Connective tissue disorders in pregnancy: maternal and fetal perspective

Background: The objective of this study was to study maternal and fetal outcome in connective tissue disorders in pregnancy.Methods: This was a retrospective type of observational study done in department of obstetrics and gynecology and department of rheumatology at a King Edward Memorial hospital over a period of 1.5 years. 48 women were included in this study after informed consent. All these women presented with collagen disorders to ANC outpatient department or to rheumatology outpatient department or in emergency. All postpartum patients having connective tissue disorders not recruited during ANC were also included in this study after taking their written, informed and valid consent.Results: Connective tissue disorders are associated with multiple voluntary and involuntary abortions as well as intrauterine fetal deaths. Even in those women having live births, many undergo cesarean sections due to various indications like fetal distress, poor biophysical profile, non-reassuring non stress test etc. Neonates born to mothers with connective tissue disorders are growth restricted and many of them need intensive care admission. Also, these women were found to have multiple associated medical comorbidities in pregnancy.Conclusions: The data collected and the results arrived upon should help contribute significant literature regarding collagen disorders in pregnancy and help in better fetal and maternal management during pregnancy.

Women’s Perceptions of Contributory Factors for Successful Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

BACKGROUND:In July 2008, a new midwife-led “Next Birth After Cesarean” (NBAC) service was launched at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) in Perth, Western Australia. Midwives from the NBAC service provide antenatal care, evidence-based information about birth choices, tailored birth preparation classes, and assistance with developing birth plans to pregnant women who have had a previous cesarean birth.OBJECTIVE:To determine the contributory factors that women who were cared for by the NBAC service and experienced a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) perceived to be associated with achieving their desired mode of birth.METHODS:A qualitative descriptive approach was used for this study in which semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 participant women who have achieved a VBAC and were analyzed using a modified “constant comparison” technique.FINDINGS:Two key themes reflecting personal and professional factors comprising eight subthemes emerged from analysis of interview data.CONCLUSIONS:These findings offer a unique perspective on the phenomenon of achieving a VBAC and provide maternity care practitioners and policy makers around the world with valuable insights into how the care environment might be enhanced for women who would prefer a vaginal birth after their previous cesarean section.

Primary Benign Brachial Plexus Tumors

Primary benign brachial plexus tumors are rare. They pose a great challenge to the neurosurgeon, because the majority of patients present with minimal or no neurological deficits. Radical to complete excision of the tumor with preservation of neurological function of the involved nerve is an ideal surgical treatment option with benign primary brachial plexus tumor surgery. We present a review article of our 10-year experience with primary benign brachial plexus tumors surgically treated at King Edward Memorial Hospital and P.D. Hinduja National Hospital from 2000 to 2009. The clinical presentations, radiological features, surgical strategies, and the eventual outcome following surgery are analyzed, discussed, and compared with available series in the world literature. Various difficulties and problems faced in the management of primary benign brachial plexus tumors are analyzed. Irrespective of the tumor size, the indications for surgical intervention are also discussed. The goal of our study was to optimize the treatment of patients with benign brachial plexus tumors with minimal neurological deficits. It is of paramount importance that brachial plexus tumors be managed by a peripheral nerve surgeon with expertise and experience in this field to minimize the neurological insult following surgery.