Obstetrics and Gynaecology

The first case of thrombolysis for stroke in pregnancy in the UK (2014)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Ritchie J., *Lokman M., *Panikkar J.

Citation:
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, November 2014, vol./is. 121/(7), 1470-0328 (November 2014)

Abstract:
Case: A healthy 28-year-old Caucasian woman presented to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) in her second pregnancy at 39 weeks of gestation with a sudden onset of dense left hemiparesis. This woman had no preceding risk factors. An urgent CT scan showed no acute changes suggesting a diagnosis of ischaemic stroke. Through discussion between the stroke specialist and consultant obstetrician, it was decided for thrombolysis which was performed in the emergency department prior to transfer to a larger hospital with stroke facilities. We wished to discover how many other women had undergone thrombolysis for stoke in pregnancy and the associated risks. We conducted a literature review concentrating on stroke and pregnancy including known risk factors and thrombolyis in pregnancy. We have found no other documented case of thromboylsis being used for stroke in pregnancy in the UK. Additionally there are many case reports not from the UK that demonstrate good maternal and fetal outcomes after thromobolysis. Conclusion: Our case appears to be the first reported case of thrombolysis for stroke in pregnancy in the UK. All post investigations have so far come back as normal, which is unusual as most other cases have had known risk factors for stroke. Our patient has recovered well post thrombolysis, which demonstrates the importance of dealing with stroke in pregnancy efficiently to allow thrombolysis to be achieved quickly. Although the risks and benefits need to be weighed up on an individual basis, our case and the relevant literature show that thrombolyiss can be safely used in pregnancy with good maternal and fetal outcomes.

Link to more details or full-text: http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&AN=00134415-201411006-00021&LSLINK=80&D=ovft

 

Teenage pregnancy rates and outcomes in a district general hospital NHS Trust in rural Shropshire (2014)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Ritchie J., *Moores K., *Oates S.

Citation:
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, November 2014, vol./is. 121/(19-20), 1470-0328 (November 2014)

Abstract:
Introduction: The UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy across Western Europe however; the rate has been reducing, and is currently at its lowest since 1969. Perceptions exist of worse outcomes in teenage pregnancies among healthcare professionals and the public alike. We aim to determine outcomes of teenage pregnancy (2013- 2014) and compare rates of teenage pregnancy (2008-2013) and at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals (SaTH) NHS Trust and compare with local population outcomes. Methods: A 12-month retrospective review of teenage pregnancy outcomes and comparison with outcomes of all deliveries at SaTH between April 2013 and March 2014; a total of 4916 deliveries. Data sources included the MEDWAY Hospital Database. Recorded pregnancy outcomes classified into two categories: outcomes in mothers’ aged 19 years or younger at time of delivery and outcomes in all mothers’ in who delivered at SaTH in the study period. Parameters assessed included mode of delivery; blood loss; perineal trauma; birthweight; Apgar scores. Teenage pregnancy rates over the last six years were compared to recorded rates in 1996. Results: The rate of teenage pregnancy has continued to reduce, especially those under 16 years. Over 90% of teenage mothers’ had vaginal delivery; only 3% had elective and 5% had emergency caesarean deliveries. Low rates of instrumental deliveries were seen in each category; however, no failed instrumental deliveries occurred among teenage mothers’. Babies born over 37 weeks of gestation was lower among teenage mothers’ however mean birthweights were similar and mean Apgar scores were the same in both groups. Severe perineal trauma was much lower among teenage mothers’; more than half had no perineal trauma. Furthermore, teenage mothers’ had much lower rates of post-partum haemorrhage. Thus, one may suggest a lower risk of harm to teenage parturients and their babies compared with the general local population.

Link to more details or full-text: http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&AN=00134415-201411006-00055&LSLINK=80&D=ovft