Intrauterine Foetal Death: A Hospital Based Study

Introduction: Foetal death at any stage of pregnancy is not just a tragic event but also a more traumatic for the mental well-being of a mother. It is one of the most wrenching events in the field of obstetrics. Aims: The study was done to determine the probable risk factors of intrauterine foetal death and role of antenatal care in its prevention. Methods: The study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Nepalgunj Medical college from July 2018 to July 2020 .Inclusion criteria were intrauterine fetal death of >28 weeks of gestation and baby weighing 1000 grams or more . An exclusion criterion was molar pregnancy. Results: There were 115(3.52%) intrauterine fetal death during the study period, making it 35 per 1000 cases. In 17(14.78%) the cause of intrauterine fetal death was not known. The other common associated risk factors were prematurity in 14(12.17%) and hypertension in 13(11.30%). Similarly anemia and antepartum hemorrhage were seen in 13(11.30%) each. 11(9.56%) patients had oligohydramnios. Mal presentation was found in 8(6.95%) patients while polyhydromnios in 6(5.21%).The commonest age range in whom intrauterine fetal death was seen was 20-30 (73.90%). 28 (24.34%) patients were at preterm pregnancy ranging between 28-30 weeks whereas 17(14.78) intrauterine fetal death occured at 32-34 weeks. 77 foetuses were preterm and their birth weight was between 1 - 1.5 kg with the mean wt of 1175.73 gms. Conclusion: Intrauterine fetal death is still common inspite of the improving awareness in importance of regular antenatal care. In majority, the cause of intrauterine fetal death is still unknown. However, where the cause was known prematurity was the commonest.

Graft function and pregnancy outcomes after kidney transplantation

Background After kidney transplantation, pregnancy and graft function may have a reciprocal interaction. We evaluated the influence of graft function on the course of pregnancy and vice versa. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study of 92 pregnancies beyond the first trimester in 67 women after renal transplantation from 1972 to 2019. Pre-pregnancy eGFR was correlated with outcome parameters; graft function was evaluated by Kaplan Meier analysis. The course of graft function in 28 women who became pregnant after kidney transplantation with an eGFR of < 50 mL/min/1.73m2 was compared to a control group of 79 non-pregnant women after kidney transplantation during a comparable time period and with a matched basal graft function. Results Live births were 90.5% (fetal death n = 9). Maternal complications of pregnancy were preeclampsia 24% (graft loss 1, fetal death 3), graft rejection 5.4% (graft loss 1), hemolytic uremic syndrome 2% (graft loss 1, fetal death 1), maternal hemorrhage 2% (fetal death 1), urinary obstruction 10%, and cesarian section. (76%). Fetal complications were low gestational age (34.44 ± 5.02 weeks) and low birth weight (2322.26 ± 781.98 g). Mean pre-pregnancy eGFR was 59.39 ± 17.62 mL/min/1.73m2 (15% of cases < 40 mL/min/1.73m2). Pre-pregnancy eGFR correlated with gestation week at delivery (R = 0.393, p = 0.01) and with percent eGFR decline during pregnancy (R = 0.243, p = 0.04). Pregnancy-related eGFR decline was inversely correlated with the time from end of pregnancy to chronic graft failure or maternal death (R = -0.47, p = 0.001). Kaplan Meier curves comparing women with pre-pregnancy eGFR of ≥ 50 to < 50 mL/min showed a significantly longer post-pregnancy graft survival in the higher eGFR group (p = 0.04). Women after kidney transplantation who became pregnant with a low eGFR of > 25 to < 50 mL/min/1.73m2 had a marked decline of renal function compared to a matched non-pregnant control group (eGFR decline in percent of basal eGFR 19.34 ± 22.10%, n = 28, versus 2.61 ± 10.95%, n = 79, p < 0.0001). Conclusions After renal transplantation, pre-pregnancy graft function has a key role for pregnancy outcomes and graft function. In women with a low pre-pregnancy eGFR, pregnancy per se has a deleterious influence on graft function. Trial registration Since this was a retrospective observational case series and written consent of the patients was obtained for publication, according to our ethics’ board the analysis was exempt from IRB approval. Clinical Trial Registration was not done. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hannover Medical School, Chairman Prof. Dr. H. D. Troeger, Hannover, December 12, 2015 (IRB No. 2995–2015).

Stillbirth and neonatal mortality in a subsequent pregnancy following stillbirth: a population-based cohort study

Background A history of stillbirth is a risk factor for recurrent fetal death in a subsequent pregnancy. Reported risks of recurrent fetal death are often not stratified by gestational age. In subsequent pregnancies increased rates of medical interventions are reported without evidence of perinatal benefit. The aim of this study was to estimate gestational-age specific risks of recurrent stillbirth and to evaluate the effect of obstetrical management on perinatal outcome after previous stillbirth. Methods A retrospective cohort study in the Netherlands was designed that included 252.827 women with two consecutive singleton pregnancies (1st and 2nd delivery) between 1999 and 2007. Data was obtained from the national Perinatal Registry and analyzed for pregnancy outcomes. Fetal deaths associated with a congenital anomaly were excluded. The primary outcome was the occurrence of stillbirth in the second pregnancy stratified by gestational age. Secondary outcome was the influence of obstetrical management on perinatal outcome in a subsequent pregnancy. Results Of 252.827 first pregnancies, 2.058 pregnancies ended in a stillbirth (8.1 per 1000). After adjusting for confounding factors, women with a prior stillbirth have a two-fold higher risk of recurrence (aOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.07–3.60) compared to women with a live birth in their first pregnancy. The highest risk of recurrence occurred in the group of women with a stillbirth in early gestation between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation (a OR 2.25, 95% CI 0.62–8.15), while after 32 weeks the risk decreased. The risk of neonatal death after 34 weeks of gestation is higher in women with a history of stillbirth (aOR 6.48, 95% CI 2.61–16.1) and the risk of neonatal death increases with expectant obstetric management (aOR 10.0, 95% CI 2.43–41.1). Conclusions A history of stillbirth remains an important risk for recurrent stillbirth especially in early gestation (22–28 weeks). Women with a previous stillbirth should be counselled for elective induction in the subsequent pregnancy at 37–38 weeks of gestation to decrease the risk of perinatal death.

Natural history and epidemiology of cleft lip and palate: a registry-based study in Iran (2000-19)

The aim of this study was to provide the natural history and epidemiology of cleft lip and cleft palate in the northwest region of Iran between 2000 and 2019. Since 2000, infants born with birth defects have been registered in the Tabriz Registry of Congenital Anomalies (TRoCA). For this study, the information and data were collected using the TRoCA registry system. Prevalence of cleft lip and cleft palate was 1.48 (95% CI 1.34; 1.62) per 1000 live births over the past two decades in the region. The occurrence of cleft lip and cleft palate was more common in males than females. The fetal death ratio was 5 percent of live born children. The proportion of infants with cleft lip and cleft palate surviving to the second week was 54 percent. The results may have a role in planning and evaluating the strategies for primary prevention of cleft lip and cleft palate, particularly in high-risk populations.

Clinical Analysis of Four Maternity Deaths in Iraq by COVID-19

This study aims to identify maternal death cases caused by Coronavirus infection 2019 pneumonia, including disease progression, fetal consequences, and the fatality cause. Patients and methodology: A retrospective case collection of Iraqi pregnant women in their second and third trimesters diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and died due to it. The four cases were all of a young age, had a brief complaint period, and had no comorbidities. Fever, dyspnea, and fatigue were the most common symptoms. Hypoxia was present in all cases and was the cause of mortality in three cases, with thromboembolism being a potential cause in the fourth. Prelabour membrane breakup, fetal growth restriction, and fetal death are all examples of adverse fetal effects. Conclusion: COVID-19 pneumonia induces substantial fetal and maternal mortality rates through pregnancy, which should be considered when treating these cases.

Thermal skin burn in a late gestation period in experimental animals: state of the system “mother-fetus”

Objective. To study the effect of thermal skin burns in experimental animals (rats) on the state of the system “mother-fetus” in a late gestation period.Materials and methods. An experimental study was carried out on 18 female outbred white rats weighing 300–350 g (per 9 rats in the control and experimental groups), which were exposed to third-degree thermal burns with an area of 12 cм2 in a late gestation period. The oxygen transport function and the main blood biochemical markers were studied. The effect of thermal injury on the course of pregnancy was studied.Results. The thermal skin burn in the rats in the late gestation period leads to the development of hypoxia, a decrease in the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and metabolic acidosis in the mother’s body. Changes in the blood biochemical markers indicate the presence of endogenous intoxication. In the experimental animal group, a decrease in fetal weight was observed, an increase in the post-implantation fetal death rate was noted.Conclusion. Impaired oxygen homeostasis and endogenous intoxication in skin burns in rats in late gestation periods lead to fetal malnutrition and a qualitative increase in the post-implantation fetal death rate.

Overview of obstetric patients and their outcome in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh

Background: In developing countries like Bangladesh major population lives in rural areas, lacking access to essential obstetric facilities. Timely referral can reduce maternal morbidity and avoid maternal death in many instances. However lack of structured referral system is a major hurdle that delays proper management of such cases. The objective of the study was to review the pattern of obstetric cases admitted in our hospital, to study the clinical course and management of women during the hospital stay and to study the maternal and perinatal outcomes in terms of live birth or still birth, intra uterine fetal death and neonatal admission. Methods: It is a retrospective observational study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, from July 2018 to June 2019, including2880 obstetric cases admitted in the hospital. Detailed history of the patients were taken, frequency of each disease was calculated separately. Management of the patient and mode of delivery were noted. Fetal outcome parameters like live or still birth and intra uterine fetal death were noted. Results: Among 3953 admitted patients, obstetric cases were 2880 (73%).Maximum number of patients were booked cases(84.09%) and 75% were from urban area. The patients were in the age group from 18 to 40 years,32% were primigravida and 68% were multi gravida. Majority of our admitted patients had either diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus, 58.19% and 23.95% respectively. Common co morbidities and obstetric complications were hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, anaemia, premature rupture of membrane, oligohydramnios and fetal growth restriction. Among the 2084 delivered cases were delivered by ceasarean section (86.42%) 13.53% were delivered vaginally. Commonest indication for cesarean delivery was history of previous cesarean section. Conclusion: Wide spectrum of complicated obstetric cases were admitted to our tertiary care hospital. Many complicated patients were referred from different centers for special management. But delayed referral sometimes could not help properly and also resulted in a high number of cesarean section. BIRDEM Med J 2022; 12(1): 41-44

Absence of Wharton's jelly around an umbilical artery

Wharton's jelly is a mucoid, avascular and connective tissue which plays the role of umbilical vessels protection. Its absence exposes to poor neonatal outcomes or fetal death. We report a rare case of Absence of Wharton’s Jelly, diagnosed by examination of the placenta the examination with a live fetus.