Intra-Hospital Delay in Emergency Care at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in the University Teaching Hospital of Ouagadougou(UTH-YO),Burkina Faso

Objective: To investigate the intra-hospital delay in the treatment of gynecological and obstetric emergencies in the obstetrics and gynecology department at the UTH-YO. Patients and methods: It has been a prospective and descriptive study over a period of four months from 1 May to 31 August 2015 in the obstetrics and gynecology department at the UTH-YO. All patients and their escorts were included in our study, admitted to gynecological or obstetric emergencies who have accepted to participate in the survey. Data were entered and analyzed using a PC equipped with the SPSS 16.0 software English version. Results: During the study period, we recorded 2627 admissions. Delays in the management involved 216 patients or a frequency of 8.2%. The average age of patients was 26.6 ± 6.2 years, ranging from 16 and 46 years. Patients had no income in 165 cases (that is to say 76.4%). The referred patients accounted for 165 admissions (85.7%). The intake patterns were dominated by obstetric acute fetal distress in 44 cases (20.4%), pre-failure syndrome in 27 cases (that is to say 12.8%) and in gynecology by the ectopic pregnancy in 171 cases (79.3%). The average waiting period between the arrival of a patient and the beginning of first aid was 2 hours and 23 minutes with extremes of 16 min and 546 min. The main reason for the delay was the unavailability of the operating room in 61.1% of cases. The opinion of escorts was dominated by improving communication with the creation of a post of information in 47% of cases. Maternal prognosis was marked by a maternal death in 0.1% of cases and maternal morbidity in 13.4% of cases. The fetal prognosis was dominated by death at birth in 13.8% of newborns. Conclusion: Despite the subsidy of the government in obstetric and neonatal emergencies, there remain intra-hospital delays in the management of emergencies. The opening of discussions between the various stakeholders responsible for the implementation of this grant is urgent to contribute more effectively to the fight against maternal mortality.

Disparities across the CREOG Districts —Variations of Wellness and Inclusivity Efforts in Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Websites between Two Consecutive Years

Background: Few studies have focused on the geographic and chronologic assessment of inclusivity and wellness in Obstetrics and Gynecology residency websites across the US. Objective: To identify variations in wellness and inclusivity website depictions across CREOG districts over the past two years. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the websites of ACGME-accredited OB/GYN residency programs across the United States between April 2022 and April 2023. The assessment was based on a compilation of 22 attributes devised and piloted by 49 medical students. A racially, geographically, and gender-diverse cohort of 11 students performed data collection. Results: A total of 560 websites were analyzed over two years. Wellness efforts remained unchanged in both years (website content, dedicated support personnel, and group activities). In 2023, a reduction in referencing of wellness (22%) and inclusivity (30%) occurred in leadership messaging. However, a 7% increase in the use of inclusive pronouns was noted. A reduction in gender diversity was identified (9% in faculty, 5% in residents), with programs favoring female-only teams. Similarly, a 7% reduction in the number of underrepresented in medicine faculty and residents was noted. A 15% reduction was noted in curricula referencing inclusivity in their mission statement and inclusivity focused research. Conclusions: This study suggests the variations across websites relative to inclusivity and wellness over the past two years. Updated websites may provide an accurate reflection of the offerings of programs and their investment in wellness and inclusivity across the nation.

Evaluation of The Effectiveness of Abdominal and Vaginal B-Ultrasound in The Diagnosis of Acute Abdomen in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of the combined application of abdominal and vaginal B-ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute abdomen in obstetrics and gynecology. Methods: Eighty patients admitted to our hospital from March 2023 to March 2024 were selected, all of whom were acute abdomen patients admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In this study, the patients were divided into two groups. One group of 40 patients was given a simple abdominal B-ultrasound diagnosis (control group). The other group of 40 patients was given both abdominal and vaginal B-ultrasound examinations (experimental group). The diagnostic accuracy between the two groups was compared. Results: Patients in the experimental group had higher consistency rates with pathological diagnosis results in ectopic pregnancy rupture, embryonic arrest, acute pelvic inflammation, corpus luteum rupture, and intrauterine adhesions as compared to the control group. At the same time, the inspection accuracy rate of the experimental group (92.50%) was higher than that of the control group (70.00%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combined application of abdominal and vaginal B-ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute abdomen was of great significance in improving the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and guiding doctors to provide effective treatment.

Obstetric Emergencies at the Kara University Hospital Maternity Ward: Sociodemographic, Etiological and Prognostic Aspects

Introduction: Obstetric emergencies are common throughout the world and more particularly in developing countries where they are responsible for high maternal-fetal mortality and morbidity. Objective: Study obstetric emergencies in the maternity ward of Kara University Hospital. Method: Retrospective and descriptive study from April 1, 2022 to March 30, 2023, carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Kara University Hospital. Results: Eight hundred and thirty-five (835) obstetric emergencies were recorded out of 2215 admissions, i.e. a frequency of 37.7%. The average age of the patients was 26.7 with a range of 14 and 45 years. They were primigravidas (36.7%) and nulliparous (38.7%), referred (84.7%) and came from rural areas (72%). Emergencies occurred in the 3rd trimester in 74.1% and in parturients (54.1%). Preeclampsia (27%), cessation of progression of labor due to feto-pelvic disproportion (12.4%), postpartum hemorrhage (7.5%) constituted the main obstetric emergencies. In 44.8%, the delivery was carried out vaginally. Magnesium sulfate was the most used drug, i.e. 30.1%;followed by antihypertensive medications in 28.1%. Blood transfusion was performed in 24.3%. The evolution was simple in 90.9%. The maternal fatality rate was 1.6%. The perinatal case fatality rate was 12.3%. Conclusion: Obstetric emergencies are common, dominated by preeclampsia, stopping progress of labor and postpartum hemorrhages. They are responsible for high morbidity and mortality.

The Place of Blood Transfusion in the Management of Obstetric Emergencies in the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department of the Reference Health Center of Fana (Mali)

This is a prospective and descriptive study carried out at the gynecology and obstetrics department of the reference health center of Fana from 01 May 2019 to 30 November or 7 months. The main objective was to study the role of blood transfusion in the management of obstetric emergencies. During the study period we recorded 434 cases of obstetric emergencies of which 116 cases required an emergency blood transfusion or 26.73%. The most frequently found indications for blood transfusion are hemorrhages of the immediate postpartum 46.6% followed by severe malaria on pregnancy 27.6%. Blood remains the most prescribed and available Labile blood product in the department. Maternal prognosis was improved in 92.2%.

Lean Management in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Application in the Ambulatory Clinic Pre- and Post-Kaizen

OBJECTIVE: The ambulatory clinic was an important departmental problem. Providers hated working there and patients complained about the wait times there. It seemed there were equal numbers of patients and provider complaints. In the spirit of solving the problem, data was gathered, a LEAN intervention was planned, and data was collected. METHODS: We defined the service families in the clinic as registration, vital signs, provider or ultrasound visit, nursing visit, and registration for the return visit. We walked the Gemba engaging all the staff in the process. Many observations pointed to long waits between and among the five stations. In order to study the current state, time data was collected by attaching a sheet of paper to a folder that the patient would carry themselves to all the clinical steps. On the sheet of paper each station logged the time that patient appeared and the time the patient left their sight. Data was gathered each day and every day from October 2016 to the summer of 2017. The data was analyzed. Leadership met and identified value and waste in the process. A Kaizen event was scheduled after the first set of measurements engaging all the staff. After the data was thoroughly analyzed and digested, brainstorming occurred. Together we determined our future state. We created a vision and strategic goals to reach our future state. RESULTS: The data pre-Kaizen event showed that the process of arrival to leaving took 124 minutes. We discovered that not every patient passed through each station. We learned the patients were on time or early for their visit most of the time. The providers were late most of the time by 1 - 1.5 hours. We learned how long each station took from the patient’s point of view. There were no statistically significant differences between ultrasound and provider visits;there were no statistically significant differences between midwife and physician visits. Each day of the week was similar. The arrival rate was higher in the morning because of the template. After the event, the total time in clinic did not change however the variability in time between and among each station decreased in variance. We informed the staff of these findings so that they could take responsibility for their part in the process. The atmosphere in clinic changed dramatically and the complaints from both providers and patients stopped. CONCLUSION: LEAN management was used to improve the clinic. It yielded important results, got the staff engaged in the process, and provided a way for the patients to see the efforts made by staff to improve.

Application of Serum Ferritin Combined with Blood Routine Testing in the Screening of Obstetrics and Gynecology Diseases

Objective: To understand the application of serum ferritin combined with blood routine testing in the screening of obstetrics and gynecology diseases in this region. Methods: From January 1, 2017, to October 28, 2020, all obstetric pregnant women, inpatient maternal, gynecological outpatient, and gynecological inpatients in our hospital’s outpatient and inpatient clinics were collected for serum ferritin determination and blood routine related index detection and analysis Changes in results. The application value of serum special protein in gynecological and obstetrical disease screening was put forward. Results: A total of 15,656 cases of obstetrics and gynecology patients were collected, of which 15,300 were pregnant women. Comparing maternity checkups with hospitalized puerpera, the difference of all indexes except RBC was statistically significant (P < 0.05);Comparison of various indicators between gynecological outpatient clinics and gynecological hospitalizations, maternity checkups and gynecological outpatient clinics, inpatient maternal and gynecological hospitalizations, etc.;there was no statistically significant difference in all indicators (P > 0.05). Comparison of hospitalized puerpera and gynecological hospitalization, the difference of other indexes except for MCV, MCH was statistically significant (P < 0.05);Comparing hospitalized puerpera and gynecological clinics, the difference of HGB results was statistically significant (P < 0.05), but the difference of other indexes was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: During the maternity check-up period, the ferritin consumption is too large, the blood volume increases, and the blood routine-related items are reduced. The consumption is greater for a period of time after delivery, and recovery requires a certain process, which is relatively low;The ferritin in the body slowly recovered and the ferritin concentration increased. This process is a process of physiological change and does not involve related diseases, but from this result, we are also required to strengthen nutrition for pregnant women in order to give birth to healthier babies. The ferritin test of gynecological patients is mainly a screening of related diseases, and the results of this time did not screen out serious diseases.

Gynecological and Obstetrical Emergencies at the University Clinic of Gynecology-Obstetrics of the National Hospital Donka Guinea

Gynecological and obstetrical emergencies are found all over the world, especially in developing countries where women pay a heavy price for giving birth. They can occur at any time during pregnancy and outside of pregnancy often in a socio-economic context. The objectives of this study were to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and the maternal and fetal prognosis of gynecological and obstetric emergencies. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted at the University Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Donka National Hospital between June 1 and September 30, 2015. It involved all patients admitted to our department in emergency for a gynecological or obstetrical complaint. Results: We collected 361 cases of gynecological and obstetrical emergencies out of a total of 1779 consultations, i.e. a frequency of 20.29%. Obstetrical emergencies were predominant with 91.41% and gynecological emergencies represented 8.59%. The average age of patients was 29.5 with extremes of 14 and 47. Nulliparous women were the most numerous (34.35%). More than half of the patients did not attend school (52.08%) and 56.70% were evacuees. Abdominopelvic pain and hemorrhage were the main reasons for consultation (54.29% and 49.58%). Admission diagnoses were dominated by acute fetal distress and hemorrhage in the last quarter of pregnancy (52.3% and 36.01%). The caesarean section rate was high (82.12%). Maternal and perinatal lethality rates were high (5.2% and 30.3%). Conclusion: Gynecological and obstetrical emergencies are a public health issue because of the severity of the prognosis they impose on the mother and child. Maternal and perinatal mortality was very high. The prevention of these serious emergencies must be done through good quality prenatal consultations. Laparoscopy equipment and staff training are necessary for a minimal invasive surgery of gynecological emergencies.

What is the purpose of launching the World Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ?

World Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology(WJOG) is a new member of the World Series journals and is launched in June 10, 2012. WJOG is an open access peer-reviewed bimonthly journal that will cover obstetrics and gynecology including reproductive medicine. The intention of WJOG is to publish papers that describe and influence the situation all around the world. The journal will publish both basic research and well as clinical findings. The focus shall be on translational work. Please send your important findings and comments to WJOG.

Point of care ultrasonography as the new“Laennec Sthetoscope”

Point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)has evolved to become the fifth pillar of the conventional physical examination,and use of POCUS protocols have significantly decreased procedure complications and time to diagnose.However,lack of experience in POCUS by preceptors in medical schools and nephrology residency programs are significant barriers to implement a broader use.In rural and low-income areas POCUS may have a transformative effect on health care management.

Obstetrical Emergencies in Ouahigouya Regional Teaching Hospital (Burkina Faso) in the Context of Insecurity Linked to Armed Groups: A Comparative Study between Patients from Precarious Security Zones and Those from Safe Areas

Introduction: Insecurity can be an obstacle to access to emergency obstetric and newborn care, that is why we proposed to study obstetrical emergencies in Ouahigouya Regional Teaching Hospital, a referral hospital in a region plagued by insecurity linked to armed groups. Method: This was an analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection over a 4-month period, from June 10 to October 10, 2020. Patients from precarious security areas were compared to those from safer areas. The Chi squared and Fisher tests were used for comparison of variables. Results: Obstetric emergencies accounted for 38.62% of admissions, from which 25.59% came from precarious security zones. Age was similar in both comparison groups. However, patients from unsafe areas were more likely to reside in rural areas (p 0.001) and more likely to be in unpaid occupations (p 0.001). Prenatal visits were less frequent (p 0.01) and women were more often multigravidae (p 0.01) in the precarious security group of patients. Apart from the more frequent uterine rupture (p = 0.02) in the group from precarious security zones, diagnosed complications and maternal mortality were similar in the 2 groups, while perinatal mortality was higher in the group of patients from precarious security zones (p 0.01). Conclusion: The precarious security situation has negative consequences on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Further studies are needed for better understanding of these consequences, and improvement of health system resilience strategies, to reduce related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Obstetric Emergencies: Frequency, Socio-Demographic Aspects and Risk Factors at the Labe Regional Hospital Maternity Unit (Guinea)

Introduction: Obstetric emergencies are clinical situations of a serious nature, often dangerous, which develop unexpectedly, threatening the vital prognosis of the mother and/or foetus in the short term. The aim of this study was to contribute to a review of obstetric emergencies at the Labé Regional Hospital maternity unit. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study conducted over a period of 6 months in the maternity unit of the Labé Regional Hospital. It concerned all patients admitted to the department for obstetric emergencies. Results: Obstetric emergencies accounted for 20% of obstetric admissions. The mean age of the patients was 25.12 ± 7.15 years, with extremes of 14 and 45 years. The patients were housewives (42.52%), 42.86% did not attend school and 77.41% were from urban areas. The poor were the most numerous (43.52%). The ambulance was the means of transport in only 9% of cases. Acute foetal distress, pre-eclampsia, bony dystocia and post-partum haemorrhage were the most common types of emergency in our series, with frequencies of 27.57%, 22.59%, 17.94% and 10.63% respectively. The risk factors identified were age, origin, gestational age and the state of the maternal pelvis. Conclusion: Obstetric emergencies are frequent in our study site and represent a major concern for patients, providers and the community alike. In order to reduce the frequency of obstetric emergencies, young girls should be enrolled in school, the legal age for marriage should be respected, quality antenatal care should be provided in basic health facilities, and proper planning and spacing of pregnancies should be implemented.

Epidemiologic and Therapeutic Aspect of Urogenital Fistula Following Obstetric and Gynecologic Surgeries Repaired at the Nkwen Baptist Hospital

Introduction: Urogenital fistula is an abnormal communication between the urinary and the genital systems. It may occur following vaginal deliveries or following pelvic surgeries. Data concerning urogenital fistula post-surgery is limited and we have noticed in recent years in Sub-Saharan Africa, an increase in the burden of iatrogenic urogenital fistula. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology, clinical profiles and therapeutic aspects of urogenital fistula following obstetric and gynaecologic surgeries repaired at the Nkwen Baptist Hospital Bamenda. Materials/Methods: This was a longitudinal descriptive study with a retrospective and prospective phase carried out at the Nkwen Baptist Hospital for 5 months. However the complete duration of the study was about 17 months. Data was collected using a pretested questionnaire containing socio-demographic information, clinical features, and therapeutic methods used. We used the statistical software SPSS (Social Package for Statistical Sciences) V 26.0 for data analysis. Results: The number of participants in the study was 40. The mean age was 43.5 years (+/- 13.3) ranging from 16 - 74 years. The prevalence of urogenital fistula post obstetric and gynecologic surgeries at the Nkwen Baptist hospital was 64.6%. The most common symptom was urine leakage and the most common surgery that exposed the patient to the urogenital fistula was total abdominal hysterectomy (60%) followed by caesarean section (35%). The different indications for these surgeries were mostly symptomatic leiomyoma (70.8 %) and prolonged labor (64.2%) respectively. The different types of fistula encountered were Vesicovaginal fistula (55%), Ureterovaginal fistula 40% and Vesicoutetrine fistula 5%. The different treatment modalities used were trans abdominal (77.5%) and transvaginal repair (22.5%). The overall repair success rate after one month was 85%. Conclusion: There is high burden of urogenital fistula post surgeries in our setting. Having more specialists trained in obstetric and gynaecologic procedures may help in the prevention of such an event.

Retrospective Cohort Study on Acute Care in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Analogies and Differences When Compared to Emergency Medicine

Introduction: the demand for urgent obstetric and gynecology care has progressively increased: in the United States approximately 1.4 million gynecologic visits are made to the emergency department (ED) annually, while almost 75% of women make at least 1 unscheduled visit during pregnancy. Moreover, research has recently focused on setting standards in unscheduled care, and developing quality indicators to improve patients’ health. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of women with acute gynecological or pregnancy complaints using quality indicators developed for emergency medicine, to better define the needs of this population and improve care. Methods: Retrospective cohort study on ED, and Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn) triage visits, at a tertiary care hospital in Italy, during 2012. Data were analyzed with population-averaged logistic regression and Poisson regression. Results: When compared to the 33,557 ED visits, the 9245 ObGyntriage referrals were more frequently associated with pregnancy (≤12 weeks’ gestation, OR: 30.7, 95%CI;24.5 - 38.4;>12 weeks’ gestation, OR 81.2, 95%CI;64.8 - 101.4), vaginal bleeding (OR 156.6, 95%CI;82.7 - 294.4), diurnal (night access OR 0.87, 95% CI;0.78 - 0.96) and weekday access (holiday access OR 0.87, 95%CI;0.78 - 0.95), frequent users (recurrent ED visits IRR 0.87, 95%CI;0.83 - 0.9) and lower hospital admissions (ED admission OR 1.6, 95%CI;1.4 - 1.8). Conclusion: ObGyn triage patients differed from ED users, and were at higher risk of “crowding”. Such diversities should be considered to improve female healthcare services and allocate resources more efficiently.

Care Taking of Obstetric Emergencies in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Donka National Hospital, University Teaching Hospital (CHU) of Conakry, Guinea

Objectives: The objectives of this work were to calculate the frequency of obstetrical emergencies, to describe the socio-demographic profile of women admitted for obstetric emergencies, to identify the main emergencies, to describe the care taking of emergencies and to establish the maternal foetal prognosis of obstetric emergencies. Methodology: It was a 6-month descriptive prospective study conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Donka National Hospital, CHU Conakry, Guinea. The study took place from July 1st to December 31st, 2005. The data collected were entered and corrected using the Word and Excel 2010 software and then transferred to the Epi Info software version 7 for analysis. The results are presented in the form of tables, figures and texts using Word and Excel software, commented on, discussed and compared to current literature data. The limitations of the study: The poor filling of the partograph has been the main problem of our study. Results: The frequency of obstetric emergencies was 19% in the Department. The socio-demographic profile was that of a woman aged 15 to 24 (46.4%), married (92%), housewives (38.1%), out of school (49.5%), nulliparous (34.3%), without prenatal follow-up (47.37%), coming from home (56%), evacuated (44%). The main emergencies are dominated by haemorrhage (34.5%) followed by HTA Arterial hypertension and eclampsia (25.7%). The therapeutic attitude was based on clinical data and was dominated by caesarean section (70%). General anaesthesia was performed in 75% of cases and 1.6% benefited from local anaesthesia. The demand for blood was honoured in 19% of the cases. The maternal morbidity was dominated by anaemia (66.7%) and a lethality of 4%. After the 5th minute, 47% of the newborns had APGAR greater than 7. The neonatal mortality rate was 21%. Conclusion: To avoid and/or reduce obstetric emergencies, it is necessary to detect and treat risk factors during referrals, properly monitor child labor, refurbish providers of basic facilities, promptness in the management of the admission of emergencies and the availability of blood products.

Are Mentorship and Training the Key in Provision of Emergency Obstetric and New-Born Care (EmONC) Services? A Formative Evaluation of Pre and Post in Samburu County, Kenya

Background: In Kenya, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is approximated to 362 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births while the stillbirth rate stands at 23 deaths per 100 live births which are far below the target of 147 maternal mortality per 100,000 live births and 12 stillbirths per 100 live births respectively. Progress in addressing preventable maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths depend on the improvement of the quality of maternal, fetal and newborn care throughout the continuum of care. Objective: To determine the effect of mentorship and training in improving the provision of Basic Emergency Obstetric Newborn Care (BEmONC) and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Newborn Care (CeMONC) services among health workers in Samburu County. Methodology: A one-week training intervention was carried among health workers in level three, four and five health facilities by master trainers. Using two tools adopted from MEASURE Evaluation and a structured questionnaire, a total of 54 (before the intervention) and 64 (after the intervention) health workers from 29 health facilities were interviewed. Training effectiveness was assessed by means of questionnaires administered pre- and post-training, by correlating post-training results of health workers, and through participatory observations at the time of on-site supervisory visits, mentorship and monthly meetings. An assessment was conducted to measure the level of confidence of the health workers in performing their duties. Results: Central Samburu had the majority of the health workers both at the pre-intervention (44.4%) and post-intervention (51.6%), North Samburu had an extra health worker at post-test while no change in numbers was recorded in East Samburu. A majority of the health workers across the three sub-counties were 31 - 40 years old, with only 2 (3.8%) aged 51 years and above. Following the interventions, improvements in the practice of BEmONC services were seen across the three sub-counties. There was an increase, at post analysis, in the use of the partograph to monitor labour (from 52% to 98.1%) and managing severe infection in the newborn (from 40.4% to 60.3%). Performing CS improved from 17.3% to 31% and the same was also recorded in carrying out blood transfusions. On post-survey, health workers reported the least confidence in performing manual vacuum. Other BEmONC services including active management of 3rd stage labor, use of partograph, manual removal of the placenta, managing maternal sepsis and identifying danger signs in the newborn had a high rate of confidence. Conclusions: This study finds that structured mentorship is an effective strategy to build the capacity of health workers. However, there is a need for further research to monitor and evaluate if such programmes improve clinical outcomes in the long run.

Blood Transfusion Practices at the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé: A Study of 254 Cases

Objective:?To describe blood transfusion practices in obstetric at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé. Patients and method: Prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study, conducted from 1 June 2017 to 31 May 2018 at the gynecology-obstetrics department. The study focused on transfused pregnant, parturient and delivered women. Study parameters were sociodemographic, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic. Results: 252 patients, aged 16 to 49 with an average age of 30.4 years, referred in 74% of cases. Hemorrhage was observed in 238 cases (94.4%) and anemia in 14 cases (5.6%). Blood transfusion was urgently used in 89.7% of cases and hemorrhagic abortion was the main indication. Blood group O+ (34.5%) was the most used and blood products were obtained after two hours in 81% of cases. Conclusion: Blood transfusion is often performed urgently and for bleeding. But the Gynecology-Obstetrics department does not have any blood in reserve, whereas the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital collection and distribution station covers less than 10% of the needs.

Misuse of prophylactic antibiotics and prevalence of postoperative wound infection in obstetrics and gynecology department in a Sudanese hospital

Purpose: This study was conducted to audit prophylactic antibiotic use and to quantify the rate of wound infection. Methods: Across-sectional prospective study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan during March 1st to 31st October 2010. All Patients (aged >18 years) were included. Results: Overall 725 patients were included. The performed surgical procedures were 751;of these 578 (76.9%) were Caesarean sections. Overall rate of wound infection was 7.8%. The rate of wound infection among patients operated on for caesarean section and abdominal hysterectomy was 8.3%, and 9.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2 OR 2.1, 95% CI (1.1 - 4.0), (P = 0.019) was the major independent risk factor for occurrence of wound infection. Evaluation of prescriptions’ parameters against the stated criteria showed that 113 (15.8%) patients were given antibiotics with adequate spectrum of activity, 611 (85.3%) given sub-dose/s, 83 (11.6%) received the first preoperative dose/s in a proper time window, and 716 (100%) had prophylaxis for extended duration. Overall conformity to the stated criteria for the evaluation of prescription’s parameters was not achieved in all prescriptions. Conclusions: In this setting, antibiotics were irrationally used and wound infection rate was high, and the situation calls for multiple interventions to correct the situation, through the activation of the infection control committee in the hospital and development of antimicrobial subcommittee to develop policies for the use and auditing of prophylactic antibiotics.

Neonatal Death Rates: Lack of Equal Access to Hospital Obstetric Service and Intensive Therapy

Aim: To identify the association between access to obstetric and neonatal hospital service and neonatal death rates. Method: Quantitative and retrospective research retrieved from Declaration of Live Newly-born Children;Declaration of Death;Investigation Chart on Municipal Child Mortality, between 2000 and 2009, at the Nucleus of Information on Mortality Rates. The population studied comprised 537 neonatal deaths and mothers with residence in the municipality, and investigated by the work team of the Committee for the Investigation of Mother-Child Deaths. Data were analyzed in Epi Info 2002? computer program and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences? was used. Chi-square Test and Fischer’s Exact Test were applied at p < 0.05. Results: 63.7% of 537 neonates were born in hospitals with maternities and neonatal intensive therapy unit;60.7% weighed ≤1.500 grams;76.7% had a pregnancy age of ≤36 weeks;73% died of asphyxia in the 1st minute and 73.5% died during the perinatal period. Throughout the ten years of analysis, access to hospital obstetric service without NITU reduced death rate from 25% in 2000 to 6.8% in 2009. There was a significant statistical association between place of delivery and maternal socio-demographic variables (maternal age bracket p = 0.028;schooling p = 0.000;family income p = 0.000);occupation p = 0.000) and neonatal variables (race/skin color p = 0.007;type of delivery p = 0.000;weight at birth p = 0.000;pregnancy age p = 0.000 and Apgar Score 1st minute p = 0.000 and Apgar Score 5th minute p = 0.007). Conclusion: Although the municipal government provides obstetric services and specialized neonatal care, this right is not extensive to all;gaps at different levels in mother-child care should be identified to reduce neonatal deaths.

Risk Stratification in Obstetrics: An Integrated Approach to Maternal Health

Introduction: Prenatal care is crucial for maternal and fetal health, highlighting the importance of obstetric risk stratification. This enables personalized care, avoiding unnecessary interventions and reducing costs. Conditions such as first trimester bleeding, spontaneous abortion, gestational trophoblastic disease, and ectopic pregnancy require specific approaches. Early identification of these complications is vital, especially in urgent and emergency obstetric cases, which demand immediate hospital attention. Objective: Comprehensive review of first trimester pathologies and gestational hypertension, focusing on obstetric risks and personalized prenatal management. Methods: Literature review on bleeding and gestational hypertension. Results: The study provides a detailed analysis of pathologies associated with first trimester uterine bleeding and hypertensive disorders, focusing on obstetric risk stratification. The main causes of maternal and fetal mortality are hypertensive disorders, hemorrhages, infections, childbirth complications, and abortion. Spontaneous abortion is common, with different classifications, ranging from threatened to missed abortion. Infected abortion is a severe complication. Brazil has restrictive abortion laws, but many unsafe abortions occur, resulting in high public health costs. Pharmacological treatment with misoprostol is a safe option. Other pathologies include gestational trophoblastic disease, ectopic pregnancy, and placenta previa. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are severe conditions requiring immediate treatment to avoid complications. Conclusion: Early identification and management of obstetric risk factors, such as uterine bleeding, are essential for positive maternal and fetal outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental.