BackgroundMassive postpartum hemorrhage is a life threatening obstetric emergency. In order to prevent the complications associated with this condition, an organized and step-wise management protocol should be immediately initiated.MethodsAn evidence based management protocol for massive postpartum hemorrhage was implemented at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan after an audit in 2005. We sought to evaluate the compliance and outcomes associated with this management protocol 3 years after its implementation. A review of all deliveries with massive primary postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss ≥ 1500 ml) between January, 2008 to December, 2008 was carried out. Information regarding mortality, mode of delivery, possible cause of postpartum hemorrhage and medical or surgical intervention was collected. The estimation of blood loss was made via subjective and objective assessment.ResultsDuring 2008, massive postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 0.64% cases (26/4,052). No deaths were reported. The mean blood loss was 2431 ± 1817 ml (range: 1500 - 9000 ml). Emergency cesarean section was the most common mode of delivery (13/26; 50%) while uterine atony was the most common cause of massive postpartum hemorrhage (14/26; 54%). B-lynch suture (24%) and balloon tamponade (60%) were used more commonly as compared to our previously reported experience. Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 3 cases (12%) for control of massive postpartum hemorrhage. More than 80% compliance was observed in 8 out of 10 steps of the management protocol. Initiation of blood transfusion at 1500 ml blood loss (89%) and overall documentation of management (92%) were favorably observed in most cases.ConclusionThis report details our experience with the practical implementation of a management protocol for massive postpartum hemorrhage at a tertiary care hospital in a developing country. With the exception of arterial embolization, relatively newer, simpler and potentially safer techniques are now being employed for the management of massive postpartum hemorrhage at our institution. Particular attention should be paid to the documentation of the management steps while ensuring a stricter adherence to the formulated protocols and guidelines in order to further ameliorate patient outcomes in emergency obstetrical practice. More audits like the one we performed are important to recognize and rectify any deficiencies in obstetrical practice in developing countries. Dissemination of the same is pivotal to enable an open discourse on the improvement of existing obstetrical strategies.

Introduction. Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) is widely studied for prediction of malignant pelvic masses in Western population. However, little is known regarding its implication in the developing countries. The objective of this study is to determine how accurately the RMI can predict the malignant pelvic masses. Materials and Methods. The study is a retrospective review of patients attending the gynecological clinic between January 2004 and December 2008 with adnexal masses. Information on demographic characteristics, ultrasound findings, menopausal status, CA125, and histopathology was collected. RMI score for each patient in the study group was calculated. Results. The study group included a total of 283 patients. Analysis of the individual parameters of RMI revealed that ultrasound was the best predictor of malignancy with a sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of 78.3%, 81.5%, and 4.2, respectively. At a standard cut-off value of 250, RMI had a positive likelihood ratio of 8.1, while it was 6.8 at a cut-off of 200, albeit with comparable sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion. RMI is a sensitive tool in predicting malignant adnexal masses. A cut-off of 200 may be suitable in developing countries for triaging and early referral to tertiary care centers.

Background: The risk of vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is ≈6%, and evidence suggests HCV negatively affects pregnancy and infant outcomes. Despite this, universal antenatal HCV screening is not available in most settings, and direct acting antivirals (DAA) are yet to be approved for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding period. Larger safety and efficacy trials are needed. At current there is limited understanding of the acceptability of routine HCV screening and use of DAAs in pregnancy but only among women in high HCV burden countries. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of pregnant or post-partum (<6 months since delivery) women attending antenatal clinics or maternity hospitals in Egypt, Pakistan and Ukraine. In Ukraine, this included one HIV clinic. Acceptability of free universal antenatal HCV screening and potential uptake of DAA treatment in the scenario of DAAs being approved for use in pregnancy was assessed. Results were stratified by HCV status and in Ukraine by HIV status. Descriptive statistics were used to explore differences in acceptability of treatment in pregnancy by country. Findings: Among 630 women (n=210 per country) who participated, the median age was 30 [interquartile range (IQR) 26, 34] years, 73% were pregnant and 27% postpartum, and 27% ever HCV antibody or PCR positive. 40% of women in Ukraine were living with HIV. Overall 93% of women supported free universal HCV screening in pregnancy, with no difference by country. 88% would take DAAs in pregnancy if approved for use: 92%, 98% and 73% among women in Egypt, Pakistan and Ukraine, respectively. Motivation for use of DAAs in pregnancy (to avert vertical transmission or for maternal HCV cure) varied by country, HCV status and HIV status (in Ukraine). No predictors for acceptability of DAAs were identified. Interpretation: Our survey across 3 high burden countries found very high acceptability of free universal HCV screening and DAAs if approved for use in pregnancy. Clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DAAs during pregnancy and breastfeeding are urgently required.

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