Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Fetal imaging and diagnosis services in developing countries – A call to action JA Akinmoladun, D OC Anumba Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):1-7 Fetal congenital anomalies are among the leading causes of perinatal death or survival with disability worldwide. Their accurate antenatal detection employing a range of fetal imaging techniques enables parental choices to be made and for postnatal care of affected babies to be planned. While such prenatal care is well developed in developed countries of the world, it remains poor in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review article examines the scope of the problem and proffers strategies for service organization and fetal imaging that will improve care in LMIC settings.

A 35-year standardized prediction estimates for gynecological lesions in oil and gas exploration and production city in the Niger Delta M Onyije Felix, A Ngokere Ajuluchukwu, E Ligha Aloysius, O Mgbere Osaro, O Avwioro Godwin Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):8-14 Background: The impact of constant emission of hydrocarbons and contaminated water level through oil spillage in the oil and gas exploration and production areas of Niger Delta on women's health cannot be underestimated. We developed a 35-year standardized prediction estimates for gynecological lesions using data obtained from an integrated specialist hospital serving the residence of the oil and gas exploration and production City of Port Harcourt and the surrounding areas of Niger Delta, Nigeria. Methods: The study participants comprised of 697 females who received medical care at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between 2010 and 2014. Predictive modeling of the diseases was performed using JMP statistical discovery™ software, version 12.0 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Results: The distribution of the gynecological lesions (n = 697) differed significantly (P < 0.001) by year of diagnosis, developmental stage, age category, and types of lesion. The mean age of study participants was 39.1 ± 12.8 years, and most of the lesions (61.8%) occurred among females who were 30- to 49-year old. Leiomyoma recorded the highest 5-year standardized prevalence rate of 0.508, and with no intervention, it is estimated that the number of cases diagnosed will rise from 235 in 2015 to 1883 by the year 2050. This was followed by ovarian cyst with a prevalence rate of 0.124 and projected increase from 57 in 2015 to 461 by the year 2050. Similarly, the product of conception is also estimated to increase from 34 to 277 by the year 2050. Conclusion: The over 700% increased prediction of gynecological lesions by 2050 calls for urgent attention by both governmental and private agencies to fund awareness campaigns and screenings for women, especially for those residing in the oil- and gas-producing areas of Niger Delta.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in premature rupture of membranes at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria A Idrisa, S Pius, M Bukar Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):15-20 Background: Premature rupture of membrane (PROM) is linked to significant adverse events in the prenatal, peripartum and neonatal period. Both, PROM and PPROM are associated with maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities. Severe oligohydramnios after PROM is associated with foetal abnormalities, pulmonary hypoplasia, respiratory distress syndromes, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine foetal death, foetal/neonatal sepsis, presence of meconium and an Apgar score lower than seven at five minutes. Objective: To determine the factors that influenced maternal and neonatal outcomes following a premature rupture of membranes. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted over five years between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2016 on mother neonate pair delivered at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Maiduguri. Results: During the period of the study there were 7200 deliveries at the labour ward of (UMTH), out of which 91 (1.3%) had PROM. Seventy three ( 80.2%) of the case files were retrieved and analysed. Thirty six women (49.3%) were delivered by emergency caesarean section (EMCS), while 37 (50.7%) were delivered vaginally (SVD). In the bivariate (crude) analysis, Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes (P = 0.008, OR 95 % CL: 0.092 (0.011, 0.742), birth weight ≥ 2500g (P = 0.006, 8.944 (1.892, 42.284), and absence of APH (P = 0.007, 4.83 (1.440, 16.196) were factors modifying neonatal outcome. When adjusted regression with only factors with P value < 0.2 in crude analysis were done, only birth weight ≥ 2500 g (P = 0.024, 6.677 [1.286, 34.664]) and absence of APH (P = 0.038, 4.406 [1.085, 17.883]) were independent predictors of neonatal outcome. Thus, neonates with birth weight ≥ 2500 g were about 6.7 times more like to show favourable outcome than those with birth weight < 2500g while those without APH showed 4.4 times more likelihood for a favourable neonatal outcome. Antenatal corticosteroids use also was associated with favourable outcome as it had significantly improved preterm neonatal survival. Conclusion: Intervention with steroids, antibiotics in labour and delivery within 24 hours of PROM will greatly reduce maternal complications and enhances favourable neonatal outcome.

Disrespect and abuse during facility based childbirth: The experience of mothers in Kano, Northern Nigeria TG Amole, MJ Tukur, SL Farouk, AO Ashimi Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):21-27 Context: An important but little understood concept that retards the goal to reduce maternal mortality and increase universal access to reproductive health is disrespect and abuse (D&A) during childbirth. Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence, pattern, perpetrators, and determinants of D&A during childbirth among recently parturient women in Kano, north western Nigeria. Settings and Design: Using a cross-sectional design, 332 women accessing child immunization and postnatal services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, were selected. Subjects and Methods: Respondents were selected using systematic sampling technique and data collected using an adapted, interviewer administered tool. Statistical Analysis: Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 and level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Respondents (n = 306) had a mean age of 27.7 ± 6.3 years and more than half (55.9%; n = 171) had experienced at least one form of D&A during childbirth. Commonest forms of abuse were abandonment and nonconfidential care (84.5%, n = 142; 67.9%, n = 114, respectively). Main perpetrators were nurses/midwives (83.0%, n = 142). The experience during the last childbirth was significantly higher among respondents of non-Hausa/Fulani ethnic group (χ2 = 6.10; P = 0.014), of the Christian faith (χ2 = 8.62; P = 0.003), and with formal education (χ2 = 19.94; P = 0.0001). After controlling for confounders, formal education remained a predictor for experiencing abuse at childbirth (AOR = 2.43; 95% confidence interval = 1.11--5.32). Conclusions: D&A during childbirth is prevalent in our setting. Educating healthcare providers and women about their responsibilities and rights will enhance provision and utilization of quality maternal health services.

The effect of hyoscine butyl bromide in shortening the duration of first stage of labor: A single-blind randomized control study R Ibrahim, EI Nwobodo, KA Tunau, AT Burodo, B Sulaiman, JA Garba, AD Saidu Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):28-32 Background: Active management of labor reduces the number of prolonged labor and the duration of labor without having any adverse effects on the mother and the fetus. Intervention with drugs is among the options used for active management of labor. This includes use of analgesics, oxytocics, prostaglandins derivatives, and smooth muscle relaxants. The objectives of the study were to determine whether hyoscine N butyl bromide (HNBB) shortens the first stage of labor in term pregnancies, to compare the mean duration of labor between primigravidae and multigravidae in HBB group, to compare the maternal and fetal outcome between HBB and control group, and also to determine the side effects of HBB in parturients. Materials and Methods: The study was a single-blind randomized control study carried out in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) over 4-month period. A total of 204 pregnant women at term in spontaneous labor who presented in active phase of labor at UDUTH and have met the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomized into 102 women as case group and 102 women as control. The women in the case group received 40 mg (2 mls) of HBB, while those in the control group received 2 mls of normal saline. Data entry and analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 20. The duration and outcome was monitored. Results: The mean duration of labor in the first stage among the case group was 5:44 ± 2:11, while it was 6:52 ± 2:11 among the control group representing a decrease of 16.5%. This was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the duration of the second and third stages of labor among the two groups. There was no difference in the maternal and neonatal outcome among the two groups. Vomiting was the only maternal side effect that was statistically significant among the HBB group. Conclusion: HBB reduced the duration of first stage of labor in both primigravid and multigravid women without adverse maternal and neonatal complications. It is recommended that HBB to be given to women in active phase of labor to reduce the incidence of prolonged labor.

Awareness and attitude of female undergraduates toward human papillomavirus vaccine in Ibadan T AO Oluwasola, OO Bello, AA Odukogbe Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):33-38 Introduction: The human papillomavirus (HPV) has significant public health importance because of its high prevalence, mode of transmission, major causative role in cervical cancer, and having effective vaccines. The main thrust of this study was to ascertain the level of awareness of HPV and its vaccines among students as well as their attitudes toward receiving the vaccines. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted among female undergraduates of the University of Ibadan using structured self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaires sought to obtain information about their awareness of HPV, their sexual behavior, previous vaccination, and willingness to access HPV vaccination. Results: A total of 489 students, with a mean age of 19.7 ± 3.2 years, satisfactorily responded to the survey. Overall, 411 (84%) had an overall good knowledge about vaccines, 218 (44.6%) recalled that they had been previously vaccinated in childhood, and 147 (30.1%) were aware of HPV. Only 66 (13.5%) were aware of HPV vaccines, and 10 (2%) had ever been vaccinated against HPV. A majority were willing to get vaccinated if the current price is further reduced. Conclusion: There is a low level of awareness of HPV and its vaccines among female undergraduates. When available, uptake is restricted by cost. There is an urgent need to support public health programs that increase awareness through adequate information dissemination on mechanisms of cancer prevention and also to strengthen policy efforts that address the barriers of HPV vaccination.

Intrauterine adhesions in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, South-South, Nigeria: A ten year review N Utuk, AM Abasiattai, O Asuquo Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):39-43 Background: Asherman's syndrome is a clinical entity that can cause menstrual abnormalities and infertility. Objectives: This study was done to determine the risk factors, and management outcome of intrauterine adhesions in our hospital. Subjects and Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of the patients who were treated for intrauterine adhesions at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital over a 10 years period-from January 1st 2006 to December 2016. Results: During the study period, a total of 1977 gynecological surgeries were performed of which 83 were for intrauterine adhesions, giving a rate of 4.2%. However, only 52 folders were retrieved, giving a retrieval rate of 62.5%. Analyses, using ratios and percentages, was based on these. Most patients belonged to the 30-34 age group (28.9%) followed by the 20-24 age group (25.0%). The majority of the patients were nulliparous (58.9%), married (65.4%) and had a tertiary education (50.0%). Dilatation and curettage for induced abortion (42.3%), open myomectomy (26.9%), and caesarean section (19.2%) were the common risk factors. Amenorrhoea (65.4%), and hypomenorrhoea (30.8%) were the commonest modes of presentation. All the patients were managed by blind adhesiolysis, done overwhelmingly by the resident doctors, under anaesthesia with a significant percentage (65.3%) showing that there is no change in menstrual condition. Conclusion: Ashermans syndrome is a relatively common condition, and it is necessary to train doctors in the use of, and acquire, a hysteroscope, for the proper management of this condition. Meanwhile, more senior personnel should be involved in the blind adhesiolysis, and Foley catheter that appears superior as a uterine splint to the intrauterine contraceptive device.

Co morbidities associated with vesico vaginal fistula in patients managed in Maryam Abacha Fistula Hospital Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria M Hassan, S Nasir Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):44-48 Background: Prolong obstructed labor is a preventable obstetric complication in the developing countries with devastating consequences and comorbidities. This study aimed to determine the frequencies of the common comorbidities in patients managed for obstetrics fistula at Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto, and also to identify the association of age and parity on the occurrence of some of the comorbidities observed. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 179 patients with obstetric vesicovaginal fistula seen at Maryam Abacha women and Children VVF center, Sokoto, from January to December 2017. A proforma was used to assess the sociodemograhic features and also to record comorbidities during preoperative evaluation. Results: Foot drop was the commonest comorbidity seen in 106 (59.2%), followed by depression in 104 (58.1%). There was statistically significant association between age, parity, and foot drop P = 0.025. Depression was found to be higher in the primipara P = <0.001.Urinary dermatitis occurred more frequently in the older age group and multipara 62.7% and 80%, respectively. Amenorrhea was commoner among age group 30 years and above 62.7%. Out of 179 patients analyzed, 36 (20.1%) had eclampsia whereas gynaetresia was present in 29 (16.2%). Conclusion: Significant comorbid conditions accompany obstetrics trauma and vesicovaginal fistula. Foot drop had statistically significant association with age. Depression was common in all age groups. There was significant association between depression and parity. Urinary dermatitis occurred more frequently in the older age group and multiparae.

Effectiveness of mobile phone text message reminder on birth preparedness in a rural community in Kenya Cheptum Joyce, Omoni Grace, Mirie Waithira Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):49-53 Background: Birth preparedness is a strategy that has been found effective in preventing obstetric delays. Use of mobile technology can enable access and efficiency of health messages delivered during antenatal care. The mobile technology can be more effective in conveying health messages owing to its accessibility and enables follow up. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized control trial carried out among pregnant women attending public health antenatal clinics in Migori County. Four health facilities were randomized. Two facilities each were randomly picked for the study and control groups respectively. A total of 379 participants were recruited into the study. The study group participants received a verbal message on birth preparedness and a mobile phone text message reminder one month to their expected date of delivery. Follow up was done to both groups through their mobile phone contacts. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Stata version 11. Proportion tests were done to compare the groups. Results: The success rate of the study was 90.5% (n = 343). Most of the participants (73%) were aged between 20 and 34 years. Majority of them were married (79.2%) and most of them had primary level of education. Protestant was the predominant religion (55.2%). Housewives and businesswomen constituted 34.2% and 27%, respectively. The respondents in the study group who were birth prepared were 74.3% (n = 136) while those in the control group were 48.1% (n = 77). Conclusion: The use of mobile phone text message reminder in addition to verbal messages is more effective.

Can hsCRP be the sole investigation for predicting the severity and outcome in women with pre-eclampsia presenting late in pregnancy? N Mishra, K Pradhan, GD Sahoo, M Rohilla, M Meena Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2019 36(1):54-60 Context: Healthcare facilities in developing countries are over burdened and proper triage of patients requiring attention more than others is needed in every sub speciality of medical sciences in them. Patients with pre-eclampsia require attention to prevent any associated complication. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hsCRP alone or in combination could be used as an indicator of severity and predictor of outcome in women with PE presenting to a healthcare facility late in the third trimester. Settings and Design: Prospective observational study conducted at a teaching medical college and referral hospital catering primarily to rural, semi urban and tribal population. Methods and Material: 85 women with PE who reported to the hospital after completed 36 weeks of gestation were included. Patients were divided in three groups. hsCRP, biochemical and hematological investigations were performed for each patient. Results were expressed as median. Independent samples Kruskall Wallis one way ANOVA and Mann Whitney U tests were performed and correlation of hsCRP with other parameters and fetal outcome was examined. Statistical Analysis Used: Kruskall Wallis one way ANOVA and Mann Whitney U tests. Results: hsCRP was significantly elevated in severe PE as compared to PE without severe features and normal patients. Higher requirement of labour induction and caesarean section was seen in severe PE patients along with higher still births and low baby weight babies. hsCRP had positive correlation with other markers of severity of PE and negative correlation with still births and fetal weight in severe PE patients. However, although raised in every case of severe PE, a wide variation was noted in hsCRP values. Conclusions: hsCRP alone cannot be recommended as a marker of severity or a predictor of outcome in women presenting late in the third trimester of pregnancy. However, in combination with serum uric acid it can be used for that purpose.