Hepatic ectopic pregnancy with hemorrhage secondary diaphragmatic adhesion:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary abdominal pregnancy is an extremely rare form of ectopic pregnancy.Ectopic pregnancies that occur in the liver and diaphragm are even rarer,limited case reports are available in the literature.CASE SUMMARY A woman of childbearing age was transferred to the emergency department due to lumbar and abdominal pain radiating to the back toward the lower right.After a series of physical and auxiliary examinations,she was clinically diagnosed with hepatic ectopic pregnancy.Laparoscopic surgery was performed to remove the pregnancy tissue and achieve hemostasis.After a period of follow-up,the patient was successfully cured.CONCLUSION Paying attention to the patient's signs and utilizing imaging examination methods can help avoid missed diagnoses of liver pregnancy.

Conservative Management of Unruptured Ectopic Pregnancy—A Retrospective Study

An ectopic pregnancy (EP) is defined as any pregnancy that occurs outside the uterine cavity. The most common site of ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube. The goal of this retrospective study is to address medical and conservative surgical management of unruptured fallopian tube EP as an effective manner to preserve tubes to prevent secondary infertility. This study was conducted between January 1, 2010, and April 30, 2024, in Ponni Hospital, Madurai. It included 319 women, out of 6248 pregnant women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy by using an Inexecreen kit, trans-abdominal scan, trans-vaginal scan, and doubling of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) in 48 hours and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Medical and conservative surgical management were given to those patients effectively. Out of 319 patients, 62 patients (19.4%) had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and underwent surgical treatment;257 patients (80.6%) had an unruptured ectopic pregnancy. The conservative medical management was provided to 257 patients. Out of 257 patients, 235 patients were treated by injecting methotrexate and folic acid rescue when the criteria were met. 14 patients had salpingostomy and injection methotrexate (Inj. Methotrexate) and inj. Prostaglandin F2 alpha was administered into the tubal wall to preserve tubes. 8 patients had a live ectopic pregnancy;for those patients, Inj. Methotrexate was injected into the gestational sac through ultrasound guidance. 225 out of 257 patients reached out to us to seek fertility treatment;the remaining 32 patients were not seeking fertility. All fertility-seeking patients had successful pregnancies. We lost follow-up of 12 patients in this study. Out of 213 patients who came for fertility treatment, a 76.1% success rate was achieved with live birth, the recurrent ectopic pregnancy rate was 13.6%, the miscarriage and stillbirth rates were 10.3%. 32 patients, who were not seeking fertility, had quality life without surgical scars for ectopic pregnancy and cost-effective treatment. 25 patients out of 32 had laparoscopic sterilization later, and 7 patients followed temporary contraception as per our advice. This clinical data was retrieved from medical records.

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.

Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy: Epidemiology and Management in the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital, Conakry University Hospital

Introduction: The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the quality of GEUR management in the general surgery department and in the maternity ward of the Ignace Deen national hospital, Conakry University Hospital. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive study lasting two years (January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022), carried out in the general surgery and gyneco-obstetrics departments of the Ignace Deen national hospital, Conakry University Hospital. We included all patients with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy who received surgical treatment during the study period. Results: We collected 13,524 cases of surgical interventions in the two services, among them, we recorded 89 cases or 0.66% GEUR. The average age of the patients was 24.26 years. Brides were the most represented with 80.96% of cases. Women practicing a liberal profession were 51.69% (n = 46) and housewives 26.97% (n = 24). Clinically, amenorrhea was noted in all patients, i.e. 100%, abdominal-pelvic pain in 95.2% (n = 85) of cases, metrorrhagia in 94.08% (n = 84), abdominal-pelvic sensitivity in 97.44% (n = 87) of cases and anemia in 85.39% of cases. The GEUR was ampullary in 69.66% (n = 62) cases. Salpingectomy was performed in 90.72% (n = 81). The surgical outcomes were satisfactory in 98.87% (n = 88) of cases. We recorded one case of surgical site infection. We have not recorded any deaths. The average length of hospitalization was 4 days. Conclusion: GEUR is relatively high in our context. A good understanding of the prognostic factors of GEUR, awareness and family planning could reduce GEUR.

Ectopic Cornual Pregnancy: Case Report

This article showcases a clinical case of ectopic pregnancy lodged in the cornual. A pregnancy implanted in this location is a rarity, making it difficult to diagnose. By describing this case and screening of the literature, we explain the various diagnostic and therapeutic methods, both medical and surgical. Highlighting the importance of conservative treatment flush with the uterine horn, and conclude with some practical recommendations.

Ectopic Molar Pregnancy with Coexistent Normal Intrauterine Pregnancy: A Report of an Unusual Diagnosis managed in Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Cameroon

Background: Heterotopic pregnancy is a very rare event in a natural cycle. Its incidence is rising mostly due to induction of ovulation or Assisted Reproductive Technique. Most ectopic in heterotopic pregnancies are localized in the fallopian tubes. The occurrence of molar tubal ectopic pregnancy coexisting with intrauterine pregnancy is uncommon and consequently not often considered a diagnostic possibility. Case Report: We report the case of a 25-year-old woman, gravida 4 para 1, who complained of vaginal spotting and lower abdominal pain after 6 weeks of amenorrhea following clomiphene citrate ovarian stimulation. Transvaginal Ultrasonography revealed an intrauterine pregnancy and an unruptured left tubal ectopic pregnancy. She underwent successful laparoscopic salpingectomy while the intra-uterine pregnancy was allowed to continue. The ectopic pregnancy tissue histology reported an ectopic partial molar pregnancy. She subsequently had a normal vaginal delivery at 39 weeks and 3 days and her follow-up was uneventful. Conclusion: Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare but life-threatening condition. It should be suspected in a pregnant woman with a risk factor of multiple gestations who presents vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain in the context of early pregnancy. Laparoscopic surgery is effective for confirming the diagnosis and treating the ectopic component. Routine histological examination of tubal specimens must be taken very seriously because some findings like molar pregnancies may require specific management.

Comparison of the application value of transvaginal ultrasound and transabdominal ultrasound in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

BACKGROUND Ectopic pregnancy(EP) is one of the most common acute abdominal diseases in gynecology. Once the condition of EP is delayed, it may lead to massive hemorrhage, shock, and even death in a short time, seriously threatening the patient’s life. Early diagnosis is the key to preventing and improving the prognosis of EP.Transabdominal ultrasound(TAS) and transvaginal ultrasound(TVS) are the main diagnostic methods for abdominal diseases. The purpose of this study is to explore the application value and effect of TAS and TVS in the diagnosis of EP,hoping to provide more valuable references for the diagnosis of EP.AIM To explore the application value of TAS and TVS in the diagnosis of EP and to improve the level of clinical diagnosis.METHODS A total of 140 patients with EP admitted to our hospital from July 2018 to July 2020 were selected for this study. All patients were divided into two groups according to the examination methods. 63 patients who underwent abdominal ultrasound examination were set as the TAS group, while 77 patients who underwent TVS examination were set as the TVS group. We compared the diagnostic accuracy and misdiagnosis rates between the two types of ultrasound examinations, as well as the postoperative pathological results of the two diagnostic methods for different types of ectopic pregnancies. We also analyzed the sonograms for the presence of mixed ectopic masses,adnexal masses, ectopic gestational sacs, the presence or absence of visible embryo and fetal heart in the ectopic sac shadow, and the detection of fluid in the rectal fossa of the uterus, such as the adnexal area, yolk sac, and embryo, etc. In addition, the diagnosis time, days of gestational sac appearance, operation time, endometrial thickness, and blood flow resistance index were compared as well.RESULTS After performing both types of ultrasound examinations in 140 patients with EP, we found that the diagnostic accuracy of TVS was significantly higher than that of TAS, and the misdiagnosis rate was significantly lower than that of TAS. The differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05). In addition, the detection rate of TVS was better than that of TAS for the presence of mixed masses,adnexal masses, ectopic gestational sacs, the presence or absence of visible embryo and fetal heart in the shadow of the ectopic sac, and sonograms such as the adnexal area, yolk sac, and embryo,etc. The coincidence rate of its postoperative pathological examination results was significantly higher than those of TAS. The diagnosis time and the days of gestational sac appearance by TVS were significantly shorter than that by TAS, and the operation time was earlier than that by TAS.What’s more, the detection rates of the endometrial thickness ￡ 1.5 mm and blood flow resistance ￡0.5 were significantly higher in TVS diagnosis of EP than in TAS. All differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with TAS, TVS has the advantages of high detection accuracy and good sonogram performance.

Analysis of Perinatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy in a Referral Hospital for High Risk

Introduction: The incidence of twin pregnancies has increased significantly in recent decades. These pregnancies require more attention due to their worse outcomes than singleton pregnancies. Objective: To analyze the characteristics and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies at the Caxias do Sul General Hospital. Methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study that included all births related to twin pregnancies between March 1998 and June 2018. Maternal and perinatal variables were analyzed. Descriptive analyses were carried out using measures of central tendency and dispersion for continuous variables (mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range), according to a prior assessment of distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and absolute (n) and relative (n%) frequencies for categorical variables. Results: 172 pairs of twins/21,972 births (0.8%) were identified. There was a high percentage of interpartum interval of less than 12 months, adherence and prenatal visits, body mass index, and need for neonatal intensive care. Stillbirth and neomortality rates were within acceptable parameters. Conclusion: The sample studied showed a percentage similar to that in the literature, a high rate of maternal and perinatal complications, characterizing it as a high-risk fetal pregnancy.

Correlates of Mistimed Pregnancy and Unmet Need for Family Planning among Women of Reproductive Age in Sandema, Ghana

Background: Globally, an estimated 80 million unintended pregnancies comprising both mistimed and unwanted pregnancies are recorded yearly. Yet only half of the women at risk of mistimed pregnancy use contraceptives. In developing countries, over 100 million females have unmet need, and national surveys in Ghana indicate 23% unmet need rate. Methods: Using a cross-sectional community-based approach, a sample size of 300 women of reproductive age were selected using multi-step cluster sampling techniques. The study was quantitative, using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: Two-third (66%) of the women in reproductive age still had unmet need, 71% were currently pregnant, and more than a third (36%) confirmed ever having a mistimed pregnancy. Fifty-three percent (53%) of the women confirmed never communicating with their partners on family planning issues, a little below half (45%) took their own health care decisions. Seventy nine percent (79%) ever received family planning services from a health professional. Factors related to unmet needs included mistimed pregnancy, level of education, preferred birth/pregnancy interval, communication between partners and the autonomy to spend self-earnings. Conclusion: Considering that high rates of unmet need results in mistimed pregnancy, improved policies around the influence of unmet need on mistimed pregnancies are needed.

Prevalence and Individual-Level Determinants of Uptake of Three or More Doses of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy in Busia County, Kenya

Background: Malaria in pregnancy causes maternal anemia, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and preterm deliveries. In malaria-endemic regions in Kenya, percentage of pregnant women hospitalized with malaria reach up to 60%. WHO recommends at least three doses of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (IPTp) antenatally. This study sought to ascertain the prevalence and individual-level factors influencing the uptake of IPTp-SP3+. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study at Busia County Referral Hospital. 384 mothers were consecutively sampled at the maternity unit during delivery. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR were used to determine statistical significance of individual factors influencing uptake of three or more IPTp-SP. Results: 43.0% of participants took IPTp-SP3+. Individual factors that affected the uptake of IPTp-SP3+ included starting ANC visits in the first trimester (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.23 – 3.67, p = 0.046), having more than four ANC visits (aOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.49 – 6.50, p = 0.002), having a higher monthly income (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.24 – 5.36, p = 0.012), being aware of the advantages of IPTp-SP medications (aOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.40 – 9.74, p = 0.008), and having a positive attitude toward ANC services (aOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.61 – 6.31, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Less than half of the pregnant mothers are complyingIPTp-SP3+. There should be aggressive efforts by the County and National Ministries of Health promoting initiation of ANC attendance early and attendance of all the recommended eight visits together with ensuring availability of the drugs.

Rare uterine serosal pregnancy after in vitro fertilization in a woman with bilateral salpingectomy

Objective:To improve the understanding of ectopic pregnancy after bilateral salpingectomy through case analysis and literature review.Method:A case of uterine serosal pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)in a woman with bilateral salpingectomy was reported in detail and summarized,and relevant literatures searched in Pubmed were analyzed.Results:The patient had a sudden abdominal pain 18 days after transplantation.Ultrasound showed no pregnancy sac in the intrauterine cavity and bilateral adnexal areas,but there was a large amount of fluid in the Pouch of Douglas,which was an indication for surgical exploration.During the operation,the pregnancy tissue was found on the uterine serosal and cleared in time.And the patient recovered well after surgery.Review of the literatures showed that most of ectopic pregnancies after bilateral salpingectomy were treated surgically and had a good prognosis.Conclusion:Ectopic pregnancy after bilateral salpingectomy is extremely rare and should be early judged by the patients’signs.Surgical treatment timely can achieve good outcome.

A Study on the Correlation of Body Mass Management During Pregnancy with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Labor Progression

Objective:To investigate the effects of body mass management during pregnancy on adverse pregnancy outcomes,duration of labor,and neonatal birth weight.Methods:472 pregnant women who visited Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January to December 2023 were selected,and the pregnant women were divided into 236 each in the observation group and the control group.Body mass of pregnant women was measured and BMI was calculated in early and late pregnancy respectively,and the pregnant women in the control group were guided by routine management,while the observation group was guided by body mass management during pregnancy.The growth of maternal body mass,mode of delivery,postpartum hemorrhage,neonatal score,neonatal blood glucose at birth,and umbilical artery blood,as well as the comparison of the duration of labor,were observed.Results:The observation group was significantly better than the control group in terms of mode of delivery,postpartum hemorrhage,and body mass growth,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05),and there was no statistical significance in terms of neonatal scores,neonatal blood glucose at birth,and umbilical artery blood(P>0.05);the time of the first stage of labor and the time of the second stage of labor of the mothers in the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group,with statistical differences(P<0.05),and the time of the third stage of labor of the mothers in the observation group was statistically better than that of the control group.There was no statistically significant difference between the time of the third stage of labor in the observation group and the control group(P>0.05),and the time of the total stage of labor in the observation group was statistically better than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Body mass management during pregnancy can effectively improve maternal control of weight gain,reduce labor time,and decrease the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Analysis of Cardiac Functional Status and Factors Influencing Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Combined Heart Disease

Objective:To investigate the cardiac function of pregnant women with complicated heart disease during pregnancy and the factors influencing the adverse pregnancy outcome.Methods:A total of 162 cases of pregnant women with complicated heart disease admitted to the Beijing Anzhen Hospital from October 2021 to December 2023 were selected to compare the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with complicated heart disease at different levels of cardiac function and to analyze the single and multi factors leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with complicated heart disease.Results:Among 162 pregnant women with combined heart disease in pregnancy,the highest percentage of heart disease type was congenital heart disease(80/49.38%),and the lowest percentage was other(9/5.56%);the overall incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with combined heart disease in pregnancy with cardiac function grades of 3–4 cardiac function(30/68.18%)was higher than that in pregnant women with combined heart disease in cardiac function grades of 1–2(40/33.90%)(P=0.000);age,marital status,hypertension,and past history of all pregnant women were not statistically significant(P>0.05);gestational age,type of heart disease,and cardiac function grading were statistically significant(P<0.05),and these factors were all independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy resolution in pregnant women with combined heart disease(P<0.05).Conclusion:The overall incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was higher in pregnant women with heart disease than in those with heart disease grades 1–2,and the number of pregnancies,the type of heart disease,and heart function grades were all independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with heart disease.

Molar Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Study from the Maternity Unit of the Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital

The authors reported a case of molar ectopic pregnancy seen and managed at the maternity unit of the Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital. The frequency of the molar ectopic pregnancy is difficult to assess. Besides, the histopathological examination of surgical specimen of the salpingectomy is not usual in our setting. For the management, we realized a total left salpingectomy with a histopathological examination of surgical specimens in association with serum b HCG follow up. During post operations period, the patient was put on estro-progestin contraception for a year, a regular checkup of the biological marker of the molar pregnancy till negativation, a clinical, ultrasound and radiological checkup. No anomaly was noticed at the end of the follow up.

Emergency department management of acute agitation in the reproductive age female and pregnancy

BACKGROUND:Agitation is a common presentation within emergent departments(EDs).Agitation during pregnancy should be treated as an obstetric emergency,as the distress may jeopardize both the patient and fetus.The safety of psychotropic medications in the reproductive age female has not been well established.This review aimed to explore a summary of general agitation recommendations with an emphasis on ED management of agitation during pregnancy.METHODS:A literature review was conducted to explore the pathophysiology of acute agitation and devise a preferred treatment plan for ED management of acute agitation in the reproductive age or pregnant female.RESULTS:While nonpharmacological management is preferred,ED visits for agitation often require medical management.Medication should be selected based on the etiology of agitation and the clinical setting to avoid major adverse effects.Adverse effects are common in pregnant females.For mild to moderate agitation in pregnancy,diphenhydramine is an effective sedating agent with minimal adverse effects.In moderate to severe agitation,high-potency typical psychotropics are preferred due to their neutral effects on hemodynamics.Haloperidol has become the most frequently utilized psychotropic for agitation during pregnancy.Second generation psychotropics are often utilized as second-line therapy,including risperidone.Benzodiazepines and ketamine have demonstrated adverse fetal outcomes.CONCLUSION:While randomized control studies cannot be ethically conducted on pregnant patients requiring sedation,animal models and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated the effects of psychotropic medication exposure in utero.As the fetal risk associated with multiple doses of psychotropic medications remains unknown,weighing the risks and benefits of each agent,while utilizing the lowest effective dose remains critical in the treatment of acute agitation within the EDs.

A pregnant patient with type II osteogenesis imperfecta pregnancy

Osteogenesis imperfecta(OI)is a primary bone fragility disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1/15,000 births and is a hereditary syndrome characterized by one or more of the following:fractures,blue sclerae,impaired hearing,defective dentition,and hyperlaxibility throughout life.[1,2]We report a pregnant woman with type II OI and review her prenatal counseling,diagnosis,and pregnancy management to assist obstetricians in understanding the disease and managing it in emergency situations.

Iron supplementation during malaria infection in pregnancy and childhood:A review

Malaria presents a significant global public health challenge,with severe malarial anaemia being a primary manifestation of the disease.The understanding of anaemia caused by malaria remains incomplete,making the treatment more complex.Iron is a crucial micronutrient essential for haemoglobin synthesis,oxygen delivery,and other vital metabolic functions in the body.It is indispensable for the growth of human beings,as well as bacteria,protozoa,and viruses in vitro and in vivo.Iron deficiency is among the most common nutritional deficiencies and can have detrimental effects during developmental stages of life.Malaria-induced iron deficiency occurs due to the hemolysis of erythrocytes and the suppression of erythropoiesis,leading to anaemia.Meeting iron requirements is particularly critical during pivotal life stages such as pregnancy,infancy,and childhood.Dietary intake alone may not suffice to meet adequate iron requirements,thus highlighting the vital role of iron supplementation.While iron supplementation can alleviate iron deficiency,it can exacerbate malaria infection by providing additional iron for the parasites.However,in the context of pregnancy and childhood,iron supplementation combined with malaria prevention and treatment has been shown to be beneficial in improving birth outcomes and ensuring proper growth and development,respectively.This review aims to identify the role and impact of iron supplementation in malaria infection during the life stages of pregnancy and childhood.

Integrins and their potential roles in mammalian pregnancy

Integrins are a highly complex family of receptors that, when expressed on the surface of cells, can mediate reciprocal cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix(ECM) interactions leading to assembly of integrin adhesion complexes(IACs) that initiate many signaling functions both at the membrane and deeper within the cytoplasm to coordinate processes including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, survival, differentiation, and metabolism. All metazoan organisms possess integrins, and it is generally agreed that integrins were associated with the evolution of multicellularity, being essential for the association of cells with their neighbors and surroundings, during embryonic development and many aspects of cellular and molecular biology. Integrins have important roles in many aspects of embryonic development, normal physiology, and disease processes with a multitude of functions discovered and elucidated for integrins that directly influence many areas of biology and medicine, including mammalian pregnancy, in particular implantation of the blastocyst to the uterine wall, subsequent placentation and conceptus(embryo/fetus and associated placental membranes) development. This review provides a succinct overview of integrin structure, ligand binding, and signaling followed with a concise overview of embryonic development, implantation, and early placentation in pigs, sheep, humans, and mice as an example for rodents. A brief timeline of the initial localization of integrin subunits to the uterine luminal epithelium(LE) and conceptus trophoblast is then presented, followed by sequential summaries of integrin expression and function during gestation in pigs, sheep, humans, and rodents. As appropriate for this journal, summaries of integrin expression and function during gestation in pigs and sheep are in depth, whereas summaries for humans and rodents are brief. Because similar models to those illustrated in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are present throughout the scientific literature, the illustrations in this manuscript are drafted as Viking imagery for entertainment purposes.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors During Pregnancy: A Multicenter Study in West Africa, Dakar, Senegal

Context: Non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, are major causes of complications during pregnancy, posing significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Pregnancy increases cardiovascular risks, particularly through the development of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, requiring early screening and close monitoring to prevent adverse outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors in pregnant women in Senegal and identify associated socio-behavioral and economic determinants. Methodology: A descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection was conducted over three months (April 10 to July 10, 2023). The study included pregnant women aged 15 and older from three public hospital maternity wards in Senegal. We studied sociodemographic aspects, cardiovascular risk factors, and collected information on previous and current pregnancies, including the number of pregnancies, parity, miscarriages, the number of prenatal consultations, and the number of fetuses. Written consent was obtained. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 222 pregnant women were enrolled, representing 28% of prenatal consultations. The average age was 29.18 years (range 15 - 47). Most participants (90%) lived in Dakar suburbs, 74.20% had no medical coverage, 84% worked in the informal sector (p = 0.043), and 18% had no education. Among them, 30.63% were in their first pregnancy, 34% were nulliparous, and 3.15% were grand multiparous. The average number of prenatal visits was 3.5, with about 40% having more than four visits. Risk factors included hypertension (17%), more prevalent in women over 30 (p = 0.043), diabetes (4%), and smoking (2%). Conclusion: The study highlights critical prenatal health needs and socio-economic challenges faced by pregnant women, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to improve healthcare access and health education.

A live birth resulting from a fourth cesarean scar pregnancy after combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic uterine repair: A case report and literature review

Cesarean scar pregnancy(CSP)is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that is defined as a pregnancy sac located within the scar of a previous cesarean section.Recurrent cesarean scar pregnancy(RCSP)is even more uncommon,1 with Hasegawa et al reporting the first RCSP in 2005.2 RCSP is a high-risk pregnancy condition with potential complications that include heavy bleeding,uterine rupture,and maternal shock.The exact incidence rates for CSP and RCSP are unknown,although the incidence of CSP is 1/2656–1/1800 of the total number of cesarean sections,and the incidence of RCSP can reach 6.9%–34.3%.3,4,5 With the promulgation of the second and third child policies in China,an increasing number of patients now manifest fertility needs after cesarean section.With improvements in examination methods and awareness of CSP,we also suspect that the rates of CSP and RCSP may be even higher.Unfortunately,there is no standard treatment for CSP.We herein report a case in which the patient was treated by combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic uterine repair without scar resection during the third RCSP,and the fourth RCSP occurred 6 months later;the patient then selected expectant management.The outcome was a successful cesarean section delivery of a live baby at 34 weeks of gestation,and the uterus was successfully preserved.Placental pathology was examined after delivery and revealed that the chorionic villi penetrated deeply into the myometrium.