Comparing Two Types of Endometrial Scratch Before Embryo Transfer: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study

Purpose: Although endometrial scratch may improve outcomes in certain groups of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), the type of endometrial procedure has not been specified. Our objective was to determine if two types of endometrial scratch prior to embryo transfer result in similar implantation and live birth rates. Also, to determine if patients experience similar pain from both types of endometrial scratch.Methods: This was a prospective, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial with parallel treatment arms of women undergoing blastocyst embryo transfer. Patients underwent endometrial scratch with either vigorous Pipelle curette or four-quadrant scratch with the Shepard insemination catheter.Results: There were 78 patients in the Pipelle curette group and 92 in the Shepard catheter group. There was no difference in implantation rates for the two groups (56.5% ±48 for Pipelle curette group vs. 59.7%±52 for Shepard catheter group, p-value 0.9). Live birth rates were also similar for the two groups (48.1% ±50 for Pipelle curette group vs. 46.8%±50 for Shepard catheter group, p-value 0.7). Mean pain score was significantly less for the Shepard catheter group than for the Pipelle curette group (3.0±2.4 vs. 3.9±2.2, p-value 0.01).Conclusions: Our study demonstrates no difference in implantation or live birth rates for two types of endometrial scratch. There was a difference in patient pain scales with endometrial scratch by a Shepard insemination catheter having a significantly lower pain score than by Pipelle curette. This data gives guidance as to the type of endometrial scratch to be performed prior to ART.

Efficacy and Safety of Vaginal Misoprostol for Cervical Ripening and Labour Induction in Late Pregnancy

Background: Induction of labor is its intentional initiation before spontaneous onset, with the aim of vaginal birth which is safe for mother and newborn. The well documented effectiveness of misoprostol in several gynecological and obstetric applications has resulted in enthusiasm for its use. Objective: To see the efficacy and safety vaginal Misoprostal for cervical ripening and labour induction in late pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This single center clinical trial was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital in Sirajgonj, Bangladesh from June 2019 to May 2020 for a period of one year. A total of 90 women requiring indicated induction of labour with an unfavourable cervix (Bishop score ≤ 4) were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: 53 women induced with intravaginal misoprostol (Group I) and 37 women induced with transcervical Foley catheter (Group II). Results: Spontaneous vaginal delivery was 35(66.0%) in misoprostol group and 15(40.5%) in Foley catheter group. Caesarean section was higher in Foley catheter group than misoprostol group (37.8% vs 18.9%). The mean birth weight, APGAR score 1 minute, 5 minute, admission in neonatal intensive care unit and meconium aspiration syndrome were not statistically significant between two groups (p>0.05). Only one baby was died in Foley catheter group, but the difference was not statistically significant between two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The present study suggests intravaginal Misoprostol results in a shorter induction to delivery time, a reduction in the rate of caesarean delivery. KYAMC Journal.2021;12(02): 78-83

Catheterization Does Not Improve Course of Disease in Female Patients with Acute Cystitis or Pyelonephritis: Retrospective Analysis of >300 In-Hospital Treated Patients

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> Females with in-hospital treatment for acute cystitis (AC) or pyelonephritis may benefit from catheterization at admission. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> All female patients with AC or pyelonephritis requiring in-hospital treatment at University Hospital Frankfurt (2004–2019) were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression models were used to predict the catheter value. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 310 female patients, 40% harbored AC versus 60% pyelonephritis, of whom 62% and 74% received a catheter at admission: C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood count (WBC) were significantly elevated in AC and pyelonephritis catheter versus no catheter patients (both <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). Time to CRP and WBC nadir did not differ between the AC catheter versus no catheter group (both <i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). Conversely, time to CRP nadir was prolonged in pyelonephritis catheter patients. AC and pyelonephritis catheter patients exhibited a prolonged antibiotic treatment and length of stay (LOS, both <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). In multivariable analyses, CRP &#x3e;5 ng/mL was a predictor for receiving a catheter in all patients. In AC, a positive urine culture and fever predicted, respectively, prolonged LOS or antibiotic treatment (all <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Risk factors exist with regard to receiving a catheter and prolonged antibiotic treatment or LOS in females with AC or pyelonephritis. A catheter may not accelerate recovery or WBC nadir.

Pregnancy outcome in late-onset severe OHSS patients following different ascetic fluid drainage and comparison with the non-OHSS IVF patients

Introduction Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic serious complication of controlled ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive technology, the aim of our research is to explore the differences of pregnancy outcome between severe OHSS patients and the non-OHSS IVF patients, and also compare the pregnancy ourtome of different ascites drainage way. Design This is a retrospective cohort analysis carried out in a University-affiliated reproductive center from 2012 to 2019, between 359 women with severe OHSS following ascites draining and 345 non-OHSS women (matched by age and retrieved oocyte number).We examined the rates of clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, miscarriage, live birth and preterm delivery between the two groups. Within the OHSS group (central venous catheter group vs paracentesis group), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of measure of clinical pregnancy were also analyzed. Result The biochemical pregnancy loss rate of non-OHSS patients was significantly higher than that of severe OHSS patients (11.1% vs 0.6%), the live birth, multiple pregnancy (twin pregnancy) was much more in severe OHSS group than in control group(88.9% vs 73.5%; 57.6% vs 28.1% respectively), and there was no significant difference between singleton and twin preterm rate and neonatal birth weight between OHSS and control group. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed multiple pregnancy and long-protocol showed relatively high odds ratio, suggest that the long-protocol of COS and multiple pregnancy are the risk factor of severe OHSS. Among severe OHSS following ascites draining, in comparison with abdominal paracentesis and central venous catheter, the ascites volume in central venous catheter group was much more than abdominal paracentesis group, there was significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in comparison of live birth, and the birth weight of singleton and twin between these two groups. but the premature birth rate of singleton in group 1 was 9.3% (10/107), whereas in group 2, it was 3.75%. Conclusion In conclusion, this preliminary report suggests that for the IVF-ET patients, less basic follicle number, GnRH antagonist cycle, singleton maybe the protective factors for the late-onset OHSS. Paracentesis and central venous catheter are all the effective modality to manage the ascites for the severe OHSS patients. For the patients who have the possibility of repeated paracentesis, catheter is a safe and effective way.

Foley catheter with noble metal alloy coating for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections: a large, multi-center clinical trial

Background Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are among the most frequent healthcare-associated infections in the world. They are associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased healthcare costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the noble metal alloy (NMA) coated BIP Foley Catheter in preventing the incidence of symptomatic CAUTI in a large cohort of patients in India. Methods This multi-center, prospective study included 1000 adult patients admitted to six hospitals across India for urology, surgery and ICU requiring urethral catheterization and admission for ≥ 48 h. Patients were allocated to the NMA-coated BIP Foley Catheter group or a non-coated control catheter group, with a randomization ratio of 3:1. CAUTI surveillance was conducted at study entry, upon catheter removal, and 2 days after catheter removal. For statistical analysis, categorical data (e.g. gender) were compared using the chi-square or Fischer test, and numerical data were compared using the two-sample t-test. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression. Results and conclusions The incidence of symptomatic CAUTI was reduced by 69% in the BIP Foley Catheter group compared to the control group (6.5 vs 20.8 CAUTI/1000 catheter days), with an incidence rate ratio of 0.31 (95% confidence interval: 0.21–0.46; p < 0.001). A reduction in the cumulative CAUTI incidence was evident in the BIP Foley Catheter group within 3 days after catheterization; this reduction was maintained up to ~ 30 days, and the largest reductions were seen between 3 and 11 days. There were no serious adverse events related to either catheter, and the percentage of patients with ≥ 1 adverse event was significantly lower in the NMA-coated BIP Foley Catheter group than in the control group (21.6% vs. 48.4%; p = 0.001). In conclusion, the NMA-coated BIP Foley Catheter was effective in reducing CAUTI and was well tolerated, with a lower incidence of adverse events compared to the uncoated catheter. Trial registration This study was registered prospectively (28 September 2015) in the Clinical Trials Registry of India (trial number CTRI/2015/09/006220; http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid1=12631&EncHid=&userName=bactiguard).

Urinary Effects of Routine Urethral Catheterisation during Elective Caesarean Section in Enugu, Nigeria: A Randomised Controlled Study

Introduction: Routine urinary catheterisation during elective caesarean section is a common practice. However, this practice involves some urinary bladder morbidities. Aim: To determine the effect of non-catheterisation of the urinary bladder on the incidence of significant bacteriuria and other perioperative urinary bladder morbidities during elective caesarean section in Enugu, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A multicentre, non-inferiority randomised controlled study was conducted. The study centres were the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital (MOCSH), and Blessed Assurance Specialist Hospital (BASH), all in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. A total of 264 eligible consenting term pregnant women who had a caesarean section in these three specialist centres in Enugu, Nigeria over a one-year period were recruited and they completed the study and their results were analysed. Study group (A) did not receive urethral catheterisation while the control group (B) had urethral catheterisation on the operating table and the catheters were removed 24 hours after the surgery. Clean catched urine samples were collected from each participant 72 hours after the surgery for urine microscopy and culture. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of significant bacteriuria 72 hours postoperatively while the secondary outcome measures included incidence of intraoperative bladder injury (accidental cystostomy), primary postpartum haemorrhage and urinary retention. Results: Nine (6.8%) women in the non-catheter group (n=132) had significant bacteriuria as against 17 (12.9%) women in the catheter group (n=132), (Relative Risk (RR)=0.5 (95% CI: 0.24-1.14) p=0.098). Urinary retention was observed in 10.6% (14/132) of the non-catheter group while there was no case of urinary retention in the control group (p<0.001). There was neither a case of accidental cystostomy nor postpartum haemorrhage in either group. Conclusion: Non-catheterisation of the urinary bladder during elective caesarean section had no significant relationship with the incidence of significant bacteriuria in Enugu, Nigeria. Rather, it was associated with postoperative urinary retention when compared to women who had a urinary catheter.

Suprascapular Nerve Block Is an Effective Pain Control Method in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Effective pain control in patients who have undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery improves functional recovery and early mobilization. Interscalene blocks (ISBs), a widely used approach, are safe and provide fast pain relief; however, they are associated with complications. Another pain management strategy is the use of a suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that indwelling SSNB catheters are a more effective pain control method than single-shot ISBs. We also hypothesized that indwelling SSNB catheters will reduce the level of rebound pain and the demand for opioid analgesics. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Included in this study were 93 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery between May 2012 and January 2019. These patients were assigned to either the indwelling SSNB catheter group, the single-shot ISB group, or the control (sham/placebo) group (31 patients per group). Level of pain was measured with a visual analog scale (VAS; 0 to 10 [worst pain]) on the day of the operation. The preoperative VAS score was recorded at 6 AM on the day of operation, and the postoperative scores were recorded at 1, 8, and 16 hours after surgery and then every 8 hours until postoperative day 3. Results: The VAS pain scores were lower in the SSNB and ISB groups than in the control group up to postoperative hour (POH) 8, with the most significant difference at POH 8. At POH 1 and POH 8, the mean VAS scores for each group were 2.29 and 1.74 (SSNB), 2.59 and 2.50 (ISB), and 3.42 and 4.48 (control), respectively. VAS scores in the SSNB and ISB groups were consistently <3, compared with a mean VAS score of 3.1 ± 1.58 in the control group ( P < .001). Compared with the ISB group, the SSNB group had significantly fewer side effects such as rebound pain duration as well as lower VAS scores ( P < .001). Conclusion: VAS scores were the lowest in the indwelling SSNB catheter group, with the most pronounced between-group difference in VAS scores at POH 8. Severity and recurring frequency of pain were lower in the indwelling SSNB catheter group than in the single-shot ISB group.

Comparison of a 5 F Microtube-Irrigated Ablation Catheter and a General Ablation Catheter in the Treatment of Resistant Hypertension with Renal Denervation

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of catheter-based renal denervation for reducing blood pressure in patients withresistant hypertension using a 5 F microtube-irrigated ablation catheter.Methods: Sixty patients with resistant hypertension were divided into two groups: a microtube-irrigated ablation catheter group and a general ablation catheter group. We conducted 12-month follow-up of all patients and recorded clinical blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure, medication use, and biochemistry test results in both groups at the baseline and at the 12-month follow-up.Results: All patients underwent renal denervation. At the 6-month follow-up, ambulatory blood pressure in the microtube-irrigated ablation catheter group was significantly lower than in the general ablation catheter group (systolic blood pressure 142.0 ± 14.4 mmHg vs. 150.8 ± 17.9 mmHg, P = 0.04; diastolic blood pressure 81.2 ± 7.0 mmHg vs. 87.6 ± 8.0 mmHg, P = 0.002). At the 12-month follow-up, the between-group difference in ambulatory blood pressure was not statistically significant. At the 12-month follow-up, the number of antihypertensive drugs and diuretics used in the microtube-irrigated ablation catheter group was less than in the general ablation catheter group (P = 0.043). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the results of biochemistry tests and echocardiography.Conclusion: The microtube-irrigated ablation catheter is more effective in treating hypertension than the generalablation catheter at the 6-month follow up and thus fewer antihypertensive drugs were used in the microtube-irrigatedablation catheter group than in the general ablation catheter group.

Catheter Management and Risk Stratification of Patients With in Inpatient Treatment Due to Acute Epididymitis

Objective: This study aims to evaluate catheter management in acute epididymitis (AE) patients requiring inpatient treatment and risk factors predicting severity of disease.Material and Methods: Patients with diagnosed AE and inpatient treatment between 2004 and 2019 at the University Hospital Frankfurt were analyzed. A risk score, rating severity of AE, including residual urine &gt; 100 ml, fever &gt; 38.0°C, C-reactive protein (CRP) &gt; 5 mg/dl, and white blood count (WBC) &gt; 10/nl was introduced.Results: Of 334 patients, 107 (32%) received a catheter (transurethral (TC): n = 53, 16%, suprapubic (SPC): n = 54, 16%). Catheter patients were older, exhibited more comorbidities, and had higher CRP and WBC compared with the non-catheter group (NC). Median length of stay (LOS) was longer in the catheter group (7 vs. 6 days, p &lt; 0.001), whereas necessity of abscess surgery and recurrent epididymitis did not differ. No differences in those parameters were recorded between TC and SPC. According to our established risk score, 147 (44%) patients exhibited 0–1 (low-risk) and 187 (56%) 2–4 risk factors (high-risk). In the high-risk group, patients received a catheter significantly more often than with low-risk (TC: 22 vs. 9%; SPC: 19 vs. 12%, both p ≤ 0.01). Catheter or high-risk patients exhibited positive urine cultures more frequently than NC or low-risk patients. LOS was comparable between high-risk patients with catheter and low-risk NC patients.Conclusion: Patients with AE who received a catheter at admission were older, multimorbid, and exhibited more severe symptoms of disease compared with the NC patients. A protective effect of catheters might be attributable to patients with adverse risk constellations or high burden of comorbidities. The introduced risk score indicates a possibility for risk stratification.

Effect of transradial ECG guided immediate intervention on culprit lesion with a single guiding catheter on door to balloon time

Objective There is limited literature on procedure of primary PCI in catheterization laboratory. This study was designed to assess the impact of electrocardiogram-guided immediate intervention on culprit lesion with a single guiding catheter in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients on door-to-balloon (D2B) time and clinical outcomes. Methods In this prospective, randomized single center study, 560 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI from February 2017 to July 2019 were randomized into two groups. In single catheter group, a single guiding catheter (MAC3.5 or JL 3.5 guiding catheter) was used to perform angiogram and PCI of culprit vessel, followed by contralateral angiography (n=280). In contral group, 280 patients underwent primary PCI after complete diagnostic angiography. The primary evaluation was D2B time and second endpoint include catheterization laboratory-to-balloon (C2B) time, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30 days. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03272451. Results Baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups. The median D2B time (54.83 [IQR 40.00–68.0] min versus 58.32 [IQR 44.12–78.40] min, P=0.007), C2B time (16.91 [IQR 13.88–21.42] min versus 23.80 [IQR 18.92–28.52] min, P&lt;0.001), total procedural time (45.17 [34.06–59.48] min versus 48.51 [37.04–64.60] min, P=0.012) and fluoroscopy time (9.70 [6.50–14.15] min versus 11.26 [8.01–14.27] min, P=0.025)were significantly shorter in single catheter group Compared with control group. The proportion of patients achieving D2B time within 60 minutes increased significantly in the single catheter group (61.79% vs. 52.14%, P=0.021). The rate of radial perforation was significantly reduced in single catheter group (0.71% vs. 3.21%, P=0.033). The total number of catheters was significantly less in single catheter group (1.18±0.54 vs. 2.23±0.60, p&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference in the MACE at 30 days (2.5% vs. 4.64%, P=0.172) between the 2 groups. Conclusion ECG-guided immediate intervention on culprit lesion with a single guiding catheter in STEMI patients can reduce D2B time, C2B time, procedural time and fluoroscopy time. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Capital's Funds for Health Improvement and Research