Landscape assessment of the availability of medical abortion medicines in India.

BACKGROUND: Medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol can be provided up to 63 days' gestation in India. This accounts for 67.5 percent of all abortions in the country. We conducted an assessment to determine the availability of medical abortion medicines, specifically the combi-pack, in India. METHODS: We applied the World Health Organization landscape assessment protocol at the national level. The assessment protocol included a five-step adaptation of an existing availability framework, including online data collection, desk review, country-level key informant interviews, and an analysis to identify barriers and opportunities to improve medical abortion availability. The assessment was conducted between August and March 2021. RESULTS: Medicines for medical abortion are included in the national essential drug list and available with prescription in India. The assessment identified 42 combi-pack products developed by 35 manufacturers. The quality of medical abortion medicines is regulated by national authorities; but as health is devolved to states, there are significant inter-state variations. This is seen across financing, procurement, manufacturing, and monitoring mechanisms for quality assurance of medical abortion medicines prior to distribution. There is a need to strengthen supply chain systems, ensure consistent availability of trained providers and build community awareness on use of medical abortion medicines for early abortions, at the time of the assessment. CONCLUSION: Opportunities to improve availability and quality of medical abortion medicines exist. For example, uniform implementation of regulatory standards, greater emphasis on quality-assurance during manufacturing, and standardizing of procurement and supply chain systems across states. Regular in-service training of providers on medical abortion is required. Finally, innovations in evidence dissemination and community engagement about the recently amended abortion law are needed.

Medical abortion is popular in India and benefits from a liberal legal context. It is important to understand the availability of quality abortion medicines in the country. Using the World Health Organization country assessment protocol and availability framework for medical abortion medicines we examined the availability of these medicines from supply to demand. We used this information to identify opportunities for increasing availability of quality-assured medical abortion medicines. We found that the context for medical abortion varies across states. Strengthening procurement and supply chain management, with a greater emphasis on quality-assurance and regulation of manufacturing should be instituted at the state-level. Training is also needed to increase provider knowledge of the latest national guidelines and laws to ensure respectful and person-centered services. Finally, the public should be informed about medical abortion as a safe and effective choice, especially for early abortions.

Role of myocardial performance index (MPI) and cerebro-placental ratio (CPR) in predicting adverse perinatal outcome.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the association of the Myocardial Performance Index (MPI) and Cerebro-Placental Ratio (CPR) in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in fetuses who are appropriately-grown (AGA), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and growth restricted (FGR). METHODS: Singleton pregnancies were recruited after 24 weeks. The patients were recruited after having been classified as AGA (AC/EFW > 10th centile), SGA (AC/EFW-3rd-10th centile without doppler abnormalities), and FGR (AC/EFW < 3rd centile or 3rd-10th centile with doppler abnormalities). A total of 103 cases comprising 48 AGA, 11 SGA, and 44 FGRfetuses were recruited. The Pulsatility Index of the Umbilical artery, Middle cerebral artery, Ductus Venosus, and Aortic Isthmus was obtained. MPI and CPR were calculated too. The primary outcome was to evaluate the predictive value of MPI and CPR for the composite adverse perinatal outcome. RESULTS: The mean gestational age of recruitment was 30 weeks. The OR for Composite Adverse Perinatal Outcome in FGR group for MPI > .47 and CPR < 1.67 was 3.48 (95% CI: 1.00-12.24, p-value < .05) with sensitivity and specificity of 65% each and 11.08 (95% CI: 2.62-46.83, p-value = .001) with the sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 70%, respectively. When combined together, MPI and CPR yielded an OR of 58.5 (95% CI: 4.58-746.57, p-value = .002) with a sensitivity of 56.5% and specificity of 95% in the FGR group. CONCLUSIONS: MPI in conjunction with CPR can be used together to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in FGR.

Successful Treatment of Bronchopulmonary Sequestration by Radiofrequency Ablation of Feeding Artery.

INTRODUCTION: Most cases of bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) regress. Prenatal intervention is needed in cases of fetal hydrothorax or hydrops. Laser is commonly used to ablate the feeding artery. CASE PRESENTATION: In a fetus with BPS, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was used to ablate the feeding artery arising from descending aorta at 29 weeks gestation. There was an extralobar BPS and significant pleural effusion causing mediastinal shift and collapse of lung. The effusion and tumor started decreasing from day 3 after procedure, and by the time patient delivered at 36 weeks gestation, the lesion had almost resolved. CONCLUSION: With proper technique, RFA can be safely used to ablate feeding artery in BPS.

Facility preparedness for an obstetric unit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Covid-19 infection has placed health systems under unprecedented strain and foresight for preparedness is the key factor to avert disaster. Every facility that provides obstetric service needs a certain level of preparedness to be able to handle at least Covid-suspect pregnant women awaiting test reports, who need to be managed as Covid-positive patients till reports are available. Thus, these facilities need to have triage areas and Covid-suspect labour rooms. Healthcare facilities can have designated areas for Covid-positive patients or have referral linkages with designated Covid-positive hospitals. Preparation includes structural reorganization with setting up a Covid-suspect and Covid-positive facility in adequate space, as well as extensive training of staff about infection control practices and rational use of personal protective equipment (PPE). A systematic approach involving five essential steps of making standard operating procedures, infrastructural reorganization for a triage area and a Covid-suspect labour ward, procurement of PPE, managing the personnel and instituting appropriate infection control practices can ensure uninterrupted services to patients without compromising the safety of healthcare providers.

Medical, Administrative, Financial, and Social Challenges in the Management of a Case of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus Caused by a Rare Alloantibody in a Low-Resource Setting.

Antibodies to high-frequency antigens are rarely implicated in cases of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), yet they pose a challenge to both clinical staff and transfusion medicine, especially with the identification of the implicating antibody and the arrangement of compatible blood for intrauterine transfusion. Here we report one such interesting case of HDFN caused by an alloantibody to a high-frequency antigen belonging to the Rhesus (Rh) blood group system. The patient presented at the 19th week with Rh-isoimmunized pregnancy. She received six intrauterine transfusions (IUTs) at different intervals during the antenatal period. Arranging the blood of this rare blood group required great efforts from hospital administration, clinicians, and social workers. At 31 weeks, the fetus developed a non-reassuring non-stress test (NST). Hence, the baby was delivered by cesarean section. The baby fared well in the neonatal period. With great efforts and support from social health workers, the Japanese Red Cross society, the administration, and non-government organizations, the impossible became possible.

Blended Tele-mentoring Support for Strengthening Antenatal Care by Private Health care Facilities: FOGSI VISTRIT INITIATIVE.

Introduction: The objective of the present initiative was to build capacity of health care providers in private sector along with standardisation of care during antenatal period for common antenatal problems of GDM and iron deficiency anaemia in private sector. Methods: A pilot project for all levels of health care providers including doctors, nurses, counsellors and laboratory technicians of 34 private facilities in six districts of Jharkhand was planned. Training modules for GDM and anaemia based on government of India guidelines were developed. End line evaluation included data collection and descriptive analysis of quantitative data quality scores from assessment standards on GDM and anaemia in pregnancy. Results: Knowledge assessment of health care providers and doctors through baseline and end line knowledge assessment survey questionnaire showed that 100% health care providers who were trained scored 85% or more in knowledge assessment questionnaires as seen by baseline and end line questionnaire results. All project hospitals (n = 34) in Jharkhand achieved quality standards of care in intervention period for gestational diabetes mellitus and anaemia in pregnancy. They achieved total score more than 80% and exceeded target of 80% of the quality standards. Conclusion: A systematic strengthening of private health care facilities through a blended tele-mentoring and onsite support is possible. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13224-023-01866-5.

Direct fetal intravenous immunoglobulin infusion as an adjunct to intrauterine fetal blood transfusion in rhesus-allommunized pregnancies: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To study the usefulness of direct fetal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion along with intrauterine transfusion (IUT) in the management of severe fetal anemia in rhesus (Rh) alloimmunized pregnancies. METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive Rh-isoimmunized pregnant women who required serial IUTs received either blood alone (control group, n = 16) or IVIG and blood (study group, n = 18). Pregnancies were followed up to delivery, and fetal outcome was recorded. The rate of fall of hematocrit was measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was a slower rate of fall of hematocrit in the study group (IUT and IVIG) compared to the control group (only IUT). The mean rate of fall was 0.72 ± 0.54% per day in the study group while it was 1.29 ± 0.95% per day in the control group (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Fall of fetal hematocrit was reduced in the study group. The results of this pilot study can be used to time the next transfusion in patients receiving IVIG along with IUT (taking the rate of fall as 0.70%). This may eventually result in decreasing the number of transfusions per fetus.

Role of Intravenous Iron Sucrose in Severe Anemia in Late Pregnancy: A Case Report From Rural Ballabgarh, Haryana.

Severe anemia is a high-risk factor in pregnancy and needs to be treated appropriately to prevent poor maternal and fetal outcomes. A pregnant woman with severe anemia reluctant for blood transfusion due to issues of accessibility was given four doses of 300 mg intravenous iron sucrose (IVIS) in 300 ml normal saline starting at 31 weeks 5 days of gestation and her hemoglobin level increased by 4.2 gm/dl over a period of five weeks without any complications and without any intake of iron and folic acid tablets during the entire duration. Intravenous iron sucrose is a useful intervention for severe anemia of pregnancy even in late pregnancy with rapid increase in haemoglobin levels and can be used regularly for treating severe anemia in pregnant women alternative to blood transfusion who have limited accessibility to blood transfusion facilities.

Decreasing the Rate of Surgical Site Infection in Patients Operated by Cesarean Section in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a substantial cause of maternal morbidity and are associated with a significant increase in hospital stay and cost. The prevention of SSI is complex and requires the integration of a range of measures before, during, and after surgery. Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is one of the referral centers of India with a huge influx of patients. Methods The project was undertaken by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, JNMC, AMU, Aligarh. Our department was sensitized to the need for quality improvement (QI) through Laqshya, a Government of India initiative for labor rooms in 2018. We were facing problems like a high surgical site infection rate, poor documentation and records, no standard protocols, overcrowding, and no admission discharge policy. There was a high rate of surgical site infections, leading to maternal morbidity, increased days of hospitalization, more usage of antibiotics, and increased financial burden. A multidisciplinary quality improvement (QI) team was formed comprising obstetricians and gynecologists, the hospital infection control team, the head of the neonatology unit, staff nurses, and multitasking staff (MTS) workers. Results The baseline data were collected for a period of one month and it was found that the rate of SSI was around 30%. Our aim was to decrease the rate of SSI from 30% to less than 5% over a period of six months. The QI team worked meticulously, implemented evidence-based measures, regularly analyzed the results, and devised measures to overcome the obstacles. The point-of-care improvement (POCQI) model was adopted for the project. The rate of SSI decreased significantly in our patients and the rates are around 5% persistently. Conclusion The project not only helped in decreasing the infection rates but also led to vast improvements in the department with the formulation of an antibiotic policy, surgical safety checklist, and admission-discharge policy.

SwasthGarbh: A Smartphone App for Improving the Quality of Antenatal Care and Ameliorating Maternal-Fetal Health.

The utility of telemedicine in healthcare has been brought to the forefront by the COVID-19 pandemic. 'SwasthGarbh' (Healthy Pregnancy) is a multi-functional, interactive smartphone application for providing antenatal care and real-time medical support to all pregnant women (especially those in rural areas and/or do not have easy access to doctors). A randomized controlled trial (n = 150) demonstrates its utility in improving the quality of antenatal care, reducing obstetric/medical complications and achieving a positive pregnancy experience. The test group (patients registered on the App) showed a significantly higher number of mean (± SD) antenatal visits (7.0 ± 1.5 vs. 5.7 ± 1.8; P < 0.001) as well as better compliance with the WHO visit protocol (87.2% vs. 69.8%, P < 0.001) and antenatal investigations (73.2% vs. 41.7%, P<0.001) in comparison to the control group (followed-up conventionally), respectively. Furthermore, substantial reduction in medical (38.0% vs. 55.5%, P = 0.04) and obstetric (52.1% vs. 59.7%, P = 0.36) complications during pregnancy as well as significant improvement in mean (± SD) maternal systolic BP (118.9 ± 11.8 vs. 123.4 ± 14.2 mmHg; P = 0.046), diastolic BP (76.0 ± 8.4 vs. 80.0 ± 10.9 mmHg; P = 0.02) and hemoglobin (11.5 ± 1.4 vs. 10.9 ± 1.4 g/dL; P = 0.03) parameters at delivery was observed in the test group compared to the controls, respectively. All the above mentioned positive clinical outcomes were the result of the provision of high quality antenatal care, timely detection of complications, prompt medical assistance and improved medication adherence. This is first pregnancy App that provides instantaneous access to doctor's advice and is clinically endorsed as well as credible.

Perinatal Outcome in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH): A Single-Center Experience.

Objective: To study the perinatal outcome in fetuses diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods: Thirty-two pregnant women with antenatal diagnosis of CDH in fetus, who delivered between 2018 and 2021, were included in the study. Postnatally eventration of diaphragm was diagnosed in 3 neonates and were excluded. Results: The median gestational age at diagnosis was 23 weeks (IQR: 216-261 weeks). The mean O/E LHR was 34.88 ± 9.03%, and the O/E LHR was significantly lower in fetuses who did not survive (40.81 ± 4.25 vs 31.26 ± 9.33; p = 0.0037). On ROC analysis, at a cutoff of ≤ 32.93, O/E LHR had a specificity of 100% with a sensitivity of 72.22% in predicting mortality. Cases with liver herniation were not significantly different between survivors versus non-survivors. The overall survival rate was 37.93%, and the leading cause of death was severe persistent pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion: O/E LHR can predict mortality in neonates with antenatal diagnosis of CDH. The presence of pulmonary hypertension was the leading cause of death in these neonates.

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.

SCOPE: Surveillance of COVID-19 in pregnancy- results of a multicentric ambispective case-control study on clinical presentation and maternal outcomes in India between April to November 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical manifestations, risk factors, treatment modalities and maternal outcomes in pregnant women with lab-confirmed COVID-19 and compare it with COVID-19 negative pregnant women in same age group. DESIGN: Multicentric case-control study. DATA SOURCES: Ambispective primary data collection through paper-based forms from 20 tertiary care centres across India between April and November 2020. STUDY POPULATION: All pregnant women reporting to the centres with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive result matched with controls. DATA QUALITY: Dedicated research officers extracted hospital records, using modified WHO Case Record Forms (CRF) and verified for completeness and accuracy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data converted to excel files and statistical analyses done using STATA 16 (StataCorp, TX, USA). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 76,264 women delivered across 20 centres during the study period. Data of 3723 COVID positive pregnant women and 3744 age-matched controls was analyzed. Of the positive cases 56·9% were asymptomatic. Antenatal complications like preeclampsia and abruptio placentae were seen more among the cases. Induction and caesarean delivery rates were also higher among Covid positive women. Pre-existing maternal co-morbidities increased need for supportive care. There were 34 maternal deaths out of the 3723(0.9%) positive mothers, while covid negative deaths reported from all the centres were 449 of 72,541 (0·6%). CONCLUSION: Covid-19 infection predisposed to adverse maternal outcomes in a large cohort of Covid positive pregnant women as compared to the negative controls.

Perinatal outcome in monochorionic twin pregnancies after selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the perinatal outcomes in women with complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies undergoing selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS: This retrospective study included 44 patients with monochorionic twin pregnancies, between 14 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, who underwent RFA for selective fetal reduction. Perinatal and maternal outcomes and procedure-related complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The procedure was technically successful in all 44 cases. Indications for selective fetal reduction included twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (52.3%), twin reversed arterial perfusion (20.5%), twins discordant for anomaly (15.9%), and selective fetal growth restriction (11.4%). Median gestational age at procedure was 222/7  weeks (range 14-266/7 ). Live birth rate was 77.3% with three neonatal deaths; so overall survival was 70.5%. Median procedure-to-delivery interval was 123/7  weeks (range 24/7 -23). There were eight losses before 24 weeks of pregnancy, which included two co-twin deaths. Median gestational age at delivery was 35 weeks (interquartile range 321/7 -37 weeks). The preterm delivery rate was 66.7% (24/36) and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurred in 22.7% (10/44) of patients. CONCLUSION: Selective fetal reduction using RFA is safe and effective in complicated monochorionic pregnancies. However, the rates of PPROM and preterm delivery remain high.

Establishing communication with relatives of admitted obstetrical patients with COVID-19 infection during COVID-19 pandemic: A quality improvement initiative.

OBJECTIVES: To establish communication with relatives of obstetrical patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to an isolation ward by systematic use of quality improvement tools during the COVID-19 pandemic as there were many challenges in communicating with relatives. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary-care teaching hospital based on four systematic steps of Point of Care Improvement methodology. After identifying the problem, a quality improvement team was constituted, which formed a specific aim. After root-cause analysis with fishbone tool, three Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles with various interventions were planned. RESULTS: The outcome was measured as percentage of relatives of obstetrical patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 who were counseled about vital patient-related information. The baseline percentage of counseling of relatives of COVID-19-positive obstetrical patients admitted to the hospital was 14% per day. After three PDSA cycles, the target of 66.5% was achieved. CONCLUSION: Communication with the relatives of COVID-19-positive obstetrical patients admitted to isolation wards in the hospital could be easily streamlined without any additional resources using the principles of quality improvement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Use of 'Printed Investigation Sheet' as Checklist in Admitted Antenatal Patients: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Background: The study was conducted to establish use of printed investigation sheets as checklists for timely workup and clinical evaluation of antenatal women with medical diseases; admitted in maternity ward, by third day of their hospital admission. This was aimed to standardize care, avoid repeated blood sampling of patients, avoid delay in starting the treatment and help teams perform optimally by systematic use of quality improvement (QI) tools. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care teaching hospital using point-of-care quality improvement methodology systematically. A QI team was made who formulated an aim statement, conducted a root-cause analysis, performed plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. The outcome was measured as complete clinical evaluation of antenatal women with anaemia, hypertension, and/or diabetes by third day of admission in the maternity ward. Results: The baseline data showed that median percentage of patients with complete clinical evaluation was only 29.2%. After a root-cause analysis with fishbone tool, three PDSA cycles were conducted to achieve the target of 80%. After the third PDSA cycle, complete clinical evaluation in anaemia, hypertension, diabetes showed an improving trend with a median of 75%. Conclusion: Adopting simple principles of quality improvement, initiating use of printed investigation sheets as checklist can streamline and expedite clinical evaluation of antenatal patients with medical problems so as to avoid unnecessary delay in initiating the management in busy maternity wards.

Development and validation of comprehensive evaluation tool for weight management at menopausal transition and early menopause stage.

Objective: To develop and validate a comprehensive questionnaire to evaluate risk factors, perceptions, and practices for weight management in women at menopausal transition and early menopause stage. Methodology: A mixed-method study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the questionnaire was developed by literature review and focused group discussions with the target population and experts. In the second phase, content and face validity were established by expert evaluation and cognitive interviews with the target population. The developed questionnaire was crosssectionally administered in 215 women and responses were used to determine the construct validity by factor analysis and reliability by evaluating internal consistency. Results: The finalized questionnaire consisted of two sections; section A included sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, and menopausal status with symptom severity, while section B contained 32-items focusing on readiness to initiate weight loss, perceptions and practices related to lifestyle behaviors, built environment, and social support. The Cronbach's α value of the questionnaire is 0.79 with good internal consistency. Conclusion: The developed questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to assess weight-related risk factors, perceptions, and practices in middle-aged women, which can potentially be used by doctors and other healthcare practitioners to customize weight management advice in women at menopausal transition and early menopause.

Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) and WHO (1999) diagnostic criteria for GDM: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The diagnosis of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is challenging and controversial due to the heterogeneity or lack of consensus regarding the screening and diagnostic criteria for GDM. METHODS: A meta-analysis of studies comparing Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) and WHO 1999 for diagnosing GDM was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 6 comparative studies were included. Pooled analysis showed sensitivity and specificity as 0.79 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.92) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94 to 0.98) respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the meta-analysis, DIPSI showed higher specificity when compared to WHO 1999, hence may be used to rule in disease in probable GDM cases. However, the results should be interpreted more cautiously and carefully since only a few studies were included.