No abstract

The management of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) consists of oral or intravenous administration of iron supplements. The aim of this narrative review is to summarise information regarding the treatment of IDA in women who have postpartum anaemia or uterine bleeding with intravenous (IV) or oral iron supplements. Fourteen randomised control studies comparing IV to oral iron treatment for IDA in 2913 women with uterine bleeding or postpartum haemorrhage are included. All reviewed studies suggest that IV iron administration is important in treating the IDA in such women and in improving their physical performance and quality of life. Comparisons among intravenous iron supplements show advantages of ferric carboxymaltose over others in time of reaching desired haemoglobin and ferritin values and in adverse reactions. Despite the limitation that the above evidence emerges from not systematically collected data, our review highlights that new forms of IV iron supplements seem safe and efficient in treating IDA.

A woman presented at the gynecological emergency clinic with severe lower abdominal pain. Even though she reported normal menses and had no risk factors for ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy test was positive and vaginal sonogram indicated heterotopic pregnancy at 12 weeks of gestation, with rupture of the ectopic pregnancy. Laboratory results indicated significant blood loss, and emergency laparotomy with salpingo-ophorectomy was performed. The intrauterine pregnancy continued uneventfully. Interestingly, the previous month the patient had also undergone investigation for vague abdominal pain and anemia. This case, apart from being very interesting because of the rarity of naturally occurring heterotopic pregnancy, shows how a number of factors in patient management and investigation, when combined with rare and uncommon conditions, can lead to incorrect diagnosis with the associated implications for patient safety. This case therefore demonstrates the need for improved patient care and outcome.

Background: The authors present an interesting case report of an appendectomy during caesarean section in an asymptomatic pregnant woman, which highlights the need of peritoneal cavity check during every caesarean section. Materials and Methods: A 32-yearold para 0 woman at 34 weeks of gestation attended to the present clinic because of a feeling of reduced fetal movements in the last 24 hours. She underwent a non-stress test (NST), that was non-reassuring and no contractions were recorded. The woman underwent a caesarean section, which revealed a large phlegmonic appendix. Appendectomy was decided after the closure of the uterine cavity. Results:The woman was treated with appendectomy. Histology came back as an appendicitis three days later. Conclusions: Acute appendicitis during pregnancy may be associated with serious maternal and fetal complications. It is also associated with a high risk of premature delivery. In the absence of lower abdominal pain and inflammatory changes, the incidence of acute appendicitis is low, but exists. In every caesarean section at any week of gestation, we should check the peritoneal cavity and especially the appendix, as appendicitis is the most frequent non-obstetric surgical situation in pregnancy. Asymptomatic appendicitis should be considered as a cause in every pregnant woman who mentions preterm contractions or/and reduced fetal movements.