering 98.6% of the deliveries in Belgium. PARTICIPANTS: All women with uterine rupture in Belgium between January 2012 and December 2013. 8 women were excluded because data collection forms were not returned. RESULTS: Data on 90 cases of confirmed uterine rupture were obtained, of which 73 had a previous Caesarean section (CS), representing an estimated prevalence of 3.6 (95% CI 2.9 to 4.4) per 10 000 deliveries overall and of 27 (95% CI 21 to 33) and 0.7 (95% CI 0.4 to 1.2) per 10 000 deliveries in women with and without previous CS, respectively. Rupture occurred during trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC) in 57 women (81.4%, 95% CI 68% to 88%), with a high rate of augmented (38.5%) and induced (29.8%) labour. All patients who underwent induction of labour had an unfavourable cervix at start of induction (Bishop Score ≤7 in 100%). Other uterine surgery was reported in the history of 22 cases (24%, 95% CI 17% to 34%), including 1 case of myomectomy, 3 cases of salpingectomy and 2 cases of hysteroscopic resection of a uterine septum. 14 cases ruptured in the absence of labour (15.6%, 95% CI 9.5% to 24.7%). No mothers died; 8 required hysterectomy (8.9%, 95% CI 4.6% to 16.6%). There were 10 perinatal deaths (perinatal mortality rate 117/1000 births, 95% CI 60 to 203) and perinatal asphyxia was observed in 29 infants (34.5%, 95% CI 25.2% to 45.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of uterine rupture in Belgium is similar to that in other Western countries. There is scope for improvement through the implementation of nationally adopted guidelines on TOLAC, to prevent use of unsafe procedures, and thereby reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality.

The use of intravenous magnesium in non-preeclamptic pregnant women: fetal/neonatal neuroprotection.

PURPOSE: To review the effect of intravenous magnesium in obstetrics on fetal/neonatal neuroprotection. METHODS: A systematic review of published studies. RESULTS: Five randomized trials and 4 meta-analyses have shown a significant 32% reduction of cerebral palsy when administering magnesium sulfate in case of preterm delivery. The pathophysiologic mechanism is not fully unraveled: modulation of the inflammatory process, both in the mother and the fetus, and downregulation of neuronal stimulation seem to be involved. After long-term high-dose intravenous administration of magnesium, maternal and neonatal adverse effects such as maternal and neonatal hypotonia and osteoporosis and specific fetal/neonatal cerebral lesions have been described. In case of administration for less than 48 h at 1 g/h and a loading dose of 4 g, these toxic amounts are not achieved. American, Canadian and Australian guidelines recommend the use of intravenous magnesium in any threatening delivery at less than 32 weeks. The "number needed to treat" to avoid 1 cerebral palsy is between 15 and 35. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous magnesium significantly reduces the risk for cerebral palsy in preterm birth. Open questions remain the optimal dosing schedule, whether or not repeating when delivery has been successfully postponed and a new episode of preterm labor occurs. Some concern has been raised on a too optimistic value for random error which might have led to over-optimistic conclusions in classic meta-analysis. Randomized trials comparing different doses and individual patient data meta-analysis might resolve these issues.

Intimate partner violence. The gynaecologist's perspective.

From a questionnaire-based surveillance study among pregnant women constituting a regional probability sample of East-Flanders, we estimated that IPV occurred overall with one in ten women (10.1%, 95% CI 7.7-13.0%) and with about one in 30 women (3.4%, 95% CI 2.1-5.4%) during pregnancy and/or in the year preceding pregnancy. We also revealed that women experiencing IPV rarely disclose abuse spontaneously to the widely available health care services and providers, but in general approve routine questioning by their GP or gynaecologist. The crux of IPV is that most victims will not present with overt signs of abuse, but rather with a wide variety of vague and non-specific symptoms, if any. Hence there seems to exist a window of opportunities to detect women suffering from IPV through screening in the health care sector. From a questionnaire based Knowledge-Practice and Attitude Survey among OB/GYN in Flanders, it appeared that OB/GYN feel uncomfortable with a routine screening policy. They underestimate the prevalence and perceive a lack of self-efficacy in dealing with the problem and properly referring patients, they lack time and perceive it as inappropriate to question patients about IPV. On the other hand they acknowledge that there is a need for training on violence. It therefore appears that most barriers should be remediable through proper OB/GYN training and education, together with enabling strategies such as screening tools and formal referral pathways. In concordance with the National Action Plan to combat IPV, health care workers, including gynaecologists, need to develop guidelines, in order to deal with this important public health problem.

Maternal Intensive Care': a systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic literature review is to review current scientific knowledge on the definition of and the indications for maternal/obstetric intensive care (MIC). METHODS: We conducted a extensive search in OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, CINHAL and CEBAM using the keywords: maternal/obstetric intensive care, subacute care, intermediate care, postacute care, critical care, sub intensive care, progressive patient care, postnatal care, perinatal care, obstetrical nursing, neonatology, pregnancy, maternal mortality/morbidity and pregnancy complication. A total of 180 articles and one guideline were identified and supplemented by a hand search. After title, abstract and full text evaluation, the articles and guideline were subjected to critical appraisal. RESULTS: Out of 180 potentially relevant articles, we identified 44 eligible articles of which 14 relevant MIC-articles of relatively good quality were selected. The concept 'maternal intensive care' was not found elsewhere, "high-dependency care" and "obstetrical intermediate care" appeared to be best comparable to what is understood as a MIC-service in Belgium. This thorough literature search resulted in a limited amount of scientific literature, with most studies retrospective observational tertiary centre based. No clear definition and admission criteria for maternal intensive care were found. CONCLUSION: This systematic literature review revealed that 1) there is no standard definition of maternal intensive care and 2) that admission criteria to a MIC unit differ widely. Further research is needed to create an evidence-based triage system to help clinicians attribute women to the appropriate level of care and thus stimulate an efficient utilization of maternal/obstetric intensive care services.

Intimate Partner Violence. The gynaecologist's perspective.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important public health problem, which has been extensively studied all over the world, yet Belgian data are limited. IPV remains a taboo resulting in denial and underreporting. For an obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB/GYN), IPV, committed by a male partner to a woman, is of particular interest, because of its negative impact on women's and children's health. In Belgium there are few data on IPV and guidelines for OB/GYN are -missing. In a multi-centered survey surveillance study which was carried out among pregnant women attending 5 large hospitals in the province of East Flanders, the lifetime prevalence of IPV was estimated to be 10.1% and the period prevalence during pregnancy and/or in the year preceding pregnancy 3.4%. In our highly medicalised society, only 19.2% and 6.6% of the victims of physical and sexual abuse respectively sought medical care. Routine screening for IPV by a general practitioner or OB/GYN was found to be largely acceptable. In a questionnaire-based Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice survey among OB/GYN in Flanders, OB/GYN prove -unfamiliar with IPV and largely underestimate the extent of the problem. Merely 6.8% of the respondents ever received any education on IPV. They refute the incentive of universal screening, even during pregnancy and one of the major barriers is fear of offending patients. Physician education was found to be the strongest predictor of a positive attitude towards screening and of current screening practices. Hence, there is a definite need to improve women's awareness regarding abuse and to endorse physician training on IPV.