Comparison of pregnancy outcomes of triangular 3-bites and mcdonald techniques of cervical cerclage in women with cervical insufficiency: A pilot study.

Background: Cervical cerclage is the procedure of choice for preventing preterm birth due to cervical insufficiency. Despite the simplicity of the McDonald's method of cerclage application, it is still technically difficult to take four bites around the cervix before knotting. There is a need to develop a simpler method of cervical cerclage application with similar or improved pregnancy outcomes. Aim: This is to compare the ease/duration of application and pregnancy outcomes of the new triangular three-bite cervical cerclage technique and McDonald's technique in women with cervical insufficiency. Patients and Methods: This is a pilot study with 20 participants that met the inclusion criteria. They were randomly grouped into triangular three-bite method (n = 10) and McDonald's method (n = 10). The pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups with the Chi-square test and student's t-test. A P value of <.05 was set as level of significance. Results: The sociodemographic characteristics of the two groups were similar. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the pregnancy outcome (spontaneous miscarriage P = 1.00, preterm delivery P = 0.61, and neonatal birthweight P = 0.96). However, the duration of cerclage application (5.98 ± 1.79 minutes vs. 14.25 ± 7.5 minutes; P <.002) and estimated blood loss (29 ± 9.94 mls vs. 48.5 ± 25.82 mls; P = .04) were significantly lower in the triangular three-bite arm than in the McDonald's arm. Conclusion: The new triangular three-bite technique has similar pregnancy outcomes with the conventional McDonald's technique and has shown a lower duration of procedure and blood loss. Since this is a pilot study, a well-structured randomized control trial to compare the two methods is recommended.

Sexual Function in Pregnancy in a Nigerian Population: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

Background: Studies are abound from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) on postpartum sexual dysfunction but very limited in pregnancy. The data will help clinicians in providing women with evidence-based information and counseling in these regards. Aim: To determine the effects of different trimesters of pregnancy on sexual functions and the possible risk factors for sexual dysfunction in pregnancy. Patients and Methods: The study was longitudinal in design, and study population consisted of 270 pregnant women attending antenatal care at the two largest tertiary hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. The recruitment was in the first trimester, and each recruited participant served as her own control. Interviews were conducted at specific times in the three trimesters, and data regarding sexual functions were obtained using validated questionnaires. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the mean total and domain female sexual function index (FSFI) scores between the three trimesters, and Bonferroni's test for significant association between any two trimesters as may be applicable. The risk factors were determined via multivariate logistic regression analysis. A P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The FSFI means total score decreased as pregnancy advanced. It was significantly lower in second trimester (T2) than in first trimester (T1) (P < 0.001), and significantly lower in third trimester (T3) than T1 (P < 0.001), but no difference between T3 and T2 (P = 0.759). Similarly, the mean frequency of coitus per week declined across the trimesters; lower in T2 than T1 (2.2 ± 0.7 vs. 2.4 ± 0.6; P < 0.01), and lower in T3 than T1, but no difference between T3 and T2. The overall rate of sexual dysfunction was 50.7% and the risk factors age ≥35 years (AdjOR: 1.4; 95%CI: 1.1-1.9; P: 0.01), multiparity (AdjOR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.2-2.5; P: 0.013) and a previous history of cesarean section (AdjOR: 2.1; 95%CI: 1.7-2.6; P: 0.004). Conclusion: Sexual function declines as pregnancy advances and the rate of sexual dysfunction is high in Enugu, Nigeria. Obstetricians are encouraged to discuss sexual health issues during antenatal care services and make more efforts towards reducing the modifying obstetric risk factors.

Antichlamydia antibodies and sperm quality among male partners of infertile couples ins Nigeria.

Background: The impact of Chlamydia trachomatis on semen quality has been studied with varied results. Aim: To determine the prevalence of antichlamydial antibodies and their relationship with sperm quality among male partners of infertile couples in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study of infertile male partners of couples attending infertility clinics at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. Their sera were assayed for antichlamydial antibodies, and semen analysis and culture were done for each participant. Results: Two hundred and eighty-two (282) male partners of infertile couples were studied. Infertility was commoner among participants aged 40 years or more (45.1%) and was mainly of the "primary type" (62.1%). Antichlamydia antibody was detected in 156 (55.3%) participants and was significantly associated with sperm quality (P = 002; OR = 2.294; 95% CI = 1.36-3.88). Overall, 81 (28.7%) had abnormal sperm quality. The sperm count, progressive motility, and vitality were significantly lower in participants with abnormal sperm quality than those with normal sperm quality (P < 0.001) while morphology, volume, and liquefaction time did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism isolated from culture (122/282, 43.3%) while Streptococcus species were the least (4/262, 1.4%). There was significantly more Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the semen of participants that were seropositive to antichlamydial antibodies than those that were seronegative (80/156, 51.3% vs. 42/126, 33.3%; OR = 2.105; 95% CI = 1.30-3.42; P = 0.003). Conclusion: The prevalence of antichlamydial antibodies among male partners of infertile couples in Enugu, Nigeria is high and there is a significant association with sperm quality, sperm count, and bacterial isolates in seminal culture. Male partners of infertile couples in Enugu should be screened for antichlamydial antibodies and appropriate treatment offered wherever indicated. There is a need for increased public awareness and advocacy campaigns on the impact of Chlamydia infection on male factor infertility. This primary preventive measure may help in reducing the burden of Chlamydia infection and male factor infertility.

Antichlamydia Antibodies and Sperm Quality among Male Partners of Infertile Couples in Nigeria

: The impact of Chlamydia trachomatis on semen quality has been studied with varied results. Aim: To determine the prevalence of antichlamydial antibodies and their relationship with sperm quality among male partners of infertile couples in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study of infertile male partners of couples attending infertility clinics at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. Their sera were assayed for antichlamydial antibodies, and semen analysis and culture were done for each participant. Results: Two hundred and eighty-two (282) male partners of infertile couples were studied. Infertility was commoner among participants aged 40 years or more (45.1%) and was mainly of the "primary type" (62.1%). Antichlamydia antibody was detected in 156 (55.3%) participants and was significantly associated with sperm quality (P = 002; OR = 2.294; 95% CI = 1.36­3.88). Overall, 81 (28.7%) had abnormal sperm quality. The sperm count, progressive motility, and vitality were significantly lower in participants with abnormal sperm quality than those with normal sperm quality (P < 0.001) while morphology, volume, and liquefaction time did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism isolated from culture (122/282, 43.3%) while Streptococcus species were the least (4/262, 1.4%). There was significantly more Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the semen of participants that were seropositive to antichlamydial antibodies than those that were seronegative (80/156, 51.3% vs. 42/126, 33.3%; OR = 2.105; 95% CI = 1.30­3.42; P = 0.003). Conclusion: The prevalence of antichlamydial antibodies among male partners of infertile couples in Enugu, Nigeria is high and there is a significant association with sperm quality, sperm count, and bacterial isolates in seminal culture. Male partners of infertile couples in Enugu should be screened for antichlamydial antibodies and appropriate treatment offered wherever indicated. There is a need for increased public awareness and advocacy campaigns on the impact of Chlamydia infection on male factor infertility. This primary preventive measure may help in reducing the burden of Chlamydia infection and male factor infertility.

Effects of short inter-pregnancy interval on maternal and perinatal outcomes: A cohort study of pregnant women in a low-income country.

BACKGROUND: Short inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) is a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous reports from sub-Sahara Africa documented increasing incidence of short IPI but evidence is lacking in its effect on pregnancy outcome. AIM: The study aimed to determine the effect of short IPI on pregnancy outcome in Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: It was a prospective cohort study of 271 pregnant women receiving antenatal care in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. For every eligible woman with short IPI (<18 months) recruited; a suitable control with IPI ≥18 months was selected. Statistical analysis was both inferential and descriptive using the statistical package for social sciences version 24 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, Illinois, USA) for windows. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Incidence of maternal anemia was higher in women with short IPI than control (RR: 2.091; 95% CI: 1.4433.031; P < 0.001). Other maternal and perinatal outcome measures including premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor/delivery, pregnancy induced hypertension, third trimester bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, and inadequate gestational weight gain did not show any significant association with short IPI (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Short IPI is associated with anemia in pregnancy in Nigeria. Public health campaigns for improvement in uptake of family planning services and breastfeeding may help reduce the incidence of short IPI and anemia in low income countries.

Comparison of the prevalence of adhesions at the time of diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility between patient who had open myomectomy and those who had no previous pelvic-abdominal surgery or pelvic inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and patterns of adhesions in infertile women with prior open myomectomy compared with women without prior pelvic-abdominal surgery. METHODS: A nested case-control study of infertile women who had diagnostic laparoscopy after open myomectomy between January 2008 and June 2015 in Life Institute for Endoscopy Limited, Nnewi Nigeria, was conducted. At diagnostic laparoscopy, the presence, site, and quality (density) of adhesions was noted and recorded. Women with endometriosis and documented prior pelvic infections were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 348 women who were eligible, 121 women had prior open myomectomy (study group) while 227 had none (control group). Of the 121 women, adhesions were detected in 97 women; thus, the prevalence of adhesion after open myomectomy was 80.2% versus 20.3% (46/227) in controls (odds ratio [OR] =15.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] =8.86-28.76; P < 0.001). Compared with controls, adhesions were statistically higher in these sites: uterus (68.6% vs. 14.5%), fallopian tubes (77.7% vs. 16.7%), ovaries (62.8% vs. 20.3%), cul-de-sac (66.1% vs. 16.3%), bladder (45.5% vs. 7.9%), and bowel (53.7% vs. 6.2%) (P < 0.001, for all). Cohesive form of adhesions was also statistically higher, 54 (44.6%) vs. 32 (14.1%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In infertile women, post-open myomectomy adhesions have a high prevalence of 80.2% with high predilection in fallopian tubes and uterus, compared with women without prior abdominopelvic surgery at 20.3%. Cohesive form of adhesion predominates.

Genital tract microbial isolate in women with preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes in resource-constrained community setting.

This study determined patterns of microbial isolates in genital tract of women with preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM) compared with cases without PPROM. Endocervical swabs of women with confirmed diagnosis of PPROM were examined microbiologically and compared in blinded pattern with gestational-age-matched controls. One hundred and five microbiological results each for cases and controls were analysed. Positive microbial cultures were seen in 79.05% of cases versus 6.67% of controls. Streptococcus spp. (31.43%) was the commonest organism isolated in cases (p < 0.001), while Candida albicans was significantly more in controls (p < 0.001). The highest incidence of PPROM (82.86%) occurred in gestational ages of 28-30 and 34-36 weeks. No fewer than 75.24% cases occurred in low parity (0-2). Majority occurred in extremes of viable preterm gestation and in women of low parity.

Management outcomes of abruptio placentae at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to determine incidence, risk factors and management outcomes of abruptio placentae (AP) and comparing them with cases without AP who delivered within the same period. METHODS: A 10 year retrospective study of AP managed at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria, between January 2001 and December 2010 was undertaken. Proforma was initially used for data collection before transfer to Epi-info 2008 software. Test of associations were evaluated and P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sixty nine cases out of a total delivery of 8,811 were seen, giving an incidence of 0.8%. The mean age and parity of women with AP were 30.8 +/- 0.9 years and 4.1 +/- 0.6 respectively and majority (78.3%) of cases were unbooked (p = 0.0019). Grand multiparity and age = 35 years were significant risk factors ( p < 0.05). Fifty two (75.4%) cases were delivered by caesarean section (c/s) ( P = 0.0000). The sex ratio was 160 ( p = 0.0134). The overall maternal mortality ratio during the study period was 987 per 100,000 live births with AP contributing 3.8% of the maternal deaths while perinatal mortality rate was 52.2%. CONCLUSION: A significant number of cases have high perinatal mortality. Unbooked, high parity, advanced maternal age and previous c/s scar were significant aetiological risk factors.

The pattern and obstetric outcome of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Nnewi, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a common medical complication of pregnancy. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Early detection, close surveillance and timely delivery are necessary to reduce complications associated with the condition. OBJECTIVES: To determine the pattern, risk factors, maternal and fetal outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive retrospective study of the pattern and obstetrics outcome of hypertensive disorders in Nnewi. The Obstetric variables from 148 women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, from the 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2008 were analyzed. Stastical analysis was done using Epi Info version 3.3.2. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: of the 4021 deliveries in the hospital during the period under review, 148 (3.7%) were managed for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Only 138 folders were used for analysis. The mean age of the women was 31.3 +/- 5.7 years. Majority of the women were unbooked (57.2%). Pre-eclampsia was the commonest type of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (46.4%) with the majority presenting with severe disease. The level of proteinuria was significant in 74.6% of cases of preeclampsia. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.3 +/- 1.5 weeks. The mean birth weight was 1.6 +/- 0.3 kg. Twenty-four intra uterine deaths were recorded giving a stillbirth rate of 17.4%. The perinatal mortality rate was 20.9%. Diagnosis was made in the ante-partum period in 92.0% of the cases while 55.2% of the women delivered through Caesarean section. Eight maternal deaths were recorded, giving a case fatality rate of 5.8%. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in Nnewi, Nigeria. Antenatal care will help in early diagnosis and timely intervention of the cases. There is need for strengthening of communication and referral systems in the healthcare.

An analysis of uterine rupture at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Southeast Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine rupture is a preventable condition which has persistently remained in our environment. The aim of this study therefore is to ascertain the incidence of uterine rupture, examine the predisposing factors and maternal and fetal outcome of patients managed of uterine rupture in a tertiary hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive case series was conducted at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe, University Teaching Hospital Nnewi from March 2004 to February 2009. RESULTS: The incidence of uterine rupture was 6.2 per 1000 deliveries. The commonest age range of occurrence was 30-34 years. Uterine rupture occurred predominantly among women of low parity. Previous caesarean section with concurrent use of oxytocics was the commonest risk factor documented.The maternal and perinatal mortality ratio was 94 per 100,000 deliveries and 6 per 1000 births respectively. Surgery was the main stay of treatment and the commonest procedure carried out was uterine repair only. CONCLUSION: Rupture of the gravid uterus is still a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in our environment. The causes are commonly preventable. The provision of maternal care by skilled personnel, proper antenatal care, update training programmes for health care providers and appropriate legislation on maternal care will significantly reduce the incidence of uterine rupture and improve its prognosis.

Vaginal myomectomy of a prolapsed gangrenous cervical leiomyoma.

We report a challenging case of a huge gangrenous prolapsed cervical leiomyoma in a multiparous HIV positive lady. A 37-year-old para 3 lady presented with a progressively increasing irreducible mass protruding out per vaginam, 3 months duration of heavy menses, and symptoms of a urinary tract infection. We performed a vaginal myomectomy and she did well postoperatively. A prolapsed gangrenous cervical leiomyoma is a rare condition with only a few cases reported in the literature. Vaginal myomectomy for this condition can be performed in experienced hands without difficulties.

Emergency peripartum hysterectomy in Nnewi, Nigeria: a 10-year review.

BACKGROUND: Emergency peripartum hysterectomy has remained a challenging and very life saving surgical procedure in obstetrics. Its indications are emerging. AIMS: This was to determine the incidence, indications, and outcomes of emergency peripartum hysterectomy at a tertiary hospital in Nnewi, south-east Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the case files of patients requiring an emergency peripartum hysterectomy between January 2000 and December 2009 was conducted. Emergency peripartum hysterectomy was defined as one performed for hemorrhage unresponsive to other treatment within 24 hours of delivery. The findings were analyzed using Epi info version 3.5.1. RESULTS: During the 10-year period, there were 6,137 deliveries and 38 cases of emergency peripartum hysterectomies, giving an incidence of 6.2 per 1000 deliveries. Of the 38 hysterectomies, only 29 (76.3%) case files were available for analysis. The mean age of the patients was 28.1 ± 5.4 years and 22 (75.9%) patients were unbooked. There were four primigravidae (13.8%) while 25 (86.2%) were parous. The main indications for hysterectomy were placenta praevia 14 (48.3%) and uterine rupture 10 (34.5%). Subtotal hysterectomy was performed in majority (72.4%) of cases. The commonest postoperative morbidities were postoperative fever (37.9%), postoperative anemia (24.1%), and wound infection (20.7%). The maternal case fatality rate was 31.0%, while the perinatal mortality was 44.8%. The mean duration of hospital stay was 9.8 ± 2.4 days. CONCLUSION: The incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy was high and majority of patients were unbooked. Placenta praevia has emerged as its primary indication. Booking for antenatal care, anticipation, prompt resuscitation, and early surgical intervention by a skilled surgeon are crucial.

Heterotopic pregnancy following intrauterine insemination: successful management with salpingectomy and continuation of intrauterine pregnancy.

We report the first case of a heterotopic pregnancy (HP) following ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) with resultant normal intrauterine pregnancy after salpingectomy. A 41-year-old para 0 +0 that presented with primary infertility due to azoospermia and polycystic ovaries after laparoscopic evaluation. She had induction of ovulation with Clomiphene citrate, gonadotropin stimulation (hCG), and intrauterine insemination using donor sperm. The resulting pregnancy was later diagnosed as heterotopic pregnancy following rupture of the tubal component at 8 weeks' gestation after an initial misdiagnosis as corpus luteum cyst of pregnancy. She had an emergency laparotomy and left salpingectomy, and the intrauterine pregnancy has continued subsequently to 25 weeks of gestation as at 01/04/2011.This report demonstrates that HP may occur after ovulation induction and IUI. The ectopic component could be misdiagnosed as corpus luteum cyst. It is recommended that pregnancies following this procedure be followed up with serial trans-vaginal ultrasound in the first trimester. Presence of corpus luteum cyst of pregnancy in early ultrasound should be an index of suspicious of a possible heterotopic pregnancy. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention is essential to salvage the intrauterine pregnancy and avoid maternal morbidity and mortality.

Vaginal hysterectomy in a Nigerian tertiary health facility.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence that vaginal hysterectomy offers advantages in regard to operative time, complication rates and return to normal activities, gynaecologists remain reluctant to change their practice patterns because of concerns about safety and feasibility of the vaginal approach. We reviewed cases of vaginal hysterectomies done in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria over a ten year period. METHOD: This is a retrospective analysis of cases of vaginal hysterectomy that were done in the hospital between 1st January 1998 and 31st December 2007. Data was analyzed with Epi info version 3.3.2. Outcome measures include duration of hospital stay, indication for the surgery, postoperative morbidity and mortality and the need for blood transfusion. RESULT: Hysterectomy accounted for 224 of 1,370 gynaecological surgeries (16.4%). Vaginal hysterectomy was responsible for 47 (21.0%) of these 224 cases and accounted for 3.7% of all gynaecological surgeries. Majority of the patients were in the 7th decade of life with a mean age of 65.2 +/- 6.8. Most (87.5%) patients were retired farmers and grandmultiparous with a mean parity 6.5 +/- 2.4). Utero-vaginal prolapse was the only indication for the surgery. The only postoperative complication accounted was febrile morbidity which was reported in 5 (10.6%) of the patients had febrile morbidity. There were no cases of conversion to abdominal procedure. All the surgeries were done by the consultants. CONCLUSION: Vaginal hysterectomy was safe and associated with minimal morbidity to the patient. The only indication was uterovaginal prolapse and all the procedures were done by the consultants. There is need to transfer the skill to the Residents.

Clinicopathological analysis of cervical cancer seen in a tertiary health facility in Nnewi, south-east Nigeria.

Cervical cancer remains the commonest gynaecological cancer among women in the developing countries. The records of all the histologically confirmed cervical cancer patients managed in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, over a 5 year period were analysed for the clinical presentation and histological pattern of the malignancy. A total of 75 cases of cervical cancer were managed over the period giving an incidence of 65.2% of all gynaecological cancers and 13.4% of all gynaecological admissions. The majority of the patients were grandmultiparous women (81.3%) with a mean parity of 6.8. The modal age range was 60-69 years (38.7%) and the majority (94.7%) of the patients belonged to the low socioeconomic class. Squamous cell carcinoma of varying differentiation (89.3%) was the commonest histological type seen and adenocarcinoma accounted for only 8.0%. The common clinical features were post-menopausal bleeding (84.0%), vaginal discharge (72.0%), contact bleeding (63.9%) and abdominal pain (56.2%). Most (89.3%) of the patients presented late, in advanced stages of the disease, and almost all (97.3%) were referred for radiotherapy. The incidence of cervical cancer is high in our environment. Community sensitisation and provision of free cervical screening is recommended for early detection and treatment.