Mental health issues in antenatal women with prior adverse pregnancy outcomes: Unmasking the mental anguish of rainbow pregnancy.

Background & objectives: Mental health issues in pregnancy have adverse implications on the quality of life, however still they go unevaluated and underreported. Women with previous history of abortions or stillbirth may have a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems. The present investigation was aimed to study the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and domestic violence in antenatal women with prior pregnancy losses and the need for interventions to treat the same. Methods: One hundred pregnant women with a history of prior pregnancy losses (group 1) and 100 women without obstetrical losses (group 2) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary care hospital in India. Women were screened for depression, anxiety, stress and domestic violence using various questionnaires: EPDS (Edinburgh postnatal depression scale), PRAQ-2 (pregnancy-related anxiety questionnaire-revised 2), GAD 7 (generalized anxiety disorder-7) and PSS (perceived stress scale). Results: The prevalence of depression (EPDS scale) and pregnancy specific anxiety (PRAQ-2 scale) was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (27 vs. 10%, P=0.008; and 15 vs. 6%, P=0.03). The prevalence of general anxiety (GAD 7 scale) and stress (PSS), however, was high and comparable in both the groups (33 vs. 29%, P=0.44; and 33 vs. 27%; P=0.35 respectively). Recurrent abortions was found to be an independent risk factor for depression [adjusted odds ratio=26.45; OR=28]. In group 1, 31 per cent required counselling in the psychiatry department and nine per cent required medication. Interpretation & conclusion: Mental health issues, especially depression, are prevalent in antenatal women with previous losses. Unrecognised and untreated, there is a need for counselling and developing screening protocols at India's societal and institutional levels.

Facility-based stillbirth surveillance review and response: an initiative towards reducing stillbirths in a tertiary care hospital of India.

OBJECTIVES: India has the highest number of stillbirths in the world in 2019, with an estimated stillbirth rate of 13.9 per 1,000 births. Towards better identification and documentation, a stillbirth surveillance pilot was initiated with the World Health Organization Southeast Asia collaboration in Northern India in 2014. This study aimed to assess whether stillbirth surveillance is feasible and whether this approach provides sufficient information to develop strategies for prevention. METHODS: This study followed the framework provided in "WHO Making Every Baby Count" in which mortality audit is conducted in six steps; (1) identifying cases; (2) collecting information; (3) analysis; (4) recommending solutions; (5) implementing solutions; and (6) evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 5,284 births were examined between December 2018 and November 2019; 266 stillbirths were identified, giving a stillbirth rate of 50.6 per 1,000 births in a tertiary care referral hospital of northern India. Out of 266 stillbirths, 223 cases were reviewed and recommendations were formulated to strengthen obstetric triage, implementing fetal growth charts, strengthen the existing referral system and improve the communication skills of health care providers for better compliance with clinical practice guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting stillbirth surveillance review and the response of cases in low-middle income countries setting is feasible. As countries progress towards ending preventable mortality, this has the potential to serve as a key process in improving evidence-based and context-specific planning and preventive strategies towards improving the quality of care.

The unheard parental cry of a stillbirth: fathers and mothers.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to compare the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and domestic violence among parents after a stillbirth vs. livebirths and assessing of the need for psychological and pharmacological interventions for the affected individuals. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary care public sector hospital Northern India. 150 consecutive couples with a recent stillbirth (group 1) and 150 couples with a recent live birth (group 2) were enrolled. They were screened for depression (EPDS scale), anxiety (GAD-7), stress (PSS). Apriori sample size was calculated. Screen positive mothers and fathers were compared for the presence of depression, anxiety and stress, domestic violence, and need for treatment interventions. RESULTS: Depression was higher in group 1 mothers (39.3 vs 14.0%, p < 0.001) as well as fathers (18.1 vs 6.7%, p value = 0.022). Anxiety and moderate to severe stress were also significantly higher in stillborn than liveborn groups respectively. Characteristics associated with higher risk are analyzed. Domestic violence was found in 6.7% in group 1 and 2.7% in group 2 mothers (p value 0.169). Pharmacotherapy and counselling were required by 11.3 and 18.0% in stillbirth versus 3.3 and 18.7% in livebirth group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Couples suffering stillbirths are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. We highlight this obstetrical public health issue, especially for the low middle income countries (LMIC) and advocate development of health policies for mental health screening of couples suffering stillbirths.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in polycystic ovarian syndrome in Indian women.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a frequent occurrence in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). We studied the frequencies and characteristics of NAFLD in PCOS women. We compared various methods of detection of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. One hundred and forty women with PCOS and seventy controls, matched for age, were evaluated for the presence of NAFLD. Anthropometric variables, serum levels of aminotransferases, glucose, lipids and transient elastography were done. Thirty-six percent of the NAFLD patients had abnormal aminotransferases. In women presenting to an infertility clinic, NAFLD was higher in both obese and non-obese PCOS women, being present in 117 (83.6%) of PCOS cases and 32 (45.7%) of non-PCOS controls (p< .001). Fibroscan is helpful in evaluating for liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been associated with many long-term health complications including endometrial cancer, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. The association of PCOS with NAFLD has been suggested. NAFLD is recognised as a leading cause of liver dysfunction which can progress to long-term sequel of cirrhosis.What do the results of this study add? In this study, asymptomatic women seeking treatment of infertility were screened for presence of NAFLD. The study shows a high prevalence of NAFLD in young Indian women. The prevalence was significantly higher in women with PCOS than non-PCOS women.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The findings of the study suggest that all infertile women, especially those with PCOS, should be screened for NAFLD. This will help in early identification and management of this condition and to avoid long-term consequences of liver dysfunction and cirrhosis. PCOS is an independent risk factor for the development of NAFLD in obese women. Liver ultrasound, serum levels of transaminases clinch the diagnosis. Short of liver biopsy, non-invasive tests like Fibroscan and NAFLD fibrosis score are useful to assess the stage of fibrosis.

Classifying stillbirths in a tertiary care hospital of India: International Classification of Disease-perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) versus cause of death-associated condition (CODAC) system.

A number of classification system are available to classify stillbirths, but there remains a lack of a uniform global system of classification. This study evaluated the feasibility of the ICD-PM classification system and COD-AC to classify the stillbirths and to discuss the interpretation of "the newer" classification system (ICD-PM) over the COD-AC system. Over a period of one year, out of 5776 total births 314 were stillborns with a stillbirth rate of 54 per 1000 total births. As per ICD PM Classification System, 69.1% of stillbirths were ante partum and rest intrapartum. The associated maternal conditions at the time of foetal death were also classified into five groups and maximum mothers (44.3%) were grouped under M4-medical/surgical disorders. According to COD-AC system of classification 90% of cases were assigned the cause of death, rest 10% remained unexplained. The ICD-PM and CODAC classification both seem to be feasible but ICD-PM clearly defines the time of foetal death and correlates feto-maternal dyad together.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Classifying stillbirths is crucial to recognise the actual cause of foetal death and to gather the relevant information for planning the preventive strategies especially in low middle-income countries (LMICs) which contribute to 98% of total global burden of 2.6 million stillbirths annually. In literature CODAC system was found most suitable for low middle-income countries. In 2016, WHO proposed a newer system, i.e., ICD-PM: WHO application of ICD-10 to deaths during the perinatal period.What do the results of this study add? With ICD-PM classification stillbirths were categorised more clearly in different groups and feto-maternal condition were linked together along with both intrapartum and ante partum stillbirth which can help to set the priorities and future planning for prevention. The proportion of unexplained stillbirth has also reduced significantly compared to CODAC system.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? CD-PM system of classification seems feasible and would facilitate the uniform and consistent stillbirth data even from LMICs for global comparison although more number of studies are needed for conclusion. The system has been changed to ICD-PM in our institute.

Pyomyoma after caesarean section: a rare entity.

Pyomyoma, a rare complication of a myoma undergoing infarction and subsequent infection, may be a diagnostic challenge in patients with unexplained puerperal fever. A woman in her 30s presented with fever and foul-smelling discharge per vaginum, 6 months after her first caesarean section (CS). She underwent an elective CS for symptomatic placenta praevia at 34 weeks of gestation. Intra-operatively, post-partum haemorrhage was managed with uterotonics and blood transfusions. However, 2 weeks later, she developed a high-grade fever that was non-responsive to parenteral antibiotics. She continued to have intermittent episodes of high-grade fever, which were treated on an outpatient basis. Six months later, she developed purulent vaginal discharge, which grew Escherichia coli on bacterial culture. She received intravenous antibiotics and blood. Radiology confirmed the presence of a large fibroid with a focal capsular breach and peripherally enhanced collection extending to the endometrial cavity. The patient subsequently underwent a myomectomy. Intra-operatively, a large fundal myoma with endometrial breach and purulent discharge in the fibroid and endometrial cavity was noted. She sustained the procedure well and recovered uneventfully.

Rudimentary horn pregnancy: a 10-year experience and review of literature.

UNLABELLED: Rudimentary horn pregnancy is rare, but can cause considerable morbidity and mortality. We discuss five cases presented to our hospital in the last 10 years and systematically review the 10-year literature of rudimentary horn pregnancies diagnosed antenatally pre-rupture. OBJECTIVES OF THE REVIEW: The aim of the review was to find radiologic investigations/criteria to diagnose rudimentary horn pregnancy antenatally pre-rupture. SEARCH METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out in Pubmed search for rudimentary horn pregnancies. The radiologic findings of the cases diagnosed before rupture were analyzed. RESULTS: Ultrasound is the most commonly used technique, though MRI seems to delineate details better. Non-continuity of the lumen of the cervix with the pregnant uterine horn is an important imaging finding. High clinical suspicion and radiologic skill for diagnosis are emphasized. CONCLUSIONS: The review presents the existing imaging criteria to diagnose rudimentary horn pregnancy and suggests future research to enhance the limited evidence.

A rare case of infection and spontaneous rupture in ovarian mucinous cystadenoma.

Ovarian cysts exhibit variable clinical presentations depending on their size, type and resulting sequelae. Rupture of ovarian cysts is infrequent, and cyst infections are even rarer. Here, we report an unusual case involving a young, non-pregnant woman who presented acutely with features of peritonitis and sepsis and was found to have a complex adnexal mass. Following a rigorous diagnostic evaluation, which included an urgent exploratory laparotomy and salpingo-oophorectomy, common diagnoses including tubo-ovarian abscess, endometriotic cyst and pelvic tuberculosis were ruled out. Instead, she was diagnosed with an ovarian mucinous cystadenoma that had become infected, possibly due to pelvic inflammatory disease, leading to spontaneous rupture. Such a presentation has rarely been reported, especially in a non-pregnant setting. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of considering this rare complication as a potential differential diagnosis in similar clinical presentations and discuss the management implications, including the importance of adequately treating pelvic inflammatory disease.

A tertiary care study to assess the effectiveness of 'Supplement adherence kit' on intake of nutritional supplements among pregnant women.

Background: An antenatal mother undergoes significant changes throughout pregnancy and most of which occur during the second trimester. Supplements are important for normal growth and development of fetus, Deficiency of supplements during pregnancy leads to anemia and can have a negative impact on perinatal and maternal outcomes. These complications can be prevented by supplementing needed vitamins and minerals. Method: A Quasi-experimental study was conducted on 137 subjects visiting gynecology OPD enrolled by total enumerative sampling technique. Hemoglobin level and the adherence of supplements were assessed during the second trimester of antenatal mothers in both the groups. Results: Adherence of supplements has increased significantly (p value = 0.005, 0.004, and 0.040 for iron, folic acid, and calcium, respectively) among subjects in the experimental group. Results of SMAQ shows that there is increase in adherent mothers from 33.3% to 71.2% experimental group. Conclusion: Supplement adherence kit was effective in increasing supplement adherence level along with an improvement in hemoglobin levels among antenatal mothers in the Experimental group.

Chronic Abruptio Placentae With Multiple Alloantibodies: An Obstetrician's Challenge.

The current case highlights the management of abruptio placentae in pregnant women with an O Rhesus (Rh)-negative blood group with multiple alloantibodies. We describe a unique case of chronic placental separation in a young primigravida presenting with intrauterine hematoma and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), who had an O Rhesus-negative blood group with alloimmunization against D, C, and S antigens. The implications in management were the dilemma in diagnosis, the ABO blood grouping discrepancy, multiple alloantibodies including Rh alloimmunization, chronic placental abruption with postpartum hemorrhage, and scope for further pregnancies. Chronic placental separation or abruption can occur silently in some cases. On presentation, they may be mistaken with or for other lesions. In Rh-negative pregnancies, chronic abruption can lead to alloimmunization against Rh and other clinically significant antigens as well. Women with suspicion for chronic abruption must undergo detailed blood group testing as well as immunohematological workup at a nearby transfusion medicine department with a facility for complex immunohematological resolutions.

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes Following Percutaneous Transluminal Mitral Commissurotomy in Pregnant Women with Critical Mitral Stenosis: An Experience of a Tertiary Care Center from Northern India.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic mitral stenosis is the common valvular heart disease seen during pregnancy. Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy is an effective, safe, and recommended treatment for critical mitral stenosis during pregnancy. We hereby report the maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women subjected to percutaneous trans- venous mitral commissurotomy at our institute. METHODS: Seventy consecutive pregnant women with critical mitral stenosis, who under- went PTMC during the last 10 years, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had a detailed clinical and obstetric evaluation and were optimally managed with drugs, before the intervention. A comprehensive pre- and post-percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation was performed. Detailed obstetric and fetal outcomes were noted at the time of delivery. Six weeks of post-partum follow-up was noted in all patients. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at the time of percutaneous transvenous mitral com- missurotomy was 29.5 ± 6.68 weeks. Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy was successful in 97% of patients. Post-percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurot- omy New York Heart Association functional class, mitral valve area, trans-mitral pres-sure gradient, and left atrial pressure had a significant improvement (P < .001). The mean gestational age at the time of delivery was 36.92 ± 3.02 weeks. The mean birth weight of live newborn was 2.29 ± 0.55 kg. The fetal complications include growth restriction in 62.85%, preterm delivery in 34.37%, and low birth weight in 67.21%. A delayed percutane- ous transvenous mitral commissurotomy at about 30 weeks of gestation did not affect the maternal and fetal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy is safe and efficacious in managing pregnant women with critical mitral stenosis. There was a significant improve- ment in clinical symptoms and echocardiographic parameters following percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy.

Clinical indicators to define etiology in patients with primary amenorrhea: Lessons from a decade of experience.

CONTEXT: Primary Amenorrhea is worrisome for the adolescent as well as their guardian. It is essential to be able to identify the underlying pathology and initiate appropriate management strategies, well in time. AIMS: To study the clinical features, with an aim to identify discriminatory clinical features to indicate a most probable diagnosis. DESIGN: A prospective, observational study. SETTING: The Gynecologic Endocrinology Clinic of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Endocrinology Outpatient Department of a tertiary centre in North India. METHODOLOGY: In total 328 women with primary amenorrhea, registered during a duration of 10 years (January 2008 to December 2017), were enrolled for the study and a proforma was filled with their medical details. RESULTS: It was observed that patients with normal stature and underdeveloped breasts were likely to be hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, whereas those with short stature and underdeveloped breasts were more likely to be gonadal failure with underlying chromosomal abnormality. The three most common causes of primary amenorrhea in the index population were hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (117/328 = 35.1%), gonadal dysgenesis (99/328 = 30.2%) and mullerian agenesis (53/328 = 16.2%). CONCLUSION: Age, height, and Tanner staging at presentation can provide a clue toward diagnosis, even before confirmatory tests are available. One of the largest studies reported on primary amenorrhea, we found hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to be the commonest cause, in contrast to previous studies.

Managing a Pregnancy With Maternal Amelia.

INTRODUCTION: Amelia, the complete absence of a limb, presents various management issues in pregnancy and delivery. CASE: A woman with amelia of both lower limbs and flipper-like upper limb buds (phocomelia) presented in her first pregnancy at 19 weeks of gestation. Challenging issues encountered in the care of the patient included venous access, reliable blood pressure measurement, recommendations regarding mode of delivery, and preparation for caring for the child. The patient had abnormalities of the pelvis but an adequate midpelvis, so she was able to deliver vaginally without complication. CONCLUSION: Careful planning to allow necessary modification of intrapartum management can allow for normal vaginal birth for a patient with severe limb reduction abnormalities such as amelia and phocomelia.

Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor: A Sinister Differential for Clomiphene-resistant Infertility.

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary. They may present with features of hyperestrogenism. We present a case of a 29-year-old nulliparous female, with infertility and oligomenorrhoea, initially managed with a provisional diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome. She did not respond to multiple cycles of ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate. Later, an ovarian mass was detected, and she was initially planned for laparoscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging pelvis revealed a solid-looking mass in the ovary, with increased vascularity. Fine-needle aspiration cytology from the mass suggested GCT. She underwent staging laparotomy with fertility-preserving surgery. Thereafter, she conceived on first cycle of clomiphene citrate. She delivered twins and is presently 8 months postpartum. Thus, a high index of suspicion for underlying androgen- or estrogen-secreting tumor in cases of clomiphene-resistant infertility with ovarian cysts is advisable.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with tuberculosis: a 10-year experience from an Indian tertiary care hospital.

Our study sought to determine the characteristics of antenatal patients with tuberculosis (TB) and their pregnancy outcomes. Case records of 50 antenatal women with extra-pulmonary and pulmonary TB at a tertiary centre in India were compared to 150 antenatal women not suffering from TB, for adverse medical, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The prevalence of TB was 1.16 per 1000 deliveries. Of these, 62% had extra-pulmonary TB. There were two maternal deaths. TB in pregnancy was associated with a five times higher risk of prematurity and three times higher risk of intrauterine growth restriction than the norm. Maternal prognosis depends on the complications of tuberculosis and treatment compliance.