Pregnancy outcomes in women greater than 45 years: a cohort control study in a multi-ethnic inner city population.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the pregnancy outcomes of women >45 years in a multi-ethnic population when compared to controls and to reflect on socio-demographic details of the older mothers. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort control study over an 8-year period in an inner city London hospital with multi-ethnic population. The influence of advanced maternal age (>45 years at time of delivery) on fetal and maternal outcomes was assessed by comparing these women to controls (aged 20-30 years) matched for ethnicity, country of origin and parity. RESULTS: Data from 64 cases and 64 controls were compared. Ninety percent of the index group had undergone assisted conception. Mothers >45 years had a fourfold increase in cesarean section (35/64 vs 8/64), a threefold increase in blood loss (669.2 vs 272.4 ml) (both p < 0.001) and were more likely to have preterm birth (12/64 vs 3/64) (p < 0.05). Only 5 % of the 64 women were born in the United Kingdom, 52 % were unemployed and 50 % were not fluent in English. Seventy-five percent of the study population were multiparous, 52 % of the pregnancies were unplanned and 90 % had conceived spontaneously. CONCLUSION: In an inner city immigrant population, older mothers >45 years were more likely to have cesarean sections, postpartum hemorrhage and premature deliveries. Moreover, social and demographic factors suggest that late child bearing is influenced by cultural factors such as acceptance of large families and lack of contraception.

Valproate-induced hyperammonemia - uncovering an underlying inherited metabolic disorder: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sodium valproate is a commonly used anticonvulsant. It is widely recognized that valproate can cause hyperammonemia, particularly in people with underlying liver disease. Patients with urea cycle disorders are genetically predisposed to this adverse event and can develop severe hyperammonemia if given valproate. This can occur even if liver functions tests and plasma concentration of valproate are normal, highlighting the importance of checking ammonia levels in any patient presenting with encephalopathy. Specific treatment for hyperammonemia must be implemented promptly. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old white British man with a history of epilepsy post head trauma presented with subacute encephalopathy 4 weeks after the introduction of sodium valproate. His ammonia levels were not checked until 48 hours into his presentation and were found to be elevated. He initially responded to treatment of his hyperammonemia and the raised levels were attributed to sodium valproate. However, as his ammonia levels continued to rise, further investigation led to a diagnosis of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency is the most common of the urea cycle disorders. This case highlights both the importance of checking ammonia levels early and considering the diagnosis of this X-linked disorder in patients with raised ammonia, as these have implications both for the patient's acute and further management, and for family screening.