A global study on knowledge and perception of HPV and HPV vaccination among young obstetricians and gynecologists.

Objective: Our goal is to improve the understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccination among obstetrics and gynecology trainees and young specialists worldwide. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey consisting of 28 questions by the World Association of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecology between February and August 2023. The questionnaire collected demographic data of the study participants and assessed the respondents' knowledge and perception of HPV, HPV vaccines, and vaccine dosing schedule. Results: Two hundred five Ob/Gyn trainees and young Ob/Gyns from 52 countries completed the survey. The majority of respondents were trainees (158, 77.1%). Most trainees and young Ob/Gyns learned about HPV for the first time during medical school (149, 72.6%). Almost all (204, 99.5%) Ob/Gyns responded that HPV was sexually transmitted. More than half of the respondents had not received HPV vaccination (110, 53.7%). The vaccine was recommended for respondents mostly by their Ob/Gyn senior colleagues (110, 53.7%). Most of the respondents knew how to manage HPV-positive patients (179, 87.3%). Conclusion: This study suggests that even though knowledge on HPV and its vaccination is satisfactory among trainees and young Ob/Gyns, HPV vaccination remains deficient. There is a need to understand, educate, and address the potential problem that lies underneath.

FIGO best practice guidance in surgical consent.

Obtaining medical consent preoperatively is one of the key steps in preparing for surgery, and is an important step in informed decision making with the patient. According to good medical practice guidelines, doctors are required to have the knowledge and skills to treat patients as well as inform them, respect their wishes, and establish trust between themselves and their patients. Valid consent includes elements of competence, disclosure, understanding, and voluntariness. Documentation of these elements is also very important. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Education Communication and Advocacy Consortium (ECAC) has realized that the quality of consent varies considerably across the world and has developed simple guidelines regarding consent and procedure-specific checklists for the most common obstetric and gynecological procedures.

A Prospective Case-control Trial to Evaluate and Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Atosiban versus Placebo in In vitro Fertilization-embryo Transfer Program.

BACKGROUND: Recent developments in assisted reproductive technology focus on potential advances to improve its success rate. Atosiban, a combined oxytocin/vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist, is a novel class of drug involved in basic priming of the uterus for successful implantation during embryo transfer (ET). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of atosiban (study group) in ET patients in comparison to placebo (control group) regarding implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and ongoing pregnancy rate and to assess the safety profile of atosiban. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 320 women undergoing in vitro fertilization-ET at a tertiary care hospital were enrolled in the study. In the study group, atosiban was given as initial intravenous (IV) bolus injection 0.9 ml (6.75 mg), 30 min before ET followed by continuous IV infusion of atosiban. In the control group, placebo (normal saline) was infused at the same rate and dose. Pregnancy was confirmed 14 days after ET by ß-human chronic gonadotropin level. IR and CPR were determined by doing transvaginal sonography 3 weeks and 6 weeks postET, respectively. RESULTS: In women with atosiban treatment, the positive pregnancy rate and CPRs were 41.25% and 36.25%, respectively. The IR per embryo transferred was 17.5%. No major side effects of atosiban were noted among enlisted patients. The miscarriage rate and ectopic pregnancy rate were low (12.12% and 4.54%, respectively). Forty-two women had singleton gestation, while twin and triplet pregnancies were encountered in 13 and 3 women, respectively. No congenital anomalies were observed during an antenatal scan at 18-20 weeks in ongoing pregnancies. The positive pregnancy rate, the CPR, and the IR in the control group was 35%, 30%, and 16.5%, respectively, which was significantly lower than the atosiban group. CONCLUSION: Atosiban reduces uterine contractions and increases endomyometrial perfusion, both of which have potential benefits regarding improved IRs, CPR, and ongoing pregnancy rates. Atosiban has a good embryonic safety profile.

A Study on Balanced Chromosomal Translocations in Couples with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is an obstetric complication that affects couples in their reproductive age. Chromosomal abnormalities, mainly balanced rearrangements, could commonly be present in couples with RPL. AIM: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the contribution of chromosomal abnormalities and balanced reciprocal translocations, in particular occurring in either of the partners, resulting in RPL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cytogenetic study was carried out on 152 individuals (76 couples) having a history of RPL. The cases were analyzed using G-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization, wherever necessary. RESULTS: Chromosomal abnormalities were observed in 3.2% of the total RPL cases, of which balanced translocations were observed in 4 (80%) individuals and marker chromosome was detected in 1 (20%) individual. All balanced translocations comprised reciprocal translocations, and no cases of Robertsonian translocations were detected in our study. Among reciprocal translocation carriers, three were male and one was female. Polymorphic variants were noted in 8 (5.3%) individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Chromosomal analysis is an important etiological investigation in couples with RPL. Balanced translocations are the most commonly detected chromosomal abnormalities in such couples. Thus, these couples are the best candidates for offering prenatal genetic diagnosis, thereby ensuring a better reproductive outcome.

Role of Intravenous Ferric Carboxy-maltose in Pregnant Women with Iron Deficiency Anaemia.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency amongst women of childbearing age. Peri-partum iron deficiency anaemia is associated with significant maternal, foetal and infant morbidity. Current options for treatment include oral iron, which can be ineffective and poorly tolerated, and red blood cell transfusions, which carry an inherent risk and should be avoided. Ferric carboxymaltose is a modern treatment option. The study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose for correction of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at Institute of Kidney Disease and Research Centre, Ahmedabad from January 2014 to December 2016. Antenatal women (108) with iron deficiency anaemia were the study subjects. Socio-demographic profile was recorded and anaemia was assessed based on recent haemoglobin reports. Iron deficiency was diagnosed on basis of serum ferritin value. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose as per total correction dose (maximum 1500mg) was administered to all women; the improvement in haemoglobin levels were assessed after 3 weeks of total dose infusion. RESULTS: Most of the women(n= 45, 41.7%), were in the age group of 27-30 years. Most of the women (n = 64, 59.3%) had moderate anaemia as per WHO guidelines. Mean haemoglobin levels significantly increased over a period of 3 weeks after Ferric carboxymaltose administrationand no serious life threatening adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose was safe and effective in pregnent women with iron deficiency anaemia.

Falope Rings or Modified Pomeroy's Technique for Concurrent Tubal Sterilization.

INTRODUCTION: Sterilization at caesarean section is usually performed by the modified Pomeroy's technique. Application of Falope rings and Filshie clips may also be used for tubal sterilization at caesarean section, and these techniques are also used during laparoscopy or minilaparotomy. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the study was to evaluate the failure rates, complications, technical difficulties and reversibility of the Falope ring application for tubal sterilization as compared to the traditional modified Pomeroy's technique used during caesarean sections. METHODOLOGY: Five hundred multigravid women who underwent caesarean section for various causes and wanted concurrent tubal sterilization were recruited in the study. Two hundred and fifty women underwent tubal sterilization by Falope ring application and the other 250 by modified Pomeroy's technique. Follow-up period ranged from 3 to 42 months. These patients' names were checked against the antenatal booking register, the operating theatre register in case of ectopic pregnancies and a termination of pregnancy register to recognize failed sterilization. RESULTS: Among the 250 women who underwent Falope ring application, no major complications were noted. In the other group, women who underwent tubal sterilization by modified Pomeroy's technique, there was one woman with serious complication, ectopic pregnancy. Falope ring application was an easy procedure to perform and also less time-consuming than modified Pomeroy's technique. CONCLUSION: Falope ring sterilization is simple, effective and safe, and the rate of subsequent pregnancy is lower than with conventional modified Pomeroy's technique.

Placental Blood Drainage as a Part of Active Management of Third Stage of Labour After Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery.

AIM: The third stage of labour commences after the delivery of the foetus and ends with the delivery of the placenta and its membranes. Postpartum haemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal mortality and accounts for about 25 % of maternal deaths in India. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of placental blood drainage after spontaneous vaginal delivery as part of active management of third stage of labour in decreasing the duration, blood loss, and complications of the third stage, against no drainage of placental blood. METHODOLOGY: Two hundred pregnant patients with 37 or more weeks of gestation, with single live foetus in cephalic presentation, who underwent a spontaneous vaginal delivery, were included in the study. The patients were prospectively randomized equally into two groups (100 each in the study and control groups). Placental blood was drained in all the patients in the study group, whereas in the control group the cord blood was not drained. Blood lost in the third stage of labour was measured by collecting in a disposable conical measuring bag, and blood from the episiotomy was mopped, and the mops were discarded separately. RESULTS: The baseline statistics in both the group were comparable. The duration of third stage of labour was 210.5 s in the study group and 302.5 s in the control group. The 'p' value was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.0001). The mean blood loss in study group was 227.5 ml and was 313.3 ml in the control group (p ≤ 0.0001). The incidence of postpartum haemorrhage was 1 % in study group and 9 % in control group. The mean drop in Hb % level was 0.6 gm/dl in study group and 1.1 gm/dl in control group. These above differences were both statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Placental blood drainage as part of active management of third stage of labour was effective in reducing the duration, the blood loss, and also the incidence of PPH. Placental blood drainage is a simple, safe, and non-invasive method of managing the third stage of labour, which can be practiced in both tertiary care centres as well as rural setup in addition to the routine uterotonics.

Role of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss in Vaginal Delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-fibrinolytic agents are used to reduce obstetric blood loss as the fibrinolytic system is known to get activated after placental delivery. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of parenteral tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss during normal labour and to compare it with the amount of blood loss in patients who received placebo in the third stage of labour. METHODOLOGY: Patients with spontaneous labour or planned for induction of labour and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. In each patient, the pre-delivery pulse rate, blood pressure, Hb gm% and PCV% were noted. Labour was monitored carefully using a partogram. The study group received Inj. Oxytocin and Inj. Tranexamic acid. The control group received Inj. Oxytocin and Placebo injection. Immediately after delivery of the baby, when all the liquor was drained, the patient was placed over a blood drape-a disposable conical, graduated plastic collection bag. The amount of blood collected in the blood drape was measured. Then the patient was given pre-weighed pads, which were weighed 2 h post-partum. The blood loss was measured by measuring the blood collected in the drape and by weighing the swabs before and after delivery. RESULTS: The total number of patients studied was 100-equally distributed in both the groups. The age group of the patients and BMI were comparable. There was a significant increase in the pulse rate and decrease in blood pressure in the control group as compared with the study group. The post-delivery haemoglobin and haematocrit were significantly reduced in the control group as compared to the study group. The mean blood loss at the end of 2 h was 105 ml in the study group and 252 ml in the control group. There was a significant increase in the usage of uterotonics and also in the need for blood transfusion in the control group; 12 % of the patients in the control group had to stay for more than 3 days compared to 2 % in the study group. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid injection, an antifibrinolytic agent when given prophylactically after the delivery of the baby, by intravenous route appears to reduce the blood loss and maternal morbidity during normal labour effectively.

Uterine conserving surgery in a case of cervicovaginal agenesis with unicornuate uterus.

The presence of cervicovaginal agenesis with unicornuate uterus is a very rare mullerian anomaly. Its true incidence is still unknown. The presence of functioning unicornuate uterus poses a great challenge for a gynecologist because a successful repair could restore normal menses and may preserve a patient's fertility. Hence, we report a case of 16-year-old unmarried female who presented with chief complaints of primary amenorrhea with cyclical lower abdominal pain. On clinical and radiological evaluation, she was diagnosed with complete cervicovaginal agenesis with right unicornuate uterus (hematometra and hematosalpinx). She underwent vaginoplasty (McIndoes method) along with uterovaginal anastomosis by neocervix formation, in order to preserve her uterus. On follow-up, her vagina was completely healed, and she was menstruating normally.

Krabbe disease--a case report.

Krabbe disease is an extremely rare condition with an incidence of 1 in 1,00,000 live births. It is caused by deficient activity of the Iysosomal hydrolase galactosylceramide beta-galactosidase. A 6 years old male weighing 12 kg, was brought to Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital with complaints of convulsions. The full-term child was delivered by lower segment caesarean section to second-degree consanguineous parents. The baby cried immediately after birth. The child attained normal milestones till two years of age. Thereafter he lost his attained milestones. The child had dysmorphic face with features like anti-Mongoloid eyes and teeth anomaly. Skin was lax all over the body especially over the face and was bruised. Respiratory distress and upward gaze were present. Bilateral crepitations were heard. Pupils were dilated and sluggishly reacted to light.