Menstrual Abnormalities and Gynaecological Problems in Women on Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy: Management Options

Introduction: The aim of this study was: 1) To study the pattern of menstrual abnormality and severity in women on anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. 2) To analyze the correlation of prothrombin time (PT), International Normalised ratio (INR) and the bleeding severity. 3) To discuss the various management options in unexpected emergencies and menstrual complications in this subset of women on anticoagulants. Material & Methods: It is a prospective study, over a period of 18 months from July 2011 to december 2012. We had 44 women on antithrombotic therapy. 32 women were on anticoagulants and 12 were on antiplatelet agents. The severity of bleeding pattern was assessed with pictoral bleeding assessment chart (PBAC). 1) Out of 44 women studied, 32 women were on anticoagulants and 12 were on antiplatelet agents. 26 (81.25%) were on acenocoumarol, 5 (15.62%) on warfarin, 1 (3.12%) on heparin, among the 12 antiplatelet users, 8 (66.66%) were on aspirin and 4 (33.33%) on clopidogrel. 2) The indication for anticoagulants was mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 9, double valve replacement (DVR) in 6, aortic valve replacement (AVR) in 3, severe pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) in 2, severe mitral stenosis (MS) with atrial thrombus in 2, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 5, severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in one, the other indications were subdural hematoma, thromboendarterectomy, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage V, coarction of aorta, one each. The indication for antiplatelet therapy was percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 3, Wolf Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome + atrial fibrillation (AF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), mid basilar artery aneurysm, renal allograft recipient, dialated cardiomyopathy, aortic aneurysm repair, hypertension and unstable angina one each. Results: In women on anticoagulants (32), the main complaint was menorrhagia/heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in 20, polymenorrhoea with menorrhagia in 4, continuous per vaginal (PV) bleeding in 6. One lady had postmenopausal bleeding. Among the 12 antiplatelet users the main complaint was menorrhagia in 8, polymenorrhoea with menorrhagia in 2, postmenopausal bleeding in one. While on antithrombotic therapy apart from heavy menstrual bleeding, two women had intraperitoneal bleeding, two had post menopausal bleeding, two had secondary postpartum bleeding (PPH). CVA due to embolic stroke occurred in three, one during the study period. Subchoroidal haemorrhage causing choroidal detachment was noted in one. Conclusions: In patients with prolonged INR, excessive uterine bleeding can be an alerting initial manifestation. Antithrombotic therapy can cause HMB or exaggerate the symptom of HMB due to an underlying gynaec pathology. Mefanamic acid and norethisterone were used to arrest heavy menstrual bleeding. Antithrombotic therapy in women needs special consideration with alterations in menstrual pattern and contraception. Pregnancy and postpartum period present special challenges.

Clinical profile and outcome of obstetric ICU patients. APACHE II, SOFA, SAPS II and MPM scoring systems for prediction of prognosis

Objectives: To evaluate the various scoring systems, APACHE II, SOFA, SAPS II and MPM for the prediction of prognosis of the obstetric critically ill patients admitted in a well supported ICU unit. Material and methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted among all the obstetric patients admitted to the ICU between October 2011 and December 2012, during a period of 15 months. The data collected were of three categories: demographic, obstetric and ICU related. Results and Analysis: The patients admitted in the postpartum period (n = 28, 53.84%) were more than the antenatal admissions (n = 24, 46.16%). 32.69% of admissions were in the third trimester. The most common mode of delivery was emergency caesarean section (n = 27/40, 67.5%). Total caesarean deliveries were 35/40 = 87.5% in ICU patients. The mortality prediction scores were calculated for 41 patients only as acid blood gas analysis was not available for the rest. Patients required ventilation—51.92%, hemodialysis—19.23%, inotropic support—38.46%, blood transfusion—50%. Analysis of the statistical data for ICU parameters has shown that hospital stay (p = 0.011) and ventilation days (p = 0.014) are significant predictors of maternal outcome. Age (p = 0.789), ICU stay (p = 0.701) and RRT (p = 0.632) are not significant. Among the obstetric ICU admissions, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (30.76%) was the predominant cause followed by obstetric haemorrhage (23.07%). Discussion: HELLP syndrome and eclampsia (n = 4, 57%) were the major causes of maternal deaths with anaesthetic mishaps accounting for 29% (n = 2). One (14%) death was due to Eisenmenger’s syndrome. In one case of H1N1 admitted with ARDS, caesarean section was done in MICU for worsening respiratory distress. The maternal mortality in this series of cases was 7/52 = 13.46%, excluding the unavoidable cases of maternal death (3 cases brain dead at admission and one cardiac arrest in emergency room), our maternal mortality rate is 3/48 = 6.25%. The predicted mortality as measured by all scoring systems (for 41 patients) was between 17% and 30%. The observed mortality was around 17%. Hence a reduction in mortality of 40% has been achieved due to intensive care. Conclusions: Leading cause of maternal mortality was HELLP syndrome. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were the most common cause of admission to ICU. In this study, all the scores were equally significant in predicting maternal mortality. Amongst the interventions done for these patients mechanical ventilation seems to have an influence on the overall outcome.

Management of Eclampsia and Imminent Eclampsia, Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in 666 Cases—2003-2007 at Government Maternity Hospital in Hyderabad

Objective: This is an audit to evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcome in eclampsia and imminent eclampsia with the management adopted at a tertiary hospital. Methods: During a period of 34 months, from 2003-2007 at Government maternity hospital, Osmania medical college, Hyderabad, 666 women with eclampsia and imminent eclampsia were managed. The number of eclampsia and imminent eclampsia (IE) was 532 and 134, respectively. We have analyzed the clinical profile, parity, age, degree of proteinuria, the period of gestation in weeks, the antenatal care, the number of antenatal visits, referrals from other hospitals, the diastolic B.P. at the time of admission, the recurrence of convulsions and the complications. 1) All the cases of eclampsia and IE were managed with magnesium sulphate as an anticonvulsant. 2) Oral nifedipine, IV labetalol, sublingual nifedipine and nitroglycerine infusion were used to control severe hypertension. 3) Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was used for induction of labour (IOL), 25 mcg × 4th hrly, vaginal route and 50 mcg for less than 28 weeks gestation, in 290/424 cases of IOL. Other methods of IOL were employed in 134 cases. Results: Eclampsia (n = 532) occurred antepartum in 407 (75.56%), intrapartum in 76 (14.28%), post partum in 46 (8.64%) and intercurrent in 3 (0.5%) patients. The period of gestation was 34 weeks in 340 patients. Induction of labour with misoprostol was done in 290 with vaginal delivery in 235 (81%) and lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) for failed IOL in 55 (19%) and other methods of IOL were used in 134. The total number of deliveries was 656, with vaginal deliveries in 336 (66.46%) patients, ceasarean deliveries in 220 (33.54%) patients. Ten patients died undelivered. Maternal mortality was 17/666—2.55%. Cerebrovascular events were responsible in 13/17 (76.46%) patients, pulmonary embolisim in 2, aspiration pneumonia in one and sepsis in one. The perinatal mortality was 167/582 (28.69%), PNM when birth weight was >1.5 kg was 59/426 (13.84%), intrauterine fetal deaths at admission were 54 (8.5%), there were four sets of twins. Conclusions: 1) More effective measures to control hypertension and routine administration of anticonvulsant, magnesium sulphate to women with eclampsia should be practised from the first referral unit itself. 2) Our caesarean delivery rate of 33.54% in the very high risk cases of eclampsia and imminent eclampsia is very low compared to others. 3) Induction of labour with misoprostol was successful in 81% with consequent reduction in caesarean section rate and morbidity and mortality associated with caesarean deliveries. Misoprostol has proved to be a safe and effective inducing agent in eclampsia. 4) The maternal mortality in our series is 2.55%.

Uterine Fibromyoma and Intravascular Thrombosis—Eight Cases

Objectives: We present eight cases of vascular thrombosis of the pelvic vessels and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limb, secondary to compression of the pelvic vessels by the uterine fibroid, managed over a span of twelve years from 2001 to 2013. We discuss the mean size of the leiomyoma, the prediliction for DVT of the left lower limb, the role of oral contraceptives when used in women with large fibroids, to increase the risk of DVT and present a brief literature review.?Results:?Age,?the mean age of our patients was—41.12 yrs, range—18 yrs to 50 yrs.?Parity and Menopausal Status: Seven were parous women. One was unmarried, nulligravid.?Seven were premenopausal and one was postmenopausal.?Vascular Thrombosis:?In one it was arterial thrombosis and in seven it was venous thrombosis.?DVT was on the left side in -6/8?-?75%. Clinical Complaints:?The presenting complaints were heavy menstrual bleeding in three,?severe dysmenorrhoea and heavy bleeding in one,?mass per abdomen in one, heavy menses and abdominal mass in one, no complaints apart from DVT in one.?Uterine Enlargement:?The size of the uterus was between 12 to 26 weeks. The mean size was 20 weeks.?It was a single fibromyoma in six and multiple, two in two.?Use of Oral Contraceptives:?OC pills were used to control heavy menstrual bleeding in three cases—3/8, 37.5%.?Discussion:?The DVT was on the left side in six of our cases,?75% were on the left side in our series. Menstrual problems like heavy bleeding can be secondary to fibromyoma. Three of the eight—37.5%,?women used OC pills to control menorrhagia. One developed DVT after one cycle of use of OC pills;?the second developed arterial thrombosis of the pelvic vessels after four cycles of OC pill use;?the third used OC pills for a longer period, on and off. The woman who developed arterial thrombosis was using OC pills with 50 mcgs of oestrogen and 0.5 mg norgestrel. Conclusions: Uterine leiomyoma can cause vascular thrombosis secondary to compression of the pelvic vessels. The mean size of the uterine enlargement by the fibromyoma was 20 weeks and in 6/8, it was a solitary fibromyoma. DVT was on the left side in 75% of our cases. Use of OC pills in women with an enlarged uterus with leiomyoma can increase the risk of DVT.

Abruptio Placentae 116 Cases: Role of PGE1 in Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor, January 2006-August 2006

OBJECTIVES: In the very high risk obstetric cases of placental abruption, expediting delivery is of utmost urgency, since the complications are related to the abruption delivery interval. Before the introduction of prostaglandins for labor induction, it was a routine practice to do amniotomy and use oxytocin drip to accelerate labor when vaginal delivery was contemplated. We present 116 cases of placental abruption, including the severe cases, managed in the year 2006 during a period of 8 months, at Modern Government Maternity Hospital, which was the biggest maternity hospital in the combined state of Andhra Pradesh, and is the biggest in the state of Telangana, attached to Osmania Medical College. The role of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), for cervical ripening and labor induction/augmentation has been analyzed in this observational study. A variety of variables including age, parity, gestational age, severity of abruption and maternal and fetal status, associated preeclampsia, Bishop score, availability of blood and blood products, associated complications, all factors influence the management adopted. MATERIAL METHODS: The response to PGE1 induction has been studied in terms of efficacy, the total number of doses of vaginal PGE1 in relation to parity, induction delivery interval, successful vaginal delivery rate, the indications for caesarean delivery, perinatal outcome and complications. A decision was made for either abdominal delivery or vaginal delivery on a case to case basis. A routine amniotomy was performed when the cervical os was open, both for confirmation of diagnosis and to release intra uterine pressure, and also it would help in the acceleration of labor. When the Bishop score was more than six, amniotomy was performed and an oxytocin intravenous drip was started. If the Bishop score was less than six, 25/50 mcg. Misoprostol (PGE1) was placed high in the vagina. OBSERVATIONS: Primies that had abruption were 27/116 = 23.27% and multies were 89/116 = 76.72%. In our study 68/116, (58.62%) had preeclamsia. In our series, gestational age at abruption was less than 36 weeks in 89/116, (76.72%) and >36 weeks in 27/116 (23.27%) at presentation. It is significant to note that 100/116 (86.2%) were unbooked and 16/116 (13.79%) were booked cases at our institute. Vaginal deliveries were 84 (74.2%) and caesarean deliveries were 30 (25.8%) in 116 placental abruptions. There were four maternal deaths 3.4%, two died undelivered. Perinatal mortality in our series was 92/116 (79.3%). PGE1 induced labours—49: When PGE1 was used for labor induction in 49 women, 40 (81.63%) had vaginal delivery and caesarean delivery was done in 9 (18.36%) cases for non progress of labor. Induction delivery interval was less than 12 hours in 45 (91.83%), more than 12 hours in 4 (8.1%). Preterm delivery in PGE1 induced cases was 40/49 = 81.63% versus preterm in 116 cases, 76.72%. This indicates that more numbers of preterm deliveries were allowed vaginal delivery. DISCUSSION: Maternal mortality: Better facilities of transfusion of blood products may have reduced maternal mortality in our series. Government maternity hospital is a public sector tertiary health facility providing free treatment. Early referral would make some difference. Acute defibrination leading to disseminated intravascular cougulation was the cause of three deaths, irreversible haemorrhagic shock in another. CONCLUSION: Induction of labor with PGE1 was useful and effective when cervix was unfavorable and Bishop score was less than six. With PGE1 induction (49) 91.83% delivered in less than 12 hours. There were no maternal deaths and PPH in 49 women induced with PGE1. Hence PGE1 was safe to use in these emergency high-risk obstetric patients. PGE1 usage to expedite delivery can reduce Caesarean section rate.

Management of Infertility in Endometriosis by Operative Laparoscopy and Medical Therapy—Practiced at 3 Different Centres, from September 2005 to October 2007

This is a prospective study conducted over a period of 2 years and 1 month (from September 2005 to October 2007). 60/117 (52.17%) patients who had laparoscopy for infertility at GMH had endometriosis. 60 patients operated for endometriosis at SHC and 40 patients managed at Anu Infertility Centre during the same period are also included in this study. All the 60 patients underwent operative laparoscopy for endometriosis. Adhesiolysis, electrocautery of surface endometriosis of the ovary, enucleation of endometriotic cyst, mobilization of ovary from uterus and pouch of Douglas and restoration of normal anatomy were carried out. Treatment interventions: Therapeutic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, medical treatment by various ovulation induction protocols, monitoring by follicular sonography followed by pregnancy management were done in these women. Results: GMH—Seventeen 17 out of 18 coming for follow up conceived, 14 following ovulation induction and 3 after COH + IUI, by one year at GMH. SHC—14 out of 18 patients coming for follow up at the end of one year conceived, following ovulation induction 6, COH + IUI-3, IVF-3 and spontaneous 2. ANU—Out of 11 conceptions, COH + IUI resulted in 6, IVF in 4, spontaneous in 1—by one year. Pregnancy outcome: GMH: Ten delivered, Triplets in one, missed abortion two, emergency laparotomy in one. Pregnancy is continuing in 4. SHC: Eight patients delivered. Pregnancy is continuing in 4 patients. Ectopic-1, missed abortion-1. ANU: Five patients delivered. Pregnancy is continuing in 3 women, missed abortion-2, second trimester abruption-1. Discussion: The conception rate was 50% at the end of 6 months follow up <span