Pattern of Referral of Obstetric Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: Health challenges that are difficult to manage at primary health centres should be referred to secondary health facilities, and if untreated, to the tertiary hospitals. A good referral should include the patient’s biography, such as age, gender, tribe, religion, occupation, medical history, the reason for the referral, treatments received, and clinical diagnosis. Objectives: To evaluate the referral patterns, indications for referrals, and feto-maternal outcomes for obstetric patients who were referred to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of patients admitted to the Obstetric unit from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. Data was collected from patients while on admission or clinic visits and recorded in an excel spread sheet. Data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: Of the 3469 patients were admitted to the obstetric unit, 1476 and 1993 were admitted in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Most (70.35%) of the patients were in the 20-34 years age group, parity 1-4 was the most frequent (66.49%), while 85.39% of patients were booked. 10.46% of the booked patients were referred from other facilities, whereas 89.54% of patients were booked at our facility from the onset. Most common indications of referrals were previous caesarean section (CS) at term (40.09%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (17.59%). The outcome for 2021 indicated 17 maternal deaths, 132 fetal deaths and 1010 live births, giving maternal mortality ratio (MMR) as 1810.44 per 100,000 live births and perinatal mortality ratio (PMR) of 130.7 per 1000 births respectively. In 2022, there were 17 maternal deaths, 130 fetal deaths and 1297 deliveries, giving a MMR of 1399 per 100,000 live births and a PMR of 100.2 per 1000 births. Conclusion: The pattern of referral among obstetric patients in this study shows that a lot of the patients do not get adequate care at the lower cadre of the referral system, hence adequate facilities should be made available in primary and secondary health centres to tackle obstetric emergencies.

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.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Exploring Its Impact on Obstetrical Outcomes

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) disrupts ovulation leading to both infertility and miscarriage;yet, its impact on obstetrical outcomes remains largely uncertain due to conflicting findings. We analyzed data from the CDC Pregnancy Risk Assessment of Monitoring System, specifically Standard Core and Phase 8 responses, with 9549 respondents across the United States through SPSS 28 software in this cross-sectional study. Two variables assessed PCOS status in respondents: history of PCOS and PCOS during pregnancy. With a history of PCOS, there were significantly increased odds of diabetic (OR 1.665, p < 0.001), hypertensive disorders (OR 1.589, p < 0.001) during pregnancy, neonatal mortality (OR 1.550, p < 0.001), cesarean section (C/S) (OR 1.489, p < 0.001), and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) (OR 2.081, p < 0.001). With PCOS diagnosed during pregnancy, there were significantly greater odds of diabetes (OR 3.278, p < 0.001), hypertensive disorders (OR 2.935, p < 0.001) during pregnancy, and significantly decreased risk for small for gestational age (2 standard deviations) (OR 0.337, p = 0.024). PCOS is a significant risk factor that contributes to maternal morbidity. Our results support the hypothesis that PCOS’ impact extends well into a woman’s obstetrical journey, with varying degrees of associated adverse maternal and fetal risks. Preliminary pathophysiologic explanations associated with PCOS gestational diabetes include pre-existing insulin resistance. Meanwhile, altered placentation and endovascular changes associated with PCOS secondary to a baseline deranged metabolic environment predispose patients to developing hypertensive disorders, PPROM, and preterm delivery. Associations between neonatal mortality and C/S can be attributed to elevated maternal body mass index. The pathophysiologic link between PCOS and the above obstetrical outcomes still remains unknown, necessitating further investigation;however, this study identifies the outcomes that require the most attention at this time.

Obstetric References in Disadvantaged Environments: Case of References to the University Hospital Center of Kara, in Northern Togo

Introduction: References are frequent and most often carried out in emergency situations. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of obstetric referrals to the CHU-Kara. Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from September 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023, at CHU-Kara, focusing on obstetric referrals to the Gynecology-Obstetrics department. Result: 828 patients were referred for obstetric reasons out of 1295 admissions, representing a frequency of 63.9%. The average age was 25.04 years. They were primigravida (38.3%), unemployed (62.7%). Motorcycles were the main means of transportation, accounting for 53.1% of cases. The average distance to reach the referral center was 31.6 km, covered in an average of 71 minutes. In 40.7% of cases, patients had less than 4 prenatal consultations and were referred in peripartum (56.6%) for pre-eclampsia (14%), post-term pregnancy (11.8%), dystocia (10.5%). Eighty-six point nine percent (86.9%) of the referred patients were able to deliver during their stay in the department, of which 61.7% had vaginal deliveries. The maternal and perinatal mortality rates were 0.7% and 14.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Obstetric referrals to Kara University Hospital are frequent during the perpartum period and are often carried out by motorbike.

The Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes of Adolescent Pregnancies in a Developed Cosmopolitan Middle Eastern Country: A Retrospective Pearl-Peristat Registry

Background: Early marriage is prevalent in Middle Eastern culture. The objective of this study was to investigate the pregnancy outcomes of married pregnant adolescents in a prosperous and highly developed Middle Eastern society, when they receive sufficient prenatal care and social assistance. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the Peristat-based Maternal-Newborn registry utilizing hospital data acquired from four main governmental hospitals in Qatar. The study analyzed the pregnancy outcomes of young adults [ages 20 - 24) who experienced their first pregnancy and compared them to the pregnancy outcomes of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. Results: The study comprised a cohort of 3152 pregnant married women. This cohort included 2674 women between the ages of 20 and 24, as well as 478 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. In comparison to the young adult group, the non-Qatari population in the adolescent group was significantly higher (78.6% (376/478) vs. 71.5% (1914/2674), p-value = 0.003). Other Arab nationalities accounted for more than half of the adolescent population. All the mothers were married, did not use alcohol, and were nonsmokers. There were no documented mothers under the age of 15. Attending antenatal clinics was significantly higher in the adolescent group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean gestational age at birth between adolescents and young adults (38.5 ± 2.3 weeks vs. 38.7 ± 2.1 weeks, p = 0.06). Furthermore, adolescent mothers had a higher rate of low birth weight (13.6% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.001) than young mothers. There was a non-statistically significant rise in pre-eclampsia incidence. Other unfavorable pregnancy outcomes were less common among them, such as diabetes, operative vaginal delivery, caesarean section, stillbirth, NICU hospitalization, and an Apgar score of less than 7 at five minutes. There were no maternal deaths;however, there was a comparable rate of neonatal in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Pregnancy during adolescence may not relate to significant problems in a well-tolerant culture that ensures dedicated antenatal and social support.

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.

Obstetric Anesthesia Practice Significantly Evolved: A Field for Cesarean Delivery Parturient for the Provision of Safe Anesthesia in Urgent Circumstances

General anesthesia and Obstetric Anesthesia is the gold standard for a cesarean section but there are some cases where general anesthesia is unavoidable. The use of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery has decreased in recent years due to the widespread use of neuraxial techniques. The choice of anesthesia techniques for cesarean delivery depends on several factors, including the patient’s psychology and the attending physician’s experience. It is chosen because of its safety profile and its benefits to the mother and fetus. It may be indicated due to emergency, maternal refusal of regional techniques, or regional contraindications. Major complications include failed intubation, gastric content aspiration, and increased bleeding risk. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a newly launched team on obstetric anesthesia practice.

Emergency Obstetric Hysterectomy in a Low Resources Country: An Eight-Year Retrospective Cohort Study from a Secondary Care Hospital in Niger

Introduction: Emergency obstetric hysterectomy (EOH) is a lifesaving procedure that is performed as a last resort in cases of severe postpartum haemorrhage. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, socio-demographic profile of patients, indications, management and maternal-fetal outcomes of EOH in a maternity hospital with limited resources in Niger. Methodology: This was an eight-year retrospective cohort study involving the analysis of medical records from patients who underwent emergency obstetric hysterectomies between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2022 at the Mother and Child Health Centre (MCHC) in Maradi, Niger. The epidemiological data, indications, and outcomes of EOH were collated and subjected to analysis using the statistical software package SPSS 21.0. Comparisons were made using the Chi-squared test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: During the study period, 239 cases of emergency obstetric hysterectomy were recorded out of 269,710 deliveries, representing a frequency of 0.89%. The mean age of the patients was 32.41 years (range: 17 - 50 years). The patients were identified as married (239 cases, 100%), unemployed (228 cases, 95.4%), and not attending school (215 cases, 90%). The largest number of cases were observed in large multiparous women (i.e., those with more than five children), representing 58.6% of the total number of cases (140 patients). The average parity among this group was 6.15 children. The majority of patients (229 patients, 95.82%) had undergone in utero transfer, with 169 patients (70.71%), originating from peripheral maternity units in the Maradi region. Upon admission, 116 patients (48.53%) exhibited active genital haemorrhage, while 58 patients (24.26%) were in shock. The primary indications for hysterectomy were uterine rupture (153 patients, 64%), uterine atony (77 patients, 32.2%), and placental accreta (six patients, 2.5%). Hysterectomy was performed by an obstetric gynaecologist (230 patients, 96.2%), an obstetric gynaecology resident (six patients, 2.5%), or a general practitioner with district surgical expertise (three patients, 1.3%). In the majority of cases (180 patients, 75.3%), total hysterectomy was performed. The incidence of maternal mortality (26 patients, 10.9%), and perinatal mortality (223 newborns, 93.4%) was notably elevated in our series. Conclusion: Our findings are in close alignment with those previously documented in the literature. The practice of emergency obstetric hysterectomy is a common occurrence in our region. It is considered a last resort when conservative procedures have failed or are not an option. Improved obstetric management would result in a reduction in the number of cases of haemostatic hysterectomy. The availability of blood products is expected to improve maternal prognosis.

Neonatal tachypnea caused by diaphragmatic paralysis:A case report

BACKGROUND Diaphragmatic paralysis is typically associated with phrenic nerve injury.Neonatal diaphragmatic paralysis diagnosis is easily missed because its manifestations are variable and usually nonspecific.CASE SUMMARY We report a 39-week-old newborn delivered via vaginal forceps who presented with tachypnea but without showing other birth-trauma-related manifestations.The infant was initially diagnosed with pneumonia.However,the newborn still exhibited tachypnea despite effective antibiotic treatment.Chest radiography revealed right diaphragmatic elevation.M-mode ultrasonography revealed decreased movement of the right diaphragm.The infant was subsequently diagnosed with diaphragmatic paralysis.After 4 weeks,tachypnea improved.Upon re-examination using M-mode ultrasonography,the difference in bilateral diaphragmatic muscle movement was smaller than before.CONCLUSION Appropriate use of M-mode ultrasound to quantify diaphragmatic excursions could facilitate timely diagnosis and provide objective evaluation.

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.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Nursing Staff towards Obstetric Fistula at the Abeche University Hospital, Chad

Introduction: Prevention of obstetric fistula (OF) remains a challenge in Chad where its incidence is 464 cases/year. The present study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of nursing staff towards obstetric fistula. Patients and Method: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study including nursing staff at the Abéché University Hospital. The survey took place from March to May 2023 and the sampling was exhaustive. Data collection was done using a form including a questionnaire on sociodemographic parameters, knowledge and attitudes. Participation in the study was voluntary and individual. Results: Participation in the study was 76.11%. Emergency department staff were the most represented, followed by gynecology-obstetrics staff with 34.4% and 20.91% of cases respectively. Nurses represented 53.17% of participants followed by doctors (23.52%). An exact definition of obstetric fistula was reported by 7.84% of participants and it was partial in 80.39%. The level of knowledge of risk factors was considered good in 12.41%. Exact knowledge of clinical signs was reported by 74.5% of cases. Among the participants, 1.96% reported that the treatment of obstetric fistula is traditional. Knowledge about means of prevention was considered good by 13.72% (n = 21), and attitudes by 26.79%? Obstetric fistula knowledge was influenced by profession (doctor, p = 0.011) and attitudes by service (p = 0.004) and profession (doctor, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Obstetric fistula is a curable disease whose prevention remains possible and requires good knowledge of the disease and the promotion of safe motherhood. This study should serve as a basis for the establishment of the obstetric fistula module in the curriculum of healthcare personnel and the promotion of continuing training for its eradication.

Obstetric Fistula: Epidemiological, Social and Therapeutic Aspects: Prospective Study of 196 Patients Admitted to the ZINDER Mother and Child Health Centre (CSME)

Introduction: Obstetric fistula (OF) is an abnormal communication between the genital and urinary tracts and/or associated with a recto-vaginal communication resulting from prolonged dystocic delivery. It is a frequent pathology in underdeveloped countries. In Zinder no study has been carried out on obstetric fistula. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological, social impact and therapeutic aspects of obstetric fistula at the CSME of Zinder. Patient and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of obstetric fistula care at CSME during the period of (January 2018 to June 2020). Results: A total of 196 cases were collected over 30 months. This represents an annual incidence of 78.4 fistulas. The median age of the patients was 18.63 years, and more than 65% were over 20 years old. One hundred and ninety-one patients (97.45%) did not attend school, and 56.12% (n = 110) lived in polygamous households. One hundred and fifty-one women (n = 151), 77.04% had full assistance from their husband during the first four (4) months of the pathology. Twenty-four (12.24%) had been notified of repudiation. Obstetrical risk of dystocia was found in 39.79% (n = 78) of the patients, of whom 24.49% (n = 48) had a focused antenatal consultation (CPNR). The labour lasted more than 24 hours in 100%. The majority of women are multiparous and 60% had at least 2 pregnancies. vesicovaginal fistula is the main pathological type with 86.23%. Fistulas were closed in 83.16% and 68.87% exited without urine loss. Conclusion: Obstetric fistula is a devastating disease affecting girls and young women in Niger, as in other countries in Africa and Asia. It is a major concern worldwide and is a social tragedy because it is disabling and depressing.

Peripheral Facial Paralysis in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Introduction: Peripheral facial palsy (PFP) is a frequent reason for ENT consultations. It is a common complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects and to establish the correlation between PFP and HIV in our context. Patients and Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted in the ENT and CFS department of the HIAOBO, covering the medical records of patients hospitalized for taking a PFP on HIV terrain from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Results: The study involved 17 patients, 10 men (59%) and 7 women (41%), a sex ratio of 1.4. The average age was 39 years with the extremes of 11 and 69 years. Shopkeepers reported 9 cases (53%). The reason for consultation was facial asymmetry in 11 cases (100%). The delay in consultation during the first week was 82.4%. Clinical signs were unilateral facial asymmetry, the opening of the palpebral fissure and lacrimation. All patients received medical treatment for PFP and HIV. Evolution was favorable, with complete recovery and no sequelae in 82.4% of cases. Surgery was performed in one case. Conclusion: PFPs are common in HIV infection. Diagnosis is clinical and management is multidisciplinary. Progression depends on the length of time taken to treat the disease.

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.

A New Protocol for Determining Intervention with Trans-Catheter Arterial Embolization or Surgical Hemostasis for Obstetric Hemorrhage

Objectives: The aim of this study is to introduce protocols for choosing trans-arterial embolization (TAE) or surgical hemostasis as an initial therapy for obstetric hemorrhage. Materials and Methods: From 2002 to 2011 at our hospital, the medical records of the patients who underwent TAE or surgical hemostasis for obstetric hemorrhage were reviewed to assess the following data: The causes of obstetric hemorrhage, Shock Index (SI) and obstetrical disseminated intra-vascular coagulation (DIC) score, amount of bleeding, transfusion, and operation time. Results: Twenty-five patients underwent TAE and six underwent surgical hemostasis. SI and obstetrical DIC score of the TAE group were 1.0 (0.4 - 2.2) and 6.0 (1 - 32), respectively. They were significantly lower than those of the surgical hemostasis group (SI: 1.6, obstetrical DIC score: 12.5, p < 0.05). Though the hemorrhage could be controlled sufficiently in 23 cases of the TAE group, 5 cases went into shock during TAE. The SI and obstetrical DIC score of shock group were 1.2 (1 - 2) and 10 (2 - 32), respectively. Conclusion: Though TAE is a useful therapy to control obstetric inevitable hemorrhage, special attention should be paid to the vital signs during TAE, especially in cases where SI and/or obstetrical DIC score are higher than 1.2 and 10, respectively.

Educational Program for Pregnant Women Regarding Obstetrics Dangerous Signs in Rural Areas

Background: Complications linked to postpartum & pregnancy are one of the major causes of female death. In order to understand the causes of complications and encourage women to take sufficient action in order to receive emergency treatment, a critical step should therefore be taken to minimize complications related to pregnancy, in order to ensure the safety of both women and newborns. Aim of the work: Evaluate the effectiveness of the education programs for pregnant women on obstetric danger signs in rural areas and help minimize the incidence of pregnancy loss and comorbidities. Methods: A quasi-experimental design on 70 women from a population of through 372 women in six-month in antenatal clinics recruited from the previously mentioned settings with pre- and post-test was conducted at antenatal clinics (M.C.H centers) affiliated to the available geographical health zones in EL-fayoum rural area including: Al-sheikh hassan at sanorse. We collected the data of women characteristics by a self-administered interview questionnaire & a structured reported knowledge and practices checklist to evaluate pregnant women practices and knowledge. Follow up was done to the studied groups & histopathology assessments of the product of conception in cases of abortion secondary to the complications to compare between effect of antenatal care program on the woman who followed the program and those who did not. Results: There is an improvement in 63% of pregnant women knowledge and practices after educational program in all aspects. The most common danger signs that may occur during pregnancy were miscarriage and vaginal bleeding, intrauterine fetal death as reported by women & confirmed by the histopathology reports. Conclusion: The educational program had an efficient improving women knowledge and practice regarding danger signs for pregnant women in rural areas, with highly statically significant differences in all the tested items between pre/post program implementation (P < 0.001). Recommendations: Establishment of in-service training programs and continuous supervision in rural areas to a raise women knowledge and practice regarding educational pregnant women and developing antenatal classes for all pregnant women about obstetric danger signs.

Progress of CACNA1S Gene and Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis

CACNA1 S gene is the gene encoding L-type calcium channel αa-subunit. CACNA1 S gene mutations can cause hypokalemic periodic pa- ralysis （HOKPP）. The related research speculated that CACNA1 S gene was the candidate genes which affect meat quality traits. In the present ar- ticle, the biological characteristics of CACNA1 S gene, structure, genetic diseases and the research development were respectively reviewed so as to provide a reference for further research.

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.

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.

Factors Associated with Maternal Mortality at Gynecology and Obstetrics Department in Departmental University Hospital Center of Borgou

Introduction: Maternal mortality is a robust indicator of human development. Most of it occurs in developing countries. Objectives: This study aims to determine the factors associated with maternal mortality in Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Borgou Departmental University Hospital Center (CHUD-B). Study method: Our study took place at Gynecology and Obstetrics Department in Borgou Departmental University Hospital Center. This was a descriptive and analytical case-control study, covering a period of 7 years from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018. Results: Two hundred and twelve patients have been recruited consisting of 106 deceased women and 106 controls. The intra-hospital mortality ratio was 1100 deaths per 100,000 live births (LB). The mean age of deceased women was 27.06 ± 6.45 years with the extremes of 15 and 45 years. Direct obstetric causes were the most frequent causes of maternal death. They were dominated by immediate postpartum hemorrhage (32.93%), followed by High Blood Pressure (26.83%) and infections (17.07%). The general condition of patients on admission (p-0.000) and inadequate management (p-0.001) was associated with maternal mortality. Conclusion: Patients’ general condition on admission and inadequate management was factors associated with maternal mortality.