OBG Flashcards
What may be the features of a uterus on examination in adenomyosis?
classically ‘boggy/bulky’ most likely to be tender
How is a diagnosis of adenomyosis made?
US +- MRI
What are 5 treatment options in adenomyosis if patient wishes to remain fertile?
- NSAIDs
- Hormonal therapies - OCPs, IUS, danazol, aromatase inhibitors
- MRI/US guided high-intensity US thermo-ablation
- Uterine artery embolisation
- adenomyomectomy surgery
What are 2 options for adenomyosis treatment in women who do not wish to preserve fertility?
- endometrial ablation
- hysterectomy
What is the most common non-obstetric surgical emergency in pregnancy?
appendicitis
How may the presentation of appendicitis differ in pregnancy?
most often close to McBurney point BUT can move cephalad e.g. R flank / RUQ; tenderness may be less prominent as uterus lifts abdo wall away; classically
* 1st trimester: pain RLQ
* 2nd trimester: umbilicus
* 3rd trimester: RUQ
What 3 things should be done in all cases of suspected ectopic pregnancy?
- admit as emergency
- if confirmed - anti-rhesus D prophylaxis
- manage it: expectantly, medically or surgically
What are the expectant vs medical vs surgical management of ectopic pregnancy?
- expectant: admit and observe 48h (if low risk, low bHCG and no pain)
- medical: methotrexate
- surgical: laparoscopic approach preferred -> salpingectomy (salpingotomy i.e. keep the tube if RFs for reduced fertility)
What are 10 indications for anti-D treatment in Rh D negative women?
- delivery of Rhesus +ve infant (live or stillborn)
- spontaneous miscarriage if followed by medical or surgical evacuation
- spontaneous complete miscarriage >12 weeks
- threatened miscarriage >12 weeks
- ectopic pregnancy managed surgically
- external cephalic version
- antepartum haemorrhage
- amniocentesis, CVS, fetal blood samplling
- abdo trauma
- having surgical or medical termination of pregnancy (unless have Abs) [ANY TOP]
What are 9 physiological changes of pregnancy?
- Rise in prolactin
- Rise in plasma volume by 50%
- Hb drops (dilution)
- WCC, platelets, ESR rise
- Cardiac output increases (increased stroke volume + HR)
- Urinary frequency increases - increased pressure on bladder and GFR
- BP drops during 2nd trimester, increases to normal third
- Ventilation and tidal volume increase
- Chloasma and scalp hair loss
What are 2 basic investigations to perform for infertility?
- Semen analysis
- Serum progesterone 7 days before menstruation (day 21 of 28 day cycle)
How is serum progesterone acted on in infertility?
<16 repeat, if consistently low refer to specialist
16-30 repeat
>30 indicates ovulation
What is the commonest type of ovarian cancer?
epithelial (90%) - 70-80% of cases = serous carcinoma
In addition to ovarian cancer what are 4 things that can cause a raised CA125?
- endometriosis
- benign ovarian cysts
- menstruation
At what threshold should US be organised based on CA125?
CA125 >35
What is the treatment for ovarian cancer?
combination of surgery and platinum based chemotherapy
What antiemetic is recommended first line for nausea/vomiting in pregnancy?
promethazine (ginger and acupuncture to p6 [wrist] also noted)
At what point after giving birth do women require contraception?
Day 21
What is the guidance for POP use after giving birth?
Can be started any time; additional contraception should be used for first 2 days after day 21
How long may it take for fertility to return after Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) injections are stopped?
12 months
What is the main mechanism of action of Depo Provera?
Inhibition of ovulation (also cervical mucus thickening and endometrial thinning)
Which antibiotic drugs are safe to give mothers who are breastfeeding?
- penicillins
- trimethoprim
- cephalosporins
Which antibiotics are contraindicated in mothers who are breastfeeding?
- ciprofloxacin
- tetracyclines
- sulphonamides
- chloramphenicol
What are 9 additional drugs that should be avoided in breastfeeding mothers (as well as certain antibiotics)?
- amiodarone
- aspirin
- benzodiazepines
- carbimazole
- clozapine
- cytotoxic drugs
- lithium
- methotrexate
- sulphonylureas
What are 2 endocrine drugs safe in breastfeeding?
- glucocorticoids (lower doses)
- levothyroxine
What are 2 AEDs safe for breastfeeding?
- valproate
- carbamazepine
What psychiatric medications can be given in breastfeeding mothers?
- tricyclic antidepressants
- antipsychotics (not clozapine)
Which anticoagulants can be given in breastfeeding mothers?
Warfarin & heparin
What is the management of premature ovarian insufficiency?
Combined HRT or COCP until age 51
What is the definition of premature ovarian insufficiency?
Onset of menopausal symptoms and raised gonadotropin levels aged < 40 years
What are 7 causes of premature menopause?
- idiopathic
- bilateral oophorectomy (also hysterectomy with preservation of ovaries)
- radiotherapy
- chemotherapy
- infection e.g. mumps
- autoimmune disorders
- resistant ovary syndrome - due to FSH receptor abnormalities
What blood tests are required to diagnose premature ovarian insufficiency?
Elevated FSH/LH levels e.g. FSH >40 - raised FSH needs to be demonstrated on 2 blood tests 4-6 weeks apart
Low oestradiol <100
What is pre-menstrual syndrome?
symptoms during luteal phase (for the ~2 weeks before period starts) - mood swings, trouble sleeping, anxiety, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches
What is the treatment for pre-menstrual syndrome?
COCP (also cyclic or continuous antidepressants, CBT, dietary supplements)
first line is lifestyle advice
What is the first line treatment for menorrhagia?
LNG-IUS if require contraception, mefenamic acid or TXA if not
What is the primary mechanism of action of COCP?
inhibits ovulation by acting on HPA to suppress LH and FSH
What is the primary mechanism of action of the POP (apart from desogestrel)?
thickens cervical mucus
What is the primary mechanism of the implantable contraceptive (etonogestrel)?
inhibits ovulation (also thickens cervical mucus)
What is the primary mechanism of action of the intrauterine contraceptive device?
decreases sperm motility and survival
What is the primary mechanism of action of the intrauterine system (IUS)?
prevents endometrial proliferation (also thickens cervical mucus)
What are the phases of the menstrual cycle?
- menstruation: days 1-4
- follicular phase (proliferative phase): days 5-13
- ovulation: day 14
- luteal phase (secretory phase): days 15-28
What is going on in terms of ovarian histology during the follicular (proliferative) phase?
A number of follicles develop, one of which will become dominant around the mid-follicular phase
What is the ovarian histology during the luteal (secretory) phase?
Corpus luteum
What happens to endometrial histology during the follicular (proliferative) phase?
endometrial proliferation
What happens to endometrial histology during the luteal (secretory) phase?
endometrium changes to secretory lining under the influence of progesterone
What happens to homrone levels during the follicular (proliferative) phase?
- Rise in FSH - results in development of follicles
- Follicles secrete oestroadiol
- When egg matured, secretes enough oestradiol to trigger acute release of LH which leads to ovulation
What happens to hormone levels during the luteal (secretory) phase?
- progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum, rises throughout this phase
- if feritlisation doesn’t occur - coprus luteum degenerates, progesterone levels fall
- oestradiol levels also rise again during this phase
What happens to cervical mucus during the follicular (proliferative) phase?
Following menstruation, it is thick and forms a plug across the external os; just prior to ovulation, it becomes clear, aceullular and low viscosity, stretchy (spinnbarkeit)
What happens to cervical mucus during the luteal (secretory) phase?
thick, scant and tacky
What happens to basal body temperature during the follicular (proliferative) phase?
falls prior to ovulation due to influence of oestradiol
What happens to basal body temperature during the secretory (luteal) phase?
Rises following ovulation in response to higher progesterone levels
What is placental abruption?
separation of a normally sited placenta from the uterine wall, resulting in maternal haemorrhage into the intervening space
What are 5 factors associated with placental abruption?
- proteinuric hypertension
- cocaine
- multiparity
- maternal trauma
- increasing maternal age
What are 6 clinical features in keeping with placental abruption?
- shock out of keeping with visible loss
- pain constant
- tender, tense (woody) uterus
- normal lie and presentation
- fetal heart: absent/distressed
- coagulation problems
What are 5 causes of recurrent miscarriage?
- antiphospholipid syndrome
- endocrine disorders: poorly controlled diabetes mellitus/ thyroid disorders, PCOS
- uterine abnormality e.g. uterine septum
- parental chromosomal abnormalities
- smoking
What is the management of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy?
screened + treated (associated with premature delivery + low birthweight)
What is the
What is first and second line treatment for primary dysmenorrhea?
First line: NSAIDs like mefenamic acid, ibuprofen
Second line: COCP
What is the key step in management for secondary dysmenorrhea?
Refer to gynaecology
How does the timing of pain differ in primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea?
More likely to be 3-4 days before onset of period if secondary; in primary, occurs with or just before period starting
What are 4 HPV strains most linked to cervical cancer?
16, 18, 31, 33
What are 9 risk factors for cervical cancer?
- HPV - 16, 18, 31, 33
- smoking
- HIV
- young age first coitus
- high number sexual partners
- young age first pregnancy
- high parity
- low socioeconomic class
- sexula partner with multiple sexual partners
Why is young age of first coitus a risk factor for cervical cancer?
adolescent cervix is more susceptible to carcinogenic stimuli as squamous metaplasia in the transformation zone is active during this time
Why is young age at first pregnancy a risk factor for cervical cancer?
metaplasia most active during first pregnancy
What can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)? Give 3 examples
some forms of infertility treatment
1. gonadotropin or hCG treatment
2. clomifene (rare)
3. IVF
What happens for someone to develop OHSS?
thought that presence of multiple luteinised cysts in ovaries causehigh levels of oestrogens, progesterone + VEGF - increased membrane permeability, loss of fluid from intravascular compartment
What are 8 features of OHSS?
- abdominal pain
- abdominal bloating / ascites
- nausea / vomiting
- oliguria / anuria
- raised haematocrit >45%
- hypoproteinaemia
- VTE
- ARDS
How is OHSS severity categorised?
- mild: abdo pain, bloating
- moderate: nausea + vomiting, ascites on US
- severe: clinical ascites, oliguria, haematocrit >45%, hypoproteinaemia
- critical: VTE, ARDS, anuria, tense ascites
What is menometrorrhagia?
heavy and prolonged bleeding that occurs at irregular intervals
What is the definition of secondary amenorrhoea?
periods that were previously regular stop for 3 or more months
What is the only combined contraceptive patch licensed for use in the UK?
Evra patch
How does use of the contraceptive patch work?
- patch cycle lasts 4 weeks
- for first 3 weeks, patch worn every day, changed each week
- during 4th week patch not worn
What is the advice regarding delayed contraceptive patch change?
- delayed end of week 1 or 2: if delay < 48h: immediate change, no further precautions; if > 48h: change immediately, barrier 7 days, EC if UPSI
- end of week 3: remove old patch ASAP, new patch applied on usual cycle start day for next cycle (even if withdrawal bleeding); no additional contraception needed
- if application delayed at of patch-free week: additional barrier for 7 days following any delay
What are the 4 Ts of postpartum haemorrhage?
- Tone - uterine atony
- Trauma - e.g. perineal tear
- Tissue - retained placeneta
- Thrombin - clotting / bleeding disorder
What is the commonest cause of postpartum haemorrhage?
uterine atony (tone)
What is the definition of postpartum haemorrhage?
loss of >500ml after vaginal delivery
* Primary: within first 24h
* Secondary: between 24h - 6 weeks
What are the 2 commonest causes of secondary PPH?
- retained placental tissue
- endometritis
What are 9 risk factors for primary PPH?
- previous PPH
- prolonged labour
- pre-eclampsia
- increased maternal age
- polyhydramnios
- emergency C-section
- placenta praevia, planceta accreta
- macrosomia
- effect of parity - nulliparity now thought to be risk factor
What are 3 ways that the management of PPH can be divided?
- Mechanical
- Medical
- Surgical
What does mechanical management of PPH involve?
- palpate uterine fundus and rub it to stimulate contractions (‘rubbing up the fundus’)
- catheterisation to prevent bladder distension and monitor UO
What are 5 aspects of the medical management of primary PPH?
- IV oxytocin - slow IV injection, then IV infusion
- Ergometrine slow IV or IM
- Carboprost IM then intramyometrial
- Misoprostol sublingual or rectal
- ?possible role for tranexamic acid
Given in sequence
When is ergometrine (used in PPH) contraindicated?
if there is a history of hypertension
When is carboprost (used in PPH) contraindicated?
asthma
What is the first line surgical option for PPH where uterine atony is the only/main cause?
intrauterine balloon tamponade
What are 4 surgical options for management of PPH?
- intrauterine balloon tamponade
- B-Lynch suture
- Ligation of uterine arteries or internal iliac arteries
- Hysterectomy - if severe and would be life-saving procedure
What is the basic pathophysiology of Rhesus antibodies and pregnancy?
- rhesus system is the most important antigen found on red blood cells; D antigen most important of rhesus system
- if Rh -ve mother has Rh +ve child, leak of fetal red blood cells may occur - causes antibodies in mother
- in later pregnancies these can cross placenta and cause haemolysis in fetus
How is rhesus status in pregnant women managed?
- test for D antibodies in all Rh -ve mothers at booking
- give anti-D immunoglobulin to non-sensitised Rh -ve mothers at 28 and 34 weeks (or just 28 weeks depending on region)
What is the management of babies born to Rh -ve mothers?
should all have cord blood taken at delivery for FBC, blood group & direct Coombs test
What does the direct Coombs test involve for a baby born to a Rh -ve mother?
direct antiglobulin, will demonstrate antibodies on RBCs of baby
Waht does a Kleihauer test involve?
add acid to maternal blood, fetal cells are resistant
What are the signs of a fetal affected by haemolysis secondary to Rhesus D antibodies?
- oedematous - hydrops fetalis
- jaundice, anaemia, hepatosplenomegaly
- heart failure
- kernicterus
What is the treatment for haemolytic disease of the newborn?
transfusions, UV phototherapy
What treatment is offered for women at risk of pre-eclampsia?
aspirin 75mg OD from 12 weeks until birth of baby
1 or more high risk factors, 2 or more moderate
What is the management of hypertension in pregnancy?
- systolic >140 or diastolic >90
- increase above booking reasons of >30 systolic or >15 diastolic
What is the management of hypertension in pregnancy?
- oral labetalol first line
- oral nifedipine (e.g. if asthmatic) and hydralazine
What is the first line medical management of primary postpartum haemorrhage?
IV oxytocin ( oxytocin-> ergometrine-> carboprost [IM > intramyometrial], rectal misoprostol)
What is the preferred treatment option for DVT in pregnancy?
subcut LMWH
What are is the legislation re: termination of pregnancy?
Abortion Act 1967
- upper limit 24 weeks unless threat to life of woman / extreme physical or mental injury / severe fetal abnormality
2 medical professionals must sign legal document (1 in emergency)
Before 24 weeks permitted if:
- risk of physical or mental injury to mother greater than if pregnancy terminated / to existing children
- termination necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to physical or mental health of woman
- if child were born would suffer significant abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped
What are the medical options for termination of pregnancy?
Mifepristone followed by prostaglandins (e.g. misprostol) 48 hours later
What must be done after a medical TOP?
Multi level pregnancy test 2 weeks later (bhCG level not just positive/negative)
What are the rules for anti-D prophylaxis for TOP?
Give anti-D if having TOP after 10 weeks gestation
What are the options for surgical TOP?
- transcervical procedure: manual vacuum aspiration, electric vacuum aspiration, dilatation and evacuation
- cervical priming with misoprostol +- mifepristone
- under LA/ conscious sedation + LA, deep sedation, general anaesthesia
What is the commonest type of ovarian cyst?
Follicular cyst
What is the cause of follicular cysts?
Due to non-rupture of the dominant follicle or failure of atresia in a non-dominant follicle
What is the usual outcome of follicular cysts?
Commonly regress after several menstrual cycles
What are two types of functional (physiological) cysts?
Follicular and corpus Luteum
What is a corpus luteum cyst?
Usually breaks down and disappears if pregnancy doesn’t occur - if it doesn’t, fills with blood or fluid and cyst forms
What type of physiological ovarian cyst is more like to cause intra-peritoneal bleeding?
Corpus luteum cyst
What is the main benign germ cell ovarian tumour?
Dermoid cyst
What is the key type of benign germ cell tumour of the ovaries?
Dermoid cyst (mature cystic teratoma)
What is the most common benign ovarian tumour in women under 30?
Dermoid cyst
Which ovarian tumour is most commonly associated with torsion?
Dermoid cyst
What are 2 types of benign epithelial tumours of the ovary?
- Serous cystadenoma
- Mucinous cystadenoma
What is the commonest type of benign epithelial ovarian tumour?
Serous cystadenoma (commonly mistaken for serous carcinoma)
What can happen if a mucinous cystadenoma ruptures?
Can cause pseudomyxoma peritonei
What is the commonest identifiable cause of podtcoital bleeding?
Cervical ectropion (unidentifiable is single commonest)
What are the next steps if cervical screening (for hrHPV) is positive?
- cytology - if abnormal - colposcopy
- if cytology normal - repeat hrHPV screen at 12 months
- if hrHPV positive at repeat - cytology - if normal again repeat hrHPV at 12 months
- if third hrHPV positive - colposcopy
What happens if hrHPV screen is inadequate?
Repeat 3 months - if still inadequate colposcopy
What is the treatment of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN)?
Large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ)
What risk is associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy?
increased risk of premature birth
What is the management of intrahepatic choelstasis of pregnancy?
- induction of labour at 37-38 weeks (common practice, may not be evidence based)
- ursodeoxycholic acid
- vitamin K supplementation
What is the rate of recurrence of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in subsequent pregnancies?
45-90%
How is a diagnosis of gestation diabetes made?
- fasting glucose >5.6
- OGTT glucose >7.8
What are 5 risk factors for gestational diabetes?
- BMI >30
- previous macrosomic baby (4.5kg or more)
- previous GD
- 1st degree relative with diabetes
- family origin with high prevalence of diabetes e.g. Soutu Asian, Caribbean, middle Eastern
When should screening for gestational diabetes be performed?
- ASAP after booking in women with previous GD AND at 24-28 weeks if first test normal
- OGTT 24-28 weeks in woemnw tih any risk factors
What is the management of gestational diabetes?
- if plasma glucose <7 - trial of diet and exercise. if glucose targets not met at 1-2 weeks - metformin. still not met - short-acting insulin added to metformin
- if plasma glucose >7 - insulin
- if plasma glucose 6-6.9 + complications (macrosomia, hydramnios) - insulin
What drug should be offered for women with GD who cannot tolerate metformin / fail to meet glucose targets with metformin but decline insulin?
glibenclamide
How should medications be changed in pregnancy for women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus?
- stop oral hypoglycaemics apart from metformin + commence insulin
- folic acid 5mg/day
- detailed anomaly scan 20 weeks including 4 chamber view of heart + outflow tracts
What are the targets for self-monitoring of pregnant women (both pre-existing and gestational diabetes)?
- fasting: 5.3
- 1 hour after meals: 7.8
- 2 hours after meals: 6.4
What are the classic examination findings in endometriosis?
reduced organ mobility, tender nodularity in posterior vaginal fornix, visible vaginal endometriotic lesions
What are the investigations for endometriosis?
laparoscopy is gold standard; little role of investigation in primary care, if sx significant - refer for definitive diagnosis
What is the recommended first line treatment for endometriosis?
NSAIDs and / or paracetamol
if analgesia doesn’t help - COC or progestogens e.g. medroxyprogesterone acetate
What are 3 secondary care treatment options for endometriosis?
- GnRH analogues - induce pseudomenopause due to low oestrogen levels
- surgery - laparoscopic excision or ablation of endometriosis + adhesiolysis
- ovarian cystectomy for endometriomas
What are 3 situations when expectant miscarriage (watch + wait) is not appropriate + should be managed medically or surgically?
- increased risk of haemorrhage - late first trimester, coagulopathies or unable to have transfusion
- previous adverse and/or traumatic experience associated with pregnancy e.g. stillbirth, miscarriage, APH
- evidence of infection
What is the medical management of miscarriage?
vaginal misoprostol (prostaglandin analogue) binds to myometrial cells to cause strong myometrial contractions + expel tissue
+ antiemetics + pain relief
What is the surgical management of miscarriage?
vacuum aspiration (suction curettage, done in OPA under LA) or management in theatre
What supplements are recommended in uncomplicated pregnancy?
Folic acid 400mcg and vitamin D 10 mcg
What is shoulder dystocia?
complication of vaginal cephalic delivery
entails the inability to deliver the body of the fetus using gentle traction, the head having already been delivered
usually due to impaction of the anterior fetal shoulder on the maternal pubic symphysis
What are 4 risk factors for shoulder dystocia?
- Fetal macrosomia
- High maternal BMI
- DM
- Prolonged labour
What is first line management of shoulder dystocia during delivery?
McRoberts manoeuvre- flexing and abduction of mothers hips, increases the relative anterior-posterior angle of the pelvis
What 3 things might be considered for shoulder dystocia if mcroberts doesn’t work?
- Episiotomy
- Symphysiotomy
- Zavanelli manoeuvre
How does cerazette differ from other POP types?
12 hour window rather than 3 hours to take pill
What is the mechanism of cerazette?
= desogestrel, inhibits ovulation (secondarily caused thicker mucus secretion)
Until what time post-partum do women not need contraception?
day 21
When can the POP be started as contraception for women postpartum?
any time postpartum
For how long should additional contraception be used if the POP is initiated post-partum?
if initiated after day 21 - additional contraception for 2 days
What is the advice for COCP in women breastfeeding postpartum?
- UKMEC 4 if breastfeeding <6 weeks postpartum
- UKMEC2 if breastfeeding 6weeks - 6 months
When can COCP be started postpartum in women NOT breastfeeding?
should not be used in first 21 days due to increased VTE risk postpartum
For how long should additional contraception be used if the COCP is started after day 21 postpartum (in a non-breastfeeding woman)?
7 days
When can IUD or IUS be used postpartum for contraception?
within 48h OR after 4 weeks
How effective is the lactational amenorrhoea method?
98% effective if woman fully breastfeeding (no supplementary feeds), amenorrhoeic and <6 months post partum
What are 3 risks of a short inter-pregnancy interval (<12 months)?
- increased risk of preterm birth
- low birth weight
- small for gestational age (SGA) babies
How frequent is cervical screening?
- 25-49y: every 3y
- 50-64y: every 5y
- 65y: only if 2 of last 3 tests was abnormal
Why must aspirin be avoided in breastfeeding women?
risk of Reye’s syndrome; regular use of high doses could impair platelet function and produce hypoprothrombinaemia in infants if neonatal vitamin K stores are low
Why must aspirin be avoided in breastfeeding women?
risk of Reye’s syndrome; regular use of high doses could impair platelet function and produce hypoprothrombinaemia in infants if neonatal vitamin K stores are low
How does the risk of pregnant women developing listeriosis (caused by Listeria monocytogenes) compare to the general population?
20x greater in pregnancy
How can feral/neonatal infection with Listeria occur?
Transplacentally or vertically during childbirth
How can Listeria infection spread to the fetus/newborn in pregnant women?
Transplacentally or vertically during birth
How can Listeria infection spread to the fetus/newborn in pregnant women?
Transplacentally or vertically during birth
What are 4 complications of Listeria infection of the newborn?
- Miscarriage
- Preterm labour
- Stillbirth
- Chorioamnionitis
What is the only way that a diagnosis of Listeria infection (Listeriosis) can be made in pregnant women?
Blood cultures
What is the treatment of listeriosis in pregnant women?
Amoxicillin
What is the primary mode of action of the copper IUD?
Decreased sperm motility and survival preventing fertilisation
What is the mechanism of action of the IUS for contraception?
Prevents endometrial proliferation and causes cervical mucous thickening
How long is it before the IUD vs IUS can be relied upon for contraception?
Immediate for IUD, after 7 days for IUS
How long does the copper IUD last for?
5 years if copper just on stem; up to 10 on arms of the T as well
How long does the Mirena IUS last for?
5 years
If used as endometrial protection for women taking oestrogen only HRT how long is the Mirena IUS licensed for?
4 years
What increased the risk of uterine perforation with the IUS/IUD?
Breastfeeding (normally risk is 2 in 1000)
What increases the risk of perforation with IUS/IUD?
Pregnancy (normally risk is 2 per 1000)