Abstract Objective: Determine the maternal mortality rate, the epidemiological profile, the causes of death and the dysfunctions noted. Patients and method: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study from January 1 to December 31, 2020. All maternal deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days after its termi nation fitting the World Health Organisation definition criteria that occurred in the seven districts of Kara region were included. The data were processed using Excel microsoft. Results: A total of 41 maternal deaths occurred among 23,456 live births, accounting for a maternal mortality ratio of 174.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. The followings were observed: the average age of 30 years; 88% married; 39% multiparous; 78% housewives without income; 5% students. Hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and complications of abortion were the main direct obstetric causes, while anemia was the main indirect obstetric cause. Factors related to deaths were inadequate quality of health care and lack of universal health insurance. The various maternal death audit reports found that 94.4% of deaths were preventable. Conclusion: Most maternal deaths would be prevented in the Kara region if women during pregnancy and the postpartum period received quality health care and the community was involved in decision-making about their health.

Abstract Heart disease in pregnancy is the cause of significant maternal and perinatal morbidity. We wanted to evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with heart disease in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This was a cross sectional study with retrospective data collection of 45 pregnancies in 42 women with heart disease followed at three Yaoundé referral hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon from January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2020. We collected data on maternal obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. The frequency of pregnancies with heart diseases was 0.1%. The mean maternal age was 29.05 ± 6.5 years. At first antenatal visit, all patients were in class I (84.4%) and II (15.6%) of the New-York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Valvular heart disease (51.1%) was the most common type followed by cardiomyopathy (37.7%). Over half of the deliveries were vaginal (51.1%). A cesarean section was generally indicated for the usual obstetrical reasons (54.5%) and for heart disease (31.8%). Complications included 17 (37.7%) cases of heart failure, 6 (13.3%) cases of pulmonary edema, 2 (04.4%) cases of pulmonary embolism, 3 (06.6%) maternal deaths and 3 (06.3%) perinatal deaths, 14 (29.7%) premature births and 3 cases of (6.3%) intrauterine growth retardation. The maternal deaths were cases complicated by pulmonary edema and all had dilated cardiomyopathy. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with heart disease are marked in our environment by increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the prenatal, per partum and postpartum management of this high-risk group.

Abstract Introduction: Medical termination of pregnancy is a therapy that considerably reduces the number of obstetrical complications that can lead to maternal death and the number of births of children with diseases or malformations that are incompatible with life. Objective: To study the practice of medical termination of pregnancy at the Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF). Methodology: This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted at the Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF) covering the period from May 1st, 2012 to April 30th, 2021, i.e. a period of 9 years. All patients who underwent a medical termination of pregnancy during the study period and whose term of pregnancy was <28 weeks of amenorrhea were included in this study. Information was collected on a survey sheet from the patients’ clinical records, admission and hospitalisation registers, referral forms and operative report registers. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel, World and epi-info 7.2.2. The main variables studied were hospital frequency, diagnostic means, main indications, means of evacuation and maternal prognosis. Result: 25 patients were identified and represented 0.5% of deliveries. Fetal, maternal and obstetric causes were the main indications for medical termination of pregnancy in respectively 28%, 20% and 52%. Obstetrical ultrasound was performed in 100% of patients. These ultrasounds al lowed us to determine fetal vitality and to find some fetal malformation (28%) and some anomalies in the fetal appendages (48%). Clinical examination alone was used to diagnose 24% of indications. In 68% of cases, the clinical examination and ultrasound were used to establish the indication. The most commonly used evacuation technique was medication in 88% of cases. Caesarean section was chosen for urgent cases in 12%. Uterine haemorrhage and post-abortion endometritis were the main complications. Conclusion :Medical termination of pregnancy is a delicate subject requiring multidisciplinary management. This series has allowed us to highlight our singularities, and will allow us to improve the management of our patients, in the prevention of haemorrhage and other complications.

Abstract Background: The use of modern contraceptive methods contributes to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality. The initiation of a contraceptive method in the immediate postpartum period is one of the strategies to avoid missing out on contraceptive opportunities. This strategy will reduce the unmet need for contraception which is still high in the country. Objective: To describe the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women and the practices of women who have given birth about immediate postpartum contraception. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted at the main clinic of ATBEF from 20th March to 20th October 2020. Our study included pregnant women whose gestational age was greater than or equal to 37 weeks of amenorrhea who came for prenatal consultation or for any other consultation and then gave birth in the center. Data collection was based on a survey form. Data analysis and entry was done with the Epi info 2000 version 6.04 software. The parameters studied were: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about contraception in the immediate postpartum period, and contraceptive practices of the women who gave birth. Results: During the study period, 201 women were selected for the survey. The average age of the respondents was 26.2 years. They were nulliparous in 41.3% of cases. Our respondents had knowledge of modern contraceptive methods in 82.10% of cases. About 59.2% of the respondents had an unfavourable attitude towards the adoption of contraceptive methods in the immediate postpartum period. The main reason was adverse effects in 33.6%. Of the 82 women who had a favourable attitude, 29 women had adopted a contraceptive method after delivery, which corresponds to a rate of use of 14.4% of the respondents. The main reason for non-adoption of a contraceptive method after childbirth for those who had a favourable attitude was the opposition of the husband in 34%. Conclusion: Couple counsel ling during prenatal and postnatal care and intensified awareness raising on planning and ideal spacing of pregnancies for health will increase the number of contraceptive users in the immediate postpartum period.

Abstract Aim: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant, protecting cell against toxicity of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Data showed that GSH might play roles in malignancy including ovarian cancer (OC), and, thus, we attempted to determine the clinical significance of GSH and effects of erastin (an inhibitor of GSH synthesis) in OC. Methods: OC tissues were taken from 41 OC patients, and cancer-tissue GSH level was measured with GSH Assay Kit. Survival curves were carried out by the Kaplan-Meier method and evaluated using the log-rank test. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard risk regression model was performed to screen the independent factor affecting the prognosis of OC patients. In vitro effect of erastin was studied using OC cell lines. Cell viabili ty, GSH levels and whole (cytosolic and lipid) ROS production were assessed.Results: Patients with high OC-tissue-GSH levels had an apparently lower progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with those with low GSH levels. The GSH levels were independent factors for predicting the PFS and OS. The basal ROS level was inversely proportional to GSH levels in OC cell lines. The basal GSH levels were important for estimating the sensitivity to erastin. Reduction of intracellular GSH levels increased whole ROS, which caused cell deaths. Conclusions: Data suggested that the GSH levels could be a candidate of prognostic biomarkers and that erastin might be worth studying as a new therapeutic drug in OC.

Abstract Similar to any other discipline/field, management skills are important in perinatal nursing/medicine. What kinds of management skills are required/important currently and also in the future? The view for this might be different according to the present position of midwives. We here attempted to determine this; we divided study population into three (head nurses, assistant head nurses and advanced midwives). A self-administered questionnaire sur vey was conducted for 1652 advanced midwives in hospitals in Japan during 2018 and 2019. Scores in 8 items showed significant differences among the three groups. The skill with the largest difference among the three groups was the ability to participate in and provide support for social activity. Although higher levels of management skills will be required for nursing managers in the next generation, the levels differ depending on current working positions in advanced midwives.

Abstract Introduction: The abdominal pregnancy is a rare pathology that can threaten the vital prognosis of the mother. The positive diagnosis is difficult to establish. It is most often made in an acute context, leading to a high fetomaternal morbidity and mortality. Our objective is to recall the diagnostic approach and optimal management of this condition. Case report: We present the case of an abdominal pregnancy at 18 weeks of amenorrhea with partial placental abruption in a 26-year-old patient who presented with abdominal pain in emergency obstetrical department of university hospital center of Agadir. The ultrasound revealed the presence of an evolving abdominal pregnancy. The MRI allowed precisely the localization of the placenta and its relationship with the surrounding organs. A laparotomy revealed the insertion of the placenta on the right adnexa. The right adnexectomy allowed removal of the placenta without incident. Conclusion: Abdominal pregnancy is difficult to diagnose. It is essential to be well informed about the clinical and ultra sonographic semiology of this pregnancy, in order to avoid operative surprises and to ensure the appropriate treatment.

Abstract Epilepsy is a leading neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures and affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency associated with a high mortality rate and long-term cognitive sequelae. In pregnancy, status epilepticus poses a tremendous threat to both mother and fetus. We report a case of status epilepticus in pregnancy complicated by coma, where obstetrical ultrasound revealed fetal demise in utero followed by rapid maternal deterioration and demise later. There was management challenge of a comatose pregnant mother in very poor and deteriorating hemodynamic state with fetal demise in a low economic and limited resource setting.

Abstract Introduction Accurate pregnancy dating is important for many aspects of obstetric care at individual level as well as population level. Traditionally, pregnancy dating has done by adding 9 months and 7 days to the last menstrual period (LMP) using Naegele’s formula. Determination of gestational age by ultrasound is more precise. Most commonly used parameters are mean sac diameter, gestation sac volume, crown-rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC) and femur length (FL). After 24 weeks, gestational age cannot be accurately determined by ultrasound scans. The biological variability of CRL is small and growth is very rapid. There are many factors that can affect CRL such as measurement errors, differences in growth rates between individuals, fetal sex and maternal conditions such as diabetes mellitus. A correctly performed measurement of CRL is the most accurate way of estimating the gestational age in early pregnancy from 8 weeks to 13 weeks + 6 days. Objectives Our study aims were to prepare a new Crown Rump Length chart with Sri Lankan population data and to compare new CRL chart with existing intergrowth CRL chart. Method Prospective observational study with recruitment of subjects by Quota sampling technique was carried out from April 2015 to March 2016. Spontaneously conceived uncomplicated singleton pregnancies with normal Body Mass Index (BMI) 18.5 - 23 kg/m2 were recruited at the time of registration to antenatal care. Consenting woman with known LMP with regular cycles in preceding 3 months were undergone ultrasound examination only once at gestational age (GA) ranging from 8 weeks to 13 weeks + 6 days. If ultrasound dating was different from LMP dating by more than 5 days in pregnancies with POA less than 9 weeks and dating differences more than 7 days in pregnancies between 9 weeks and 14 weeks were excluded. Pregnancies complicated with uncertain viability, con genital anomalies and spontaneous miscarriage were excluded from statistical analysis. Data collection done with pre-tested interviewer administered form and analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results A total of 653 subjects were recruited for the study and 557 turned up for ultrasound dating assessment. Dating discrepancy and multiple pregnancies excluded 31 subjects, uncertain viability and spontaneous miscarriage excluded 15 subjects resulting 511 subjects for final statistical analysis. The mean CRL increased with GA almost linearly from day 56 to 97. Conclusions We have produced new CRL chart based on Sri Lankan data and it can be used for clinical practice in Sri Lanka. There is no statistically significant difference between our CRL chart and intergrowth CRL chart.

Abstract Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutical, anatomopa thological aspects and prognosis of the ectopic pregnancy. Methodology: It was a transversal and descriptive study from January 1st to December 31st 2018 at the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the Teaching Hospital Sourô Sanou of Bobo-Dioulasso. Results: During the study period, we registered 4706 deliveries with 1272 cases of cesareans and 79 cases of ectopic pregnancy with a frequency of 1 ectopic pregnancy for 60 deliveries and 6 ec topic pregnancies for 100 caesareans. The average age of the patients in our study was 28.66 years old (19 - 45 years) and the average parity of 1.96 [0 - 6]. Married women represented 83.54 % of the workforce. The risk factors were dominated by sexual transmitted diseases (25.31%) and abortions (20.25%).Clinical signs were dominated by pelvic pain (100% of cases), metrorrhagea (86.5% of cases) and amenorrhea (64.6% of cases). Culdocentesis brought lysed incoagulable blood in 83.7% cases. The immunological pregnancy test was positive in 100% of cases. Plasma beta dosage was carried out in 2 cases. Salpingectomy was performed in 97.4% cases. The site of the ectopic preg nancy was interstitial in 11.3% cases, isthmic in 8.86% cases, infundibular in 11.3% cases, ampullar in 77.22% cases. On the anatomopathological level, we noted an acute salpingitis in 23.38% cases and a chronic salpingitis in 44.94% cases. Postoperative were simple in 97.7% of cases and we deplored one case maternal death. Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy is a surgical emergency of the first trimester pregnancy. The delay in diagnosis is common in our con text, with as consequence a mutilated treatment. The etiological factors are dominated by the chronic salpingitis and the acute salpingitis. The prevention is based on combatting genital infections, promoting contraceptive methods and a good post abortion care.

Abstract Objective: Observe and correlate the cervical length by ultrasound and likelihood of cervical incompetence and premature delivery in multiple gestations. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study in multiple pregnancy (twin, triplet, quadruplet) delivered between 2002-2003, in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 68 multiple pregnancies underwent routine ultrasound for fetal assessment between 16 - 32 weeks when the cervix was observed. The sonographic measurements included cervix > 2.5 cm and <2.5 cm. The time of ultrasound was divided in five groups by gestational age from 18 - 20 weeks, 21 - 24 weeks, 25 - 26 weeks, 29 - 32 weeks and >32 weeks. The gestational age at delivery was our outcome parameter. The data was analyzed statistically using Fisher’s exact test and P-value below 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Endovaginal ultrasongoraphic cervical measurement in multiple pregnancies predicted increased preterm delivery risk regardless of maternal age, previous history of preterm deliveries or presence of vaginal infection. It was found that spontaneous preterm labor < 32 weeks is a relatively rate outcome with cervix > 25 mm; this majority reached > 32 weeks while the patient who had cervix < 25 mm, 1 in 25 of the women who underwent a cervical ultrasound assessment will have preterm labor. The finding in ultrasound justifies the results of higher aggressive management inpatient with cervix < 25 mm. Conclusion:Cervical assessment during routine ultrasound in multiple gestations seems to be useful for prediction of preterm delivery and counseling the patient without risk factors regarding cervical cerclage. Because of restricted number of patients, we suggest further study with bigger sample and prospective trial for valued conclusions.

Abstract Blastomyces dermatitidis is a dimorphic fungus that typically causes disease in immunocompromised hosts, but can affect immunocompetent patients as well. Here we present a case of disseminated blastomycosis in a pregnant patient at 11 weeks gestation who was successfully treated with systemic antifungal therapy. Data regarding treatment of blastomycosis in pregnancy is limited, and choice of antifungal agent remains challenging due to uncertainties regarding fetal toxicity.

Abstract Background/Objective: The association between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and invasive cervical carcinoma is fully recognized. However, the effect of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on the morbidity and mortality of other gynaecological cancers have not been conclusively determined. Our study objective was to examine the effects of HIV on patient age at presentation, prevalence, and severity of the illness of various gynaecological cancers diagnosed in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu over the period 2008-2017. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 224 patients who were managed in UNTH for different gynaecological malignancies. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the UNTH, Enugu. Data analysis was done with SPSS software with results expressed in descriptive statistics of simple frequency and percentage, and p-value set at <0.05. Results: A total of 224 patients were studied. Twenty-five percent of HIV positive patients were aged 31 - 40 years at presentation compared to 12% of HIV negative patients. The commonest gynaecological cancer was cervical cancer with a higher proportion among the HIV-positive patients. While 32% of HIV negative patients presented at FIGO stages 1 - 2 Versus 8.3% of HIV positive patients, 58.3% and 33.3% of HIV positive patients presented at stages 3 and 4 respectively. Only 8.3% of HIV positive patients presented with ovarian cancer compared with 31% of HIV negative patients. A higher proportion of HIV positive patients presented with vulvar cancer (16.7%), but no endometrial or choriocarcinoma/GTD, compared with HIV negative patients. Conclusion: HIV positive clients present at an earlier age with more advanced disease, mostly cervical cancer of the squamous cell variety, with minimal non-AIDS defining cancers over the study period in UNTH, Enugu.

Abstract Introduction: cervical cancer is common with high mortality. It is diagnosed late in developing countries. Reducing mortality requires better knowledge and screening for cervical cancer. Objective: To study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of midwives in the Kara region of cervical cancer screening. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study from January 2020 to June 2020 conducted with midwives from the Kara region. Results: Fifty midwives participated in the study. The average age was 32.46 years and the majority (92%) had less than 10 years work experience. Thirty seven (74%) said that cervical cancer was due to human papillomavirus oncogenes and 32% to know the two commonly used screening methods (cervical cytology and VIA/VILI). Only 30% and 8% respectively know the pace and target of screening. They had all expressed the desire to be trained and to carry out routine screening. All of the respondents had never practiced a cervical cytology, and only 01 had once practiced VIA/VILI. Conclusion: Midwives have little knowledge of uterine cancer screening and do not practice it. They express the need to be trained in order to popularize the practice.

Abstract Background: Xanthogranulomatous inflammation of the female reproductive organs is a rare chronic inflammation. In most reported cases, the lesion was limited to the endometrium and fallopian tubes. Here, we report two cases of xanthogranulomatous inflammation of the myometrium with a history of endometrial biopsy. Case Reports: In two cases, myometrial xanthogranulomatous inflammation destroyed the myometrium. This inflammation developed into surrounding pelvic organs, resulting in uterine perforation. Conclusion: When inflammatory lesions are found after intrauterine manipulation, the possibility of developing xanthogranulomatous inflammation should be considered. If antibiotics are ineffective, prompt surgical treatment is necessary .

Abstract Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) frequently leads to adverse maternal and foetal outcomes in our setting. The pathophysiology is strongly linked to placental development. We aimed to study placental lesions associated with PE in a population of Cameroonian women. Methods: We conducted a crosssectional, analytical study in three university teaching hospitals in Yaounde namely, the Yaounde Central Hospital, the pathology laboratory of the Yaounde University Hospital Centre, and the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital. The study spanned 8 months from January 1st to September 1st, 2021. Placental analysis was carried out as per standard protocol. The study included 101 parturients with pre-eclampsia. These were divided into two groups, with groups 1 and 2 being made of patients with mild preeclampsia (n = 40), and severe pre-eclampsia (n = 61), respectively. Results:The mean ages of the two groups were 29.93 ± 7.36 versus 28.28 ± 7.18 (p = 0.267) for patients with mild and severe pre-eclampsia respectively. Low socioeconomic status was the most frequently identified risk factor in both groups (59%). Patients’ history revealed that the women with severe pre-eclampsia tended to have poor pregnancy follow-up compared to those with mild preeclampsia (p < 0.05). Also, the placentas of patients with severe pre-eclampsia weighed significantly less than those of patients with mild pre-eclampsia (454.4 ± 122 vs. 511.7 ± 125; p < 0.05). Pre-eclampsia-related lesions were significantly greater in patients with severe disease (p < 0.05). Conclusion:PE-related placental lesions in our context are multiple and diverse especially in severe disease, and these arise as a result of defective maternal vascular perfusion.

Abstract Objective: Observe and correlate the funneling of upper cervical canal by ultrasound and likelihood of cervical incompetence and premature delivery in twin pregnancy. Materials and methods: Retrospective study in twin pregnancies deliveries in 1997, in king Faisal specialist hospital and research center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 67 twin pregnancies underwent routine ultrasound for fetal assessment, when the cervix closed, long; and short, funneling. The time of ultrasound was divided in three groups by gestational age: from 18 to 22 weeks; from 22 to 26 weeks and from 26 to 30 weeks. The gestational age at delivery was our outcome parameter and subdivided the patients in 4 groups, group 1: patients delivered before 24 weeks (n = 4); group 2: delivered between 24 and 34 weeks (n = 16); group 3: delivered between 34 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days (n = 18); and group 4: delivered with gestational age equal or above 37 weeks (n = 29). The data was analyzed statistically using Pearson chi square method and p value below 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no significant difference among the 4 subgroups in maternal age, body mass index, parity, previous history of preterm delivery or presence of urinary/vaginal infection in actual pregnancy. There was stronger history of mid trimester abortion in patients delivered before 34 weeks of gestational age. Considering the cervical sonographic findings, the diagnosis of funneling between 18 - 22 weeks was higher among the group delivered before 34 weeks of gestational age (1 and 2) comparing to other groups (3 and 4) with p value equal to 0.016. The finding in ultrasound justifies the results of higher aggressive management in patients from groups 1 and 2 comparing with groups 3 and 4; admission to hospital (p = 0.007); emergency cerclage (p = 0.04), complete hospital bed rest (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Cervical assessment during routine ultrasound in twins pregnancy seems to be useful for prediction of preterm delivery and counseling the patient without risk factors regarding cervical cerclage. Because of restricted number of patients, especially group 1 (11 = 4), we suggest further study with bigger sample and prospective trial for valued conclusion.