Laparoscopic Excision of Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy: An Optimum Management Option.

Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy is a leading cause of life-threatening complications in the first trimester. It poses a diagnostic and management challenge; if not diagnosed and adequately treated in early pregnancy, it may lead to considerable maternal morbidity and mortality. We report a case series of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies managed successfully by laparoscopy. Laparoscopic excision is the gold standard management approach for cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy.

Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life Among Infertile Women: A Case-Control Study.

Introduction Pregnancy holds significant cultural and social value for women. However, women facing challenges in conceiving often grapple with emotional distress, including depression and anxiety. The connection between psychological elements (stress, anxiety, and depression) and infertility is complex, influenced by multiple factors, and bidirectional. Infertile women are more likely to develop mental illnesses, marital dissatisfaction, and impaired quality of life compared to the individuals of the fertile group. Thus, the study aimed to assess levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life among infertile women compared to fertile women. Methods This case-control study conducted at a tertiary care center recruited 100 nulliparous women between the age group of 20 and 38 years with primary or secondary infertility, while those with male factor infertility were excluded. The control group (N=100) comprised normal parous women who had at least one child. The primary objective of the study was to assess the impact of infertility on the mental health and quality of life of women seeking infertility treatment. Outcome measures included standardized tools such as the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess the quality of life across multiple domains (e.g., physical, psychological, social, and environmental) as well as the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to measure levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure the tool's reliability. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Baseline sociodemographic parameters were comparable between the two groups. The mean age of infertile women was 30.6±3.9 years compared to 31.5±3.2 years in fertile women (P=0.076). Using the WHOQOL-BREF scale, we found that the quality of life was better in the fertile group compared to the infertile group through all the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains (P<0.001). The infertile group had a significantly higher number of women with anxiety, depression, and stress. The questionnaires showed high internal reliability. Conclusion Infertile women experienced a lower quality of life in various domains, higher levels of anxiety, and increased rates of depression compared to fertile counterparts. The study findings underscore the multidimensional impact of infertility, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healthcare approaches to address the psychosocial challenges faced by women undergoing infertility treatment.

Cervical cancer awareness, knowledge, behavioural patterns, and practice of screening and vaccination in females of hilly regions of North India - A hospital-based observational study.

Aim: The mainstay of cervical cancer elimination and control is an effective screening and education program. The present study was conducted to assess awareness about cervical cancer, knowledge of cervical cancer symptoms, risk factors, screening and vaccination, attitude towards various aspects of cervical cancer, and screening and vaccination practices amongst women of Uttarakhand. Method: The present study was a prospective observational study. A total of 215 patients were recruited from Gynecology OPD, AIIMS, Rishikesh, from January to December 2021, and 195 women meeting the eligibility criterion were finally analyzed based on the KAP questionnaire interview method. Results: The study population had 40% illiterate participants. Of all participants, 87% were aware of cervical cancer as a disease entity, only 0.5% had good knowledge, and 99.5% had poor knowledge of symptoms, risk factors, screening, and vaccination for cervical cancer. 87% showed a favourable attitude. Only 1 out of 195 participants was ever screened previously, and none of them were vaccinated. Conclusion: The main hindrance in the context of hilly or challenging-to-serve areas is mainly the education and information services. The resource allocation to difficult health-inaccessible areas is required to bring a major change in practices for prevention of cervical cancer; this can be dramatically improved by population-based screening and vaccination programs at affordable prices.

Female sexuality across the menopausal age group: A cross sectional study.

Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is an important health issue and its relationship with menopausal symptoms needs special attention. Objective: To identify the frequency of FSD in middle aged women and assess its relationship with obesity and menopausal symptoms. Methods: This was a cross sectional study performed at a tertiary care centre in North India over a period of one year from June 2022 to May 2023. Sexually active women aged 40-55 years were included in the study sample. Exclusion criteria included those not willing to participate, having pregnancy, malignancy, mental illness or history of pelvic surgery. Baseline demographic and anthropometric details were noted. Sexual function and menopausal symptoms were assessed using Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and Female Sexual Function Index Scale (FSFI) questionnaire respectively. Results: Among one hundred and forty three sexually active middle aged women, 43 women had FSD (30.06%). FSD was observed in 9.09%, 22.73% and 45.45% in- 40-45 years, 46-50 years and 51-55 years respectively. No significant difference was seen in desire (p value=0.281), arousal (p value=0.424), lubrication (p value=0.143), orgasm (p value=0.637), satisfaction (p value=0.675), pain (p value=0.833), total score (p value=0.601) between body mass index (kg/m²). A significant strong negative correlation of somatic, urogenital, psychological and total MRS scores with female sexuality domains was observed excepting non-significant mild negative correlation between somatic with pain and psychological with orgasm and pain. Conclusion: Female sexual dysfunction are quite common and has negative correlation with menopausal symptoms. Health care providers need to focus on this issue as part of their routine assessment for better quality of life.

Comparison of vaginoscopic hysteroscopy and traditional hysteroscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient hysteroscopy is a safe, feasible, and optimum procedure for the diagnosis and management of intrauterine pathologies. OBJECTIVE: To determine the best approach of outpatient hysteroscopy (vaginoscopic vs traditional) in terms of pain, duration of procedure, feasibility, safety, and acceptability. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched from January 2000 to October 2021. No filters or restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing vaginoscopic hysteroscopy with traditional hysteroscopy in an outpatient setting. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently performed a comprehensive literature search and collected and extracted data. The summary effect estimate was determined using both fixed effects and random-effects models. RESULTS: Seven studies with 2723 patients (vaginoscopic [n = 1378] and traditional hysteroscopy [n = 1345]) were included. Vaginoscopic hysteroscopy was associated with a significant reduction in intraprocedural pain (standardized mean difference, -0.05 [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.33 to -0.23], I2 = 0%), procedural time (standardized mean difference, -0.45 [95% CI, -0.76 to -0.14], I2 = 82%), and fewer side effects (relative risk, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.15-0.91], I2 = 0%). The procedure failure rate was similar in both approaches (relative risk, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.71-1.32], I2 = 43%). Complications were mostly documented with traditional hysteroscopy. CONCLUSION: Vaginoscopic hysteroscopy reduces the pain and duration compared with traditional hysteroscopy.

Development and content validation of yoga module for the mental health of NICU mothers.

BACKGROUND: Postnatal yoga has been found to be effective for maternal mental health management. But a validated yoga module for the mental health of early postpartum mothers with infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is lacking. AIM: To design and validate a yoga module for the mental health of early postpartum mothers having infants admitted to the NICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First phase: A yoga module was designed through a review of published research articles and yogic texts for NICU mothers. Second phase: thirty-eight yoga experts validated the yoga module. Lawshe's formula was used to calculate each item's content validity ratio (CVR). The intra-class correlation coefficient was determined for the validated yoga module. Third phase: The validated yoga module was pilot-tested with a sample size of 20 NICU mothers. RESULTS: Thirty-eight yoga experts validated the yoga module for NICU mothers. Thirteen practices included in the module indicated good content validity (cutoff value: 0.316). The module's content validity index (CVI) and intra-class correlation coefficient were 0.672 and 0.924, respectively. Ten days of practicing the yoga module resulted in a significant reduction in maternal stress levels in the yoga group (p < 0.001) compared to the control group (p = 0.427). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests good content validity of the yoga module for the mental health of NICU mothers. However, future randomized controlled trials must be carried out to determine both the feasibility and clinical efficacy of the Yoga Module for NICU mothers.

Comparison of laparoscopic pectopexy with the standard laparoscopic sacropexy for apical prolapse: an exploratory randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare laparoscopic pectopexy with the standard laparoscopic sacropexy in women with symptomatic apical prolapse. Material and Methods: An interim analysis of an exploratory randomized controlled trial with the primary objective of comparing mesh fixation time and secondary objectives were to compare total operating time, blood loss, and intra-operative and post-operative complications. Additionally, patients completed the Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QOL) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) questionnaires before surgery and during six months follow-up visit to evaluate the overall improvement in quality of life and sexual function. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score was calculated on the 7-10th day post-operatively and then at six months to assess the level of improvement. Results: The study included 30 patients; 15 underwent laparoscopic sacropexy, and 15 underwent laparoscopic pectopexy. Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. The mean duration of mesh fixation was significantly less with laparoscopic pectopexy (45.00±11.34 minutes) than laparoscopic sacropexy (54.67±9.35 minutes) (p=0.019). The total operating time and blood loss tended to be less in the pectopexy group, but not significantly so. Only one patient in the pectopexy group had a bladder injury. No patient in either group had any post-operative complications. One case in each group had a relapse of apical prolapse. All the domains of PISQ-12, P-QOL, and PGI-I scores improved significantly after both procedures. Conclusion: Laparoscopic pectopexy is a safe, feasible, and comfortable alternative procedure to the standard sacropexy for apical prolapse. We noted significantly less mesh fixation time and less operating time, while blood loss tended to be less with laparoscopic pectopexy than with laparoscopic sacropexy. Post-operative parameters were comparable between techniques. Both corrective techniques for prolapse improved the PGI-I, P-QOL, and PISQ-12 scores.

Comparison of extra-peritoneal cesarean section with conventional trans-peritoneal cesarean section: An open label randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To ascertain whether extra-peritoneal approach is superior to conventional trans-peritoneal approach of cesarean section in terms of fetus delivery time, intra-operative and postoperative outcomes, including return of bowel activity and pain. Study design: An open-label randomized controlled trial conducted over one year and six months at a tertiary care center in India. As per sample size calculation, 68 women enrolled in the study; 34 underwent extra-peritoneal, and another 34 underwent trans-peritoneal cesarean section after randomization. Statistical analysis was done with independent sample 't' test, chi-squared test, and fisher's exact test. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Fetus delivery time was significantly higher in extra-peritoneal than trans-peritoneal cesarean section (14.26 ± 1.26 vs. 9.38 ± 1.83 min; p = <0.001). Total operation time was also higher in extra-peritoneal than trans-peritoneal approach (63.24 ± 12.74 vs. 57.41 ± 8.62 min; p = 0.027). Whereas average blood loss was comparable in both groups (733.82 ± 219.06 vs. 694.12 ± 351.57 ml; p = 0.063). Postoperatively, return of bowel activity was significantly earlier in extra-peritoneal than trans-peritoneal approach (4.59 ± 0.56 vs. 8.65 ± 1.23 h; p = <0.001). Mean time taken for passage of flatus was also significantly less in extra-peritoneal cesarean section (8.56 ± 0.99 vs. 12.76 ± 2.05 h; p = <0.001). Pain score at 6, 12, and 18 h was significantly lower in extra-peritoneal approach. No patient in extra-peritoneal approach had nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. Whereas 11.8 % of patients had nausea, 5.9 % had constipation, and 14.7 % had abdominal distension in trans-peritoneal cesarean section. Requirement of injectable antibiotics and analgesics, and hospital stay was less with extra-peritoneal approach. Conclusion: Extra-peritoneal cesarean section is associated with better postoperative outcomes with respect to return of bowel functions, pain, and requirement of injectable analgesics and antibiotics than the routine trans-peritoneal cesarean section. However, the significantly higher fetus delivery time questions its feasibility in patients with acute fetal distress. Additionally, it is technically difficult and has a longer learning curve.

Comparison of Human Epididymis Protein 4, Cancer Antigen 125, and Ultrasound Prediction Model in Differentiating Benign from Malignant Adnexal Masses.

Background: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of carcinogenic antigen (CA) 125, (HE)-4 (Human epididymis protein 4), and ultrasound (International Ovarian Tumor Analysis [IOTA]) Simple Rules individually and to derive a composite score in the differentiating ovarian cancer from benign ovarian mass. Subjects and Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 100) with pelvic mass admitted during February 2018-August 2019 were included prospectively. Patients with either known case of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) or metastatic EOC were excluded. The primary outcome was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of CA-125, HE-4, and IOTA Simple Rules in predicting benign from malignant mass independently, while secondary outcome was derivation of a new model incorporating these variables using multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict benign from malignant lesions. Receiver operator curve (ROC) was drawn to redefine the best-performing cutoff values and difference between area under the ROC (AUROC) were compared by DeLong's method. Results: Out of 100 cases of adnexal mass selected, the sensitivity and specificity of CA-125 were 73.8% and 77.6%, HE-4 were 90.5% and 87.9%, and IOTA Simple Rules were 92.9% and 81.0%. CA-125, HE-4, and IOTA Simple Rules were independently associated with the likelihood of malignancy/borderline (P < 0.001). The area under the curve for the "composite score" (AUC = 0.93) was the highest and was significantly better than that of CA-125 (AUC = 0.786) (P = 0.004 using DeLong's test) and comparable with HE-4 (AUROC = 0.90; P = 0.128 using DeLong's Test). Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of HE-4 and IOTA Simple Rules for predicting malignant ovarian tumor was better than those of CA-125. The diagnostic performance of "composite score" was comparable to those of either HE-4 or IOTA Simple Rules and significantly better than CA-125.

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Association with Menopausal Symptoms among Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: With increase in postmenopausal population, screening for MetS and its relationship with menopausal symptoms needs evaluation. Objective: To identify the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and assess its relationship with menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. Methods: This was a cross sectional study performed at a tertiary care centre in Uttarakhand India over a period of 18 months. All postmenopausal women >40 years with natural menopause included in the study sample. We used the Consensus Definition IDF and AHA/NHLBI (2009) criteria to classify subjects as having metabolic syndrome. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire. Results: The frequency of metabolic syndrome in our study was 34.38% (55 out of 160 patients). We observed sleeping problems (36.88%) followed by physical & mental exhaustion (33.75%) and hot flushes (33.13%) to be the commonest menopausal symptoms. Significant association was seen for MRS along with its subscales in women with metabolic syndrome (P value <.05). Significant positive correlation was observed between total Menopause rating scale scores as well as all three subscales for triglycerides in patients with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Hyper triglyceridemia was associated with severe menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women with MetS in our study.

Implementing the Practice of Birth Companion in Labor During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quality Improvement Endeavor in India.

Objective We aim to implement the practice of birth companions (BC) (from 0% to 90%) during labor to provide respectful maternity care (RMC) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods This was a prospective quality improvement (QI) study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India. The methodology given by the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Point of Care Continuous Quality Improvement (POCQI) manual was followed, and standard tools of quality improvement were used to attain the objective. Results The QI team conducted a cause and effect analysis to understand the reasons why birth companions were not allowed during childbirth. The Pareto principle derived at three most important causes of the problem: absence of a defined policy, ignorance of guidelines promoting BC even during the pandemic, and relatives could enter wards only after a negative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) report, which could take up to 48 hours. Multiple change ideas were tested by means of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles that were successful in bringing about desired change and improvement in the delivery of quality healthcare. Conclusion QI methodology was effective in promoting and achieving more than 90% birth companionship in labor and thus helpful in providing respectful maternity care even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maternal-Fetal Characteristics of Pregnant Women With Severe COVID Disease and Maternal-Neonatal Characteristics of Neonates With Early-Onset SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Prospective Data Analysis.

Introduction COVID-19 and its mutants have significantly impacted the health care system, claiming numerous lives and adding to the morbidity. The data are scarce to describe the effect of disease severity on pregnancy outcomes, the possibility of mother-to-child transmission, and neonatal outcomes of COVID-positive babies. This study aimed to report the maternal and fetal characteristics of pregnant women with severe COVID disease as well as maternal and neonatal characteristics of neonates with early-onset SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and methods This is a prospective data analysis of pregnant women with severe COVID disease and neonates with early-onset SARS-CoV-2 infection. The disease parameters including demographic data, clinical presentation, investigations, management, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results India has faced three waves till now. At the study center, a total of 165 (60, 68, and 37 in the first, second, and third waves, respectively) COVID-positive pregnant women were admitted during all three waves. No severe COVID disease with pregnancy was noted in the first and third waves. During the second wave (March to June 2021), 15 pregnant women were found to have severe COVID disease. All of them had COVID-related symptoms, with the majority requiring supplementary oxygen at presentation. Nine of these women had intrauterine fetal demise at admission. Nearly 73% were in their second trimester, and the rest were in the third trimester. There was raised total leukocyte count and alanine transaminase in 73% and raised aspartate transaminase in all cases. All of them were admitted to the intensive care unit. Two women in their third trimester had a termination of pregnancy by cesarean section, and one of the neonates had early neonatal death due to perinatal asphyxia. Both the neonates were COVID-19 positive. Eleven women with critical illness succumbed to the disease. No neonate was found to have early-onset SAR-CoV-2 infection during the first and third waves. Only 11 neonates tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at the time of birth during the second wave. None of them had any COVID-related symptoms. Preterm birth was reported in four cases. The average Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were 6.9 and 8.09, respectively. The average birth weight was 2,551.81 grams. All neonates were initially kept in the neonatal intensive care unit. Out of 11, four neonates required treatment in the form of positive-pressure ventilation, chest compressions, high-flow nasal oxygen, and non-invasive and invasive ventilation. Neonatal mortality was documented in two cases. Six mothers had one or more positive results in either amniotic fluid, placental membrane, or vaginal or cervical swab, highlighting the possibility of antepartum or intrapartum transmission. Conclusion Severe COVID disease during pregnancy was associated with high rates of intrauterine fetal demise and maternal mortality. Raised liver enzymes might be taken as a predicting factor for severe disease. On the other hand, early-onset neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection is mostly asymptomatic and has a good prognosis. Additionally, mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is possible in the antepartum and intrapartum periods.

Bilateral mucinous ovarian carcinoma in a young female with tumor weighing 41.1 kg.

Mucinous ovarian carcinoma is a less-prevalent subtype of epithelial tumors. We present a case of giant mucinous ovarian carcinoma weighing 41.1 kg in a 24-year-old Indian girl. Benign mucinous tumors have the potential to reach an enormous size but such a huge malignant mucinous tumor is very rare in literature and its occurrence in a young female is even rarer.

Acute non-puerperal uterine inversion ascribed to malignant mixed Mullerian tumor of uterus: a rare presentation.

Non-puerperal uterine inversion is an extremely uncommon condition, and its occurrence due to malignant mixed Mullerian tumor (MMMT) of the uterus is quite exceptional. We report one such case of acute non-puerperal uterine inversion ascribed to MMMT in a 77-year-old postmenopausal woman. Such a case poses a diagnostic and management dilemma, and prior knowledge may result in a successful outcome.

Partial mole with coexistent live fetus: A systematic review of case reports

Objective: Molar pregnancy coexistent with a live fetus can be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. With increasing incidence of multiple pregnancies, there has also been an increase in twin pregnancy with one mole in the recent years. The authors discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and prenatal diagnosis and attempt to design a possible management strategy, to help guide the treating physician, in the management of partial mole with live pregnancy, thereby improving maternal and fetal prognosis. Material and Methods: Numerous case reports have been published in various journals regarding management of individual cases of partial molar pregnancy coexistent with live fetus (PMCF). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of all the case reports and short case series in English concerning partial mole with live pregnancy from 1999 to 2019, that is in the last 20 years. Results: In total, 44 case reports of PMCF were analyzed. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 20+6 (range: 10-40) weeks. Less than half (19/44; 43.2%) were asymptomatic at the time of detection and PMCF was detected on routine scan done for fetal well-being or 11-13-week scan. The majority (56.8%) resulted in the birth of a healthy live fetus. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia developed in 3/44 (6.8%). Conclusion: PMCF involves a high risk of bleeding, preterm labour, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. Successful management of such cases needs prenatal diagnosis, antepartum surveillance and post-natal follow-up. An obstetrician, maternal fetal medicine specialist, gynecology oncologist and neonatal intensivist should be involved in the care of such pregnancies.