A clinical study of ectopic pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of ectopic pregnancy is increasing throughout the globe and it is the most life threatening emergency in first trimester of pregnancy. Objective of this study was to determine the frequency, risk factors, clinical presentation and management of ectopic pregnancy. METHODS: This prospective descriptive study was conducted in Gynaecology and Obstetrical Unit-II of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Hospital Hyderabad from 1st May 2009 to 30th April 2012. All women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy were included in the study. A predesigned pro forma was used to record the details about demographic features, pre-existing risk factors, clinical features at presentation and management of ectopic pregnancy. Data was analysed using SPSS-11. RESULTS: Total numbers of admission during study period were 9600 with 60 cases of ectopic pregnancy, thus representing the frequency of 0.6% (1 in 160). Majority of women 43 (72%) were of 20-30 year age, multigravida 31 (52%) were the most sufferers. Pelvic inflammatory disease 27 (45%), previous abortion 20 (33%), previous surgery 12 (20%) were seen as common risk factors; however no risk factor was identified in 21 (35%) women. Typical history of amenorrhea and abdominal pain was found in 46 (77%) women, 23 (38%) were in a state of shock. Laparotomy was performed in 53 (88%) women. Three (5%) women were treated successfully with methotrexate. Laparoscopic surgery was done in 2 patients and 2 patients were required both Laparoscopy proceeded by laparotomy. No maternal death related to ectopic pregnancy was reported in our study. CONCLUSION: The early diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is one of the greatest challenges for obstetricians. The importance of early diagnosis lies in the fact that the lady can be offered a conservative line of management which can definitely have beneficial on her reproductive carrier.

Morbidity and mortality associated with obstetric hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric hysterectomy still complicates a substantial number of pregnancies in third world countries and is a significant cause of obstetric morbidity and mortality. This study was carried out to evaluate in our setup the frequency of obstetric hysterectomy, its indication, risk factors, complication, morbidity, mortality and avoidable factors. METHODS: A descriptive study of all patients who under went obstetric hysterectomy was conducted from 1st May, 2004 to 31st October, 2005 at Gynaecology and Obstetric Unit-II, III of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Science Hospital, Hyderabad. After collecting the data on pre-designed proforma the data was fed to SPSS in the form of frequency distribution tables and percentages were calculated. Statistical analysis of data was performed by using Chi-square test. The level of significance was taken as p<0.05. RESULTS: During the study time period there were total 6495 deliveries and 41 cases of obstetric hysterectomy were identified, giving a frequency of 0.63% or 1 in 158 deliveries. Most of patients were from rural areas (82.92%), un-booked 73.17%), uneducated (95%), lower socioeconomical class (92.69%), 25-29 years age (48.78%) multiparae (56.10%), have to travel a distance of <100 km to reach hospital and referred late (51%) by healthcare providers (doctors). Majority of hysterectomies were performed due to ruptured uteri (51.21%). There were 5 maternal and 26 perinatal deaths; all were due to severity of conditions necessitating hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Incidence of obstetric hysterectomy in our woman is very high. The reason being many avoidable factors such as high parity, inadequate maternity and family planning services, lack of proper referral system, un-booked status, mismanaged labour, illiteracy on the part of woman herself, family and health care providers are not taken care of during pregnancy, labour and puerperium.

Acid aspiration prophylaxis during anaesthesia for caesarean section: a survey among anaesthetists at Hyderabad.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents leading to acid aspiration syndrome (AAS) is a well recognized risk factor during general anaesthesia (GA) for Caesarean section (CS). The cross sectional observational study was conducted during July 2008 to October 2008 at Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan. The objective was to assess anaesthetic practice patterns and measures to prevent aspiration of acid gastric contents in full-term pregnant women undergoing anaesthesia for Caesarean section. METHODS: A structured questionnaire regarding practice of anaesthesia for Caesarean section was distributed among anaesthetists working and practicing at Hyderabad. Results from the completed questionnaires were transferred to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the responses represented as percentages. RESULTS: General anaesthesia was preferred by 75.4% anaesthetists for caesarean section, 83.6% anaesthetists used rapid sequence induction with cricoid pressure during general anaesthesia, 29.5% respondents restricted clear fluids for 2-3 hours. Antacids were used by 90% of the anaesthetists, while about 50% anaesthetists performed extubation when patients were fully awake. CONCLUSION: Recommended practice patterns and measures to prevent aspiration of acid gastric contents during anaesthesia for caesarean section are not observed by most of the anaesthetists working at Hyderabad.