O&G Key Concepts Flashcards
Which SSRI leads to QT elongation and torsades de pointes?
Citalopram
What is first-line treatment for menorrhagia?
Tranexamic acid
What is the definition of pre-eclampsia?
New-onset BP >140/90mmHg after 20w AND proteinuria/organ dysfunction
When can hormonal contraception be started again after using levonorgestrel for emergency contraception?
Immediately
How do you manage a pregnant woman with previous VTE history?
Prophylactic LMWH throughout pregnancy until 6 weeks postnatal
What does an older woman with a labial lump + inguinal lymphadenopathy suggest?
Vulval carcinoma
What should you do if you are presented with a case of FGM in someone under 18?
Report it to the police
How does ovarian cancer initially spread?
Locally into pelvic area
What advice should you give about contraception to patients assigned female at birth?
Can’t use any contraceptions with oestrogen in if they’re undergoing testosterone therapy as antagonises it
What does a complete hydatidiform mole (pregnancy) look like on ultrasound?
‘snow storm’ appearance on ultrasound scan
How are pregnant women >20w who present within 24 hrs of a rash appearing (chickenpox) treated?
Oral aciclovir
What sign is ovarian torsion associated with on ultrasound?
Whirlpool sign
For transgender males, does testosterone therapy provide protection against pregnancy and what effects can it have on the pregnancy if it doesn’t?
No it doesn’t
Teratogenic effects
What is an important risk factor for hyperemesis gravidarum?
Multiple pregnancy
What is the cervical screening timeline?
25y - first invite 25-49 - every 3 years 50-64 - every 5 years 65+ not offered delay 3 months post-partum unless missed previous or previous abnormal
What treatment is first-line for painful periods that are otherwise normal?
NSAIDs - inhibit prostaglandin synthesis (one of main causes of dysmenorrhoea pains)
What is the symphysis-fundal height, where is it measured, and what should you do if it’s abnormal?
Measure to establish whether small for dates, should be 1-2cm from the gestational age in weeks e.g. 24 weeks should have a SFH of 22-26cm.
Measured from top of pubic bone to top of uterus in cm.
Get ultrasound to confirm if foetus is small for gestational age.
What is the main investigation of suspected placenta praevia?
Transvaginal ultrasound
What are 2 common long-term complications of vaginal hysterectomy with antero-posterior repair?
Enterocele
Vaginal vault prolapse
Which emergency contraception should be used with caution in patients with severe asthma?
Ulipristal
What is the first step after a woman presents concerned about reduced foetal movements?
Handheld Doppler to confirm foetal heartbeat
How long does it take each contraceptive type to be effective after administration?
Instant - IUD
2 days - progesterone-only pill
7 days - combined oral contraceptive, injection, implant, IUS
What is a major risk factor for cord prolapse?
Artificial amniotomy/rupture of membranes
What is a potential complication of ovulation induction?
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Acute presentation of hours-ago onset abdominal pain + bloating that has been increasing. On exam abdo tenderness + ascites. Hx of IVF treatment (ovulation induction). Diagnosis?
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
What is a major contraindication for injectable progesterone contraceptives?
Current breast cancer
What scale is used to screen for postnatal depression?
The Edinburgh Scale
How should you manage premenstrual syndrome?
SSRIs (fluoxetine) either continuously or during the luteal phase
What is the first-line treatment for a <35mm ectopic pregnancy with no heartbeat?
Methotrexate (interferes with DNA synthesis and disrupts cell multiplication so pregnancy doesn’t develop)
What is the definition of pregnancy-induced hypertension? (and what features does it lack that differs from pre-eclampsia?)
> 140/>90 mmHg after 20w
No proteinuria or oedema
How do you manage pregnancy-induced hypertension?
Oral labetalol
When must methotrexate be stopped for males AND females before conception?
At least 6 months in both men and women
What is the management if at the time of diagnosis of gestational diabetes, the fasting glucose is >7mmol/L?
Insulin (with or without metformin) should be started immediately
PPROM (preterm premature rupture of membranes) investigation steps
Sterile speculum exam
Then, if no fluid in posterior vaginal vault, use US to assess for oligohydramnios
How are perineal tears classified after birth?
1st degree - tear within vaginal mucosa only
2nd degree - tear into subcutaneous tissue (submucosa)
3rd degree - laceration extends into external anal sphincter
4th degree - laceration extends through external anal sphincter into rectal mucosa
What is the key clinical feature of placenta praevia?
Painless bleeding after 24w
How long are healthy couples expected to take to conceive and when would investigations be started?
Up to 1 year, investigations only started after 1 year of regular attempts to conceive
What are 3 important causes of placental abruption and what are their distinguishing features?
Placental abruption - abdominal pain + vaginal bleeding
HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets) syndrome - Anaemia or low platelets seen in blood results
Cocaine use - Dilated pupils + hyperreflexia
Pre-eclampsia - absence of the other 2 and fit of clinical scenario
If 2 COCP pills are missed in week 3, what should the patient do?
Finish pills in the current pack and omit pill-free interval starting a new pack immediately
Appropriate management if breastfed baby loses >10% birth weight in first week of life?
Refer to midwife-led breastfeeding clinic
What are the 4 classic symptoms of endometriosis?
Pelvic pain
Dysmenorrhoea
Dyspareunia
Subfertility
What is tamoxifen a risk factor for?
Endometrial hyperplasia (anti-oestrogen effect in breasts hence anti-breast cancer use but PRO-oestrogen effect in endometrium - proliferation)
What treatment is used for Group-B Streptococcus prophylaxis?
Benzylpenicillin
When should Group-B Streptococcus infection be suspected or prophylaxis started?
Fever of >38 in labour (use benzylpenicillin)
What is the COCP a protective factor for?
Endometrial cancer (reduced proliferation of endometrium)
What are the long-term complications of PCOS?
Subfertility Endometrial cancer Diabetes Stroke and TIA Coronary artery disease Obstructive sleep apnoea
What is the difference between chronic/pre-existing hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and pre-eclampsia?
Pre-existing - BP >140/90 before 20w gestation with no new proteinuria (can have a small amount present from chronic hypertension), no oedema
PIH - BP >140/90 AFTER 20w gestation, no new proteinuria, no oedema
Pre-eclampsia - BP >140/90 during pregnancy WITH proteinuria (>0.3g/24hrs). Oedema may occur
When can contraception be stopped in women above and below the age of 50?
<50 - 2 years amenorrhoea
> 50 - 1 year amenorrhoea
What is the pathway that should be in your head for management of a pregnant patient at risk of exposure to chickenpox?
1) Ask mum about her chickenpox history
2) Check for varicella antibodies
3) If confirmed mum isn’t immune then give varicella immunoglobulin (effective any point during pregnancy up to 10 days after exposure)
Management of stress incontinence
1 - pelvic floor exercises
2 - consider surgery
3 - duloxetine if no surgery
Which component of HRT increases the risk of breast cancer?
Progestogen (remember POP is also contraindicated if Hx of breast cancer)
Process of medical abortion/ToP
Mifepristone + 1+ set of prostaglandins (vaginal)
Postpartum Hb cutoff for iron supplementation
100g/L (105 2nd trimester, 110 1st trimester)
1st line treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea
NSAIDs - mefenamic acid
Important cause of visual impairment in babies born before 32 weeks
Retinopathy of prematurity
AFP raised in…
Neural tube defects (meningocele, myelomeningocele, anencephaly)
Abdominal wall defects (omphalocele, gastroschisis)
Multiple pregnancy
AFP lowered in…
Down’s syndrome
Trisomy 18
Maternal DM
18y/o girl
Sudden onset sharp tearing pelvic pain + vaginal bleeding +/- shoulder tip pain.
Hypotensive, tachycardic, cervical excitation
Ectopic pregnancy presentation
25y/o lady
2 day RUQ pain, fever, white vaginal discharge.
Previous recent Hx of pelvic pain + dyspareunia
PID presentation
16 y/o girl
12hr pelvic discomfort otherwise well + LMP 2 weeks ago.
Mild suprapubic discomfort OE.
Mittelschmerz presentation
“middle pain”, pain halfway/14 days through menstrual cycle associated with ovulation, no Tx required
Risk factors for gestational diabetes
BMI >30 Previous macrosomic baby ≥4.5kg Previous GD 1st degree relative with diabetes Family origin (South Asian, Black caribbean, middle eastern)
Investigation for gestational diabetes
OGTT - oral glucose tolerance test
- 24-28 weeks if risk factors +ve
Diagnostic thresholds for gestational diabetes
Fasting ≥5.6
2-hour ≥7.8
Course of action if 1 COC pill missed at any point
Take last pill even if this means 2 in one day + continue taking pills daily
No additional contraceptive needed
Course of action if 2 or more COC pills missed (w1, w2, w3)
Take last pill even if this means 2 in one day + continue taking pills daily + abstain/use condoms for 7 days of pills
W1 - emergency contra if unprotected sex in pill-free interval/W1
W2 - after 7 days consecutive pills no emergency contra needed
W3 - finish pills in current pack + start new pack next day leaving out pill-free interval
Chronic pelvic pain, secondary dysmenorrhoea starting days before bleeding, deep dyspareunia, subfertility.
On exam reduced organ mobility, tender nodularity in posterior vaginal fornix
Presentation of endometriosis
Gold standard investigation for endometriosis
Laparoscopy
Endometriosis management
1 - NSAIDs +/- paracetamol
2 - COCP or progestogens
3 - GnRH analogues
4 - surgery
Urge vs stress incontinence presentation
Urge - can’t get to toilet in time after urge comes on
Stress - small amounts come out on coughing/sneezing/laughing
Urge vs stress incontinence management
Urge - bladder retraining
Stress - pelvic floor muscle training
30w pregnant + intense itching on palms and soles, no rash.
Presentation of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (obstetric cholestasis)
Major complication of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Stillbirth
Normal lab findings in pregnancy (different to non-pregnant)
Reduced urea
Reduced creatinine
Increased urine protein (increased loss in urine)
Caesarian section categories + reason
Category 1 - immediate threat to life of mum or baby
Category 2 - threat to mum or baby that’s not immediately life-threatening (deliver <75 mins)
Category 3 - delivery required but mum and baby stable
Category 4 - elective caesarean
Indications for Cat 1 c-section
Suspected uterine rupture
Major placental abruption
Cord prolapse
Fetal hypoxia or persistant fetal bradycardia
Levonelle vs ulipristal effective periods since UPSI
Levonelle (levonorgestrel) - 72 hrs (can go up to 96)
Ulipristal - 120 hrs
Prophylaxis in women at moderate to high risk of pre-eclampsia
Aspirin 75-150mg daily - 12w gestation until birth
Commonest adverse effect of progestogen-only pill
Irregular vaginal bleeding
Cervical screening test method
Tests for high-risk HPV strains first
Cytological exam only if HPV test positive
Cervical screening pathway
Negative hrHPV - return to normal recall
+ve hrHPV + abnormal cells = COLPOSCOPY
+ve hrHPV + normal cells = repeat 12mths and 24mths if still +ve + normal. Return to normal recall if -ve. If +ve after 24mths then COLPOSCOPY
Inadequate sample - repeat 3mths, COLPOSCOPY if 2 consecutive
Treatment for fibroids if wishing to preserve fertility
Myomectomy
COCP use can mask Sx that would exist without it for this condition
PCOS
Use of COCP masks hirsutism, infertility, oligo/amenorrhoea
HRT delivery route to avoid VTE?
Transdermal (NOT oral)
Investigation indicated for menorrhagia + Sx
ULTRASOUND
if abnormal exam findings, pelvic pain, intermenstrual or postcoital bleeding
Precautions needed when on POP + ABx
NO extra precautions needed (media hype is fake)
Date post-delivery contraception needed
21 days postpartum
Unopposed oestrogen is a major risk factor for this type of cancer
ENDOMETRIAL cancer (not breast, that’s progesterone)
Criteria for expectant management (close monitoring + 48hr B-hCG) of ectopic pregnancy
Unruptured embryo <35mm in size No heartbeat Asymptomatic B-hCG <1,000IU/L and declining
Endometrial hyperplasia presentation
Intermenstrual bleeding
Post-menopausal bleeding
Menorrhagia
Irregular bleeding
Concerning symptom in pregnancy
Dysuria (pain on urination)
Management of cervical cancer to maintain fertility + stage
CONE biopsy + negative margins (stage IA)
Life choice that reduces incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum
Smoking
Normal CTG findings
Accelerations present
Variability >5bpm
No decelerations
HR 110-160
Main complication of induction of labour
Uterine hyperstimulation
Criteria for gynae oncology biopsy referral of ovarian cysts (‘M’ rules)
'M' rules = malignant Irregular, solid tumour Ascites 4+ papillary structures Irregular multilocular solid tumour diameter ≥100m Very strong blood flow
FGM Act 2003 principle
All forms of female genital cutting/modification for non-medical reasons is ILLEGAL and cannot be performed under any circumstances
Illegal to perform the procedures but not illegal to discuss it
Features of threatened miscarriage
Bleeding + closed cervical os
Change in folic acid dose for pregnant women on antiepileptics
5mg folic acid OD (instead of 400mcg)
Investigation findings suggesting Down’s syndrome
Raised HCG
Decreased PAPP-A
Thickened nuchal translucency
Antibiotic group safe for use in pregnancy + examples
Cephalosporins (ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, cephalexin)
Recurrence rate of postnatal psychosis
25-50%
Blood test used to measure LMWH effect in both VERY small or VERY large women (<50, >90)
Anti-Xa activity
Preferred method of induction of labour
Vaginal PGE2 (prostaglandin) gel
Guideline on using MMR vaccines in pregnant or attempting-to-become-pregnant women
DON’T USE IT
Don’t administer at all, contraindicated in pregnancy
Instead advice - avoid becoming pregnant for 28 days after having the vaccine and stay away from people with one of the MMR diseases if not immuned
Wood’s screw manoeuvre + indication
Place hand in the vagina and attempt to rotate the foetus
Shoulder dystocia (shoulder stuck on pubic symphysis)
Management of transverse lie without amniotic sac rupture
External cephalic version
Indications for continuous CTG monitoring
Suspected chorioamnionitis or sepsis, or temp ≥38
Severe hypertension ≥160/110
Oxytocin use
Presence of significant meconium
Fresh vaginal bleeding develops in labour
Classic vasa praevia triad
Rupture of membranes followed by painless vaginal bleeding and foetal bradycardia
Group B strep treatment in pregnancy
Intrapartum IV benzylpenicillin
IV is key to make sure baby is protected too
Start time + dose of folic acid for women at risk of neural tube defects + reason
Start 0.4mg daily before conception and continue until 13 wks
Neural tube formed in 1st 28 days of embryo’s development so need to be on it before this and only come off it way after
Timeframe for Cat 1 c-sections to occur
Cat 1 = emergency
Within 30 minutes of making the decision
Treatment for delayed placental delivery in pts with placenta accreta
Hysterectomy
Polyhydramnios is a risk factor for…
Placental abruption risk factor
Turner’s syndrome expected bloods results
Raised FSH/LH (primary amenorrhoea due to gonadal dysgenesis so body trying harder to make the hormones)
SSRIs for breastfeeding women
Sertraline
Paroxetine
BMI indication for 5mg folic acid + recommended timeline of use
BMI ≥30
Daily until 13th wk of pregnancy
Pain present or absent in placenta praevia?
Absent
Mental health drug to be avoided in breastfeeding
Lithium
Bishop’s score for ripe or ‘favourable’ + significance
≥8
High chance of spontaneous labour
OR
High chance of response to interventions for inducing labour
Cyclical pain but no periods and otherwise well =
Imperforate hymen
How long before women can restart hormonal contraception after Ulipristal acetate
5 days
Investigations needed to differentiate between galactocele and breast abscess
None - clinical Hx + exam enough
Definition of Sheehan’s syndrome/postpartum hypopituitarism
Reduction in function of the pituitary gland following ischaemic necrosis due to hypovolaemic shock following birth
- amenorrhoea (GnRH), hypothyroidism, milk production problems
Expected results for Down’s syndrome - AFP, oestriol, -HCG, PAPP-A, nuchal translucency
AFP - low
Oestriol - low
PAPP-A - low (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A)
-HCG - high
Nuchal translucency - thickened
Points at which women with gestational diabetes in previous pregnancy should be offered an OGTT
Immediately after booking AND at 24-28 weeks (different to just 24-28 weeks in someone with just risk factors)
Most common explanation of short <40 min episodes of decreased CTG variability
Foetus is asleep
Contraception method most associated with weight gain
Injectable contraceptive (depo-provera)
Management of all postmenopausal women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia
Total hysterectomy + bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
due to risk of malignant progression
Management of non-immune pregnant women exposed to varicella zoster virus + effective period
Single dose of varicella zoster immunoglobulin
Within 10 days of contact
Tiers of treatment for ectopic pregnancy
1 - methotrexate
2 - salpingectomy
3 - salpingotomy if risk factors for infertility as alternative to salpingectomy
Potential large side-effect of ovulation induction
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Gestation time where further investigation required if no foetal movements + management step
24 weeks - referral to maternal fetal medicine unit
Significant risk factor for placenta praevia
Assisted fertilisation (IVF)
Summary of increased risk and protective features of COCP
Increased risk - breast & cervical cancer
Protective - ovarian & endometrial cancer
Summary of 3 steps of gestational diabetes treatment
Fasting glucose <7 = trial of diet and exercise. If ineffective = metformin. If ineffective = insulin.
Fasting glucose >7 = insulin
Postnatal rule if patient receives antenatal VTE prophylaxis
Patient must receive 6 weeks of prophylaxis postnatally as well
Management of pregnant patient with Hx of VTE
Prophylaxis - LMWH antenatally + 6 weeks postpartum
Criteria for URGENT gynaecology referral if suspicion of ovarian cancer
Abdominal or pelvic mass palpable (skip CA125 and US tests and go straight to referral)
Management of placental abruption with alive fetus, <36wks, no fetal distress
Admit + give steroids + monitor both mum and baby
Management of ?PE in pregnant woman with confirmed DVT
Treat with LMWH FIRST
THEN investigate to rule in/out
Risk factor for shoulder dystocia
Diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2)
McRobert’s manoeuvre process + why it works
Flexion + abduction of maternal hips - bringing mother’s thighs towards her abdomen
Increases relative anterior-posterior angle of pelvis and often facilitates successful deliver
1st line investigations in infertility
Females - day 21 progesterone
Males - semen analysis
How often progestogen injectable contraceptive given
Every 12 weeks
Placenta praevia vs placental abruption main difference
Praevia = no pain
1st line management of mastitis in breastfeeding women
Advise to continue breastfeeding and use simple analgesia and warm compresses
Cervical ectropion more common in which women
COCP users - due to higher oestrogen levels
Cause of oligohydramnios
Renal agenesis (amniotic fluid mainly derived from foetal urine)
Most specific sign to confirm pre-eclampsia
Brisk tendon reflexes (most specific, oedema diagnostic feature but non-specific)
Appropriate investigations for vaginal candidiasis
CLINICAL diagnosis
High vaginal swab NOT routinely indicated if clinical features are consistent with candidiasis
Most EFFECTIVE form of emergency contraception + not affected by BMI
Copper IUD
1st line treatment for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (obstetric cholestasis)
Ursodeoxycholic acid
Treatment for vaginal vault prolapse
Sacrocolpoplexy
Mirena effect on periods
Initial frequent/irregular bleeding later followed by light menses or amenorrhoea
Precautions for antibiotics when on POP + exception
None - no need for extra precautions
Exception is rifampicin
Decelerations - abnormal vs normal
Normal - deceleration commences and ends with onset/completion of contraction (head compression)
Abnormal - deceleration which lags behind contraction onset + doesn’t return to normal until 30 SECONDS after end of contraction (foetal distress)
Postpartum haemorrhage definition
Blood loss of 500ml or more within 24 hours of the birth of a baby
BMI threshold for 5mg folic acid instead of 400mg
BMI >30
Diagnostic investigations needed for diagnosis of postpartum thyroiditis
Clinical manifestations and thyroid function tests alone
5 parts of cord prolapse management
Advise patient to go onto all fours
Push back presenting part of foetus into uterus
Give tocolytics (terbutaline) to reduce cord compression and allow c-section
Deliver by immediate c-section
DO NOT push cord back into uterus
Breast-feeding changes needed when on antiepileptic drugs
None needed, BFing acceptable with nearly all anti-epileptics
Cervical screening time to wait until restart after pregnancy
3 months
Unless missed previous or previous abnormal
Teenager with primary amenorrhoea + regular painful cycles - leading differential?
Imperforate hymen
1st stage of labour definitions (active + latent)
Latent = 0-3cm dilation Active = 3-10cm dilation
Clinical features of infectious mastitis
Breast pain (unilateral) Erythematous, warm, tender area associated. Can have fever/flu-like sx
Treatment of infectious mastitis
Oral flucloxacillin + continue breastfeeding
Most common CO of infectious mastitis
Staph aureus
Treatment of stage 2-4 ovarian cancers
Surgical excision
Can be accompanied by chemo
Treatment for bacterial vaginosis
Oral metronidazole