Female genital mutilation (FGM) in Egypt, knowledge and concepts of Egyptian medical students: a cross-sectional study.

There are many factors contributing to the existence of female genital mutilation (FGM). FGM has a long list of recorded complications, which include physical, obstetric, sexual, psychological and death. We assessed the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of FGM practice among Egyptian medical students. An online questionnaire was distributed. One thousand one hundred and forty-one participants completed questionnaires. 71.2% were aware of FGM complications especially among females. Two-thirds reported illegality. 7.8% were in favour of FGM conduct with a higher male preference. Religious and traditional factors were the principle contributing factors to the practice. Three quarters of female students did not agree that FGM increased the chance of marriage. Almost one-fifth of female students reported having been subject to FGM, with a high level of dissatisfaction. It was shown that Egyptian medical students lacked knowledge about FGM with no structured training, so every effort should be done to end this inhumane practice.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The conduct of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Egypt is motivated by a variety of factors, including social notions, cultural beliefs and theological misunderstanding. FGM has a long list of recorded complications, which might include physical, obstetric, sexual, psychological and even death.What do the results of this study add? This study provides policy makers and community managers with the evidence needed to advocate for the addition of FGM education to be introduced across the board in medical school curriculums.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Possible elimination of the practice and further research on how to eradicate the roots behind it.

A ten year analysis of maternal deaths in a tertiary hospital using the three delays model.

BACKGROUND: Reducing maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) remain an important public health issue in Egypt. The three delays model distinguished three phases of delay to be associated with maternal mortality: 1) first phase delay is delay in deciding to seek care; 2) second phase delay is delay in reaching health facilities; and 3) third phase delay is delay in receiving care in health facilities. Increased health services' coverage is thought to be associated with a paradigm shift from first and second phase delays to third phase delay as main factor contributing to MMR. This study aims to examine the contribution of the three delays in relation to maternal deaths. METHODS: During a 10 year period (2008-2017) 207 maternal deaths were identified in a tertiary hospital in Minia governorate, Egypt. Data were obtained through reviewing medical records and verbal autopsy for each case. Then data analysis was done in the context of the three delays model. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2017 MMR in this hospital was 186/100.000 live births. Most frequent causes of maternal mortality were postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and sepsis. Third phase delay occurred in 184 deaths (88.9%), second phase delay was observed in 104 deaths (50%), always together with other phases of delay. First phase delay alone was observed in 13 deaths (6.3%) and in 82 deaths (40%) with other phases of delay. One fifth of the women had experienced all three phases of delay together. Major causes of third phase delay were delayed referral from district hospitals, non-availability of skilled staff, lack of blood transfusion facilities and shortage of drugs. CONCLUSIONS: There is a paradigm shift from first and second phases of delay to the third phase of delay as a major contributor to maternal mortality. Reduction of maternal mortality can be achieved through improving logistics, infrastructure and health care providers' training. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is a retrospective study registered locally and approved by the ethical committee of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Minia University Hospital on 1/4/2016 (Registration number: MUEOB0002).

Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) disorders: incidence, risk factors and outcomes of different management strategies in a tertiary referral hospital in Minia, Egypt: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders have become a significant life-threatening issue due to its increased incidence, morbidity and mortality. Several studies have tried to identify the risk factors for PAS disorders. The ideal management for PAS disorders is a matter of debate. The study objectives were to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of PAS disorders and to compare different management strategies at a tertiary referral hospital, Minia, Egypt. METHODS: This prospective study included 102 women diagnosed with PAS disorders admitted to Minia Maternity university hospital, Egypt between January 2017 to August 2018. These cases were categorized into three groups according to the used approach for management: Group (A), (n = 38) underwent cesarean hysterectomy, group (B), (n = 48) underwent cesarean section (CS) with cervical inversion and ligation of both uterine arteries and group (C), (n = 16): the placenta was left in place. RESULTS: The incidence of PAS disorders during the study period was 9 / 1000 maternities (0.91%). The mean age of cases was 32.4 ± 4.2 years, 60% of them had a parity ≥3 and 82% of them had ≥2 previous CSs. Also, 1/3 of them had previous history of placenta previa. Estimated blood loss (EBL) and blood transfusion in group A were significantly higher than other groups. Group (C) had higher mean hospital stay duration. Group A was associated with significantly higher complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PAS disorders was 0.91%. Maternal age > 32 years, previous C.S. (≥ 2), multiparity (≥ 3) and previous history of placenta previa were risk factors. The management of PAS disorders should be individualized. Women with PAS disorders who completed their family should be offered cesarean hysterectomy. Using the cervix as a tamponade combined with bilateral uterine artery ligation appears to be a safe alternative to hysterectomy in patients with focal placenta accreta and low parity desiring future fertility. Patients with diffuse placenta accreta keen to preserve the uterus could be offered the option of leaving the placenta aiming at conservative management after proper counseling. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered 28th October 2015, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02590484 .

Management of bleeding from morbidly adherent placenta during elective repeat caesarean section: retrospective -record -based study.

BACKGROUND: Controlling massive haemorrhage from morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) at caesarean section is a major surgical challenge to obstetricians. This study compares different intra-operative interventions to control haemorrhage from morbidly adherent placenta and its impact on maternal morbidity. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was done for baseline characteristics, intra-operative and postoperative complications of 125 patients with morbidly adherent placenta who had elective CS at 35-38 weeks gestation in the period from 01/2012 to 01/2017. The included patients were categorized into three groups according to intra-operative interventions they had for controlling bleeding; Group A (n = 42) had only balloon tamponade, Group B (n = 40) had balloon tamponade and bilateral uterine artery ligation, in Group C (n = 43) all cases were managed by bilateral uterine artery ligation and inverting the cervix into the uterine cavity and suturing the anterior and/or the posterior cervical lips into the anterior and/or posterior walls of the lower uterine segment using the cervix as a natural tamponade. RESULTS: There were no differences of baseline characteristics of patients in all groups. Group C had significantly better outcomes as compared with groups A and B; less total blood loss (Group C 2869.5 ml vs Group B 4580 ml, Group A 4812 ml, P <  0.001), less requirement of blood transfusion more than 4 units (Group C 4/43, Group B 10/40,Group A 12/42, P <  0.02), significant reduction in prolonged hospital stay over 10 days (Group C 2/43, Group B 9/40,Group A 14/42, P < 0.001) and lower risk of coagulopathy (Group C 4/43, B 8/40, A 9/42), visceral injuries (Group C 4/43 vs B 8/40, A 10/42,P < 0.01) and need for hysterectomy (Group C 4/43 vs B 11/40, A 13/42,P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A combination bilateral uterine artery ligation and using the cervix as a natural tamponade are very effective and simple methods in controlling bleeding resulting from separated placenta accreta. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The findings are part of the research project registered in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02590484 . Registered 28 October 2015.