MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ILLNESS CHARACTERISTIC OF YOUTH WITH IRRITABLE BOWEL CONDITION

Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD) is a prevalent digestive illness that frequently affects young people and drastically decreases the Quality of Life (QoL). Adults with IBD indications may find relief from their symptoms through nutritional changes like the Mediterranean-style diet. Concerning the seriousness of symptoms, QoL, and additional pertinent results in young people with IBD, this investigation seeks to determine the impact of the Mediterranean-style diet. 200 individuals with IBD who met the Rome-IV criterion and were between the ages of 13 and 19 were enrolled in the present research. A Mediterranean-style diet was provided to the Study Group (SG), which consisted of 100 individuals, while the Control Group (CG), which consisted of 100 patients, followed the usual diet. Various laboratory and clinical characteristics were also assessed at the beginning and end of the study, in addition to IBD values. The Mediterranean-style diet has been demonstrated to be effective and tolerated well in kids and teenagers with IBD. The IBD -SSS (from 148±42.3 to 224±71) IBD -QoL (from 76.7±8.1 to 61.3±9.8), and cumulative IBD rating (from 29.3±11.7 to 32.6±12.1) all showed notable increases in individuals who followed well to this diet. The CG, in comparison, did not show any significant enhancements in these factors. This indicates that a Mediterranean-style diet might provide therapeutic advantages for IBD individuals, especially those who keep adherent to it, concerning symptom severity and QoL. The Mediterranean-style diet proved to be both secure and associated with notable improvements in IBD rates in young and adolescents with IBD.

Cervical Cancer Screening Coverage at Tertiary Care Institutes Across India

OBJECTIVES

The 70% screening coverage target proposed in the global cervical cancer elimination strategy is not achieved even at tertiary centres in India. A situational analysis was done to assess the currently existing facilities and barriers in tertiary care institutes.

METHODS

This cross sectional multicentric study was conducted from August to September 2021 in six tertiary care institutes across India. Women aged 30-49 years attending outpatient services (OPD) were invited for cervical screening. Women and health care professionals (HCPs) were administered structured questionnaires to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cervical cancer screening services.

RESULTS

Out of 6709 eligible women who attended OPD, 1666 (24.8%; range:19-57%) received screening. Availability of screening kits was limited to 10-25 Pap/HPV tests per day. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and HPV testing were offered only at certain centres. Colposcopy and treatment facilities were optimal at all centres. Knowledge, attitude and practices were analysed for 1800 women: 45.7% had heard of cervical cancer, 78.0% did not know that it is preventable, 75.8% never heard about screening. Common symptoms correctly identified included postmenopausal bleeding (4.8%), postcoital bleeding (5.7%), intermenstrual bleeding (5.8%) and vaginal discharge (12.4%). Risk factors were identified by minority: poor menstrual hygiene (6.6%), oral contraceptive pill use (6.4%), multiparity (4.4%), and HPV infection (3.0%). Out of 21, mean total knowledge score (MTKS) was 2.07± 2.67. Out of 317 HCPs, 96.5% knew that cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection, is preceded by premalignant stage, and that it is preventable by screening and treatment (80.1%). Knowledge about screening modalities was present in 87.4% for cytology, 75.1% for VIA, 68.8% for HPV test. MTKS of HCPs was 20.88±6.61 out of 32.

CONCLUSION

Even at tertiary centres, limited availability of HPV tests, reluctance to implement VIA and lack of awareness among women remain the major barriers.

Ovarian Ligament Plication as a Treatment for Patient with Elongated Ovarian Ligament with Recurrent Abdominal Pain in the Absence of Ovarian Torsion

Elongated ovarian ligament can lead to adnexal torsion. Several cases of ovarian torsion have been reported where the ovarian ligament was elongated, and ovarian detorsion and ovarian ligament plication were done. In our case, a young girl presented with recurrent left lower abdominal pain, especially after exercise, with normal ovaries found on ultrasound. Laparoscopy was performed given recurrent pelvic pain and found elongated left ovarian ligament with normal ovaries. Considering the possibility of recurrent torsion and detorsion of the ovary due to elongated left ovarian ligament, left ovarian ligament plication was done. The patient remained pain-free till 1 year of follow-up. No such case has been reported in the literature where the ovarian ligament plication was performed without torsion. Hence, elongated ovarian ligament could cause recurrent pelvic pain due to possible torsion, and a simple, easy procedure of ovarian ligament plication can help relieve pain.

O-252 Next generation sequencing analysis of the seminal microbiome in male partners of women with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss: results of a prospective cohort study

Study question

Is there an association between the semen microbiome, seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA fragmentation in men with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)?

Summary answer

This pilot study outlines the subtle role that microbiota play in influencing ROS and sperm DNA damage for male partners of women with RPL

What is known already

RPL is defined as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies. This devastating condition impacts approximately 1% of couples. Paternal causes are not routinely screened for and an underlying cause is not found in up to 50% of cases. Recent studies have reported an association between elevated seminal ROS and sperm DNA fragmentation in the male partner, and RPL. We hypothesised that seminal microbiota contribute to increased ROS and sperm DNA damage. To test this, we investigated the relationship between seminal bacterial composition and ROS levels in men with proven fertility versus men with a history of RPL.

Study design, size, duration

We conducted a prospective, case-control study and recruited participants between November 2018 and March 2020 at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. A total of 109 men participated in the study; 46 men with RPL and 63 men with proven fertility and no history of RPL. Each participant attended for a single study visit which consisted of a full medical history, assessment of testicular volume, height, weight, blood samples and production of a semen sample.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Routine semen analysis (WHO) and endocrine and lipid profiles were performed for all patients. Semen ROS and DNA fragmentation were performed (luminol and TUNEL methodologies, respectively). ROS were classified as high (>3.77 RLU/s) or low (<3.77 RLU/s). Metataxonomic profiling of samples was performed using Illumina Miseq-based sequencing of the V1-V2 hypervariable regions of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Multivariate and univariate modelling was performed to explore associations between metataxonomic profiles, ROS levels and clinical metadata.

Main results and the role of chance

Men with RPL had higher mean semen volume (p = 0.02) and increased prevalence of high ROS (p = 0.02, Fisher's exact) compared with controls; but other clinical characteristics were similar between groups. A total of 3,700,136 high quality sequence reads were generated for the dataset with an average of 33,946 reads/sample. Hierarchical clustering of bacterial genera relative abundances identified 4 distinct microbial signatures characterised by high relative abundance of 1. Streptococcus, 2. Lactobacillus and Gardnerella, 3. polymicrobial (including Prevotella), and 4. Corynebacterium and Finegoldia. Prevalences of these groups were similar in control and RPL groups (p = 0.11). Additionally, no association between the bacterial genera groups and elevated ROS, DNA fragmentation, or clinical factors such as age, ethnicity, or semen volume were observed (chi-square tests). At species taxonomy level relative abundance of L. crispatus was higher in controls compared to RPL, but did not withstand false discovery rate correction for multiple testing (p = 0.006, q = 0.67). Higher relative abundance of Microbacterium was detected in semen samples with high DNA fragmentation (p = 8.7E-4, q = 0.08). This relationship was even stronger within the RPL cohort (p = 2.8E-5, q = 0.002). No significant enrichment of specific taxa was observed between high or low ROS samples however, low ROS was associated with Corynebacterium relative abundance >20%.

Limitations, reasons for caution

More patients are required to enhance statistical power. Duplicate sample collection may establish the robustness of seminal compositions observed. Time since last sexual intercourse samples may affect the analysis. Concomitant analysis of the vaginal microbiome of female partners may improve our understanding of how partners may affect each other’s fertility.

Wider implications of the findings

Our data suggests interactions between microbiota composition, ROS and sperm DNA damage which may be implicated in the pathogenesis of recurrent miscarriage. Further studies are needed to determine if seminal microbiota play causal roles in RPL, and whether interventions modifying the seminal microbiome may modify pregnancy outcomes in affected couples

Trial registration number

not applicable

Assessment of pain at different steps of diagnostic hysteroscopy using room temperature normal saline versus warmed normal saline solution as distension medium: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives:

Compare pain intensity at entry into the cervical os, during uterine distension and 15 min after the procedure, in patients undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy with room temperature normal saline versus that with saline warmed to 38–40°C, using visual analog scale (VAS) score. Furthermore, compare the time taken and failed procedures between them.

Materials and Methods:

This was a randomized controlled, prospective study conducted at a Tertiary Care Center on 100 patients planned for diagnostic hysteroscopy with a 4 mm 30° hysteroscope using vaginoscopy technique. They were divided into two groups of 50 each, with control undergoing the procedure using normal saline at room temperature and the test with saline warmed to 38–40°C as distension medium. Primary outcomes were VAS at the point of entry into the internal os (T0), 1 min later (T1), and 15 min after the procedure (T15). Secondary outcomes were procedural acceptance, time taken, and failed procedures.

Results:

The mean VAS in the control group at T0, T1, T15 was 3.31 (1.461;‒0.870–0.245), 2.46 (1.398;‒0.539–0.498), 0.75 (0.911;‒0.379–0.338), respectively, as compared to the test group of 3.62 (1.282;‒0.870–0.245), 2.48 (1.148;‒0.540–0.498), 0.77 (0.911;‒0.379–0.379), respectively. About 73.5% of controls and 68.8% in the test group were willing to undergo the procedure again. About 93.9% of controls would recommend it further as against 93.8% among the test controls. The time taken and number of failed procedures showed no statistical difference.

Conclusion:

No significant difference was noted in terms of outcomes measured by warming the distension medium.

Pregnancy Outcome of Rh D Alloimmunized Pregnancies: A Tertiary Care Institute Experience of a Developing Country

Aim

To determine the socio-demographic characteristics and pregnancy outcome of Rh D alloimmunized women monitored with MCA PSV (middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity).

Materials and Methods

In total, 363 Rh D alloimmunized women attended antenatal clinic or obstetric emergency between January 2006 and December 2014. MCA PSV was the screening method for detection of fetal anemia. Intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) was given when MCA PSV was > 1.5 MOM. Totally, 162 women (164 fetuses) received 492 transfusions. Forty-eight women had fetal hydrops at presentation. Five women (three received IUT) were lost to follow-up. Pregnancy outcome of 358 women and socio-demographic characteristics of 363 women were analyzed.

Results

The perinatal mortality was 421, 66 and 87 per 1000 live births in hydrops group, non-hydrops IUT group and non-IUT group, respectively.

Conclusion

Rh alloimmunization is still a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The higher gravidity, previous history of pregnancy wastage, still births and hydrops increase the requirement of intrauterine transfusion. MCA PSV is an excellent tool for monitoring of Rh alloimmunized pregnancies to detect fetal anemia. Early detection and monitoring by MCA PSV improve its outcome.

Comment on: Multimodal analgesia with thoracic epidural after transthoracic oesophagectomy: Do we need more evidence?

This article is a response to the publication ‘Comparison of multimodal analgesia with thoracic epidural after transthoracic oesophagectomy’. It discuss the differing outcomes from using this technique in other publications.

Extraperitoneal Laparoscopy in Severe Intra-abdominal Adhesions: A Safe Alternative to Laparotomy

Surgery in a frozen abdomen can be difficult and dangerous with a significant risk of visceral injuries. We report a case of a 26-year-old lady with chronic pelvic pain diagnosed to have large bilateral adnexal cysts on magnetic resonance imaging with normal tumor markers. She had previous two laparotomies for benign conditions. Laparoscopy was planned, but pneumoperitoneum could not be created due to dense intraperitoneal adhesions. Direct entry was done into the preperitoneal space followed by insufflation of gas in this space. Blunt and sharp dissection of this space was done without breaching the peritoneum to reach the adnexa. The adnexal cyst was found to be encysted collection due to adhesions from previous surgeries. Deroofing was done followed by the visualization of pelvic structures intraperitoneally. Extraperitoneal laparoscopy may be used as a safe alternative to laparotomy in patients with dense intra-abdominal adhesions with the advantage of faster postoperative recovery.

P–635 Standard versus mild ovarian stimulation in women with polycystic ovaries (PCO): Impact on outcomes in subsequent frozen embryo treatment cycles (FET)

Study question

Does mild ovarian stimulation in women with PCO result in higher live birth rates during subsequent FET cycles?

Summary answer

Mild ovarian stimulation with FSH doses <150IU did not result in higher clinical pregnancy or livebirth rates in subsequent FET.

What is known already

Ovarian stimulation during IVF in women with PCO is associated with an exaggerated response, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, poor egg to follicle ratio, low fertilisation rates and poor blastocyst conversion. Mild ovarian stimulation, often referred to as protocols with FSH doses under 150IU, is often employed to overcome these challenges. One of the perceived benefits of this approach is improved oocyte and embryo quality reflected in lower aneuploidy rates.

Study design, size, duration

This was a retrospective observational study looking at 99 FET between January 2011 and Jan 2021 that followed a fresh cycle in women with a pre-treatment antral follicle count of 12 + 12 or greater. Patients were identified through the antral follicle count at the pre-treatment investigation ultrasound scan. Ultrasound findings, treatment cycle details and clinical outcomes were entered prospectively into a dedicated clinic database. Data was retrieved and analysed using SPSS V25.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The study was conducted in a large IVF centre. Data on women with an AFC of 12 + 12 or above, undergoing an autologous FET cycle following a fresh cycle were collected. Women were split into those receiving <150IU of FSH (Group1, n = 51) and those receiving FSH ³150 IU (Group 2, n = 48). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to control for confounders. Live birth was the primary outcome, with biochemical and clinical pregnancy being secondary outcomes.

Main results and the role of chance

Women in Group 1 were younger (30.8±3.6 v 33.8±3.65, p < 0.005) but had a similar antral follicle count (38.2±11.7 v 34.2±9.1, p = 0.07). The total number of eggs collected (24.1±13.8 v 25.9±8.8, p = 0.45) and fertilisation rate (0.59±0.2 v 0.58±0.18, p = 0.77) during their fresh cycle were comparable. Women in Group 2 had a larger number of embryos suitable for cryopreservation (7.36±4.2 v 4.8±3.5, p = 0.001)

In the subsequent frozen embryo replacement cycle, there was no difference in the number or quality of embryos transferred with most women having a single embryo transfer (63% v 48%, p = 0.14) and at least one top quality embryo transferred (68.6% v 81%, p = 0.15). There was a higher biochemical pregnancy rate in Group 1 (84% v 66%, p = 0.035) but with no difference in clinical pregnancy rate (53% v 44%, p = 0.37) or live birth rate (49% v 42%, p = 0.76). Live birth rates remained comparable even after controlling for age, and number and quality of embryos transferred (OR: 1.21 (95% CI 0.50–2.94).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This was a retrospective analysis raising the risk of allocation bias. This study was also at risk of information bias as it relied on accurate documentation of the AFC at the pre-treatment scan.

Wider implications of the findings: Patients can be reassured that both stimulation protocols result in similar live birth rates in subsequent frozen embryo replacement cycles.

Prospective trials using PGT-A are required to assess whether aneuploidy could account for the discrepancy in biochemical pregnancy rates in the two groups considering the subsequent comparable clinical pregnancy rates.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Assessment of Tubal Patency with Selective Chromopertubation at Office Hysteroscopy versus Modified Minilaparoscopy in Infertile Women

OBJECTIVES

Tubal factor is the leading cause of female infertility. Diagnostic hysterolaparoscopy with chromopertubation plays a pivotal role in its evaluation. Office hysteroscopy (OH) has gained popularity as the outpatient procedure for diagnostic purposes. OH being a less invasive approach, the current study was undertaken to compare the accuracy of assessment of tubal patency with chromopertubation at OH with modified minilaparoscopy in infertile patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was a pilot study conducted from March 2017 to August 2018. Eighty patients were recruited. OH was done without anesthesia. Diluted methylene blue dye was injected. The eddy current of blue dye, "Visualizable flow" at ostium, and disappearance of blue dye from the uterine cavity through ostium was documented as evidence of patent tubal ostium. In case of tubal occlusion, uterine cavity became blue due to backflow of dye. After OH, minilaparoscopy with chromopertubation was performed under general anesthesia. Both tubes were assessed separately for tubal patency.

RESULTS

All patients underwent OH followed by minilaparoscopy in the same sitting. OH was 87.5% sensitive with positive predictive value of 95.2%. Compared to minilaparoscopy, OH is 85.6% accurate in predicting tubal patency. The area under receiver operating curve was 0.96 (SE is 0.15 with 95% confidence interval of 0.93-0.99, P < 0.001). It implies that, OH should correctly identify all laparoscopic cases with probability of 0.96.

CONCLUSION

OH chromopertubation can be used as an alternative to laparoscopy for assessing tubal patency with added advantages of lack of requirement of anesthesia, minimal cost, and better patient acceptance. Moreover, the procedure is less time-consuming and less invasive with high sensitivity and moderate specificity.

A Prospective Randomized Comparative Clinical trial of Hysteroscopic Septal Resection Using Conventional Resectoscope Versus Mini-resectoscope

CONTEXT

Hysteroscopic metroplasty (HM) is the gold standard treatment for women with septate uterus with recurrent pregnancy loss. Miniresectoscope requires less cervical dilatation as compared to conventional resectoscope. Very few studies are available in the literature on use of miniresectoscope for operative purpose.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to compare operative and postoperative outcome parameters using conventional versus mini resectoscope (MR) for hysteroscopic septal resection (HSR).

STUDY SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This was a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from July 2017 to May 2019.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomized into two groups. In Group A (20 patients), HSR was done using conventional resectoscope (CR) and in Group B (20 patients), MR was used. The various parameters recorded were cervical dilatation time, operating time, intraoperative complications, postoperative pain, and hospital stay and reproductive outcome post surgery in both groups.

RESULTS

Data analysis was carried out using SPSS IBM software version 20.0. The mean operating time was comparable but cervical dilatation time was significantly more in Group A. The duration of hospital stay was significantly less in Group B. There were no differences in adequacy of vision in both the groups but area of field was less in MR group. Four out of nine patients with infertility conceived after surgery. 65% in Group A and 70% in Group B conceived during follow up.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that hysteroscopic metroplasty with MR, has comparable efficacy to CR in terms of good vision and septal resectability with added advantages of shorter cervical dilatation time, ease of entry of resectoscope, shorter operative time and significantly reduced postoperative morbidity in terms of less pain. However, the field of vision is less and resection time is more, hence more expertise is required. Further larger randomized trials are required.

Pelvic organ motion and dosimetric implications during horizontal patient rotation for prostate radiation therapy

PURPOSE

Gantry-free radiation therapy systems utilizing patient rotation would be simpler and more cost effective than the conventional gantry-based systems. Such a system could enable the expansion of radiation therapy to meet global demand and reduce capital costs. Recent advances in adaptive radiation therapy could potentially be applied to correct for gravitational deformation during horizontal patient rotation. This study aims to quantify the pelvic organ motion and the dosimetric implications of horizontal rotation for prostate intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments.

METHODS

Eight human participants who previously received prostate radiation therapy were imaged in a clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner using a bespoke patient rotation system (PRS). The patients were imaged every 45 degrees during a full roll rotation (0-360 degrees). Whole pelvic bone, prostate, rectum, and bladder motion were compared to the supine position using dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean absolute surface distance (MASD). Prostate centroid motion was compared in the left-right (LR), superior-inferior (SI), and anterior-posterior (AP) direction prior to and following pelvic bone-guided rigid registration. Seven-field prostate IMRT treatment plans were generated for each patient rotation angles under three adaption scenarios: No plan adaption, rigid planning target volume (PTV)-guided alignment to the prostate, and plan re-optimization. Prostate, rectum, and bladder doses were compared for each adaption scenario.

RESULTS

Pelvic bone motion within the PRS of up to 53 mm relative to the supine position was observed for some participants. Internal organ motion was greatest at the 180-degree PRS couch angle (prone), with prostate centroid motion range < 2 mm LR, 0 mm to 14 mm SI, and -11 mm to 4 mm AP. Rotation with no adaption of the treatment plan resulted in an underdose to the PTV -- in some instances up to 75% (D95%: 78 ± 0.3 Gy at supine to 20 ± 15.0 Gy at the 225-degree PRS couch angle). Bladder dose was reduced during the rotation by up to 98% (V60 Gy: 15.0 ± 9.4% supine to 0.3 ± 0.5% at the 225-degree PRS couch angle). In some instances, the rectum dose increased during rotation (V60Gy: 20.0 ± 4.5% supine to 25.0 ± 15.0% at the 135-degree PRS couch angle). Rigid PTV-guided alignment resulted in PTV coverage which, though statistically lower (P < 0.05 for all D95% values), was within 1 Gy of the supine plans. Plan re-optimization resulted in a statistically equivalent PTV coverage compared to the supine plans (P > 0.05 for all D95% metrics and all within ±0.4 Gy). For both rigid PTV-guided alignment and plan re-optimization, rectum dose volume metrics were reduced compared to the supine position between the 90- and 225-degree PRS couch angles (P < 0.05). Bladder dose volume metrics were not impacted by rotation.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic bone and internal organ motion are present during patient rotation. Rigid PTV-guided alignment to the prostate will be a requirement if prostate IMRT is to be safely delivered using patient rotation. Plan re-optimization for each PRS couch angle to account for anatomical deformations further improves the PTV coverage.

Effectiveness of Misoprostol in Office Hysteroscopy in Premenopausal Nulliparous Women: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Study Objective:

The objective of this was to evaluate the effectiveness of misoprostol in premenopausal nulliparous women with 200-mcg single vaginal dose 4 h before the procedure.

Design:

This was a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Setting:

This study was conducted in a tertiary care and academic research center.

Patients:

One hundred patients were included in the study: 50 in misoprostol group and 50 in placebo.

Interventions:

Patients underwent office hysteroscopy 4 h after vaginal application of misoprostol or placebo.

Measurements and Main Results:

Ease of doing hysteroscopy was significantly better in the misoprostol group (difficulty score: 2.74 ± 1.20) as compared to placebo (difficulty score: 4.20 ± 1.10), P = 0.001. The time taken for negotiating the internal os (cervical passage time) was found to be significantly shorter in the misoprostol group (6.20 ± 5.21 s) as compared to placebo (14.78 ± 11.84 s), P = 0.001. The overall Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was significantly lower in the intervention group (2.64 ± 1.62) as compared to placebo (4.90 ± 1.90), P = 0.001. Moreover, the VAS score at the point of passing internal os was significantly lower in the misoprostol group (2.82 ± 1.39) as compared to placebo (4.94 ± 1.96), P = 0.001. Misoprostol had a significant positive effect on satisfaction level of patients; 76% (n = 38) of women in the misoprostol group expressed their willingness to undergo the procedure again if required versus 18% (n = 9) in placebo, P = 0.001. Furthermore, 78% (n = 39) of women in the misoprostol group would recommend the procedure to their friends and relatives versus 36% (n = 18) in placebo, P = 0.001.

Conclusion:

Preoperative cervical preparation with 200 mcg of misoprostol vaginal application 4 h before office hysteroscopy in premenopausal nulliparous women significantly reduces the difficulty encountered in negotiating the cervical canal. Further, it significantly reduces the pain experienced by the patient at the point of passage through internal os as well as throughout the entire procedure.

Risk Factors for Adverse Outcome in Pregnant Women with Obstructed Labor

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors for adverse outcomes in pregnancy with obstructed labor.Methods: It was a prospective descriptive study conducted at BP Koirala Institute of Health sciences (BPKIHS).The patients with obstructed labour were managed and followed up until delivery and six weeks postpartum from Jan to Dec 2012.Results: There were 57 (0.6%) cases of obstructed labour out of 9500 deliveries. The main cause was cephalopelvic disproportion in 36 (63.2%). The majority of the cases were from rural areas, low socioeconomic status, non salaried and illiterate. Risk for maternal mortality, peripartum hysterectomy and perinatal mortality as adverse outcomes was significantly associated with low socioeconomic status (AOR 12.5, P=0.02) and literacy status (AOR 21.9, P=0.001). If only the risk of perinatal mortality is taken as an adverse outcome, it is significantly associated with booking status (AOR 7, P=0.001), low socioeconomic status (AOR 9.62, P=0.037) and literacy of the patient (AOR 15, P=0.001). Perinatal mortality rate was 100 per 1000 live births in women with obstructed labour. The case fatality rate was 1.2%.

Allosteric Site Inhibitor Disrupting Auto-Processing of Malarial Cysteine Proteases

Falcipains are major haemoglobinases of Plasmodium falciparum required for parasite growth and development. They consist of pro- and mature domains that interact via 'hot-spot' interactions and maintain the structural integrity of enzyme in zymogen state. Upon sensing the acidic environment, these interactions dissociate and active enzyme is released. For inhibiting falcipains, several active site inhibitors exist, however, compounds that target via allosteric mechanism remains uncharacterized. Therefore, we designed and synthesized six azapeptide compounds, among which, NA-01 & NA-03 arrested parasite growth by specifically blocking the auto-processing of falcipains. Inhibitors showed high affinity for enzymes in presence of the prodomain without affecting the secondary structure. Binding of NA-03 at the interface induced rigidity in the prodomain preventing structural reorganization. We further reported a histidine-dependent activation of falcipain. Collectively, for the first time we provide a framework for blocking the allosteric site of crucial haemoglobinases of the human malaria parasite. Targeting the allosteric site could provide high selectivity and less vulnerable to drug resistance.

A Profile of Patients with Molar Pregnancy

Aims: This study was done to determine the incidence, modes of presentation and prognosis of molar pregnancy at B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.Methods: This was a prospective study done among patients with molar pregnancy admitted at BPKIHS from January 2010 to January 2011. The study was conducted after ethical clearance from Institutional Ethical Review Board of BPKIHS. Written informed consent was taken for enrollment in the study. Baseline information like age, address, race  and patient’s  presenting complaints, period of gestation and serial serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) were collected and analyzed after entering in excel sheet.Results: Total 48 cases of molar pregnancy were diagnosed during the study period. The incidence of molar pregnancy was found to be 5.58 per 1000 deliveries. The most common mode of presentation was per vaginal bleeding i.e. in  64.58% of cases. Majority of the patients were in the age group of 20-34 years (62.5%). Mean time for normalization of βhCG after suction evacuation was 10.19 weeks.Conclusions: Molar pregnancy is a pregnancy related problem which most commonly presents with per vaginal bleeding during first and second trimester. Most of the patients are treated with suction and evacuation but some develop persistent gestational trophoblastic disease.

Technical Note: Experimental results from a prototype high-field inline MRI-linac

PURPOSE

The pursuit of real-time image guided radiotherapy using optimal tissue contrast has seen the development of several hybrid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-treatment systems, high field and low field, and inline and perpendicular configurations. As part of a new MRI-linac program, an MRI scanner was integrated with a linear accelerator to enable investigations of a coupled inline MRI-linac system. This work describes results from a prototype experimental system to demonstrate the feasibility of a high field inline MR-linac.

METHODS

The magnet is a 1.5 T MRI system (Sonata, Siemens Healthcare) was located in a purpose built radiofrequency (RF) cage enabling shielding from and close proximity to a linear accelerator with inline (and future perpendicular) orientation. A portable linear accelerator (Linatron, Varian) was installed together with a multileaf collimator (Millennium, Varian) to provide dynamic field collimation and the whole assembly built onto a stainless-steel rail system. A series of MRI-linac experiments was performed to investigate (1) image quality with beam on measured using a macropodine (kangaroo) ex vivo phantom; (2) the noise as a function of beam state measured using a 6-channel surface coil array; and (3) electron contamination effects measured using Gafchromic film and an electronic portal imaging device (EPID).

RESULTS

(1) Image quality was unaffected by the radiation beam with the macropodine phantom image with the beam on being almost identical to the image with the beam off. (2) Noise measured with a surface RF coil produced a 25% elevation of background intensity when the radiation beam was on. (3) Film and EPID measurements demonstrated electron focusing occurring along the centerline of the magnet axis.

CONCLUSIONS

A proof-of-concept high-field MRI-linac has been built and experimentally characterized. This system has allowed us to establish the efficacy of a high field inline MRI-linac and study a number of the technical challenges and solutions.

An Unusual Cause of Postabortal Fever Requiring Prompt Surgical Intervention: A Pyomyoma and its Imaging Features

Pyomyoma is an unusual complication of leiomyoma, occurring most commonly in the postpartum, postabortal, and post-menopausal periods. It develops due to infection in necrotic foci within leiomyoma, which is more common during pregnancy due to rapid growth, and in postmenopausal women due to vascular insufficiency. Other contributing factors are curettage, gynecological surgery, cervical stenosis, immunodeficiency, and recently, uterine artery embolization. It presents with a typical triad of sepsis, leiomyoma, and absence of any apparent source of infection. We report a case of persistent postabortal fever in a 26-year-old female due to a pyomyoma, which resolved after a myomectomy. Pyomyoma may become life threatening in the event of intraperitoneal rupture resulting in pyoperitoneum and septic shock. Hence, gynecologists should consider this diagnosis in women with a leiomyoma and sepsis in the absence of any apparent source of infection.

Assessment of Risk Factors, Feasibility and Acceptability of VIA for Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention

Aims – To assess feasibility of visual inspection with acetic acid and treatment with cryotherapy for cervical cancer screening and prevention and assess risk factors for cervical cancer in the screened population.Methods – A prospective analysis of all patients enrolled for cervical cancer screening by visual inspection, meeting the eligibility criteria for screening and treatment as per national guidelines 2011 was analyzed form March 2012 to April 2013.Results – A total of 4138 met the eligibility criteria and were counseled for screening, 33 rejected for screening. Out of 4105 screened 241 were visual inspection with acetic acid positive, 211 were treated with cryotherapy, 25 treated with LEEP, 5 rejected to  treatment.  Mean age of patient in year’s ± SD 41.48 ± 9.72. The visual inspection with acetic acidpositivity rate was 5.9 %Conclusion – Single visit approach is a feasible and acceptable form of cervical cancer screening strategy in our population.

Obstetric Complications and Management in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is amongst the most common haematological malignancies encountered in adults. The younger age of onset and increased incidence of CML in Indians leads to higher chances of encountering it in pregnancy. Pregnancy in CML is a complex situation as first line therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), is fraught with multiple fetal safety issues. The fetal aspects have been elucidated in literature, but there is scarcity of information on the obstetric outcome per se in presence of CML, excluding the influence of TKI. Obstetric outcomes of 5 pregnancies in four patients with CML are being reported. Literature on interplay of CML and bleeding or thrombotic manifestations is reviewed. The major complications encountered were antepartum (APH) and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), preterm labour, intrauterine growth retardation and intrauterine fetal death. Patients in the reproductive age group with diagnosis of CML should be carefully counseled regarding the effect of disease and TKI on the maternal-fetal health. Bleeding complications, particularly APH and PPH may be encountered in CML patients. Close coordination of the obstetrician, haematologist, and neonatologist is required in managing these cases successfully. The need for absolute contraception till the remission of disease needs to be emphasized for further pregnancies.

Arginyltransferase suppresses cell tumorigenic potential and inversely correlates with metastases in human cancers

Arginylation is an emerging post-translational modification mediated by arginyltransferase (ATE1) that is essential for mammalian embryogenesis and regulation of the cytoskeleton. Here, we discovered that Ate1-knockout (KO) embryonic fibroblasts exhibit tumorigenic properties, including abnormally rapid contact-independent growth, reduced ability to form cell-cell contacts and chromosomal aberrations. Ate1-KO fibroblasts can form large colonies in Matrigel and exhibit invasive behavior, unlike wild-type fibroblasts. Furthermore, Ate1-KO cells form tumors in subcutaneous xenograft assays in immunocompromised mice. Abnormal growth in these cells can be partially rescued by reintroduction of stably expressed specific Ate1 isoforms, which also reduce the ability of these cells to form tumors. Tumor array studies and bioinformatics analysis show that Ate1 is downregulated in several types of human cancer samples at the protein level, and that its transcription level inversely correlates with metastatic progression and patient survival. We conclude that Ate1-KO results in carcinogenic transformation of cultured fibroblasts, suggesting that in addition to its previously known activities Ate1 gene is essential for tumor suppression and also likely participates in suppression of metastatic growth.

Gangrenous Cystitis in A Woman Following Vaginal Delivery: An Uncommon Occurrence - A Case Report

Gangrenous cystitis is now a rare condition with the advent of antibiotics and better obstetric services. It has a multifactorial causation manifesting as urosepsis or peritonitis. We report a case of 24-year-old lady who presented at day 12 postpartum with abdominal distension and vomitings. History of prolonged labour was present. Peritoneal tap was suggestive of pyoperitoneum. Hence she was taken up for emergency laparotomy and incidentally found to have bladder necrosis. Partial cystectomy was done and patient was discharged in a satisfactory condition after 2 weeks.