Experience with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist prior to myomectomy--comparison of twice- vs thrice-monthly doses and a control group.

The aim of this randomised prospective study was to investigate the impact of preoperative gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) compared with a control group with myomectomy. A total of 36 women (n = 36, group 1) with fibroids were randomised to receive either two monthly doses (n = 18/36, group 1a) or three monthly doses of goserelin (n = 18/36, group 1b) prior to myomectomy. The 32 women who received no treatment (group 2) comprised the controls. All patients had similar demographic features. There were no significant differences among the three groups with respect to: (1) mean intraoperative blood loss; (2) preoperative and postoperative blood transfusion or (3) length of hospital stay. The only advantage of administering GnRHa prior to myomectomy for symptomatic fibroids in our population was a higher haemoglobin level prior to surgery among the women who received three doses of the drug.

Knowledge, attitudes, practice on human papilloma virus and cervical cancer among Trinidadian women.

Cervical cancer remains a major reproductive health problem among women especially in developing countries where about 190,000 women die from this disease annually. Despite efforts to reduce the burden of this disease, most attempts in low-resourced countries have not been successful partly from lack of awareness by women of this common cancer, as well as the role the human papilloma virus (HPV) plays in its aetiology and pathogenesis. To determine knowledge, attitudes and practice of women in Trinidad (a developing country) on HPV, cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 426 women in the reproductive age. A majority (58.4%) of participants had attained secondary level education. Whereas 326 (76.5%) women knew of cervical cancer, only 108 (25.4%) were aware of HPV and 68 (15.9%) knew of the association between HPV and cervical cancer. This study highlights the limited awareness of Trinidadian women with respect to HPV and its implication in cervical cancer aetiology. If the scourge of cervical cancer is to be adequately addressed, especially in low-resourced countries, then mass educational programmes on HPV, cervical cancer prevention, including screening and early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix, must be given high priority.

Pregnancy outcome among women universally screened for gestational diabetes mellitus with a lime-flavoured drink.

We performed a prospective study involving 400 consecutive pregnant patients to determine whether the administration of a lime-flavoured glucose drink followed by a blood test 1 h later was a better method of screening for gestational diabetes (GDM) than the use of selective screening based on risk factors (maternal age over 30 years, East Indian ancestry and obesity). Complete data were available for 388 women, 76 were screen positive (1 h blood glucose ≥ 140 mg/dl) and GDM was diagnosed in 42 (using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test) giving a positive predictive value of 55%. Selective screening applied to the same population would have identified only 34 cases, eight fewer with GDM. In this population, the use of the lime-flavoured glucose drink detected approximately 25% more cases of GDM than selective screening based on risk factors. Caesarean sections were performed in 18 (42.8%) of women with gestational diabetes. None of the four perinatal deaths was observed among the women with gestational diabetes.

Correlation of fetal outcome with mode of delivery for breech presentation.

The objective of this retrospective analysis of 344 singleton pregnancies of gestational ages greater than 24 weeks conducted at a tertiary hospital was to determine the fetal outcome in relation to the mode of delivery of the fetus with a breech presentation. Caesarean section was performed in 157 mothers, and 187 babies were delivered vaginally. There was no statistical difference in the perinatal outcome for breech fetuses delivered either abdominally or vaginally. Cord prolapse and arrest of the after-coming head were responsible for five fetal losses, four of which were delivered vaginally. Neonatal morbidity comprising nerve injury, birth asphyxia and seizures occurred in 11 newborns, nine of whom were delivered vaginally. One mother sustained a massive intra-operative haemorrhage during a caesarean section which necessitated an emergency hysterectomy. We conclude that a policy of planned vaginal birth for selected breech fetuses with a low threshold to proceed to caesarean section may be in the best interests of both mother and child.

Correlation of fetal outcome with mode of delivery for breech presentation

The objective of this retrospective analysis of 344 singleton pregnancies of gestational ages greater than 24 weeks conducted at a tertiary hospital was to determine the fetal outcome in relation to the mode of delivery of the fetus with a breech presentation. Caesarean section was performed in 157 mothers, and 187 babies were delivered vaginally. There was no statistical difference in the perinatal outcome for breech fetuses delivered either abdominally or vaginally. Cord prolapse and arrest of the after-coming head were responsible for five fetal losses, four of which were delivered vaginally. Neonatal morbidity comprising nerve injury, birth asphyxia and seizures occurred in 11 newborns, nine of whom were delivered vaginally. One mother sustained a massive intra-operative haemorrhage during a caesarean section which necessitated an emergency hysterectomy. We conclude that a policy of planned vaginal birth for selected breech fetuses with a low threshold to proceed to caesarean section may be in the best interests of both mother and child.

Students' perspectives on the educational environment, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Trinidad

The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) was administered to 70 final-year medical students and 36 first-year medical interns (pre-registration house officers). The overall total mean DREEM scores for the five subscales--namely, students' perceptions of the atmosphere, students' perceptions of learning, students' social self-perceptions, students' perceptions of teachers and students' academic self-perceptions--was 109.9 and the total mean scores for the subgroups--male students, male interns, female students and female interns--were 103.39, 111.82, 111.33 and 113.15, respectively. The lowest scores were assigned to students' social self-perceptions and students' perceptions of the atmosphere. All of the participants except the male interns recorded the highest scores for the subscale academic self-perceptions.

Vaginal breech delivery and perinatal mortality in twins

An objective analysis of our clinical experience with the intrapartum management of twin gestations was undertaken in order to determine whether or not routine caesarean section is justified when the first twin presents by the breech. The perinatal mortality rate for breech first twins delivered vaginally was not statistically different from vertex presentations. There was no perinatal loss among babies delivered vaginally by the breech. There was no difference in perinatal outcome for the breech first twin born abdominally or vaginally. Our findings have allayed the fear that non-vertex vaginal delivery of the first or second twin is dangerous. We conclude that in the absence of a uterine scar or a footling presentation, there is no valid reason to prohibit vaginal delivery when either twin presents by the breech.

Vaginal breech delivery and perinatal mortality in twins.

An objective analysis of our clinical experience with the intrapartum management of twin gestations was undertaken in order to determine whether or not routine caesarean section is justified when the first twin presents by the breech. The perinatal mortality rate for breech first twins delivered vaginally was not statistically different from vertex presentations. There was no perinatal loss among babies delivered vaginally by the breech. There was no difference in perinatal outcome for the breech first twin born abdominally or vaginally. Our findings have allayed the fear that non-vertex vaginal delivery of the first or second twin is dangerous. We conclude that in the absence of a uterine scar or a footling presentation, there is no valid reason to prohibit vaginal delivery when either twin presents by the breech.

An audit of perinatal mortality.

Perinatal mortality rates are considered in the western world to be a quantitative barometer of maternity care. This 6-year prospective perinatal audit was conducted at a tertiary hospital in order to determine foetal outcome, and the common causes of foetal and early neonatal deaths. Of a total of 30,987 births, there were 469 stillbirths and 391 early neonatal deaths, giving a perinatal mortality rate of 27.7 per 1000 total births. The leading causes of stillbirths were the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, abruptio placentae, diabetes mellitus, intrapartum foetal distress and lethal congenital anomalies. Neonatal deaths were mainly due to the respiratory distress syndrome (57.8%), birth asphyxia (22.2%) and sepsis (13.5%). A dedicated medical team, including a neonatologist, to manage pre-eclampsia, and more senior obstetric involvement in the labour ward are recommended.

An audit of perinatal mortality

Perinatal mortality rates are considered in the western world to be a quantitative barometer of maternity care. This 6-year prospective perinatal audit was conducted at a tertiary hospital in order to determine foetal outcome, and the common causes of foetal and early neonatal deaths. Of a total of 30,987 births, there were 469 stillbirths and 391 early neonatal deaths, giving a perinatal mortality rate of 27.7 per 1000 total births. The leading causes of stillbirths were the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, abruptio placentae, diabetes mellitus, intrapartum foetal distress and lethal congenital anomalies. Neonatal deaths were mainly due to the respiratory distress syndrome (57.8), birth asphyxia (22.2) and sepsis (13.5). A dedicated medical team, including a neonatologist, to manage pre-eclampsia, and more senior obstetric involvement in the labour ward are recommended.

Caesarean section delivery in Trinidad.

A 7-year retrospective survey was conducted in order to determine local trends in caesarean section rates, maternal outcome and indications for the procedure. The annual rate of caesarean births has not exceeded 10.0% of deliveries. The overall rate, at 7.4% for the period of study, was not significantly different from that obtained a decade and a half ago. Significant procedure-related morbidity was uncommon. In view of preventable anaesthetic maternal deaths, a plea is made for an increased use of regional in preference to general anaesthesia in selected cases.

Supracervical hysterectomy in Trinidad.

With mounting evidence of the beneficial effects of the retained cervix, supracervical hysterectomy is gaining popularity worldwide. In this series of 123 patients, obesity and pelvic adhesions were the chief factors that prevented amputation of the cervix at the time of hysterectomy. We propose that these are cogent indications for planned supracervical abdominal hysterectomy in order to minimize damage to the adjacent viscera. This option is best justified by a risk/benefit analysis.

Eighteen years of maternity care in a new teaching hospital.

A new maternity hospital was inaugurated in Trinidad in 1981 to provide access for pregnant women to specialist antenatal care and to trained attendants during childbirth. As an academic tertiary-care institution, it also became a referral centre for high-risk pregnancies and obstetric emergencies. The efficacy of the services provided since inception was evaluated by measurement of mortality statistics, which are the most sensitive indices of maternal care. Over a period of 18 years, there were almost 100,000 births. Although the caesarean section rate was low, the perinatal and maternal mortality rates suggest that there is still a wide gap in obstetric standards between the developed world and this country. Improved vigilance for high-risk groups is required to identify potentially preventable deaths.

Obstetric hazards of maternal obesity.

To test the hypothesis that obesity represents a risk factor in pregnancy, we conducted a prospective case-control study to determine whether or not there was any divergence in the obstetric outcome among 132 obese women from that in a control group of 136 non-obese patients. Obese mothers had an increased incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes but there was no significant difference in the duration of pregnancy or in the frequency of low Apgar score at 1 minute. The favourable fetal outcome in obese parturients reflects an increased awareness of the possible medical and obstetric complications and an early recourse to abdominal delivery.

Obstetric deaths in Trinidad.

We determined the causal pathways of pregnancy-related deaths over a 16-year period. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was the chief contributor to our high maternal mortality rate of 36.9 per 100 000 births. Anaesthetic-related deaths were due to a combination of Mendelson's syndrome and faulty intubation technique. An improvement in the health-management system to identify high-risk mothers who need intensive emergency care and the availability of experienced personnel for obstetric anaesthesia appear to be indispensable requirements for reducing and minimising adverse maternal outcome in Trinidad.

Prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

A prospective randomised clinical trial comprising 510 pregnant patients was performed to determine whether supplementation with calcium, low-dose aspirin or a combination of calcium and low-dose aspirin can lower the incidence of hypertension in pregnancy. Greatest benefits were obtained with calcium. Perinatal mortality was lowest in the aspirin group.