Glycemic Variability and Its Correlation with Large for Gestation-age Babies in Gestational Diabetic Pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Although glycemic variability (GV) has been shown to be associated with endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus (DM), there is a dearth of literature on its correlation in gestational diabetic pregnancies. AIM: To compare GV and 24-hour ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) in gestational diabetic pregnancies with and without large for gestation-age (LGA) babies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 40 pregnant females between 19 and 35 years with gestational DM (GDM) controlled on pharmacotherapy fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited. A flash glucose monitor (FGM) was used to record AGP between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation in these women. A total of 400 patient days with 38,400 glucose values in the study group were analyzed. Various glucose measures were compared between the GDM pregnancies with or without LGA babies. RESULTS: The incidence of LGA was 15% in these pregnant women who were on pharmacotherapy and apparently controlled as evidenced by self-monitoring of blood sugar values. All the parameters of 24-hour AGP except dinner values were significantly high in the LGA group when compared with the non-LGA group [mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) LGA vs non-LGA 74.58 ± 16.83 vs 49.86 ± 12.83 mg/dL, p = 0.002; standard deviation (SD) LGA vs non-LGA 30.19 ± 9.69 vs 20.10 ± 5.97 mg/dL, p = 0.001]. Variables of GV: MAGE and SD were significantly high in the LGA group (p < 0.001). Time below range (TBR) and time above range (TAR) were also significantly altered in the LGA group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: High GV and time in the range are the important parameters that can be well correlated with LGA babies in gestational diabetic pregnancies on pharmacotherapy. An FGM is a good monitoring device to measure this parameter and can be used as an adjunct to modify measures to control the glucose values within range in these pregnancies.

Differential expression of Lumican, Mimecan, Annexin A5 and Serotransferrin in ectopic and matched eutopic endometrium in ovarian endometriosis: a case-control study.

AIM: Endometriosis is a debilitating disease marked by recurrent gynecological proliferations. The present study aimed at performing differential proteomic analysis of matched eutopic and ectopic endometrium from women with ovarian endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Proteomes were resolved using nano LC-MS and further identified and quantified using ProteinLynx Global SERVER (PLGS) software. Selected proteins were further chosen for validation by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The protein profiles uncovered several differentially expressed proteins in the diseased sample (ectopic endometrium) as compared to the reference sample (eutopic endometrium). The study involved an advanced proteomic approach, nano LC-MS, and validates for the first time the upregulation of Mimecan and Lumican proteins in endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS: These proteins may hence prove as potentially useful tools in the search for diagnostic markers for early detection of the disease.

Transplacental COVID Antibodies and Cytokine Storm in Newborn: Presence of Antibodies does not Indicate Protection Always!

Pregnant women are one of the most important groups who need special attention during this Covid-19 pandemic. Women's physiological changes in the immune system during pregnancy put them and their neonates at increased risk of negative outcomes of COVID-19 infection but the data is still scarce to comment upon. A case of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected mother and its effect on neonate is reported. This is the first case where the evidence of cytokine storm in neonate has been demonstrated in the presence of transplacental acquired IgG antibodies.

Proteomic sift through serum and endometrium profiles unraveled signature proteins associated with subdued fertility and dampened endometrial receptivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The objective of this study is to discern the proteomic differences responsible for hampering the receptivity of endometrium and subduing the fertility of females with polycystic ovary syndrome in analogy to healthy fertile females. This study was designed in collaboration with Hakeem Abdul Hameed Centenary Hospital affiliated to Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India. Serum samples were taken from infertile PCOS subjects (n = 6) and fertile control subjects (n = 6) whereas endometrial tissue samples were recruited from ovulatory PCOS (n = 4), anovulatory PCOS (n = 4) and normal healthy fertile control subjects (n = 4) for proteomic studies. Additionally, endometrial biopsies from healthy fertile control (n = 8), PCOS with infertility (n = 6), unexplained infertility (n = 3) and endometrial hyperplasia (n = 3) were taken for validation studies. Anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal evaluation was done for all the subjects enrolled in this study. Protein profiles were generated through 2D-PAGE and differential proteins analyzed with PD-QUEST software followed by identification with MALDI-TOF MS protein mass fingerprinting. Validation of identified proteins was done through RT-PCR relative expression analysis. Protein profiling of serum revealed differential expression of proteins involved in transcriptional regulation, embryogenesis, DNA repair, decidual cell ploidy, immunomodulation, intracellular trafficking and degradation processes. Proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, cellular transport and signaling, DNA repair, apoptotic processes and mitochondrial metabolism were found to be differentially expressed in endometrium. The findings of this study revealed proteins that hold strong candidature as potential drug targets to regulate the cellular processes implicating infertility and reduced receptivity of endometrium in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Laparoscopic Management of Nonpuerperal Uterine Inversion.

Uterine inversions are a rare entity, and most occur in the postpartum period. Nonpuerperal inversion accounts for only 16% of cases and are mostly associated with a submucous myoma. A 38-year-old woman with a submucous myoma presented with severe lower abdominal pain, acute retention of urine, and hypotension. Because the clinical examination was inconclusive due to severe pain and the ultrasound was dubious, diagnosis was made with magnetic resonance imaging. Successful laparoscopic hysterectomy was contemplated after correcting uterine inversion. This case highlights the diagnostic dilemmas and the key points during laparoscopic management of uterine inversion.

Association of IL-1ß, IL-1Ra and FABP1 gene polymorphisms with the metabolic features of polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a highly prevalent endocrinopathy is currently being designated as chronic low grade inflammatory state. IL-1ß, IL-1Ra and FABP1 are critical mediators of inflammatory processes and are speculated to play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The aim of this study was to study the association of IL-ß, IL-1Ra and FABP1 gene polymorphisms with PCOS and related metabolic features. SUBJECTS: 95 PCOS and 45 age matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. METHODS: Polymorphism in genes IL-1ß, IL-1Ra and FABP1 was studied by PCR, PCR-RFLP and sequencing methods, respectively. Hormonal and lipid profiles were evaluated for all the subjects. RESULTS: Hormonal and lipid profiles showed significant differences between PCOS and control subjects. Allele and genotype frequencies of IL-1ß, IL-1Ra and FABP1 gene polymorphisms did not vary between the control and PCOS group. However, T allele of C[-511]T variant of IL-1ß, allele II in intron 2 of IL-1Ra and A allele of A/G variant of FABP1 (rs2197076) showed significant association with many metabolic features associated with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphism in genes encoding cytokines and proteins involved in lipid metabolism can provide insights into the genetics of the disease and may contribute to assess the associated risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) associated with PCOS.

Vertical Transmission of Chikungunya Manifesting as Foetal Pericardial Effusion.

Chikungunya fever is believed to be a self-limiting illness, which can result in significant disability, but with a very low mortality. Chikungunya is uncommonly believed to be associated with serious manifestations. The present case is of a pregnant lady who had transient fever for two days in the third trimester, following which she developed foetal pericardial effusion and intrauterine growth restriction. After two weeks of the fever, in view of non-reactive non-stress test, breech and foetal pericardial effusion, patient was taken up for caesarean section. The neonate was positive for Chikungunya, detected by RT-PCR, while the mother tested positive for Chikungunya IgM antibodies. A diagnosis of Chikungunya pericardial effusion was made in the neonate, presumably acquired vertically secondary to the maternal Chikungunya infection occurring in the third trimester, which was also contributory to intrauterine growth restriction. No case of vertical transmission of Chikungunya has been reported in India, and foetal pericardial effusion has not been reported in world literature.

Unpacking the importance of histopathology in ectopic pregnancy: Vital for follow up.

The incidence of ectopic molar pregnancy is very rare with an incidence estimated to be 1.5 per 1,000,000 pregnancies. The pre-operative diagnosis is rare and needs careful histopathological examination of salpingectomy specimen. A case of a 34-year-old female is discussed who presented in shock with clinical and radiological diagnosis of ruptured ectopic pregnancy and histopathology report revealed partial mole in ectopic specimen.

Comparison of Feto-maternal Outcomes Among Various BMI Groups As Per Asia Pacific Standards: An Observational Retrospective Comparative Study in a Private Tertiary Care Center in Delhi.

Objective: To compare the feto-maternal outcomes among various BMI groups as per Asia Pacific Standards. Method: This is a retrospective non-interventional observational study on 1396 antenatal women with singleton pregnancy. Their BMI based on pre-pregnancy weight was calculated and the women were divided into various groups as per Asia Pacific standards for BMI classification. Details of associated morbidities and delivery outcomes were noted in a pre-structured proforma and a comparison was made among the various groups using Chi square test. A p value of < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Among the 1396 women under study, 10.6% were underweight, 36% had normal weight, 21% were overweight while 32% were obese or very obese. There was a significant association of low BMI with preterm labor (p value 0.03) and fetal growth restriction (p value < 0.01). Overweight and obese women were found to be more prone to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (p value- 0.002), gestational diabetes (p value- 0.003) and overweight women were more prone to cholestasis of pregnancy (p value 0.03). The women with higher BMI had a significantly higher requirement of induction of labor (p value-0.0002). There was significant increased number of babies more than 90th percentile in overweight and obese women (p value 0.003). However, there was no change in Neonatal ICU admissions (p value 0.85) or neonatal mortality. Conclusion: Asia Pacific references should be used for studies related to all studies on BMI and pregnancy. All women having BMI outside the normal BMI spectrum are at increased risk of antenatal and postnatal complications. Early identification of such women will enable careful evaluation and counseling to improve the reproductive outcome and feto-maternal health.

Ambient Air Pollution: A New Intrauterine Environmental Toxin for Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight.

Background: Urbanization and industrialization in developing and developed countries have led to rise of intrauterine environmental toxins-PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and Ozone. Aim: To determine association of ambient air pollution exposure with prematurity and low birth weight. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective cohort study done from January 2021 till June 2022 in a tertiary care hospital, New Delhi. Purposive sampling was done, and for each patient, criteria pollutants exposure was recorded from the government recording stations nearest to her residence and pregnancy outcome correlated with same. Results: Total 1155 deliveries were recruited. Significant association was found between PM2.5 exposure and preterm birth during first trimester (p < 0.05). Significant association was found between ozone exposure and preterm birth during second trimester (p < 0.05). Significant association was also found between NO2 exposure and preterm birth during first and second trimester (p < 0.05). Maternal PM2.5 exposure during first trimester was significantly associated with low birth weight (p < 0.05). PM10 exposure during first trimester was significantly associated with low birth weight (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Current study reveals direct relationship between ambient air pollution exposure and pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth and low birth weight).

Laparoscopic approach in postpartum pyoperitoneum: A guide to early rehabilitation.

Sepsis is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Pyoperitoneum is a grave and life-threatening manifestation of puerperal sepsis. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and drainage of pus by laparotomy has long been the cornerstone of treatment for pyoperitoneum in a parturient. In this series of six cases, the successful laparoscopic management of postpartum pyoperitoneum is discussed. The latter offers the advantage of a magnified view of the surgical field, thorough lavage and drainage, and avoidance of long incisions to explore the abdomen, resulting in faster recovery, less pain, greater patient satisfaction, and lower economic burden.

A prospective study on the effectiveness of a combination regime (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) in comparison with Misoprostol for missed abortion.

Introduction: Misoprostol is widely used in the medical management of missed abortions. However, pretreatment with Mifepristone has shown to be effective but still not recommended to be used in missed abortions. Aims and Objectives: To compare the outcome of medically managed missed abortion or blighted ovum using combination regime (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) vs Misoprostol alone. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective single-centre study performed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, HIMSR and HAHC hospital, New Delhi, over, for one year. All the patients with diagnosed missed abortions were randomized into two groups (Group A and Group B). Group A was given Mifepristone 200 mg orally followed by Misoprostol 800 microgram per vaginal. Group B was given Misoprostol 800 microgram per vaginal. All the patients were observed for 24 hours for the expulsion of products of conception following the given regime. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Ethical Committee. Results: Both groups were comparable in demographic characteristics. On applying Fisher's exact test, it has been observed that the odds of nonexpulsion of the product of conception, time taken in expulsion, and surgical evacuation because of excessive bleeding were significantly higher in Group B (Misoprostol) compared with Group A (Mifepristone followed by Misoprostol). The cost-effective analysis showed that the cost is higher among Misoprostol Group B compared with combination drugs of Group A (Mifepristone + Misoprostol), but this result is not significant. Conclusion: Mifepristone can be considered before Misoprostol in missed abortions. This regime might decrease the need for surgical evacuation.

Sequential use of drugs (prostaglandin e1 after failed trial of PGE2 gel) for induction of labour: Retrospective observational study.

With advancements in medicine, the scope of pregnancies have increased. This has subsequently increased the number of inductions and therefore more caesarean sections. We looked at the efficacy and safety of sequential induction with PGE2 gel followed by PGE1 tablets after a period of rest in a retrospective observational study. Women with failed induction of labour with 3 PGE2 gel were re-induced with 25ug vaginal PGE1 tablets, with a maximum of five doses (sequential regimen). Fetomaternal outcome and vaginal delivery rates were compared between the only-PGE2 gel group and the sequential group.There were 296 inductions of labour, of which 41 were included in the sequential group, amongst whom the vaginal delivery rate was 56%. Caesarean delivery rate with only PGE2 gel would have been 32%, but with the addition of PGE1 vaginal tablet (sequential induction), it reduced by >8% (p = 0.02). Fetomaternal outcomes were comparable in the two groups. We thus conclude that sequential induction with PGE1 tablets is an effective option.

Leadership Driven Persistent Reduction in Cesarean Trends: An Interventional Study for Quality Improvement.

Background: This is a quality improvement study in North India undertaken to observe the efficacy and safety of a proposed set of interventions along Quality Improvement guidelines to reduce cesarean rates. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in New Delhi. Measures were iteratively introduced from 2017 and improved using multiple PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycles to note the overall reduction in cesarean rates. Chi square tests were done with subanalysis based on the Robsons classification. Results: There was a significant reduction of annual cesarean rates from 36.35 to 22.87% over four years (p < 0.01) and in neonatal nursery admissions (p < 0.01). Covid outbreak saw a comparatively increased cesarean rate in 2020, for which it was excluded from the detailed study. The relative risk of cesarean delivery in the postintervention period was 0.62. Maximum reductions were seen in Robsons II, VI &VII. Conclusion: Devising multipronged interventions and their implementation through PDSA cycles are essential. Such measures in moderate resources are replicable elsewhere as well.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women attending tertiary care centre: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination during pregnancy and to discover factors that lead to non-acceptance of vaccine. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamdard Institute of Medical Science & Research, New Delhi over a period of 3 months through a web-based questionnaire via Google form. The questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach α for internal consistency, which was 0.795. RESULTS: News (74%) was the major source of knowledge among pregnant women. Around 60% women were not willing to receive the vaccine, mainly because of their fear of a harmful effect on pregnancy. The anticipated vaccine acceptance rate was 41% but actual vaccine acceptance rate in pregnancy was 7.3%. CONCLUSION: Efforts should be made to reduce the gap of knowledge regarding vaccine among pregnant women.

Effect of coronavirus-19 infection on maternal and perinatal outcome: A case control study.

Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 virus infections have an impact on the obstetric population. Methods: We performed a single centre, prospective case-control study in a tertiary care centre during the first wave of the pandemic, over a period of six months. All Labouring women who tested positive for SARS-CoV2 on the date of admission were included in the study (cases). As a control, SARS-CoV2 negative women who delivered before and after the coronavirus-positive delivery were included. Results: The control group were significantly younger than the cases (p = 0.001). The odds of spontaneous labour were observed to be significantly higher among the cases as compared to the control group (p = 0.002). The likelihood of NICU admission was significantly higher among the cases compared to the control group on applying Fischer exact test (p < 0.001) Conclusion: SARS-CoV2 positive mothers are more likely to deliver neonates with feeding difficulties and requiring NICU admission, compared to SARS-CoV2 negative mothers.

A histopathological and immunohistochemistry analysis of endometrial lesions among women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding.

Objectives: We aimed to histopathologically evaluate the morphological spectrum, apoptotic index (AI), and mitotic index (MI) of endometrial lesions in patients presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Methods: A cross-sectional study was done over a period of 18 months where a total of 60 newly diagnosed cases of perimenopausal women presenting with AUB were included. All H and E stained pathology slides from the specimens were reviewed for initial histopathological evaluation and diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry for Bcl-2 and Bax was done. The study subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1 included 30 cases of histologically proven proliferative endometrium (PE) and endometrial polyps and Group 2 included 30 cases of hyperplasia, endometrial epithelial neoplasia (EIN)/or carcinoma. For all cases, AI and MI were calculated and compared among the two groups. Statistical Analysis: Quantitative variables were compared using the Independent t-test/Mann-Whitney test between the two groups and Kruskal-Wallis test for comparison between more than two groups. Qualitative variables were correlated using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In our study of 60 patients of AUB, the mean age was 45.87 years with a parity of 2 or more in most of the patients. Most of the patients in our study had heavy menstrual bleeding (66.67%) with associated complaints of weakness, pallor, and low backache. Out of 60 patients of AUB, Endometrial carcinoma was diagnosed in 13 (21.67%) patients, with the most common histopathological type being Endometrioid carcinoma. There was a significant difference in the AI, MI, and the ratio of AI/MI among various histopathological diagnoses. AI was highest for Endometrial carcinoma and lowest for hyperplasia and polyps. MI was also highest for Endometrial carcinoma and lowest for hyperplasia and polyps. However, the ratio was incongruent as it was highest for hyperplasia without atypia and lowest for PE with endometrial carcinoma being midway. The Bcl-2 expression of relatively benign conditions (Group 1) was significantly higher than Group 2 (Endometrial epithelial neoplasia/carcinoma). Bax intensity showed an almost inverse pattern, being highest in endometrial carcinoma and lower in hyperplasia and polyps with the lowest expression in PE. Even the Bcl-2:Bax ratio was also highest for PE and lowest for endometrial carcinoma with others falling in between them. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the combination of the proliferative and apoptotic markers and the ratio will help as a tool in aiding the diagnosis of endometrial lesions for patients presenting with AUB.

Assessment of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in young reproductive aged women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: analogy of surrogate indices.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome has emerged as a cardiometabolic disorder and aim of this study was to evaluate various surrogate indices and their diagnostic potential to determine the most convenient and cost-effective marker of IR, CVD, and MetS in these women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five PCOS women and 45 age matched healthy women were enrolled. Measures included anthropometric and biochemical parameters, BMI, WHR, WHtR, BAI, VAI, LAP, HOMA-IR, and lipid profile. RESULTS: LAP has highest AUC value 0.781 with cut-off value = 39.73 (sensitivity = 75% and specificity = 79.5%) for predicting IR and AUC value 0.83 with cut-off value = 35.63 (sensitivity = 94.4% and specificity = 77.3%) for predicting MetS in women with PCOS. LAP had statistically strong positive correlation with WC, BMI, WHR, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, and SBP. CONCLUSIONS: LAP is a powerful and reliable marker for assessment of IR, CVD, and MetS risk in young Indian women with PCOS.