Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background: The aim is to examine bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women with preterm and term labor, explore the link between bacterial vaginosis and preterm labor (PTL), and analyze complications for both mother and baby related to bacterial vaginosis.

Design: Hospital based cross sectional study.

Materials and Method: We had conducted an observational study at Basaveshwara Medical College and Hospital, involving 100 pregnant patients with preterm and term labor (50 patients in each group). Eligible patients attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Department (OBG OPD) and inpatient department will be included. Bacterial vaginosis will be determined using Amsel's criteria, which include evaluating discharge characteristics, vaginal pH, amine odor with KOH test, and presence of clue cells under microscopic examination. Additionally, vaginal swabs will undergo Gram staining.

Results: The percentage of patients meeting Amsel's criteria for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis was significantly higher in the preterm labor group compared to the term labor group, with a statistically significant difference. According to Amsel's criteria, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 30% in the preterm labor group and 2% in the term labor group.

Conclusion: Bacterial vaginosis is a significant risk factor for preterm labor. Hence, conducting tests for bacterial vaginosis and promptly treating it can help reduce the risk of preterm labor.

A cross sectional study was conducted to explore the possible derangements in placental insulin signaling and also to investigate the presence or absence of maternal systemic insulin resistance in different types of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

Study Design: Healthy pregnant women (n=32) and pregnant women with gestational hypertension (GH) (n=18), late onset Pre-eclampsia (LP) (n=18) and early onset Pre-eclampsia (EP) (n=19) were recruited for the study. Maternal venous blood and placental samples were collected from the study subjects at 35±7 weeks of gestation. Insulin resistance parameters such as fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, beta cell function and insulin sensitivity and glycated hemoglobin were estimated in the maternal venous blood samples. Placental protein expressions of insulin signaling molecules were analyzed by western blotting method.

Results: Maternal venous blood insulin resistance parameters were not significantly different between the study groups. However, placental content of phospho insulin receptor beta was significantly decreased in GH, LP and EP groups in comparison to controls. We also found a significant decrease in placental protein expression of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase p85 alpha in LP group when compared to other groups.

Background: Pre-eclampsia is the leading reason for referrals to a specialized healthcare facility, as it represents a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Objective:The objective of this study is to examine the maternal and fetal outcomes associated with severe pre-eclampsia in a Tertiary Care Center.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Methodology: This prospective observational study took place at Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, located in Belagavi and affiliated with KAHER's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi. The study spanned from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. Pregnant women diagnosed with severe Pre-eclampsia, which met the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were admitted to the labor room at the tertiary care center, were enrolled in the study.

Results: Participants in the study ranged in age from 19 to 41 years, with a mean gestational age at diagnosis of 35.32 weeks ±3.7 weeks. Among the participants, 73.4% underwent lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), while 22.4% had vaginal deliveries, including 3 cases with instrumental delivery (ventouse). The study observed increased incidences of Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count (HELLP) syndrome (32.4%), placental abruption (30%), postpartum hemorrhage (22%), partial HELLP syndrome (16.2%), pulmonary edema (11%), eclampsia and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (8.1%). The incidence of prematurity was 55%, and intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) occurred in 7% of the cases.

Conclusion: Maternal and perinatal problems are more common in eclampsia patients. Better prenatal care, early detection, and timely treatment of severe pre-eclampsia can lower the incidence of eclampsia.