Cerclage in complete placenta previa preventing preterm labor: A rare case report.

Placenta previa often leads to antepartum hemorrhage, which warrants the patient for emergency room admission. The bleeding occurs mainly due to cervical dilation, which could be caused by cervical incompetence. Cervical cerclage has been considered as the primary treatment for cervical incompetence. However, evidence is lacking for its application in placenta previa. Here, we present a case of a 30-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with complete placenta previa where a good obstetrical outcome could be achieved. The patient had antepartum hemorrhage during the 21st week of gestational age due to cervical dilation in a complete placenta previa case. An emergency cerclage using McDonald's technique was then performed, which prolonged the pregnancy to the 34th week of gestation. The patient had cesarean section and delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 2190 g. The mother and the baby had an uneventful recovery and were discharged after 2 days of hospitalization.

Perimortem caesarean section in COVID-19 era.

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is very rare. Various methods have been proposed to return spontaneous circulation and prevent mortality, such as Perimortem Caesarean Section (PMCS). Since 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the difficulty in decision making and performing PMCS. Infection prevention being a priority due to the rapid spreading of the virus could cause hesitation upon initiating an emergency procedure, especially PMCS. We have reviewed the issues impacting on basic and advanced life support in adults with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Determining laboratory parameters in pregnant women with severe COVID-19.

Objective: Coronavirus disease causes a wide spectrum of clinical picture in pregnant women. There are still a few studies concerning laboratory parameters to differentiate the severity of coronavirus disease-19 in pregnant patients. This article aims to identify the cut-off on laboratory parameters between pregnant women with asymptomatic/mild/moderate and severe/critical coronavirus disease-19 illness. Methods: All coronavirus disease-19 pregnant women coming to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital between January and August 2021 were recruited into this cross-sectional study. All data extracted from medical records were classified into demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters. We defined demographic characteristics as age, parity, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Laboratory parameters measured in this study consisted of complete blood count, renal function test including urea, creatinine, liver function test including aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, infection marker test including procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, cycle threshold values, ferritin, coagulation test including d-dimer, fibrinogen, random blood glucose, albumin, electrolytes. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistics. Results: There were 159 cases assessed in this study consisting of 130 (81.8%) patients with asymptomatic/mild/moderate illness and 29 (18.2%) patients with severe/critical illness of coronavirus disease-19. Of 28 laboratory parameters, 12 of them were significant statistically; thus, it resulted to make a cut-off using receiver operating characteristic curve and show relative risk, and 95% confidence interval. In multivariate analysis that aspartate transferase, D-dimer, and albumin were laboratory parameters impacted to the severity of coronavirus disease-19 in pregnant women. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.834 (95% CI 0.736-0.932). Conclusion: Of all laboratory parameters, urea, aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, D-dimer, random blood glucose, cycle threshold values, albumin, and chloride differs between asymptomatic/mild/moderate, and severe/critical illness coronavirus disease-19 in pregnant women; aspartate transferase, D-dimer, and albumin were laboratory parameters impacted the most to the severity of coronavirus disease-19 in pregnant women.

Biopsychosocial Approach for Conservative Management of Abdominal Pregnancy in Previously Infertile Mother.

Background: Abdominal pregnancy is a rare condition in which early termination is generally recommended. However, there are cases of abdominal pregnancies treated using expectant management with satisfactory outcomes. This management may be considered in special cases, such as previously infertile couples. Case: A case of a 27-year-old woman with infertility history complaining of vaginal bleeding was presented. Physical and ultrasound examination revealed an abdominal pregnancy with 18 weeks of gestation. Although she was ready to abort the pregnancy, she insisted to try expectant management for her pregnancy. Her baby was finally born at 25 weeks via laparotomy. Conclusion: Abdominal pregnancy is a rare and highly morbid form of ectopic pregnancy. It demands a skilled approach in management. A comprehensive and holistic approach is required to deliver the best outcome for the patient and her family.

Relationship of Placental Vascular Indices with Macroscopic, Histopathologic, and Intraoperative Blood Loss in Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders.

Introduction: Placenta accreta spectrum is an obstetrical complication with a high level of morbidity. The 3-dimensional (3D) power Doppler method has been widely used to improve the diagnosis. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate better the relationship of quantitative placental vascular indices towards macroscopic findings, histopathological grading, and intraoperative blood loss in the disorder. Methods: A preliminary study using a cross-sectional design was conducted on 34 clinically diagnosed women with PAS. The 3D power Doppler with the VOCAL II software was used to measure the level of vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI). Gross anatomical appearance and histopathology results were categorized as accreta, increta, and percreta. In addition, the intraoperative blood loss level was measured, and 1500 mL was the cutoff for massive hemorrhage. Results: The vascularity indexes were VI = 44.2 (23.7-74.9), FI = 35.4 (24.9-57), and VFI = 15.3 (8.5-41.7). The FI value was significant in comparing gross pathological stages (p=0.015) and had a moderate positive correlation in relation to blood loss (r = 0.449). VI, FI, and VFI above the cutoff values were shown to be strongly associated with blood loss ≥ 1500 cc with aOR 7.00 (95% CI 1.23-39.56), aOR 10.00 (95% CI 1.58-63.09), and aOR 9.16 (95% CI 1.53-54.59), respectively. Conclusion: This preliminary study demonstrated an initial potential of the FI value from 3D USG power Doppler to predict the depth of PAS invasion before surgery and intraoperative blood loss level.

Maternal Amino Acid Status in Severe Preeclampsia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia has been one of the leading causes of maternal death in Indonesia. It is postulated that its relationship with oxidative stress may be the underlying pathology of the disease. Nutrients and amino acids have been suggested as a scavenger for oxygen-free radicals. No previous study regarding the amino acid status in preeclampsia has been conducted in women in Indonesia. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of a total of 64 pregnant women, 30 with normal pregnancy and 34 with severe preeclampsia. Data were obtained in Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital in Jakarta from July to December 2020. Maternal blood samples were taken during or soon after delivery. Amino acid levels were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Bivariate analysis was then performed. RESULTS: We identified 19 different levels of amino acids in this study. Four amino acids that were elevated in the preeclampsia group were phenylalanine, serine, glycine, and glutamate. Serine (331.55 vs. 287.43; p = 0.03), glycine (183.3 vs. 234.35, p = 0.03), and glutamate levels (102.23 vs. 160.70, p = 0.000) were higher in preeclamptic patients. While in the essential amino acids group, phenylalanine levels (71.5 vs. 85.5, p = 0.023) were higher, and methionine levels (16.3 vs. 12.9, p = 0.022) were lower in preeclamptic patients. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that severe preeclampsia had differences in concentration of some amino acids compared to normal pregnancy. Glutamate and methionine were associated with preeclampsia. Furthermore, a more detailed study regarding amino acids in the pathomechanism of preeclampsia is suggested.

Cesarean scar pregnancy management: Different approach for different situation; A case series.

The incidence of caesaean scar pregnancy (CSP) increases since the cesarean delivery rate had increased as well. Diagnosing of CSP was also a challenge to identify the type of CSP which important things for choosing the right management. The CSP could be classified into two types, which are endogenous and exogenous. While the management was dependent into the types, such as suction curettage, resection, and also hysterectomy. This paper showed cases of cesarean scar pregnancy in Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, in one year.

Massive obstetric haemorrhage on post caesarean subtotal hysterectomy due to late detection of occult placenta percreta: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Placenta accreta syndrome is a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Therefore, a multidiscipline approach is essential to overcome this life-threatening disorder for the mother and fetus. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 32-year-old women gravida 3 parity 2, 34 weeks gestation come due to recurrent antepartum haemorrhage. She had twice prior caesarean section. Ultrasound assessment suggests total placenta previa and elevating suspicion to placenta accreta. However, intraoperatively its sign is unavailable. Although we have done subtotal hysterectomy, massive bleeding still occurring. Therefore, we present management of unexpected placenta percreta. DISCUSSION: Management of unexpected placenta percreta involves prenatal diagnosis, haemoglobin optimization, surgical management anticipating haemorrhage, dedicated maternal ICU, blood bank providing massive transfusion and blood component. CONCLUSION: Close monitoring is important in catastrophe management of Placenta Accreta Syndrome.

Oxidative Stress Induced Damage and Early Senescence in Preterm Placenta.

INTRODUCTION: Senescent cells have been demonstrated to release High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) which induces labor through an inflammatory pathway. This research is aimed at demonstrating whether telomere shortening, proinflammatory HMGB1, and oxidative damage marker 8-OHdG play a role in the placenta of preterm birth in comparison to term birth. METHOD: A cross-sectional study on 67 full thickness of the placenta obtained from mothers with term and preterm birth. Mothers with clinical signs of infection (fever > 38°C, leukocytosis > 18000/µL, or abnormal vaginal discharge) and other pregnancy complications were excluded. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure T/S ratio and ELISA quantification to measure the amount of HMGB1 and 8-OHdG. RESULT: A total of 34 placentas from preterm and 33 placentas from term birth were examined. Maternal characteristics were comparable between the two groups. There were no statistical difference of T/S ratio (p = 0.181), HMGB1 (p = 0.119), and 8-OHdG (p = 0.144) between the preterm and term groups. HMGB1 was moderately correlated with 8-OHdG (r = 0.314). Telomere T/S ratio of the placenta did not differ between preterm and term labor despite difference in gestational age, suggesting earlier shortening in the preterm group. It is possible that critical telomere length has been achieved in both term and preterm placenta that warrants labor through senescence process. The result of our study also showed that HMGB1 was not correlated to telomere length, due to the fact that HMGB1 is not upregulated until the critical length of telomere for senescence is exhibited. CONCLUSION: Similar telomere length might be exhibited due to early telomere shortening in preterm birth that mimics the term placenta. The relationship between placental telomere shortening and HMGB1 release remains to be uncovered. Further research is needed to discover the factors leading to early telomere shortening in the placenta of preterm birth.

Thyroid storm in the second stage of labour: a case report.

A thyroid storm (or thyroid crisis) is an emergency in endocrinology. It is a form of complication of hyperthyroidism that can be life-threatening. Inadequate control of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy could develop into thyroid storm, especially in the peripartum period. We present a woman came in the second stage of labour, with thyroid storm, superimposed pre-eclampsia, acute lung oedema and impending respiratory failure. Treatment for thyroid storm, pre-eclampsia protocol and corticosteroid was delivered. The baby was born uneventfully, while the mother was discharged after 5 days of hospitalisation. Delivery is an important precipitant in the development of thyroid storm in uncontrolled hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. Although very rare, it can cause severe consequences. Diagnosis and treatment guidelines for thyroid storm were available and should be done aggressively and immediately. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism should be prevented by adequate control in thyroid hormone levels, especially before the peripartum period.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) status in severe preeclampsia and preterm birth: a cross sectional study.

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (LCPUFA) is essential throughout pregnancy, since deficiency of LPUFA may linked to obstetrical complications. This study aimed to investigate LCPUFA status in severe preeclampsia and preterm birth. A cross sectional study was conducted in 104 pregnant women, which divided into normal pregnancy, severe preeclampsia and preterm birth groups. Serum percentage and concentration of total LCPUFA, omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-6, linoleic acid (LA), and arachidonic acid (AA) were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Severe preeclampsia showed the highest concentration of total PUFA and the lowest DHA percentage, with significantly higher Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio (p = 0.004) and lower omega-3 index (p < 0.002) compared to control. Preterm birth showed the least omega-3 concentrations, with significantly low omega-6 derivates (LA (p = 0.014) and AA (p = 0.025)) compared to control. LCPUFA parameters have shown to increase the risk in both conditions, particularly ALA ≤ 53 µmol/L in preeclampsia with OR 5.44, 95%CI 1.16-25.42 and preterm birth with OR 4.68, 95%CI 1.52-14.38. These findings suggest that severe preeclampsia and preterm birth have an imbalance in LCPUFA status.

Remdesivir Treatment for COVID 19 in Pregnant Patients with Moderate to Severe Symptoms: Serial Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that causes novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major health problem worldwide and been declared a pandemic since March 2020 by WHO. One special population that poses a challenge is pregnant women with COVID-19. There have not been many studies related to COVID-19 in pregnancy. In this study, we present five serial cases of Remdesivir treatment for COVID-19 in pregnant women with moderate to severe symptoms. CASE ILLUSTRATION: We briefly describe five serial cases being treated with Remdesivir therapy during hospitalization. Four cases were delivered by cesarean section, and one was delivered vaginally in gestation week 37. All cases showed a shortened duration of hospitalization, rapid improvement in clinical symptoms, and no adverse events were observed in mothers, fetuses, and neonates. DISCUSSION: Remdesivir, an inhibitor RNA Polymerase, has been used in COVID-19 treatment and is known to shorten recovery time in nonpregnant women. Some studies have shown no adverse effects on Remdesivir for pregnant women. Based on randomized control trial (RCT) during the Ebola epidemic, Remdesivir was safe to use for pregnant women. All cases showed reduced hospitalization time and better clinical outcomes without maternal, fetal, or neonatal adverse events. CONCLUSION: Remdesivir protocol for pregnant women with moderate to severe symptoms of COVID-19 has resulted in better clinical improvement with a shorter recovery period and no adverse effects during the hospitalization period. Further studies and RCT are warranted to evaluate the biosafety and effects of Remdesivir in pregnant women.

Case Series of Dengue Fever in Peripartum Period: Maternal and Foetal Outcome.

Introduction: Dengue fever is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical areas. There are not many studies concerning the complications of dengue fever in pregnancy. We present four serial cases of dengue fever in pregnancy. Case illustration: Three of four cases were delivered by caesarean section; two of them died during post-caesarean care. All cases had the lowest platelet level below 50,000/µL and were given platelet transfusion during and after delivery; they also showed abnormal liver function tests. For foetal outcome, none tested positive for dengue. Discussion: Complication of dengue infection depends on a combination of host and viral virulence. Regardless of prophylactic platelet transfusion, some studies revealed clinical bleeding in patients with dengue infection due to an intricate effect on the haemostatic system. The adverse foetal outcome may contribute because of placental circulation caused by endothelial damage with increased vascular permeability leading to plasma leakage. There is no national guideline for dengue fever in pregnancy. Conclusions: The management of dengue fever in pregnancy at the tertiary hospital is still suboptimal. Dengue fever around peripartum presents a higher risk of morbidity and mortality for the mother and therefore needs a multidiscipline team approach.