The objective of this study was to assess the value of the spot protein/creatinine ratio as the diagnostic test for pre-eclampsia by correlating it to the 24 h urine protein. For the spot test, this study uses the cut-off value recognised by the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP). Ours was a correlational study made in the setting of the antenatal assessment unit/antenatal ward in a District General Hospital. Patients at >24 weeks' gestation with hypertension and >1+ proteinuria (n = 32) were included in the study. A 10 ml sample of urine was collected for the spot protein/creatinine ratio (PCR) before the 24 h collection was started. Spot PCR samples were stored at -18°C until the end of the study period. The results of the spot PCR were correlated to 24 h results using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Main outcome measures were correlation coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Correlation was significant (r(2) = 0.82). Sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 92%; positive likelihood ratio, 10.3; negative likelihood ratio, 0.18. The spot PCR correlates well to the 24 h urine protein. The new cut-off values recognised by the ISSHP are producing consistent results. The evidence in favour of the spot PCR needs to be reassessed by larger studies.
We did a prevalence survey among patients attending Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinics on internet-based health information accessed by our patients. Nearly 60% of patients had accessed web-based information before attending our specialist clinics. But only 4% were aware of the recommended website from which to access information. The patients felt the information obtained through common search engines like Yahoo and Google were unclear and confusing. With increasing access to internet-based health information, the medical community needs to address the problems of web-based health information and direct the patients to evaluated and approved websites.
This study provides useful insight into the impact of extensive surgery on patients. Further multicenter studies are needed to evaluate the impact of extensive surgery on patient's QoL and survival.
Background: Sheehan syndrome (SS) is a rare complication of severe postpartum hemorrhage or hypotension during the processes of labor and delivery that results in ischemic pituitary infarction and necrosis. In this case report, we describe an unusual presentation of SS without inciting factors. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old multiparous woman presented 2 hours after a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery with a profound severe headache, and subsequent agalactia, dry skin, and mood changes. She was managed conservatively until 10 months postdelivery when she complained of persistent symptoms including amenorrhea. A brain magnetic resonance (MR) with pituitary imaging revealed findings consistent with SS. The patient's symptoms improved and ultimately resolved after levothyroxine, estrogen replacement therapy, and hydrocortisone were instituted. Conclusions: SS can present without recognized inciting factors. During the initial phase, women may present with profound headache and/or visual disturbances warranting neurological evaluation. A high index of suspicion and a brain MR with pituitary imaging should prompt early consideration of SS to aid in the diagnosis.
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