Pregnancy outcomes for women with pre-existing renal disease and the role of a dedicated joint maternal medicine and renal clinic: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To reaffirm the value of a joint obstetric and renal clinic on obstetric outcomes in patients with high-risk pregnancies due to chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who attended the clinic between 2005 and December 2021. The hospital is a regional tertiary unit for renal medicine and a maternal medicine hub. The data included all women with pre-existing renal conditions who were cared for in a dedicated renal and obstetric clinic. Datasets were extracted from hospital notes, the renal database, clinical data and maternity electronic health records. The data analyzed included pre-existing renal conditions, biochemical parameters related to the renal condition, pregnancy outcomes included miscarriages, gestation, mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), loss, birth weight and neonatal admission. RESULTS: The results were as follows: Lupus nephritis: four term deliveries; three had pre-eclampsia; two PPH and two miscarriages. Four estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) returned to baseline levels within 12 months. With regard to IgA nephropathy there were five live births, four term deliveries, two pre-eclampsia (PE) and five cesarean sections (CS). All eGFRs returned to baseline within 12 months. With regard to patients with adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD), there were six live births, two had pre-eclampsia and there were five term vaginal deliveries. CONCLUSION: Patients with lupus nephritis, APKD, and IgA demonstrated a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes as compared with our local pregnant population. Our findings reflect those of larger studies and support the role of combined renal/obstetric clinics. More research and larger scale studies are needed into specific CKD conditions and their outcomes.

Managing couples with recurrent miscarriage: A narrative review and practice recommendations.

There is significant variation in practice when managing couples with recurrent miscarriage (RM), with guidelines differing on the definition of RM, recommended investigations, and treatment options. In the absence of evidence-based guidance, and following on from a paper by the authors-FIGO Good Practice Recommendations on the use of progesterone in the management of recurrent first-trimester miscarriage-this narrative review aims to propose a global holistic approach. We present graded recommendations based on best available evidence.

Chengai Nomogram: A Comprehensive Study of Uroflow Parameters and Characteristics in Healthy Adult Males From South India.

Introduction Uroflowmetry is a widely accepted non-invasive diagnostic modality used in the evaluation of lower urinary tract dysfunction. While various nomograms have been established for different populations and races, there has been a lack of studies that focus on the South Indian populations. Consequently, the objective of the study was to investigate the urinary flow parameters in a healthy adult male South Indian population using uroflowmetry and identify the variations in flow rates. Additionally, the study sought to assess the influence of age and voided volume (VV) on flow rates and create a representative nomogram. Methods A total of 500 uroflowmetry tests were prospectively performed on healthy adult males. The gravimetric method was utilized for uroflowmetry. Flow charts and parameters were analyzed for correlation and linear regression models, and statistical calculations were employed to generate uroflow nomograms. Results The mean age of the participants was 37.77±9.91 years. The mean values for maximum flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qavg), and VV were 23.42±6.64 mL/s, 11.71±3.77 mL/s, and 229.90±59 mL, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between flow rates (Qmax and Qavg) and VV, which indicated that increased VV leads to higher flow rates. Additionally, a significant negative correlation between the flow rates and age was noted. Conclusion The findings provide insight into the uroflow parameters of the South Indian adult male population and contribute to the development of nomograms, establishing normal reference ranges for flow rates across varying VVs. As a tribute to the hospital and the study participants, the nomogram was named the "Chengai Nomogram."

Role of Posterior Acoustic Shadow Width in Ultrasound in Determining Stone Size in Urolithiasis.

Introduction Ultrasound (US) is frequently the initial diagnostic tool for urolithiasis, though computed tomography (CT) remains the imaging modality of choice. However, due to potential overestimations, the accuracy of US in gauging stone size has been a point of contention. This study aims to compare the accuracy of stone size measurements in US, specifically evaluating the utility of the posterior acoustic shadow (PAS) width, against the CT measurements. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study where 120 adult patients (aged >18 years) with confirmed urolithiasis through CT participated. Stone sizes were assessed via both CT and US, with the PAS width also being measured in the latter. Statistical analysis compared stone size discrepancies between both CT and US measurement techniques. Results The study enrolled 73 males and 47 females with various stone locations. The average stone sizes were 15.93 ± 4.59 mm (CT), 18.60 ± 4.80 mm (US), and 16.69 ± 4.61 mm (PAS width). There was a mean difference of 2.67 mm (p < 0.0001) between CT and US sizes, whereas the difference between the PAS width and CT sizes was only 0.75 mm (p = 0.203). Stone size miscalculation by US was 16.77%, whereas it was only 4.77% for PAS width. Conclusion US tends to significantly overestimate stone size when compared to CT. Conversely, the measurement of the PAS width in US presents a more aligned estimation to CT outputs. Integrating PAS width into routine US reporting can enhance the accuracy of stone size estimation, optimizing urolithiasis management and patient counseling.

Beyond the Breaking Point: A Unique Case Report of a Penile Fracture With a Distal Urethral Injury.

A penile fracture is a rare urological emergency, often resulting from blunt trauma to the erect penis. This case report describes a 30-year-old male who presented with penile swelling during sexual intercourse, raising suspicion of a penile fracture. The patient underwent surgical exploration, revealing a rent in the tunica albuginea and an additional laceration in the corpus spongiosum with the Foley catheter exposed. The lacerations were closed using Vicryl sutures over a Foley catheter. The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative course, and follow-up assessments showed satisfactory healing of the urethra. This case underlines the need for clinicians to consider the possibility of urethral involvement in cases of penile fracture, as timely surgical intervention can prevent long-term sequelae such as erectile dysfunction and urethral strictures. By sharing this case, we hope to further emphasize the need for vigilance and swift action when faced with potential penile fractures in clinical practice.

An Unusual Case of Inflammatory Pseudotumor of Paratesticular Region.

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPT) are rare benign tumors that can develop in various regions of the body. Notably, IPTs have been uncommonly described in the Genitourinary system including occasional reports from the paratesticular region. This origin from this area is significant because of the ambiguity in differentiating this pathology from malignant lesions arising from the testis. We would like to report a case of a 32-year-old male who presented with a painless left scrotal mass for two years. Ultrasonography was done followed by a radical orchidectomy and histopathological examination of the excised lesion showed features suggestive of inflammatory pseudotumor from the paratesticular region. We feel this case merits reporting owing to the rarity of IPT occurring in the paratesticular region and the essential need for increased awareness and differentiation from the malignant counterparts.

A Comparison Between Silodosin and Tamsulosin for Medical Expulsive Therapy of Distal Ureteric Calculus.

INTRODUCTION: Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is an established treatment option for distal ureteric stones. Tamsulosin, a selective alpha-1 blocker, has been used for MET with good results, while silodosin, a more selective alpha-1a blocker, is more effective than tamsulosin for MET. Thus, this study aimed to compare the efficacy of silodosin with tamsulosin. METHODS: This prospective randomized study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Government Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. Eighty patients who presented with ureteric colic and were radiologically diagnosed with distal ureteric calculus of size <10mm were included. Participants in the silodosin group received tablet silodosin 8mg OD until the passage of the stone, not more than two weeks, and analgesics as per demand. And participants in the tamsulosin group received tablet tamsulosin 0.4mg OD until the passage of the stone, not more than two weeks, and analgesics as per demand. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were included in the study. Forty patients in the silodosin group and forty patients in the tamsulosin group were included. In the silodosin group, out of 40 patients, 38 expelled the calculus. In the tamsulosin group, out of 40 patients, 28 expelled the calculus. The silodosin group had a significantly higher rate of expulsion, with a p-value of 0.003. Stone expulsion time was shorter in the silodosin group when compared with the tamsulosin group (10.15 vs. 13.4 days). Analgesic usage during medical expulsive therapy was lower in the silodosin group (5.68 vs. 8.4). We observed significant differences in comparing the outcome, stone expulsion time, and analgesic requirement between the silodosin and tamsulosin groups. We observed no significant difference between the groups for age-wise and gender-wise comparisons. Furthermore, non-expulsion of calculus in four patients and pain in eight patients were the reasons for intervention in the tamsulosin group. The reason for intervention in the silodosin group was the non-expulsion of calculus in two patients. CONCLUSION: Using silodosin for MET of distal ureteric calculus, we found to have a better stone expulsion rate, early expulsion time, and reduced analgesic requirement.

Tamsulosin Versus Mirabegron in Relieving Ureteric Stent-Related Symptoms: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction Alpha-adrenergic blockers like tamsulosin are widely used in the treatment of stent-related symptoms due to ureteric stents. Recently, mirabegron has emerged as a potential alternative. So, our study aimed to compare the effect of mirabegron and tamsulosin on ureteric stent-related morbidity. Methods In this randomized controlled study, 80 patients undergoing uncomplicated ureteroscopic lithotripsy with double J stenting for ureteric stones were enrolled. They were divided into two groups: Group A (n=40) received mirabegron (25mg) and Group B (n=40) received tamsulosin (0.4mg). Outcomes were assessed using the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and the visual analog pain scale. The t-test and the Chi-square test were utilized to study the efficacy of the interventions across both groups. Results The USSQ urinary symptom score (25.5 vs 33.45; p < 0.001) and body pain score (16.15 vs 26.02; P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the mirabegron group. However, the general health score (17.0 vs 17.28; p = 0.62) and work performance score (7.6 vs 8.0; p = 0.28) did not show a significant difference. The storage symptom score was significantly lower in the mirabegron group (3.98 vs 5.1; p = 0.001). Furthermore, the mirabegron group reported a better quality of life score (2.18 vs 3; p < 0.001). Conclusion Mirabegron has been shown to reduce urinary symptoms associated with ureteric stents and also results in a better quality of life when compared with tamsulosin. However, large-scale, prospective, multicentric studies are further required to holistically evaluate and comprehend the beneficial effects of mirabegron on stent-related morbidity.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of dichorionic diamniotic twins in women after spontaneous and assisted conception.

OBJECTIVE: Twin pregnancies have been shown to be associated with numerous maternal and perinatal complications. Published data shows conflicting reports on whether assisted conception influences these risks. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of mode of conception on maternal and perinatal outcomes of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: This was a large retrospective study of 497 women with dichorionic diamniotic twins that were conceived spontaneously or with assisted conception in a single centre over a 10-year period. RESULTS: This study showed no significant difference in mode of delivery (OR 1.40 95% CI 0.88 - 2.24), need for admission to neonatal unit (OR 1.56 95% CI 0.88-2.77), or preterm births between dichorionic twin pregnancies conceived following assisted conception when compared to spontaneously conceived dichorionic twin pregnancies. Women who conceived twins by assisted conception that did not have an elective caesarean section were more likely to go into spontaneous labour than have an induction of labour (OR 0.54 95% CI 0.3 - 0.99). They also had a higher chance of having an estimated blood loss of more than 1L than women who conceived naturally (OR 1.70 95% CI 1.06 - 2.73). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of dichorionic twins, this study showed that assisted conception does not seem to be associated with adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes when compared with spontaneous conception. These results should be considered reassuring to women undergoing assisted conception, and may assist clinicians when counselling patients for assisted conception treatment. Further research is needed to assess the impact of assisted conception on postpartum blood loss.

Successful versus unsuccessful instrumental deliveries-Predictors and obstetric outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine instrumental births in a multi-ethnic population to assess the factors associated with success and failure in instrumental births. STUDY DESIGN: This was a large retrospective study of 7954 women that underwent either a successful or an unsuccessful instrumental delivery in a single centre over a 10 year period. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that women with a BMI of more than 30, attempted Forceps delivery, having a prolonged second stage, Macrosomia (birth weight more than 4 kg) and a senior obstetrician performing the procedure increase the risk of a failed instrumental delivery. While age, ethnicity, type of anaesthesia, use of oxytocin or induction of labour did not provide a significant outcome. Results also showed that patients are likely to bleed more and neonates need admission in failed instrumental deliveries when compared to successful attempts. CONCLUSION: This is one of a very few studies comparing a large cohort of successful instrumental births with unsuccessful attempts at an instrumental birth. The rate of failure has been difficult to reduce, and the analysis shows that many of the factors associated with failure are not modifiable in labour. We should consider studies with use of ultrasound assessment before application or consideration of instruments to facilitate birth. This will allow us to objectively come up with an algorithm to predict success or failure and consider if it is suitable to attempt an instrumental birth. Our data can be used to counsel women about the difficulty in predicting success and failure rate of instrumental births.

Mechanism of Action of G-Quadruplex-Forming Oligonucleotide Homologous to the Telomere Overhang in Melanoma.

T-oligo, a guanine-rich oligonucleotide homologous to the 3'-telomeric overhang of telomeres, elicits potent DNA-damage responses in melanoma cells; however, its mechanism of action is largely unknown. Guanine-rich oligonucleotides can form G-quadruplexes (G4), which are stabilized by the hydrogen bonding of guanine residues. In this study, we confirmed the G4-forming capabilities of T-oligo using nondenaturing PAGE, nuclear magnetic resonance, and immunofluorescence. Using an anti-G-quadruplex antibody, we showed that T-oligo can form G4 in the nuclei of melanoma cells. Furthermore, using DNase I in a nuclease degradation assay, G4-T-oligo was found to be more stable than single-stranded T-oligo. G4-T-oligo had decreased antiproliferative effects compared with single-stranded T-oligo. However, G4-T-oligo has similar cellular uptake as single-stranded T-oligo, as shown by FACS analysis. Inhibition of JNK, which causes DNA damage-induced apoptosis, partially reversed the antiproliferative activity of T-oligo. T-oligo also inhibited mRNA expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase, a catalytic subunit of telomerase that was reversed by JNK inhibition. Furthermore, two shelterin complex proteins TRF2/POT1 were found to be up-regulated and bound by T-oligo, suggesting that T-oligo may mediate dissociation of these proteins from the telomere overhang. These studies show that T-oligo can form a G-quadruplex and that the antitumor effects of T-oligo may be mediated through POT1/TRF2 and via human telomerase reverse transcriptase inhibition through JNK activation.

Gestational diabetes-Predictors of response to treatment and obstetric outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate patient characteristics that are predictors of treatment response and outcomes in gestational diabetes STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort of 265 women with gestational diabetes treated with diet/metformin and/or insulin in a single centre over 2 years. RESULTS: Multinomial logistic regression showed that (after adjusting for age and ethnicity) women who were of normal weight were more likely to be on diet and women who were obese were more likely to be on metformin or metformin and insulin(p=0.014). Women who were obese were twice more likely to have labour induced than those with normal weight. Onset of labour was the only parameter significantly associated with a treatment modality among the three groups (p<0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of large for gestational age, neonatal admission, shoulder dystocia or still birth between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal BMI appears to be the only parameter that is predictive of need for treatment with metformin/insulin and the modality of treatment does not have an effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Echocardiographic Structure and Function in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiography is commonly used to direct the management of hypertensive disorders in medical patients, but its application in pregnancy is unclear. Our objective was to define the use of echocardiography in pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a systematic review of articles using an electronic search of databases from inception to March 2015, prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42015015700). Eligible studies included pregnant women with GH or preeclampsia, evaluating left ventricular structure and function using echocardiography. The search strategy identified 36 studies, including 745 women with GH and 815 women with preeclampsia. The populations were heterogeneous with respect to clinical characteristics, parity, and risk of bias. Increased vascular resistance and left ventricular mass were the most consistent findings in GH and preeclampsia. Differentiating features from normal pregnancy were left ventricular wall thickness of ≥1.0 cm, exaggerated reduction in E/A, and lateral e' of <14 cm/s. There was disagreement between studies with regard to cardiac output because of the timing of echocardiography, although reduced stroke volume was an indicator of adverse prognosis. Diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular remodeling are most marked in severe and early-onset preeclampsia, but are also markers of preeclampsia before clinical manifestation, and are associated with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiography is a valuable tool to stratify risk and can guide management and counseling in the preclinical and clinical phases of GH and preeclampsia. Changes in cardiac function and morphology are recognizable at an asymptomatic early stage and correlate with disease severity and adverse outcomes.

Contribution of fetal tricuspid regurgitation in first-trimester screening for major cardiac defects.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the potential value of fetal assessment for tricuspid regurgitation at 11-13 weeks of gestation in the prediction of major cardiac defects. METHODS: We screened for aneuploidies by measuring fetal nuchal translucency thickness as well as assessing blood flow across the tricuspid valve for evidence of tricuspid regurgitation and in the ductus venosus for evidence of reversed A-wave at 11 0/7 to 13 6/7 weeks of gestation. The estimated performance of different combinations of increased fetal nuchal translucency, tricuspid regurgitation, and ductus venosus reversed A-wave in screening for major cardiac defects was examined. RESULTS: The study population of euploid fetuses included 85 cases with major cardiac defects and 40,905 with no cardiac defects. Fetal nuchal translucency above the 95th percentile, tricuspid regurgitation, or ductus venosus reversed A-wave was observed in 30 (35.3%), 28 (32.9%), and 24 (28.2%) of the fetuses with cardiac defects, respectively, and in 1,956 (4.8%), 516 (1.3%), and 856 (2.1%) of those without cardiac defects. Any one of the three markers was found in 49 of the fetuses with cardiac defects (57.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 47.0-67.6%) and in 3,265 of those without cardiac defects (8.0%, 95% CI 7.7-8.2%). CONCLUSION: Assessment of flow across the tricuspid valve improves the performance of screening for major cardiac defects by fetal nuchal translucency and ductus venosus flow.

Proteinuria in status epilepticus or eclampsia; a diagnostic dilemma.

A 36-year-old primigravida with a history of temporal lobe epilepsy presented at 25 weeks of pregnancy with generalized tonic clonic seizures. The clinical picture was confused with eclampsia because of rising blood pressure and proteinuria. Clinical investigations, which included a lumbar puncture, were carried out to rule out an infective cause for the seizures. A computed tomography of the brain was performed for evidence of intracranial hemorrhage. The patient was intubated and ventilated in the intensive care unit. The labile blood pressure settled in 2 days, and the transient heavy proteinuria also resolved after 3 days. Eclampsia would have warranted operative delivery of the preterm fetus with the attendant problems of prematurity. Delivery would have been hazardous in such an acutely unwell patient. The management also would have required magnesium sulfate with its potential for toxicity. Transient proteinuria may occur in status epilepticus. The blood pressure can be labile during epileptic seizures and, in the absence of an intracranial hemorrhage, generally settles without treatment after control of the seizures. This case highlights the importance of differentiating eclampsia in a patient with known epilepsy that may also mask other disease entities such as intracranial hemorrhage, meningitis, or encephalopathy. We have also discussed the importance of various signs associated with eclampsia and their clinical significance. The differential diagnosis of seizures in pregnancy are broad as symptoms of the various disease entities including eclampsia, intracranial hemorrhage, status epilepticus, meningitis, stroke overlap creating a dilemma in an acute emergency. We present a case whereby the clinical picture of status epilepticus was confused with eclampsia because of the presence of a rising blood pressure and proteinuria.

First trimester uterine artery Doppler in women with previous pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of first trimester uterine artery Doppler in pregnancies previously complicated by pre-eclampsia. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case-control study in two tertiary referral hospitals. SAMPLE: A total of 56 singleton pregnancies in women with a previous pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia (Group 1). For each case, two parous controls (Group 2) and two nulliparous controls (Group 3) with normal pregnancy outcome were matched. METHODS: Doppler examination of the uterine arteries at 11-14 weeks' gestation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean uterine artery resistance index (UtARI) and notching. Pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: UtARI did not vary significantly between the three groups (0.73, 0.70 and 0.71, respectively). Women in Group 1 had a significantly higher prevalence of uterine artery notching than those in Group 2 (73 vs 57%, p=0.04). In Group 1, the UtARI and prevalence of notching was not significantly increased when pregnancies were subsequently complicated by pre-eclampsia (p=0.60 and 0.61, respectively). However, in 12 pregnancies requiring delivery before 37 weeks due to pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, abruption or intrauterine fetal death, the UtARI was significantly higher than in the 44 pregnancies with normal outcome (p=0.04). A combination of UtARI and notching showed sensitivities up to 75% and negative predictive values up to 88% for adverse outcome before 37 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: In pregnancies following a previous gestation complicated by pre-eclampsia, first trimester uterine artery Doppler findings are similar to those observed in nulliparous women. In these high-risk women, a combination of UtARI and notching can predict the risk of adverse outcome before 37 weeks.

Pelvic tuberculosis reactivated by in vitro fertilization egg collection?

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of pelvic tuberculosis, presenting a few months after an unsuccessful IVF cycle. DESIGN: Case report and discussion. SETTING: District General Hospital with National Health Service, United Kingdom. PATIENT(S): A 40-year-old nulliparous woman. INTERVENTION(S): Drainage of the ovarian abscess and biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Histology confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis. RESULT(S): Patient has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and is now undergoing treatment. CONCLUSION(S): Although pelvic tuberculosis is rare in the developed world, it should be considered as a differential in the high-risk population.