Determinants of Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Related to Anesthesia in Course of Cesarean Section in a Low-Income Country: Experience from the Centre Hospitalier Mère-Enfant Monkole

Objective: The role of anesthesia in maternal mortality is unknown in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study was conducted with the objective of analyzing the determinants of morbidity and maternal mortality linked to anesthesia in course of cesarean section. Methods: This is a prospective, analytical and mono-centric study carried out on women who underwent cesarean section at the Centre Hospitalier Mère-Enfant Monkole from January 1st, 2011 to December 31st, 2018. The variables analyzed were socio-demographic, clinical, biological and anesthetic as well as the maternal issues. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 21.0 software. The determinants of mortality were sought by logistic regression with p Results: During this period, 1954 cesarean sections were performed. The mean age of the women was 31 years (range 14 to 47), 1549 women (79.3%) had completed prenatal consultation in Monkole and 405 (20.7%) elsewhere. The emergency was extreme in 192 cases (9.82%), absolute in 445 (22.77%) and relative in 1317 (67.4%). Locoregional anesthesia (LRA) was performed in 1811 cases (92.68%). The main complications were marked by arterial hypotension (22.9%) due to spinal anesthesia, and mortality was 0.56%. In multivariate analysis, only extreme emergency (aOR 7.62 95% CI: 2.80 - 71.23 p = 0.007), coma on admission (aOR 10.44 95% CI: 1.81 - 60.13 p = 0.009), general anesthesia (aOR 15.41 95% CI: 2.11 - 40.21 p = 0.007) and intraoperative transfusion due to anemia/hemorrhage (aOR 8.63 95% CI: 1.07 - 69.55 p = 0.043) persisted as determinants of maternal death. Conclusion: Maternal mortality (0.56%) in this series was relatively low for a low-income country and no death was directly related to anesthesia. General anesthesia, extreme urgency, intraoperative transfusion due to anemia/bleeding, and coma on admission were the major determinants of mortality.

Evaluation of Spontaneous Fertility after Medical Treatment of Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy in Two Hospitals in the City of Yaounde

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, estimated to occur in 1% - 2% of pregnancies worldwide. This condition also has an adverse effect on the fertility prospects of women who experience it. Objective: To determine the outcomes of subsequent spontaneous fertility after medical treatment of patients with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with ectopic pregnancy at two university teaching hospitals of Yaounde. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection in two university teaching hospitals of Yaounde during a six years period from 1st January 2015 to 31st May 2021. Seventy records of patients who had medical treatment for ectopic pregnancy were included in this study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. 23. The Chi-2 statistical test was used to compare qualitative variables. Binary logistic regression method was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with infertility after medical treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP). The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age in our study population was 27.8 ± 3.8 years. According to the past medical history, 52.9% had a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and the most frequently germ found was C. trachomatis (47.1%). Almost 15% of our study population had previous surgery for EP. The median Fernandez score was 11 with a minimum score of 4 and a maximum score of 13. The route of administration of methotrexate was intramuscular in all our patients, and the single-dose protocol was used most frequently (58.6%). After medical treatment of the EP, we found a spontaneous conception rate of 58.6%. After multivariate analysis, we were unable to confirm that there was an association between a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and fertility prognosis. Conclusion: The spontaneous fertility rate after medical management of EP was 58.6%, of which 73.2% were term pregnancies and 14.6% were recurrent ectopic pregnancies.

Adverse Maternal Consequences Associated with Prolonged Acute-Onset Severe Systolic Hypertension during Pregnancy &Early Postpartum: Pitfalls in Practice &Lessons Learned

OBJECTIVE: To determine the types of major maternal-perinatal morbidity associated with prolonged, acute-onset severe systolic hypertension during pregnancy and postpartum. METHODS: A medicolegal database retaining only medical record data was created from all cases involving women with medical/hypertensive disorders of pregnancy evaluated by the first author between 1986-2015. Case files of women that experienced severe systolic hypertension (SSH) sustained for many hours to days were identified for study. RESULTS: Sixty six pregnant/postpartum women met study criteria. Stroke secondary to intracranial hemorrhage or thrombosis (65.2) and acute pulmonary edema (33%) were the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, most often antepartum as a component of early-onset preeclampsia (≤34 weeks). Eclampsia, abruptio placenta and injury to heart, liver and/or kidneys were other frequent co-morbidities. Seven postpartum women developed sudden new-onset postpartum SSH and suffered a stroke 4 - 13 days after delivery. Maternal mortality (54.6%) and morbidity as persistent disability (24.2%) were high in this cohort. CONCLUSION: Failure to rapidly respond, reduce and sustain at a safe level acute-onset SSH poses a significant threat to the wellbeing of mothers and babies, before and in the weeks following delivery. Systems to implement safe practices to identify and emergently treat severe maternal hypertension are needed.

Determinants of the Low Proportion of Pregnant Women Seen for First-Trimester Prenatal Care at KoudougouUrban Medical Center, Burkina-Faso

Introduction: Antenatal care (ANC) contributes to the reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to investigate the determinants of the low proportion of pregnant women seen for first antenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy at the urban medical center of Koudougou, Burkina Faso. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data collection from June 08 to August 18, 2021. It involved a sample of 302 participants including 280 pregnant women and 22 maternity providers. Semi-structured individual interviews, non-participant observation, and a literature review were used. Results: Pregnant women age 20 and over, knowledge of the date of their last menstrual period, and knowledge of the antenatal care calendar were associated with coming into contact (1) with Antenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition, there was a lack of availability of antenatal care services, inadequate reception of clients, and shortages of health products. Conclusion: There is a need to revisit strategies for communicating with women about ANC, reorganizing ANC services, and improving ANC services.

The Feto-Maternal Outcome in Instrumental Assisted Vaginal Delivery in Parapokar Maternity and Woman Hospital—A Retrospective Study

Aim: To determine maternal and neonatal morbidities associated with instrumental vaginal delivery. Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 233 women undergoing instrumental vaginal deliveries from April 2020 to March 2021 at Paropakar Maternity and Women Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Neonatal and maternal complications were analyzed. Results: Of 233 women, 102 (43.7%) and 131 (56.2%) had vacuum and forceps deliveries, respectively. The use of instruments was more frequent in infants with higher birth weight and gestational age. There were no significant differences in Apgar scores between the two groups. Two main indications of instrumental deliveries were fetal distress and prolonged second stage labor. Forceps, compared with vacuum, more often caused 3rd/4th perineal tears, tear extending to fornices, and postpartum hemorrhage. Neonatal outcomes were similar in both types of instrumental deliveries. Conclusion: Instrumental vaginal delivery caused maternal morbidity and procedure/judgment training for it is essential.

Management and Maternal-Fetal Prognosis of Placental Abruption: A Retrospective Study of 130 Cases

Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic factors and assess treatment of placental abruption in the obstetrics gynecology department of the Dakar Principal Hospital. Patients and Method: We carried out a retrospective observational study of 130 successive cases of placental abruption, which occurred from January 2015 to December 2017 at the Level 3 Maternity Unit of the Dakar Principal Hospital. Data were collected from non-computerized obstetric records and analyzed using Excel and Epi info software. Results: There were 130 cases of placental abruption, that is a prevalence of 1.5%. The average age of onset of placental abruption was 30 years. The history of hypertension concerned 32.3% of patients, the average gestational age of 32.5 weeks at the time of diagnosis, grade 3 of Sher was found in 48.5% of cases. The outcome of the pregnancy was a caesarean section in 79.2% of cases, the average weight of newborns was 2058 g. The management of the complications required a blood transfusion and intensive care. A haemostasis hysterectomy was performed in 6.2% of cases. Stillbirth rate was 53.7% and maternal mortality was zero. Discussion and Conclusion: Placental abruption, a severe complication of pregnancy, is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality linked to the severity of the clinical picture, despite an improved maternal prognosis.

Maternal Sepsis in Intensive Care Unit at Omdurman New Hospital-Tertiary Obstetric Facility, Khartoum-Sudan

Introduction: Sever sepsis and septic shock contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality. The etiology of sever sepsis and septic shock during pregnancy and postpartum result from obstetric related or non-obstetric related conditions. Objectives: It aimed to determine rate, characters, morbidity and mortality of septic obstetric cases at Omdurman New Hospital. Methods: It was a descriptive, prospective, analytic, cross-sectional hospital based total coverage study;conducted at Omdurman New Hospital (ONH), Khartoum-Sudan. Results: Sever sepsis and septic shock rate 1.16 (13/1124 = 1.16%) of hospital pregnancy complication admission. Hyperthermia, Tachycardia and hypotension are the main presenting clinical findings and uterine infection is the main focus of sepsis. The mean average Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay is 6.3-day. Organs dysfunctions are the main morbidity and mortality is reported in five cases. Conclusion: Sever sepsis and septic shock contributes in maternal morbidity and mortality. Safe obstetric care prevents maternal sepsis and improves the outcome. Management of sever sepsis and septic shock remains a challenge in obstetric medicine.

A Study on Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism and the Requirement of Thromboprophylaxis in Pregnancy and Postpartum Period in a Tertiary Care Centre in South Asian Country: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Thrombosis is a major cause of maternal death worldwide. During pregnancy, the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases fourfold to five-fold and contributes towards maternal morbidity and mortality. Sri Lanka does not have a proper assessment tool to detect and manage it in the antenatal care. Objectives: To identify risks factors for VTE among pregnant mothers, postpartum mothers according to RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians) risk categorization and to assess the requirement of thromboprophylaxis. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinics and obstetrics and gynaecology wards (ward 2, 5, 8) of De Soysa Hospital for Women in 2021. Obstetric thromboprophylaxis risk assessment tool recommended by the RCOG was used for the risk assessment of pregnant mothers during the antenatal and postpartum period. Results: In antenatal period, obesity (BMI > 35), age more than 35 years and parity more than 3 were the commonest risk factors. Out of 404 mothers, 67.33% did not have any risk factors. Among others, 18.56%, 0.40%, 2.72%, 0.99% had a score of 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Patients with intermediate (0.99%) and high risk (2.72%) were commenced on thromboprophylaxis from 28 weeks. The low-risk category was not started on any treatment (28.96%, n = 97). Approximately 96% of mothers did not require any thromboprophylaxis during antenatal period. Another 404 postnatal mothers were recruited for the study group. Elective caesarean section and caesarean section during labour were the main risks identified other than pre-existing antenatal risks. 39.95 % of mothers did not have any risk factors and 37.22% of mothers had a score of 1. Conclusions: VTE risk assessment tool can be implemented at national level to detect patients at risk of VTE and improve maternal care.

Heart and Lung Disorders Complicating Pregnancy and the Puerperium: Pitfalls in Practice &Lessons Learned

Objective: To review a case series of 12 women with unexpected heart and lung disorders that occurred during pregnancy and the puerperium, describing for teaching purposes the pitfalls in practice and the lessons learned from this experience. Materials & Methods: We reviewed case files of women with medical and/or hypertensive complications of pregnancy that were evaluated for medicolegal defense purposes by the first author between 1986-2015. Twelve women in these case files experienced unexpected cardiovascular and/or cardiopulmonary complications late in pregnancy or early in the puerperium. For each case, the pertinent medical record information was extracted. Important concepts as lessons learned are summarized and referenced for teaching purposes. Results: Five women had undetected preexisting heart disease which acutely deteriorated during the third trimester, four women developed postpartum heart failure related to pregnancy and delivery, and three women suffered an intrapartum cardiac arrest;none survived. Their case presentations illustrate the importance of obstetric health care professionals being alert to the signs/symptoms of developing cardiopulmonary disease late in pregnancy and following delivery so that timely evaluation and intervention can be accomplished to potentially avoid morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic categories include peripartum heart failure, high-risk chronic hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism, pulmonary embolism and Raynaud’s with occult pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion: These cases illustrate the diversity of ways that cardiovascular disease can suddenly complicate pregnancy and the early postpartum period. A major part of any effort to enhance safer motherhood is a heightened awareness by obstetric specialists to consider the possibility of heart disease in all maternity patients so that appropriate consultation and collaboration with other specialists might help avoid major maternal morbidity or mortality.

Management and Outcome of Hyperemesis Gravidarum at Tertiary Obstetric Facility, Khartoum-Sudan

Introduction: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is vomiting and/or nausea in pregnancy causes dehydration, electrolytes imbalance, weight loss and further serious organs dysfunction. Methods: This was a descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional hospital based total coverage analytic study, which was conducted from November 2013 to May 2014 at Omdurman New Hospital (ONH) for Obstetrics & Gynecology, Khartoum-Sudan. Results: HG prevalence is 13% of complicated pregnancy of ONH admission. Acetonurea is reported in all cases with significant association between acetonurea and smoking (P value = 0.005). A significant association between Hemoglobulin level and the readmission the (P value = 0.01) was reported. One maternal death is reported from severe hypoglycemia and liver impairment. Conclusion: Hyperemesis gravidarum has serious maternal morbidity with social negative impacts and significant financial burden on the health services.

Pregnant-Postpartum Women with Severe Epigastric Pain and HELLP Syndrome: A Highly Dangerous Combination

OBJECTIVE: HELLP syndrome is a severe preeclampsia spectrum disorder diagnosed when laboratory evidence of hemolysis, liver dysfunction and thrombocytopenia are present. The presence of epigastric pain with laboratory criteria for HELLP syndrome may indicate higher maternal-fetal risk. Thus we explored maternal outcomes in 42 pregnant/postpartum women that had HELLP syndrome by laboratory criteria in addition to sudden severe epigastric pain. METHODS: A database was constructed from the medical files of all patients with medical/hypertensive disorders evaluated by the first author from 1986-2015 for medicolegal purposes. All patient files of women who presented to their physicians with a diagnosis of presumptive HELLP syndrome were examined. RESULTS: Fifty-eight pregnant/postpartum women fulfilled study inclusion criteria;they presented to physicians for evaluation usually in non-tertiary care hospital settings. Clinical presentation and care including lab data and details of pregnancy outcome were evaluated. A correct diagnosis of HELLP syndrome was verified for 42 women (72.4%);others were determined to have AFLP-Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (n = 8) or TTP-aHUS-Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-adult/atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (n = 8). All 42 HELLP women (100%) in our cohort had severe epigastric pain. Treatment modalities for maternal HELLP syndrome included magnesium sulfate (n = 35, 83%), antihypertensives (n = 17, 40%);corticosteroids (CORT) for HELLP were not utilized. Major maternal morbidity (21 strokes, 9 liver ruptures/hematomas) affected 41 HELLP women (98%);22 died, 7 were permanently disabled. CONCLUSION: HELLP syndrome patients presenting with sudden, severe epigastric pain in this highly selected cohort experienced very high maternal morbidity and mortality. Laboratory evidence of HELLP syndrome in association with epigastric pain is a dangerous combination that portends great danger to safe motherhood. We speculate that the absence of CORT use in this cohort contributed to poor maternal outcome (word count = 280 as modified for reviewers).

Repeat OGTT at 34 - 36 Weeks to Detect the Late Occurrence of GDM: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study Conducted at the Professorial Unit, Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Aim: Evaluation of the occurrence of glucose intolerance after 34 - 36 weeks in pregnant mothers attending the Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya. Materials & Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out from October 2017 to March 2018 among 183 pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic at Teaching Hospital Peradeniya. After informed consent a repeat Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was done among the pregnant mothers, at period of amenorrhoea of 34 - 36 weeks, whose initial OGTT values were normal. Gestational diabetes was diagnosed according to the NICE guideline cut off values and the percentage of late occurrence of Gestational diabetes (GDM) was analyzed. Results: Mean age of the population was 29.1 years and the age range in this group was 18 to 45 years and the majority (73.9%) of women were primipara. There were 3.3% of teenage pregnancies and 14% of mothers were over 35 years. Majority (59.7%) of mothers underwent repeat OGTT test at 34 weeks of gestation and the rest (40.3%) underwent test between 34 to 36 weeks of gestation. Although the mean BMI was 23.74, 9.7% of mothers were obese (>30 kg/m2), 30.3% of mothers were pre-obese (25.0 - 29.9 kg/m2). 8.2% of mothers were diagnosed with Gestational diabetes at 34 - 36 weeks whose initial OGTT values were normal. Conclusion: In view of reducing feto-maternal morbidity and mortality, considering a repeat OGTT at a later gestation (34 - 36 weeks of gestation) should be considered in mothers, whose initial OGTT values are normal as Sri Lanka is a high risk country for GDM. Clinical Significance: The study may play an important role in guideline alteration process and screening for gestational diabetes in Sri Lankan set-up.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum:Conservative Management and Its Impact on Future Fertility

Placenta accreta spectrum is a complication of pregnancy,which poses a great risk on maternal health.Historically,hysterectomy was the modality of treatment of such condition,but an approach towards a more conservative management has been in the light recently.This includes several methods with varying rates of success and complications.Expectant management is effective in up to 78%–80%of the cases.The extirpative method is associated with a high risk of postpartum hemorrhage.The success of the onestep conservative procedure depends on the degree of placental invasion,and the triple-P procedure appears to be successful but requires and interdisciplinary approach.Adjuvant treatment options can be tailored according to individual cases,and these include methotrexate injection,uterine devascularization and hysteroscopic resection of retained placental tissues.Follow up after conservative management is crucial to detect complications early,and it can be done by ultrasound,Doppler examination,and trending b human chorionic gonadotropin levels.Conservative management of placenta accreta spectrum can preserve future fertility but should only be done in hospitals with enough experience as it carries a high risk of maternal complications.In the future,more research should be directed to achieve clear guidelines regarding this topic.

Application of the Modified Early Obstetric Warning System in Three Patients with Obstetric Sepsis Through a Telemedicine System

To editor:Maternal sepsis represents the third cause of maternal mortality worldwide and the diagnosis delay portrays a great contribution due to its high lethality.The Modified Early Obstetric Warning System is an early detection tool validated in maternal sepsis scenarios.