Oral misoprostol alone, compared with oral misoprostol followed by oxytocin, in women induced for hypertension of pregnancy: A multicentre randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether, in those requiring continuing uterine stimulation after cervical ripening with oral misoprostol and membrane rupture, augmentation with low-dose oral misoprostol is superior to intravenous oxytocin. DESIGN: Open-label, superiority randomised trial. SETTING: Government hospitals in India. POPULATION: Women who were induced for hypertensive disease in pregnancy and had undergone cervical ripening with oral misoprostol, but required continuing stimulation after artificial membrane rupture. METHODS: Participants received misoprostol (25 micrograms, orally, 2-hourly) or titrated oxytocin through an infusion pump. All women had one-to-one care; fetal monitoring was conducted using a mixture of intermittent and continuous electronic fetal monitoring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caesarean birth. RESULTS: A total of 520 women were randomised and the baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. The caesarean section rate was not reduced with the use of misoprostol (misoprostol, 84/260, 32.3%, vs oxytocin, 71/260, 27.3%; aOR 1.23; 95% CI 0.81-1.85; P = 0.33). The interval from randomisation to birth was somewhat longer with misoprostol (225 min, 207-244 min, vs 194 min, 179-210 min; aOR 1.137; 95% CI 1.023-1.264; P = 0.017). There were no cases of hyperstimulation in either arm. The rates of fetal heart rate abnormalities and maternal side effects were similar. Fewer babies in the misoprostol arm were admitted to the special care unit (10 vs 21 in the oxytocin group; aOR 0.463; 95% CI 0.203-1.058; P = 0.068) and there were no neonatal deaths in the misoprostol group, compared with three neonatal deaths in the oxytocin arm. Women's acceptability ratings were high in both study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Following cervical preparation with oral misoprostol and membrane rupture, the use of continuing oral misoprostol for augmentation did not significantly reduce caesarean rates, compared with the use of oxytocin. There were no hyperstimulation or significant adverse events in either arm of the trial.

Quality improvement initiative: improving obstetric triaging practices in a rural maternal hospital in central India.

Triaging of obstetric patients by emergency care providers is paramount. It helps provide appropriate and timely management to prevent further injury and complications. Standardised trauma acuity scales have limited applicability in obstetric triage. Specific obstetric triage index tools improve maternal and neonatal outcomes but remain underused. The aim was to introduce a validity-tested obstetric triage tool to improve the percentage of correctly triaged patients (correctly colour-coded in accordance with triage index tool and attended to within the stipulated time interval mandated by the tool) from the baseline of 49% to more than 90% through a quality improvement (QI) process.A team of nurses, obstetricians and postgraduates did a root cause analysis to identify the possible reasons for incorrect triaging of obstetric patients using process flow mapping and fish bone analysis. Various change ideas were tested through sequential Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to address issues identified.The interventions included introduction and application of an obstetric triage index tool, training of triage nurses and residents. We implemented these interventions in eight PDSA cycles and observed outcomes by using run charts. A set of process, output and outcome indicators were used to track if changes made were leading to improvement.Proportion of correctly triaged women increased from the baseline of 49% to more than 95% over a period of 8 months from February to September 2020, and the results have been sustained in the last PDSA cycle, and the triage system is still sustained with similar results. The median triage waiting time reduced from the baseline of 40 min to less than 10 min. There was reduction in complications attributable to improper triaging such as preterm delivery, prolonged intensive care unit stay and overall morbidity. It can be thus concluded that a QI approach improved obstetric triaging in a rural maternity hospital in India.

Uterine Torsion: A Rare Condition in a Nullipara Woman.

Uterine torsion, an infrequent entity, is defined as the rotation of the uterus greater than 45° around the longitudinal axis of the uterus. It is usually found in a gravid uterus being extremely uncommon in nulliparas. Here, we are presenting a case of a 22-year-old woman who presented with complaints of constant, dull aching pain in the abdomen with a palpable huge mass. An emergency laparotomy was done revealing a large 12 x 10 x 8 cm large subserosal fibroid and the uterus rotated on its own axis to about 180 degrees with bilaterally enlarged cystic ovaries. Derotation and subsequent myomectomy were done. The weight of the subserosal fibroid caused the uterus to rotate on its own axis. As it is a rare entity, a high level of suspicion and timely surgical intervention is the need of the hour to prevent further morbidity and mortality.

Cervical Cancer Screening Coverage at Tertiary Care Institutes Across India.

OBJECTIVES: The 70% screening coverage target proposed in the global cervical cancer elimination strategy is not achieved even at tertiary centres in India. A situational analysis was done to assess the currently existing facilities and barriers in tertiary care institutes. METHODS: This cross sectional multicentric study was conducted from August to September 2021 in six tertiary care institutes across India. Women aged 30-49 years attending outpatient services (OPD) were invited for cervical screening. Women and health care professionals (HCPs) were administered structured questionnaires to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cervical cancer screening services. RESULTS: Out of 6709 eligible women who attended OPD, 1666 (24.8%; range:19-57%) received screening. Availability of screening kits was limited to 10-25 Pap/HPV tests per day. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and HPV testing were offered only at certain centres. Colposcopy and treatment facilities were optimal at all centres. Knowledge, attitude and practices were analysed for 1800 women: 45.7% had heard of cervical cancer, 78.0% did not know that it is preventable, 75.8% never heard about screening. Common symptoms correctly identified included postmenopausal bleeding (4.8%), postcoital bleeding (5.7%), intermenstrual bleeding (5.8%) and vaginal discharge (12.4%). Risk factors were identified by minority: poor menstrual hygiene (6.6%), oral contraceptive pill use (6.4%), multiparity (4.4%), and HPV infection (3.0%). Out of 21, mean total knowledge score (MTKS) was 2.07± 2.67. Out of 317 HCPs, 96.5% knew that cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection, is preceded by premalignant stage, and that it is preventable by screening and treatment (80.1%). Knowledge about screening modalities was present in 87.4% for cytology, 75.1% for VIA, 68.8% for HPV test. MTKS of HCPs was 20.88±6.61 out of 32. CONCLUSION: Even at tertiary centres, limited availability of HPV tests, reluctance to implement VIA and lack of awareness among women remain the major barriers.

A Prospective Multi-centric Study of Acceptance, Insertion and Follow-Up of Postpartum Insertions of IUCD.

Purpose of the Study: The unmet need for contraception in the postpartum period is a major challenge in our country. Unintended pregnancies are highest in the first year after birth, and postpartum IUCD insertion is an effective way to counter this problem. This study was planned to build up data for acceptance and follow-up of postpartum IUCD insertions. Methods: The present study has included data of PPIUCD insertions and follow-up from seven institutions over a period of 6 months. The case recruitment lasted for 3 months, including only those who had PPIUCD insertions in this period, and they were followed up for a period of 6 months. The follow-up of patients was at 6 weeks and 6 months. All issues were addressed including side effects, expulsions, myths surrounding the device, etc., along with routine postnatal care. Results and Conclusion: There were 5227 deliveries and 1895 insertions. The acceptance rate was 36%, and a follow-up at 6 weeks and 6 months showed up an expulsion rate of approximately 4% and a removal rate of 5%. Overall, at the end of 6 months we have a continuation rate of 90%. This shows that a dedicated approach to postpartum contraception will definitely bring down incidence of unintended pregnancies.

Azithromycin to Prevent Sepsis or Death in Women Planning a Vaginal Birth.

BACKGROUND: The use of azithromycin reduces maternal infection in women during unplanned cesarean delivery, but its effect on those with planned vaginal delivery is unknown. Data are needed on whether an intrapartum oral dose of azithromycin would reduce maternal and offspring sepsis or death. METHODS: In this multicountry, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, we assigned women who were in labor at 28 weeks' gestation or more and who were planning a vaginal delivery to receive a single 2-g oral dose of azithromycin or placebo. The two primary outcomes were a composite of maternal sepsis or death and a composite of stillbirth or neonatal death or sepsis. During an interim analysis, the data and safety monitoring committee recommended stopping the trial for maternal benefit. RESULTS: A total of 29,278 women underwent randomization. The incidence of maternal sepsis or death was lower in the azithromycin group than in the placebo group (1.6% vs. 2.4%), with a relative risk of 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 0.79; P<0.001), but the incidence of stillbirth or neonatal death or sepsis was similar (10.5% vs. 10.3%), with a relative risk of 1.02 (95% CI, 0.95 to 1.09; P = 0.56). The difference in the maternal primary outcome appeared to be driven mainly by the incidence of sepsis (1.5% in the azithromycin group and 2.3% in the placebo group), with a relative risk of 0.65 (95% CI, 0.55 to 0.77); the incidence of death from any cause was 0.1% in the two groups (relative risk, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.51 to 2.97). Neonatal sepsis occurred in 9.8% and 9.6% of the infants, respectively (relative risk, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.10). The incidence of stillbirth was 0.4% in the two groups (relative risk, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.53); neonatal death within 4 weeks after birth occurred in 1.5% in both groups (relative risk, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.24). Azithromycin was not associated with a higher incidence in adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Among women planning a vaginal delivery, a single oral dose of azithromycin resulted in a significantly lower risk of maternal sepsis or death than placebo but had little effect on newborn sepsis or death. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and others; A-PLUS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03871491.).

Early Prediction of Hypertensive Diseases of Pregnancy by Using Combined Screening Methods in a Rural Population.

INTRODUCTION: The most frequent medical issue during pregnancy is hypertension, which can complicate up to 10% to 15% of pregnancies worldwide. An estimated 14% of all maternal fatalities worldwide are thought to be caused by hypertensive disease of pregnancy, one of the main causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Despite the fact that maternal mortality is substantially lower in high-income countries than in low- and middle-income countries, hypertension is still one of the leading causes of maternal death globally. Maternal mortality associated with hypertension fluctuated between 0.08 and 0.42 per 100,000 births between 2009 and 2015. In India, the estimated overall pooled prevalence of HDP was determined to be one out of 11 women, or 11% (95% CI, 5%-17%). Despite various government programs, there is still a high prevalence of hypertension, which calls for stakeholders and healthcare professionals to focus on providing both therapeutic and preventive care. The best solution is to concentrate more on the early detection of pregnancy-related hypertension and to guarantee its universal application so that proper care can be carried out to prevent maternal and fetal morbidity. AIM: To estimate the predictive value of the combination of maternal characteristics, i.e., mean arterial pressure (MAP), biophysical evaluation (uterine artery Doppler), and biochemical markers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A)), in the first trimester of pregnancy for hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. METHODOLOGY: It was a prospective observational study of longitudinal variety that took over 18 months in a tertiary care rural hospital. The number of women admitted to the hospital for labor care during 2019 was 5261. A total of 513 were diagnosed with hypertensive illnesses during pregnancy. At a prevalence rate of 10%, we calculated a sample size of 350 to achieve a sensitivity of 85% with an absolute error of 12.5% at a 95% CI. Maternal histories, such as age, education, socio-economic status, gravidity, and BMI, were taken along with three parameters, i.e., MAP, which was significant above 90 mmHg, uterine artery Doppler, which was taken significant above 1.69, and serum PAPP-A, which was significant at less than 0.69 ml/IU. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: We have found that the following are associated with the prediction of hypertension: among the maternal characteristics are advanced age >35 years, presence of body edema, and urine proteins along with MAP, uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), and PAPP-A are significant. The predictive accuracy of the combination of MAP, UtA-PI, and PAPP-A is also significant. We also found that there is a significant increase in cesarean sections and NICU admissions in hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION: A combination of screening parameters, including MAP, UtA-PI, and PAPP-A, to predict early hypertensive disease of pregnancy is developed and tested.

The association of testis-specific hTAF7L gene variants with idiopathic azoospermic and severe oligozoospermic male infertility.

Spermatogenesis is regulated by complex tissue specific gene expression in the testis to achieve normal male fertility. X-chromosome specific TATA binding protein (TBP)-associated factor 7L (hTAF7L) is one of the transcriptional regulator genes considered essential for spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of variants/mutations in the testis-specific hTAF7L gene in non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia male infertility. We studied 156 idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermic, severe oligozoospermic infertile males and 50 fertile proven controls. Infertile males and control subjects were genotyped for variants of the hTAF7L gene using polymerase chain reaction and a direct Sanger sequencing approach. The odds ratio evaluated the association of hTAF7L gene variants with idiopathic male infertility. The variants found in the hTAF7L gene were subjected to an in-silico analysis study. In infertile study subjects, we observed 11 single base pair nucleotide changes at various exons and three frameshift variants at exon 10 in the hTAF7L gene. We also found more than one variant in some non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia infertile males along with control subjects. All these variants changed the amino acid sequences in the hTAF7L gene. However, similar changes were also seen in fertile subjects, and the differences were not statistically significant. In-silico tools also predicted that the variants were likely to be benign. The variants in cDNA of the hTAF7L gene were typical SNPs. It is found that the hTAF7L gene is highly polymorphic and these missense variants are not directly associated with male infertility. However, we feel that more studies are needed to elucidate the role of multiple variants of the hTAF7L gene in the process of normal spermatogenesis.

Incidence of Stillbirth in Relation to Period of Delivery, Socioeconomic Status and Period of Gestation in a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital-MGIMS, Sewagram Within Study Period of Three Years (2013-2016).

Background: Stillbirth remains one of the most common adverse outcomes of pregnancy, yet is among the least studied. Occurrence of stillbirth is a tragic event faced by mother as well as obstetrician. It has implications on couple, their family and the health care providers. It reflects a failure or lapse in implementation of maternal and child health care programs. Worldwide 3.2 million stillbirth occur in world, 20-66 per 1000 total births in India in different states. Stillbirth in India is largely underreported. Stillbirths contribute to more than half of perinatal death. More than 2/3rd Stillbirth take place during pregnancy and remaining during course of labour. Registration of all live births and stillbirths, together with evaluation of cause of stillbirths are important initial steps for developing countries. A standard classification system would be important to document aetiology of stillbirth in developing countries. The Methodology was as Following: All cases who delivered a stillborn baby in the hospital were studied in details. The records were maintained date-wise. Initially, the basic demographic information was taken giving special attention to age, education, occupation, socioeconomic status, rural or urban residence etc. The two controls of live births were also asked the same details and the data were entered in Microsoft word excel sheet and analyzed by Chi-square test. Conclusion: Incidence of stillbirth in MGIMS Sewagram which is Tertiary care centre placed in rural area was 30.57%. Incidence in relation to place (rural) 62.42%, more in antepartum 94.9% (149/157), in low socioeconomic status 48%. It was found more in 30-32 weeks of period of gestation as in this period most of medical disorders of pregnancy precipitate. Supplementary Information: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13224-021-01453-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Every Second Matters - uterine balloon tamponade implementation across ten medical colleges in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in India: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand facilitators, barriers, and perceptions of the Every Second Matters uterine balloon tamponade (ESM-UBT) package implemented across 10 medical colleges in India, 3 years after the program was introduced. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted until thematic saturation in March 2020. Multiple provider cadres, including nurses, Obstetrics/Gynecology residents, professors, and program leads, were eligible. Interviews were transcribed and thematically coded using an inductive method. RESULTS: Sixty-two obstetric providers were interviewed. Facilitators of implementation included recurrent training, improved teamwork and communication, strong program leadership, and involvement of lower-level facilities. Barriers to implementation included administrative hurdles, high staff turnover, language barriers, and resources required to reach and train lower-level facilities. Overall, the majority of clinicians viewed the ESM-UBT package as a useful intervention in aiding efforts to reduce maternal deaths from postpartum hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Among 10 medical colleges in India the ESM-UBT package is seen as a beneficial intervention for managing refractory atonic postpartum hemorrhage, and for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Identified facilitators of and barriers to implementation of the ESM-UBT package in India should be used to guide future implementation efforts.

Impact of the introduction of a low-cost uterine balloon tamponade (ESM-UBT) device for managing severe postpartum hemorrhage in India: A comparative before-and-after study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of introducing a uterine balloon tamponade (ESM-UBT) device for managing severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), mainly due to uterine atony, in health facilities in India on the rates of PPH-related maternal death and invasive procedures for PPH control. METHODS: We used a quasi-experimental, difference-in-difference (DID) design to compare changes in the rates of a composite outcome (PPH-related maternal death and/or artery ligation, uterine compression sutures, or hysterectomy) among women delivering in nine intervention facilities compared with those delivering in two control facilities, before and after the introduction of ESM-UBT. RESULTS: The study sample included 214 123 deliveries (n = 78 509 before ESM-UBT introduction; n = 47 211 during ESM-UBT introduction; and n = 88 403 after ESM-UBT introduction). After introduction of ESM-UBT, there was a significant decline in the rate of the primary composite outcome in intervention facilities (21.0-11.4 per 10 000 deliveries; difference -9.6, 95% confidence interval -14.0 to -5.4). Change in the rate of the primary composite outcome was not significant in control facilities (11.7-17.2 per 10 000 deliveries; difference 5.4, 95% confidence interval -3.9 to 14.9). DID analyses showed there was a significant reduction in the rate of the primary composite outcome in intervention facilities relative to control facilities (adjusted DID estimate -15.0 per 10 000 points, 95% confidence interval -23.3 to -6.8; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Introduction of the ESM-UBT in health facilities in India was associated with a significant reduction in PPH-related maternal death and/or invasive procedures for PPH control.

Increasing adherence to plotting e-partograph: a quality improvement project in a rural maternity hospital in India.

Abnormal prolonged labour and its effects are important contributors to maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. E-partograph is a modern tool for real-time computerised recording of labour data which improves maternal and neonatal outcome. The aim was to improve the rates of e-partograph plotting in all eligible women in the labour room from existing 30% to achieve 90% in 6 months through a quality improvement (QI) process.A team of nurses, obstetricians, postgraduates and a data entry operator did a root cause analysis to identify the possible reasons for the drop in e-partograph plotting to 30%. The team used process flow mapping and fish bone analysis. Various change ideas were tested through sequential Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to address the issues identified.The interventions included training labour room staff, identification of eligible women and providing an additional computer and internet facility for plotting and assigning responsibility of plotting e-partographs. We implemented these interventions in five PDSA cycles and observed outcomes by using control charts. A set of process, output and outcome indicators were used to track if the changes made were leading to improvement.The rate of e-partograph plotting increased from 30% to 93% over the study period of 6 months from August 2018 to January 2019. The result has been sustained since the last PDSA cycle. The maternal outcome included a decrease in obstructed and prolonged labour with its associated complications from 6.2% to 2.4%. The neonatal outcomes included a decrease in admissions in the neonatal intensive care unit for birth asphyxia from 8% to 3.4%. It can thus be concluded that a QI approach can help in improving adherence to e-partography plotting resulting in improved maternal health services in a rural maternity hospital in India.

A missense mutation (c.226C>A) in HMG box SRY gene affects nNLS function in 46,XY sex reversal female.

The SRY initiates cascade of gene expression that transforms the undifferentiated gonad, genital ridge into testis. Mutations of the SRY gene is associated with complete gonadal dysgenesis in females with 46,XY karyotype. Primary amenorrhea is one of the clinical findings to express the genetic cause in 46,XY sex reversal. Here, we report a 26-year-old married woman presenting with primary amenorhea and complete gonadal dysgenesis. The clinical phenotypes were hypoplastic uterus with streak gonad and underdeveloped secondary sexual characters. The cytogenetic analysis confirmed 46,XY sex reversal karyotype of a female. Using molecular approach, we screened open reading frame of the SRY gene by PCR and targeted DNA Sanger sequencing. The patient was confirmed with nucleotide substitution (c.226C>A; p.Arg76Ser) at in HMG box domain of SRY gene that causes 46,XY sex reversal female. Mutation prediction algorithms suggest that alteration might be disease causing mutation and mutated (p.Arg76Ser) amino acid deleteriously affects HMG box nNLS region of SRY protein. Clinical phenotypes and in silico analysis confirmed that missense substitution (p.Arg76Ser) impaired nNLS binding Calmodulin-mediated nuclear transport of SRY from cytoplasm to nucleus. The mutation affects down regulation of male sex differentiation pathway and is responsible for 46,XY sex reversal female with gonadal dysgenesis.

The PROMISES study: a mixed methods approach to explore the acceptability of salivary progesterone testing for preterm birth risk among pregnant women and trained frontline healthcare workers in rural India.

INTRODUCTION: India has an overall neonatal mortality rate of 28/1000 live births, with higher rates in rural India. Approximately 3.5 million pregnancies in India are affected by preterm birth (PTB) annually and contribute to approximately a quarter of PTBs globally. Embedded within the PROMISES study (which aims to validate a low-cost salivary progesterone test for early detection of PTB risk), we present a mixed methods explanatory sequential feasibility substudy of the salivary progesterone test. METHODS: A pretraining and post-training questionnaire to assess Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) (n=201) knowledge and experience of PTB and salivary progesterone sampling was analysed using the McNemar test. Descriptive statistics for a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women (n=400) are presented in which the acceptability of this test for pregnant women is assessed. Structured interviews were undertaken with ASHAs (n=10) and pregnant women (n=9), and were analysed using thematic framework analysis to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the use of this test in rural India. RESULTS: Before training, ASHAs' knowledge of PTB (including risk factors, causes, postnatal support and testing) was very limited. After the training programme, there was a significant improvement in the ASHAs' knowledge of PTB. All 400 women reported the salivary test was acceptable with the majority finding it easy but not quick or better than drawing blood. For the qualitative aspects of the study, analysis of interview data with ASHAs and women, our thematic framework comprised of three main areas: implementation of intervention; networks of influence and access to healthcare. Qualitative data were stratified and presented as barriers and facilitators. CONCLUSION: This study suggests support for ongoing investigations validating PTB testing using salivary progesterone in rural settings.

Development of a hub and spoke model for quality improvement in rural and urban healthcare settings in India: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Hub and spoke model has been used across industries to augment peripheral services by centralising key resources. This exercise evaluated the feasibility of whether such a model can be developed and implemented for quality improvement across rural and urban settings in India with support from a network for quality improvement. METHODS: This model was implemented using support from the state and district administration. Medical colleges were designated as hubs and the secondary and primary care facilities as spokes. Training in quality improvement (QI) was done using WHO's point of care quality improvement methodology. Identified personnel from hubs were also trained as mentors. Both network mentors (from QI network) and hub-mentors (from medical colleges) undertook mentoring visits to their allotted facilities. Each of the participating facility completed their QI projects with support from mentors. RESULTS: Two QI training workshops and two experience sharing sessions were conducted for implementing the model. A total of 34 mentoring visits were undertaken by network mentors instead of planned 14 visits and rural hub-mentors could undertake only four visits against planned 18 visits. Ten QI projects were successfully completed by teams, 80% of these projects started during the initial intensive phase of mentoring. The projects ranged from 3 to 10 months with median duration being 5 months. DISCUSSION: Various components of a health system must work in synergy to sustain improvements in quality of care. Quality networks and collaboratives can play a significant role in creating this synergy. Active participation of district and state administration is a critical factor to produce a culture of quality in the health system.

Impact of Training on Awareness and Knowledge of Service Providers About Maternal Near-Miss Events in Maharashtra, India.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the awareness and knowledge regarding Maternal Near Miss (MNM) among health service providers in the selected districts and women's hospitals in Maharashtra, India. METHODS: A one-day training programme on MNM was conducted at four Family Welfare Training Centres in the state of Maharashtra, India, for the health service providers, viz. gynaecologists, pathologists, anaesthesiologists, medical officers, staff nurses, other paramedical workers of the selected 29 districts/women's hospitals in Maharashtra. A total of 147 participants participated in the training programme. The participants filled a questionnaire before (pretest) and after the training (post-test) with the same set of questions pertaining to knowledge on the basic and operational aspects of MNM. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the level of knowledge (post-test responses vs pretest responses) about the correct definition and classification of MNM, as per the instructions in the MNM-R guidelines by the Government of India. The service providers informed regarding the challenges in the implementation of the MNM-R guidelines at their hospitals such as shortage of manpower in terms of specialists and need of quality assurance. CONCLUSION: The training programme improved the knowledge of the service providers about MNM, which would help them to implement the MNM-R guidelines effectively at their hospitals. This training effectively upgraded the knowledge level, and therefore, such trainings should be organized for all obstetricians, high-dependency unit (HDU) personnel and critical care teams.

Molecular Genetic Study to Detect Prevalence of High-risk Human Papilloma Virus Strains (type 16 and 18) in Cervical Lesions and Asymptomatic Healthy Subjects of Rural Central India.

BACKGROUND: Carcinoma cervix of uterus (CaCx) is the most common malignancy affecting women worldwide. It is an established fact that infection of specific types of human papilloma virus (HPV) is essential for the development of cervical cancer. The present study reports the high-risk viruses (HPV 16 and 18) type distribution in rural central India, which has unique climatic condition. To our knowledge, no molecular study on HPV prevalence has been done in this region of rural population, this intended us do such study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sexually active women reporting to the Gynecology were divided in three groups, first being asymptomatic women with normal cervix (52 cases), second group with benign cervical lesion (52 cases), and third group of women with frank cervical malignancy (40 cases). Cervical swabs were collected for HPV DNA sampling. The incidence of HPV positivity was recorded in each group. RESULTS: Fifty-two women with asymptomatic normal cervix showed 44.23% positivity for HPV 16 and 5.76% positivity for HPV 18. Fifty-two women with benign cervical lesion showed 38.46% positivity for HPV 16 and 3.84% positivity for HPV 18. Forty women with frank cervical malignancy were with prevalence of 62.5% for HPV 16 and 22.5% for HPV 18. CONCLUSION: The results of the study are definitely helpful to know the prevalence of HPV in this region of rural population and will enrich the national epidemiological data related to HPV infection in cervical cancer.

Rationale & design of the PROMISES study: a prospective assessment and validation study of salivary progesterone as a test for preterm birth in pregnant women from rural India.

BACKGROUND: In India, 3.6 million pregnancies are affected by preterm birth annually, with many infants dying or surviving with disability. Currently, there is no simple test available for screening all women at risk of spontaneous PTB in low income setting, although high resource settings routinely use cervical length measurement and cervico-vaginal fluid fetal fibronectin for identification and care of women at risk due to clinical history. In rural India, where the public health system has limited infrastructure, trained staff and equipment, there is a greater need to develop a low-cost screening approach for providing early referral, treatment and remedial support for pregnant women at risk of preterm birth. There is interest in the use of a salivary progesterone test as a screening tool preliminary evidence from India, Egypt and UK has shown promise for this type of test. The test requires further validation in a low resource community setting. METHODS: The Promises study aims to validate and test the feasibility of introducing a low-cost salivary progesterone preterm birth prediction test in two rural districts in India with high rates of prematurity. It is a prospective study of 2000 pregnant women recruited from Panna and Satna in Madhya Pradesh over approximately 24 months. Demographic and pregnancy outcome data will be collected, and pregnancies will be dated by ultrasound sonography. Saliva progesterone will be measured by ELISA in samples obtained between 24-28 weeks of gestation. The association between salivary progesterone and preterm birth will be determined and the utility of salivary progesterone to predict preterm birth < 34, as well as < 30 and < 37 weeks assessed. Additional qualitative data will be obtained in terms of acceptability and feasibility of saliva progesterone testing and knowledge of PTB. DISCUSSION: A validated cost-effective saliva test, which has potential for further adaptation to a 'point of care' setting will allow early identification of pregnant women at risk of preterm birth, who can be linked to an effective pathway of care and support to reduce preterm birth and associated adverse consequences. This will reduce both economic and emotional burden on the affected women and their families.

Innovative Uses of Condom Uterine Balloon Tamponade for Postpartum Hemorrhage in India and Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal deaths worldwide, the majority of which occur in low-resource settings. Uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) is an effective method of addressing uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) from uterine atony; however, UBT devices are often not affordable. We report on three novel uses of an ultra-low-cost condom uterine balloon tamponade (ESM-UBT) device. CASES: ESM-UBT devices were used in innovative ways to arrest severe uncontrolled pregnancy-related hemorrhage among three women in India and Tanzania. The first had sustained deep vaginal lacerations, the second a cervical pregnancy, and the third a complete molar pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The ESM-UBT device may be useful for control of obstetric hemorrhage caused by complex vaginal tears as well as cervical and molar pregnancies.