Comparative Study of Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With COVID-19 Disease During the Three Waves of the Pandemic in Eastern India.

Introduction Healthcare systems around the world were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple waves were experienced by most countries, and clinical symptoms and severity varied between these waves. A COVID-19 infection in pregnant women may result in complications for both the mother and the fetus and thus pose an additional challenge for clinicians. The study of the different presentations, complications, and pregnancy outcomes during the three waves is important to study the effect of the disease on pregnant women. Objective This study aimed to analyze and compare the clinical presentations, comorbid conditions, complications, and pregnancy outcomes in women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the three waves of the pandemic. Methodology The present study is a comparative study undertaken at Tata Main Hospital, a referral hospital in Jamshedpur in eastern India. The study period was from May 2020 to February 2022 and was divided according to the three waves of the pandemic. The duration of the first wave was between 1st May 2020 and 28th February 2021; the second wave was between 1st March 2021 and 31st October 2021; and the third wave was between 1st November 2021 and 28th February 2022. A total of 306 pregnant women tested positive for COVID-19 disease during the study period. A retrospective collection of data was done, and clinical findings, laboratory results, comorbid conditions, and outcomes were compared across the three waves. Results During the first wave of the pandemic, 139 COVID-19-positive pregnant women were admitted to our hospital. During the second wave, 110 admitted pregnant women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and during the third wave, 57 pregnant women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Asymptomatic or mild disease was the most commonly seen presentation during all the waves, but a significantly higher number of moderate and severe cases were seen during the second wave. The second wave also witnessed a higher rate of cesarean sections when compared to the other two waves. The preterm delivery rate was 27.8%, 24.7%, and 25% during the first, second, and third waves of the pandemic, respectively. The third wave of the pandemic had the highest percentage of stillbirths, which was significantly higher than both the first and second waves. The COVID-19 test was positive in four babies during the study period. Conclusion The severity of COVID-19 disease varied among the three waves, and the second wave recorded the maximum number of moderate and severe cases. Maternal mortality was also significantly higher during the second wave. The rate of preterm deliveries was high during all the waves, and the incidence of stillbirths was highest during the third wave.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Sublingual Versus Oral Misoprostol for the Induction of Labor: A Randomized Open-Label Study.

Introduction Misoprostol (prostaglandin E1 analog) is being used for the induction of labor by vaginal, oral, and sublingual routes. Oral misoprostol is the preferred route for induction of labor, but the use of sublingual misoprostol appears promising due to a faster onset of action. This study was done to compare the efficacy and safety of oral and sublingual misoprostol for induction of labor in term pregnancy. Materials and methods One hundred and sixty patients were randomly allocated to one of the two groups to receive 50 micrograms of oral and sublingual misoprostol four hourly for a maximum of six doses. Primigravida at 37-42 weeks of gestation with singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation, Bishop score (<5), and reassuring fetal heart rate were included in the study. Misoprostol dose was withheld if the active phase of labor was reached or if the cervix was favorable for amniotomy (Bishop score greater than or equal to eight). The change in the Bishop score with misoprostol was studied along with adverse effects and neonatal outcomes. Results The mean number of 50 mcg misoprostol doses required was significantly less in the sublingual group (2.94±0.97 versus 2.13±0.92; p<0.0001). The rate of change of the mean Bishop score was faster in the sublingual group. After four hours of the first dose, the mean Bishop score changed to 3.52±2.14 versus 4.68±2.34 (p=0.001), and, similarly, after eight hours, it was 10.48±2.59 versus 11.39±2.06, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.015). The mean induction delivery interval was significantly lower in the sublingual group. The need for labor augmentation, mode of delivery, and adverse effects were similar in both groups. The incidence of meconium-stained liquor and NICU admission was also similar in both groups. Conclusion Sublingmisoprostolstol has a short induction delivery interval and comparable side effects when compared to omisoprostolstol. Sublingmisoprostolstol is recommended for induction of labor at term.

Torsion of Uterus Didelphys at Term: Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience for an Obstetrician.

Torsion of the gravid uterus is very rare in obstetric practice. We report a case of torsion in the uterus didelphys at term which is rare and a lifetime experience for an obstetrician. The patient, a 25-year-old gravida 2 para 1 was admitted to the labor ward at 37 weeks and six days of gestation with abdominal pain. Her previous delivery was a caesarean section performed four years back. She was taken to the operating room for an emergency caesarean section for fetal distress and the lie was transverse. On entering the peritoneal cavity, we found an engorged infundibulopelvic ligament with the fallopian tube and ovary covering the lower segment of the uterus. The baby was successfully delivered by breech extraction. Due to uterine torsion of more than 180 degrees, the posterior surface of the uterus was placed anteriorly, and the incision was made on the posterior surface of the uterus. There was a hemi uterus on the left side of the pelvic cavity with the fallopian tube and ovary attached to it; a diagnosis of uterus didelphys was made. The diagnosis of uterine torsion is intraoperative and prompt and timely decision by surgeons is crucial. We had favorable maternal and fetal outcomes in this rare and interesting case. The diagnosis, though rare, should be kept in mind in all cases of abdominal pain during pregnancy, especially in those with malpresentation.

Analysis of Pregnant Women Recovered From Antenatal SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An Observational Study.

Background and objective The global health care system is facing the challenge of diagnosing and treating the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Pregnant women belong to a vulnerable group, and the effect of the virus on the mother and fetus is not well established. The aim of the study was to understand the maternal and fetal outcomes after recovery from antenatal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods  This was a retrospective observational study conducted at Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur, India. It included all COVID-19-negative pregnant women who had delivered between 1st January 2021 and 31st August 2021 and had tested positive in the antenatal period (by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)), the details of which are available in the hospital database. Results A total of 53 women were included in our study who had tested positive in the antenatal period and had turned negative during delivery. Out of the 53 women, 5.7% were infected in the first trimester, 34% in the second trimester, and 60.3% were positive in the third trimester. We found an asymptomatic subgroup in 52.8% of women and mild symptoms in 41.5% of women. Two women were admitted in their antenatal period with moderate COVID-19 disease and one with severe. Preterm births between 34 weeks and 37 weeks were seen in 26.4% of women. Vaginal delivery accounted for 30.2% of cases. The most common indications for cesarean section were fetal distress (17%), previous cesarean section (17%), and unwillingness for vaginal delivery. Out of the 53 pregnant women included in the study, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was seen in two women- one diagnosed intraoperatively during cesarean section and the other was diagnosed on the first postoperative day. Conclusion The study showed that pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 usually have no/mild symptoms, and they recover well and have favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, perinatal vigilance is advisable in these cases, as there is a risk of developing respiratory morbidity.

Mosquito Bite and Adnexal Mass: The Unusual Diagnosis of Ovarian Filariasis.

Lymphatic filariasis is a major health problem in tropical regions especially in India. A large number of patients tend to be asymptomatic. Ovarian filariasis is an extremely rare manifestation of lymphatic filariasis. This is a case report of bilateral ovarian filariasis presenting as ovarian mass with associated lower abdominal pain, weight loss and chyluria. This is a very rare diagnosis, more so as it was diagnosed preoperatively by ultrasound and managed with anti-filarial drugs and confirmed by biopsy. Most cases of ovarian filariasis reported in literature are incidental diagnosis on histopathological examination of postoperative specimen.

Pregnancy and Childbirth: An Unexpected Cakewalk for a Mother With Beta Thalassemia Major Homozygous for IVS (G-C) Mutation.

The thalassemias are the most common single-gene disorders of hemoglobin synthesis. The salient features of beta thalassemia major, in which both alleles of the HBB gene are affected, are transfusion dependency and iron overload. Although with advances in treatment, the life expectancy in such patients has increased, they have difficulty in conceiving. We report a case of pregnancy in a beta thalassemia major patient who was transfusion independent and had no iron overload. Genetic analysis revealed IVS 1-5 (G-C) mutation in the homozygous state which usually manifests in severe disease and blood transfusion dependency. On the contrary, she did not need blood transfusion, had a smooth antenatal period and a vaginal delivery at term with a favorable childbirth experience. This case report highlights complex genetic interplay and the role of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) enhancer loci which modulates HbF levels thereby raising total hemoglobin levels.