Utility of opportunistic screening to assess the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life and barriers to seeking treatment among women attending a tertiary healthcare centre in North India.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common but frequently neglected problem in females, significantly impacting their psychosocial health. The available estimates are an underestimation of a bigger problem. Thus, the study aimed to estimate the prevalence of UI, its associated risk factors, its impact on the Quality of life (QoL), and barriers to treatment-seeking behaviour in women attending tertiary healthcare centres. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using an opportunistic screening among women visiting a tertiary care hospital in Punjab recruited using multi-stage systematic random sampling. UI was classified as Stress (SUI), Urge (UUI), mixed (MUI), and No Incontinence (UI less than once a week or a month or no complaints) using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF). Bivariate analyses were done using the chi-square test to test the association between the dependent and independent variables. The predictors of UI were explored using univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression and depicted using Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. The impact of UI on Quality of Life (QoL) was assessed using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7), and compared among the three UI types using One-Way ANOVA. Treatment barriers were explored using open-ended questions. RESULTS: Of the 601 women, 19.6% reported UI (stress UI: 10.1%, mixed UI: 6.0%, and urge UI: 3.5%). There were significant clinical-social factors that predicted different types of UI. The UI depicted a significant effect on QoL across all domains of the IIQ-7 (total mean score: 50.8 ± 21.9) compared to women with no incontinence (0.1 + 1.9). The score was highest in women with MUI, followed by SUI and UUI. About two-thirds of the affected women never consulted a doctor and considered it a non-serious condition or a normal ageing process. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found a high prevalence of UI through opportunistic screening across all the women's age groups with different conditions. Due to the associated stigma, clinicians should make every attempt to talk more about this, especially in women with medical conditions that can precipitate UI. Furthermore, the results call for generating more robust estimates through community-based screening studies.

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified PCOS susceptibility variants and replicates reported risk variants.

BACKGROUND: Genetic predisposition and environmental factors are considered risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been reported from various subpopulations to evaluate SNPs associated with PCOS risk. No PCOS-associated GWAS study has been reported from India so far. PURPOSE: The current study was conducted to identify the PCOS-susceptible loci among the North Indian population and to validate the significant loci reported by previous GWAS studies. METHODS: A total of 272 participants with 134 PCOS patients and 138 age-matched healthy controls were recruited. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped by using Infinium Global Screening Array v3.0 microchip considering HWE 10e-5 statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of fifteen markers have been identified as candidate PCOS risk factors. Only two SNPs, namely rs17186366 and rs11171739 have been identified through replication analysis while comparing the previously reported PCOS GWAS data. In-silico analysis was performed to study the functional impact of identified significant genes for gene ontology, pathways related to gene set, and cluster analysis to determine protein-protein interaction among genes or gene products. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that multiple variants play an important role in PCOS pathogenesis and emphasizes the importance of further genetic studies among Indian subpopulations. The study also validates two previously reported SNPs in the Indian population. What this study adds to clinical work Study summarizes the importance of candidate gene markers validated by replication and in-silico functional study, significantly involved in PCOS pathogenesis in the studied population. These markers can be used in the future as diagnostic markers for clinical phenotype identification.

Carcinoma vulva: Ten years experience in a teaching institution of North India.

Introduction: Vulvar carcinoma is primarily a disease of post-menopausal women. Surgery is a primary treatment strategy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are a part of multimodal therapy. Presently, there is a shift towards neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy so as to decrease the surgical morbidities. Objective: To study the surgical outcome and prognostic factors in Ca vulva patients. Methodology: A retrospective analysis of 19 vulvar cancer patients, surgically treated at a teaching institution of Punjab (2009-2019). Results: Mean age of the patients was 60.95 years. Ulcerative swelling (89.5%) over labia majora (73.7%) was the main presenting symptom. Radical vulvectomy-bilateral IFLN dissection was performed in 74% patients, hemivulvectomy-unilateral IFLN dissection in 21% patients and wide local excision in one patient. Squamous cell carcinoma was detected in all, and one had verrucous carcinoma. Thirty-seven per cent patients had FIGO stage III disease, 31.5% - stage II and 31.5% - stage I. On HPE, 78.57% (11/14) patients had positive nodes and two had ECS. Only 5/9 (55.5%) cases could receive PORT. Seven patients defaulted follow-up. Two developed nodal metastasis, and seven women developed recurrence. One patient with regional recurrence faced demise during RT course. In 10/19 regular follow-up patients, four are alive and disease free, five patients are on palliative chemoradiation, and one is undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy for regional recurrence. Estimated 5-year overall survival is 83.33%. Conclusion: Tumour stage, nodal positivity and nodal ECS were poor prognostic factors. Radical surgery-extensive groin node dissection causes significant morbidity; hence, studies evaluating the role of neoadjuvant treatment are needed so as to modify current treatment practices. HPV vaccination as a preventive measure and a thorough and extensive evaluation of patients with suspicious signs in vulvar disease is needed.

Comprehensive coordinated community based palliative care (C3PaC) model for cancer patients in North India: a mixed-method implementation research study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cancer remains an escalating and challenging public health issue. The management, especially palliative care (PC), is disintegrated and out of reach of in need patients. The overall aim of the project is to develop a feasible and scalable Comprehensive Coordinated Community based PC model for Cancer Patients (C3PaC); congruent with socio-cultural, context and unmet needs in north India. METHODS: A mixed method approach will be used for three-phased pre- and post-intervention study in one of the districts of North India, having a high incidence of cancer. During phase I, validated tools will be used for quantitative assessment of palliative needs among cancer patients and their caregivers. Barriers and challenges for provision of palliative care will be explored using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among participants and health care workers. The findings of phase I along with inputs from national experts and literature review will provide inputs for the development of the C3PAC model in phase II. During phase III C3PAC model will be deployed over a period of 12 months and its impact assessed. Categorical and continuous variables will be depicted as frequency (percentages) and mean ± SD/median (IQR) respectively. Chi-square test/Fischer test, independent samples Student t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests will be used for categorical, normally and non-normally distributed continuous variables, respectively. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis using Atlas.ti 8 software. DISCUSSION: The proposed model is designed to address the unmet palliative care needs, to empower community-based healthcare providers in comprehensive home-based PC and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and caregivers. This model will provide pragmatic scalable solutions in comparable health systems particularly in low- and lower-middle Income countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered with the Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI/2023/04/051357).

Unusual case of a leiomyoma in the space of Retzius mimicking broad ligament fibroid.

This case report will discuss an interesting case of a patient who presented with pain in the lower abdomen of 2-month duration. Clinical examination and imaging findings were suggestive of a broad ligament fibroid. However, intraoperatively, the mass was found to be present in the space of Retzius, which is an extremely rare location for such a pathology. The access to the tumour was very challenging. Successful surgical excision was done with the help of a multidisciplinary team involving a gynaecologist, a urologist and an anaesthetist. Histopathology reported it to be benign leiomyoma. Postoperatively, the patient made an uneventful recovery.

Vulvar leiomyoma in an adolescent girl: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Vulvar leiomyoma is a rare soft tissue tumor, with only around 300 cases described in the literature. Owing to its low incidence of just 0.03% of all gynecological tumors, it often poses a great diagnostic challenge, especially in teenagers. We report this rare occurrence of vulvar leiomyoma in a teenage girl who was primarily left untreated due to cultural taboos and fear of loss of virginity. The main aim in presenting such rare case studies is to raise awareness and expand the diagnostic horizon of the surgeon for appropriate management. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a 15-year-old North Indian, sexually inactive unmarried girl, who presented with a history of painless swelling in the left labia majora for the last 1 year, which gradually increased in size. There was no associated pain or any other difficulty. Local examination revealed a 14 × 10 cm solid, unilateral nonpedunculated mass on the left labia majora with superficial vascularity. Differential diagnoses of sarcoma, lipoma, Bartholin cyst, and fibroid were kept in mind. Ultrasonography revealed a solid mass with superficial vascularity with normal internal genitalia. The mass was enucleated with an intact capsule under anesthesia. Histopathology confirmed it to be benign vulvar leiomyoma. The patient was discharged after 3 days in a satisfactory condition. CONCLUSION: Leiomyoma of the vulva is an exceptionally rare tumor and is seldom seen in teenagers. It is often misinterpreted as a Bartholin cyst and should be kept as one of the differential diagnosis in teenage girls presenting with unilateral vulvar swelling. Vulvar leiomyoma can be completely cured by surgical removal if diagnosed timely without compromising virginity, so should never be missed in adolescents.

Variations in the patterns of tobacco usage among indian females - findings from the global adult tobacco survey India.

BACKGROUND: Males dominate in tobacco usage, as well as in tobacco research, knowing that women face more severe health consequences. There is a specific lack of information on epidemiological statistics, risks, and the level of knowledge among women regarding tobacco. This study examines the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)-India dataset to estimate female tobacco usage and assess socio-economic variations in tobacco consumption, awareness regarding the adverse effects of tobacco, noticing pack health warnings (PHW), and intention to quit tobacco use well as factors influencing these domains. METHODS: Using a geographically clustered multistage sampling method, the nationally representative GATS II (2016-17) interviewed 40,265 female respondents aged 15 years and above from all Indian states and union territories. Standard operational definitions were used to estimate the primary independent variables (community, individual, and household categories) and dependent variables like awareness regarding the adverse effects of tobacco, noticing pack health warning (PHW), and intention to quit tobacco. Sampling weights were adjusted while performing the analysis. Bivariate and multivariable analysis were used to generate the estimates. RESULTS: Of the total female respondents, 84.2% were never-users, 13.3% ever consumed Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) products, 1.8% ever smoked tobacco, and 0.8% were dual users once in their lives. Around 16% of the women had exposure to Second Hand Smoke (SHS) either at their homes, workplaces or in public places. Overall, maximum awareness was seen among non-smoker females (64.7%) and dual users (64.7%), followed by women exposed to SHS, SLT users, and smokers. PHW was noticed more by the bidi smokers, followed by SLT users and cigarette smokers. Factors that positively affected intention to quit smoking included younger age, secondary school education, self-employed status, the habit of buying packed cigarettes/bidi, believing that smoking causes serious illness, and attempted quitting in the last 12 months. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of women consume tobacco which is significantly influenced by socio-demographic factors. Tobacco regulators should be especially concerned about women as the tobacco marketing experts target them. Mobilizing self-help groups and organizations working for women and children could assist broader campaigns to generate awareness and motivate quitting attempts.

Cisplatin versus gemcitabine as concurrent chemoradiotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma cervix: A comparative study of clinical response and toxicities.

Cervical cancer ranks as the four leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. It is the third most common cancer in India. Most patients present in advanced stages. Concurrent chemoradiation is the standard of treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. Aims: The aim of the study was to compare the treatment response and hematological, gastrointestinal, and skin toxicity of cisplatin versus gemcitabine as concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from February 2017 to August 2018. Sixty patients of squamous cell carcinoma cervix with Stage IIB to IIIB were randomly allocated to either weekly gemcitabine (observation arm) 150 mg/m2 or cisplatin (control arm) in the dose of 35 mg/m2 along with concurrent radiotherapy. Treatment response and toxicities of both drugs were evaluated. Statistical Method: Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and range were used to describe the treatment characteristics. Results: Gemcitabine arm has more Grade 2 (23.3% vs. 10%) and Grade 3 (3.3% vs. none) hematological toxicity as compared to cisplatin arm. For gastrointestinal toxicity, Grade 2 toxicity was observed more in cisplatin arm (23.3%) as compared to 13.3% in gemcitabine arm. Skin toxicity was found to be insignificant. There was complete response of 86.7% in cisplatin arm, while 73.3% in gemcitabine arm. Conclusion: Cisplatin has a better treatment response as compared to gemcitabine as concomitant chemotherapy agent with external beam radiation therapy. Hematological toxicity was more in gemcitabine arm and gastrointestinal toxicity was more in cisplatin arm. The skin toxicities were comparable in both the arms.

Effect of restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 pandemic on the antenatal care and pregnancy outcomes: a prospective observational study from rural North India.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the difficulties faced by the pregnant women in seeking appropriate antenatal care due to the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic; assess the difficulties encountered during delivery and postpartum period; the suitability of the teleconsultation services offered; effect of COVID-19 infection on pregnancy outcomes and the effect of restrictions on the nutrition profile of the pregnant women. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We included 1374 pregnant women from the rural areas of three districts of Punjab, India registered at government health centres before the implementation of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on 24 March 2020. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the difficulties faced by the women during their pregnancies due to restrictions imposed during the lockdown. The secondary outcomes included the effect of COVID-19 infections on pregnancy outcomes, satisfaction from the telemedicine services and restrictions on the nutrition profile of the pregnant women. RESULTS: One-third of the women (38.4%) considered their last pregnancy unplanned. Women faced difficulties due to the restrictions in getting adequate nutrition (76.5%), accessing transportation facilities (35.4%), consultations from doctors (22.4%) or getting an ultrasonography scan (48.7%). One-fifth (21.9%) of women could not access safe abortion services. Only 3.6% of respondents ever took any teleconsultation services offered by the government. Most of them felt unsatisfied compared with routine visits (77.5%). COVID-19-infected women were primarily asymptomatic (76.1%), but there was a high incidence of preterm birth (42.8%). Frontline workers could visit 64.3% of the women in the postpartum period despite restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: Lockdown compromised the antenatal care in our study area while the frontline workers attempted to minimise the inconvenience. Telemedicine services did not prove to be of many benefits to pregnant women and should only work as a supplement to the existing protocols of antenatal care.

Aggressive (deep) angiomyxoma of the vulva: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva is a benign, slow-growing tumor originating from myxoid cells of connective tissue. The tumor is known for multiple local recurrences with a low tendency to metastasize. Only around 350 cases have been documented in the scientific literature so far. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 40-year-old North Indian, unmarried woman with a swelling on the left labium majora for 7 years, along with surface ulceration over the mass. Local examination showed a well-circumscribed, 8 × 8 cm pedunculated  mass arising from the left labium majora with an overlying ulcer measuring 6 cm × 4 cm. After taking informed written consent, wide local excision of the mass and surrounding margins was done under anesthesia. Histopathology was suggestive of aggressive angiomyxoma. Immunohistochemistry was done, which was positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors. Her postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patient was given three doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (injection, leuprolide 3.75 mg) once a month. No recurrence has been reported so far on follow-up visits for 1 year. CONCLUSION: Aggressive angiomyxoma is one of the differential diagnoses for vulvovaginal growth in a female. As the tumor is well known for local recurrences, correct diagnosis and appropriate management using a multidisciplinary approach are crucial to managing such patients.

Recurrent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of the Vulva: A Rare Occurrence and Review of Literature.

Objective: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) of the vulva is an uncommon soft tissue tumor with fewer than 60 cases reported previously. Distant metastasis is rare with a high propensity for local invasion. Surgical management is the gold standard with adequate margin excision to prevent future recurrences. We report a case of vulvar DFSP requiring three resections to achieve primary clearance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report from India. Case report : A 35-years-old female, presented with nodular vulvar mass for the third time arising from the upper part of right labia majora for the last year. She had a history of two similar episodes in the past for which excision was done and histopathology confirmed DFSP. The third wide local resection was performed with 3 cm margins and the margins were sent for intra-operative frozen section analysis, which was confirmed clear by the pathologist. The patient has been free of recurrence for two years. Conclusion: DFSP is a challenging condition presenting as a non-tender nodular mass characterized by local invasion and recurrence. Early diagnosis and appropriate management using wide local excision with accurate margin assessment can achieve optimal results and prevent future recurrences.

Trends and correlates of intimate partner violence experienced by ever-married women of India: results from National Family Health Survey round III and IV.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to estimate the prevalence of Intimate partner violence (IPV) in India, and changes observed over a decade as per the nationally representative datasets from National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) Round 3 and 4. We also highlight various socio-demographic characteristics associated with different types of IPV in India. The NFHS round 3 and 4 interviewed 124,385, and 699,686 women respondents aged 15-49 years using a multi-stage sampling method across 29 states and 2 union territories in India. For IPV, we only included ever-married women (64,607, and 62,716) from the two rounds. Primary outcomes of the study was prevalence of the  ever-experience of different types of IPV: physical, emotional, and sexual violence by ever-married women aged 15 to 49 years. The secondary outcome included predictors of different forms of IPV, and changes in the prevalence of different types of IPV compared to the previous round of the NFHS survey. RESULTS: As per NFHS-4, weighted prevalence of physical, sexual, emotional, or any kind of IPV ever-experienced by women were 29.2%, 6.7%, 13.2%, and 32.8%. These subtypes of IPV depicted a relative change of - 14.9%, - 30.2%, - 11.0%, - 15.7% compared to round 3. Significant state-wise variations were observed in the prevalence. Multivariate  binary logistic regression analysis highlighted women's and partner's education, socio-economic status, women empowerment, urban-rural residence, partner's controlling behaviours as major significant predictors of IPV. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings suggest high prevalence of IPV with state-wise variations in the prevalence. Similar factors were responsible for different forms of IPV. Therefore, based on existing evidences, it is recommended to offer adequate screening and counselling services for the couples, especially in health-care settings so that they speak up against IPV, and are offered timely help to prevent long-term physical and mental health consequences.

Unwarranted hysterectomy in a case of oro-vaginal-vulvar lichen planus in a young woman: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus is a rare autoimmune disease primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes of the oral mucosa, vulva, and vagina. Diagnosis is difficult and often delayed as the clinicians do not associate the oral symptoms with the genital symptoms. This has a negative impact on the out-of-pocket expenditure and quality of life of the patients. We report this case, as only anecdotal cases have been reported so far from a developing country such as India. We highlight the unindicated hysterectomy that the patient had undergone because of lack of awareness regarding this condition. Our case report also highlights the importance of the multidisciplinary team approach to optimize outcomes and avoid unnecessary morbidity to such patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a North-Indian patient with oro-vaginal-vulvar lichen planus who presented to us with complaints of recurrent vulvovaginal symptoms for the last 5 years. She had been previously treated with multiple courses of antibiotics, antifungals, and topical steroids over the course of 3 years and finally offered laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) by a private practitioner but got no relief. She also had complained of oral symptoms in the form of a burning sensation after eating spicy food, but did not seek any treatment for this. After multidisciplinary team discussion, a final diagnosis of oro-vaginal-vulvar lichen planus was made at our institute based on the clinical and histopathological findings. The patient was immediately started on oral prednisolone to which she responded with improvement in her symptoms. CONCLUSION: Lichen planus is a chronic painful condition with significant impact on the quality of life. Women often suffer for several years before an accurate diagnosis is made. Treatment is challenging and needs to be individualized with a multidisciplinary approach to prevent progressive anatomical distortion and associated morbidity.

Unusual Cases of Pure Malignant Germ Cell Tumors of the Ovary: A Case Series on 10 Years Experience at a Tertiary Care Center.

BACKGROUND: Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) are rare female cancers, constituting up to 10% of ovarian cancers. Dysgerminoma is the most common histological variant. Surgical removal of the tumor with optimal debulking is the treatment of choice. Multidrug chemotherapy following surgery offers high remission rates. Considering the prevalence of these tumors in adolescent and young females, fertility-sparing treatment is of paramount importance. METHODS: The data of all patients with ovarian malignancy admitted at a tertiary-care-teaching hospital from September 2009-March 2019 were analyzed. Ten patients of MOGCTs were treated in this period. The clinical features, radiological and biochemical findings, and management and treatment outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 23 years. Histological subtypes included immature teratoma (n=3), endodermal sinus tumor (n=4), and dysgerminoma (n=3). Tumor markers namely AFP, ßHCG, and LDH increased in all except the patients with immature teratoma. Two patients with dysgerminoma were in the second trimester of pregnancy. All patients except one underwent surgery followed by BEP chemotherapy. Two patients had developed metastasis within six months of treatment and died. In seven patients, no evidence of disease was reported till date. CONCLUSION: Management of antenatal patients with dysgerminoma by surgery followed by BEP chemotherapy has favorable prognosis. Fertility-sparing surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy offers great advantage in young girls. However, risk stratification based on prognostic factors should be implemented in order to individualize the treatment for achieving higher survival rates. The option for oocyte-cryopreservation prior to surgery must be discussed with patients desiring future fertlity.

Assessment of fluoride levels during pregnancy and its association with early adverse pregnancy outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is sparse data available on human subjects regarding the affect of excessive fluoride exposures on pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine the association between elevated urinary fluoride levels during early pregnancy and maternal anemia and adverse fetal outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 600 pregnant patients with gestational age less than 20 weeks and with a high urinary fluoride levels(>1 mg/L).We also documented the fluoride levels in the tap water and ground water samples collected from the areas where these women resided during pregnancy. These patients were also evaluated for hemoglobin levels and detailed fetal examination by ultrasound. Data was assessed by SSPS version 16.0 software and P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: Urinary fluoride averaged 2.65 mg/L and ranged from 1.0 to 4.3 mg/L while all the water samples revealed fluoride levels greater than WHO prescribed the limit of 1.5 mg/L. A total of 402 patients (67%) were found to be anemic with hemoglobin levels ranging from 6.2 to 11.9 g/dl (9.28 ± 1.29). Eighty one patients (13.5%) had adverse fetal outcomes that comprised abortions, congenital abnormalities, and intrauterine deaths (IUDs). There was a negative correlation between urinary fluoride and hemoglobin levels (P = 0.031, r= -0.59) and females with elevated urinary fluoride levels were found to have a strong association with the pregnancy complications, i.e., anemia, miscarriage, abortion, and still birth (χ2 = 9.23, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Excess fluoride exposures can have deleterious effects on the expecting mother and fetus and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Management of Mullerian Development Anomalies: 9 Years' Experience of a Tertiary Care Center.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the clinical and imaging findings as well as the outcomes of patients with Mullerian duct anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 41 patients with Mullerian development anomalies treated in a tertiary care center in the past 9 years was done. The presenting symptoms, radiological findings, management, and the outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: According to the American Fertility Society's classification, 11 patients presented in Class I, 6 in Class II, and 24 in Class III of the classification. It was found that some of the defects such as the unicornuate uterus, a unicornuate uterus with noncommunicating rudimentary horn, and longitudinal vaginal septum were usually asymptomatic whereas disorders such as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH), cervicovaginal atresia, and transverse vaginal septum presented with the absence of menarche, cyclical abdominal pain, and abdominal mass, respectively. Defects such as the bicornuate uterus, didelphys uterus, and septate uterus present with poor reproductive performance. Unicornuate uterus with communicating horn presented with rupture of the horn in the antenatal period, which was managed vigorously. Vaginoplasty with a skin graft and amnion graft had excellent results in MRKH syndrome. Patients with cervicovaginal atresia had a poor prognosis and ultimately required a hysterectomy. Hysteroscopic septal resection improved the reproductive performance in the patients with septate uterus. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the management of uterine malformations is individualized depending on the symptoms and fertility concerns. Cervicovaginal atresia was associated with restenosis after surgery ultimately required a hysterectomy. MRKH had excellent results with McIndoe vaginoplasty. Optimal and timely management may lead to better outcomes.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Perimenopausal Females.

BACKGROUND: Perimenopause refers to the period around menopause (40-55 years). This includes the period before menopause and the first year after menopause. Perimenopausal age is an important stage in a women's life. Many women are diagnosed with hypothyroidism at midlife. Hypothyroidism - both overt and subclinical are associated with increased risk of CVS diseases. Subclinical hypothyroidism is more important as this stage is usually ignored from treatment point of view and if early intervention is done in SCH worsening of metabolic derangement may be avoided. OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to know the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and associated dyslipidemia in perimenopausal females. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our retrospective study we took 100 perimenopausal females (40-55years) who were investigated for thyroid and lipid profile. Atherogenic indices like TC/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c, TG/HDL-c ratios were calculated from the individual lipid profile parameters. The reference guidelines for lipid profile was according to NCEP ATP III. RESULT: Subclinical hypothyroidism was found to be present in 18% of perimenopausal females The mean TSH levels were found to be higher in SCH as compared to euthyroid females with a mean value of 7.56±3.54(µIU/ ml). Dyslipidemia was seen in patients with SCH. TSH levels were found to be positively correlated with total cholesterol. CONCLUSION: We conclude that subclinical hypothyroidism is present in 18% females of perimenopausal age group. Increased TSH levels are associated with hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated TC/HDL-C ratio and non cholesterol HDL. In perimenopausal women the condition is usually underdiagnosed and ignored but subclinical hypothyroidism in these females should be screened and treated timely to decrease the risk of accelerated atherosclerosis and premature coronary artery disease in them.

Malignant Mixed Germ Cell Tumors of the Ovary: A Series of Rare Cases.

BACKGROUND: Malignant mixed germ cell tumors of ovary are rare aggressive cancers affecting young adolescent girls. The commonest combination reported in literature is dysgerminoma and endodermal sinus tumors but in our study the most common combination was immature teratoma and endodermal sinus tumor which is exteremely rare. Preservation of future fertility is a concern. Fertility sparing surgery followed by combination chemotherapy is the current treatment of choice but treatment must be individualized depending upon the nature of the tumor. METHODS: A retrospective study on five patients with these tumors was conducted on patients at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital (Punjab, India) between September 2009 to January 2018. RESULTS: Median age of patients was 15.6 years. Histopathological combination was immature teratoma and endodermal sinus tumor (n=3), endodermal sinus tumor and embryonal carcinoma (n=1), and mature and immature teratoma (n=1). Tumor markers AFP, beta HCG and LDH were raised in all except the patient with mature and immature teratoma. All patients underwent surgery followed by combination chemotherapy. Three patients developed metastasis within six months of treatment and died. In the remaining two, no reccurrence was reported till date. CONCLUSION: Malignant mixed germ cell tumors of ovary are extremely rare tumors and have poor prognosis. Fertility preservation is a concern as these patients are usually young adolescent girls but fertility sparing treatment must be individualized on the basis of tumor type, surgical staging, and availability of combination chemotherapy. Considering high recurrence rate and mortality, total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with complete surgical staging followed by combination chemotherapy should be perfomed at advanced stage and aggressive tumor biology. Preservation of fertility must be held secondary.