ObGyn Flashcards
Molar pregnancy classically presents after how many weeks gestation
14
Name some of the symptoms of molar pregnancy?
1) Extreme morning sickness (due to high levels of b-hCG)
2) Heat intolerance and anxiety (due to the b-HCG mimicking TSH properties inducing a state of hyperthyroidism)
3) Vaginal bleeding
“Snowstorm” appearance on pelvic ultrasound is diagnostic of which condition?
Molar pregnancy
What most useful marker to monitor the treatment of molar pregnancy?
Beta human chorionic gondatotropin (b-HCG) to ensure that there is no foetal tissue remaining after evacuation of the products of conception
What is it important to monitor beta human chorionic gondatotropin (b-HCG) whilst treating a molar pregnancy?
To minimise the risk of developing choriocarcinoma
CA-125 is a marker of which kind of ObGyn cancer?
Ovarian cancer
Often used to monitor response to treatment and recurrence
Management of molar pregnancy
Managed by suction evacuation followed by serial beta hCG measurements and surveillance registration
What is the most common cause of postpartum haemorrhage
Uterine atony - the failure for the uterus to contract after delivery due to a lack of tone in the uterine muscle.
What is the major risk factor for uterine atony
Uterine over-distension, as seen in multiple pregnancy
Define Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)
The loss of at least 500ml of blood within the first 24 hours of delivery.
The 4 causes of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)
4 ‘T’s
Tone (uterine atony) - failure of the uterus to contract after delivery
Trauma either birth canal injury or tear.
Tissue - retainment of placental or foetal tissue
Thrombin i.e. coagulopathies
Clinical examination signs of uterine atony (postpartum haemorrhage)
Soft and high position of the uterus
Which type of contraception is contraindicated by current pelvic infection
IUS (intrauterine system that releases progesterone)
IUD (intrauterine device which releases copper)
How long can the Intra-uterine device stay for
Up to 10 years
What is the most effective form of emergency contraception
Intra-uterine device
Prevents implantation and can be used 120 hours after the first episode of UPSI or after the earliest expected date of ovulation.
Name an absolute contraindication for vaginal birth after caesarean
Classic caesarean section scar (vertical)
What type of miscarriage
Cervical os is closed
Gestational sac and fetal pole within the uterus
Threatened miscarriage
A process of miscarriage that has started but not yet progressed and thus the foetus remains viable
What type of miscarriage
Cervical os is closed
Uterus contains foetal tissue but no foetal heart beat
No vaginal bleeding
Missed miscarriage
Products of conception in the uterus with absent of foetal heartbeat indicating the foetus has died.
Define miscarriage
Involuntary spontaneous pregnancy loss <24 weeks gestation
What type of miscarriage
Cervical os open
Vaginal bleeding present
Foetal heartbeat on US
Products of contraception are in the uterus
Inevitable miscarriage
Foetus is currently alive i.e. no expulsion of products of conception, but the pregnancy will not continue and will proceed to incomplete or complete miscarriage
What type of miscarriage
Cervical os open
Vaginal bleeding present
No foetal heartbeat on US
Products of contraception are within the cervical canal or uterus
Incomplete miscarriage
No viable pregnancy is present but the products of conception remain in the uterus
What type of miscarriage
Cervical os closed
Vaginal bleeding present
No foetal heartbeat on US
Products of contraception are completely outside of the uterus
Complete miscarriage
The complete passage of all products of conception i.e. uterus is empty, and the cervix is closed
What are the three features to check on a trans-vaginal ultrasound scan to assess foetal viability in a miscarriage
Mean gestational sac diameter
Foetal pole
Foetal heart beat
What is the triad of features of hyperemesis gravidarum
5% prepregnancy weight loss
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalance
What is the first line medication used for hyperemesis gravidarum
Antihistamines such as oral promethazine or oral cyclizine
Aim to control the nausea and vomiting
What is the classic presentation of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome
Right upper quadrant pain, sometimes associated with shoulder tip pain due to irritation of the diaphragm.
Commonly a complication of pelvic inflammatory disease, where adhesions (bands of scar tissue) form due to inflammation of the liver capsule
Name a potential complication of pelvic inflammatory disease
Chronic pelvic pain (40%)
Infertility (15%)
Ectopic pregnancy (1%)
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (where adhesions (bands of scar tissue) form due to inflammation of the liver capsule)
How is Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome definitively diagnosed
Laparoscopy
What are two common causes of pelvic inflammatory disease
Chlaymidia trachomatis (39%)
Neiserria Gonorrhoea (14%)
What is the name of the diagnostic criteria for Polycystic ovary syndrome
Rotterdam diagnostic criteria
PCOS can be diagnosed if two of the following criteria are present.
Name the 3 criteria
Polycystic ovaries on transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound
Oligo-/anovulation
Clinical or biochemical features of hyperandrogenism
Name a complication of polycystic ovary syndrome
Infertility
What is the most common organism that causes septic arthritis
Staphylococcus Aureus
Name some of the NICE red flags for ovarian malignancy
Abdominal distension (bloating)
Feeling full (early satiety)
Loss of appetite
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Increased urinary urgency and/or frequency
Older age (>50)
What examination and management option are all women offered at 40 weeks gestation
Vaginal examination and membrane sweep
How are Bartholin’s gland abscess managed
Incision and drainage, with insertion of a word catheter to encourage marsupialisation
Oral antibiotics are usually sufficient to treat the infection
Contraction of chickenpox during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to congenital varicella syndrome in the newborn due to the virus’ teratogenic effects. Typical features include low birth weight, limb hypoplasia, skin scarring, microcephaly and eye defects.
What medication should be given to the mother within 24 hours of the rash developing to prevent the baby from developing features such as limb hypoplasia, skin scarring and eye defects.
Acyclovir
What are the 4 characteristic features of antiphospholipid syndrome
CLOT:
Clots e.g. DVT
Livedo reticularis (mottled, lace-like appearance of the skin on the lower limbs)
Obstetric loss i.e.recurrent miscarriages
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
Likely Dx:
Age between 30-50
Overweight
Menorrhagia
Dysmenorrhoea
Abdominal discomfort
Uterus can be palpated above the symphysis pubis
Uterine fibroids
Likely Dx:
Itching sensation around vulva
Thick creamy discharge
Negative whiff test
Genital candidiasis i.e. thrush
What is the recommended first line treatment for genital candidiasis
Single dose of oral fluconazole 150mg
Often it is patient preference - the mainstay is antifungal treatment
What type of bacteria is gonorrhoea
Intracellular gram-negative diplococci
What type of infection is the most common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease
Gonorrhoea
What is first line imaging investigation for a breast limb in under 40 years old
Ultrasound scan
What timescale should the booking visit be performed in pregnancy
8 - 12 weeks
The visit includes BP, urine dipstick, BMI check. Bloods include FBC, blood group, rhesus status, red cell alloantibodies, hepatitis B, syphilis, rubella, HIV test is offered, and urine culture
What is the timeframe for Down’s syndrome screening including nuchal scan
11 - 13 + 6 weeks
Mixing of RhD+ foetal blood with a RhD- mother who has already been sensitised before to RhD.
What is the complication that can occur as a result?
Haemolytic disease of the newborn
This is when the woman’s anti-D antibodies cross the placenta and enter foetus circulation, which contains RhD+ blood and bind to the antigens, causing the foetal immune system to attack and destroy its own RBCs.
Rhesus D- women are routinely offered anti-D prophylaxis to prevent haemolytic disease of the newborn.
When is the doses of anti-D prophylaxis given to rhesus negative women
Offered two doses in total = 28 and 34 weeks.
What is the timeframe for the anomaly scan to be performed during pregnancy
18-20 + 6 weeks
What are the criteria to be referred for further investigations (if they are trying for a baby)
Regular unprotected intercourse for 1 year, without a successful pregnancy
If they have known risk factors for infertility you may consider earlier referral
Define Placenta praevia
Placenta overlying the internal cervical os
Placenta praevia is where the placenta is fully or partially attached to the lower uterine segment. It is an important cause of antepartum haemorrhage – vaginal bleeding from week 24 of gestation until delivery.
Define antepartum haemorrhage
Vaginal bleeding from weeks 24 of gestation until delivery
What is the main risk factor for placenta praevia
Previous caesarean section
Vasa praevia is characterised by a triad of
(i) Vaginal bleeding
(ii) Rupture of membranes
(iii) Foetal compromise e.g. abnormal CTG
The bleeding occurs following membrane rupture when there is rupture of the umbilical cord vessels, leading to loss of fetal blood and rapid deterioration in fetal condition.
What test is used to determine the amount of feto-maternal haemorrhage and thus the dose of Anti-D required for the maternal Rhesus -ve
Kleihauer test
What investigation is used to definitive diagnosis placenta praevia
Transvaginal ultrasound
Likely Dx:
Painless vaginal bleeding after 24 weeks of pregnancy
Placenta praevia
If patient has known placenta praevia, how must she deliver?
Via Caesarean section aim for an elective caesarean section at 37-38 weeks gestation however low threshold for emergency due to risk of significant bleeding
Vaginal delivery is contraindicated with placenta praevia due to risk of significant haemorrhage
Management if mother presents not in labour with suspected placenta praevia.
ABC approach, resuscitation and stabilisation
IIf stable, perform urgent transvaginal ultrasound to diagnose placenta praevia. Consider corticosteroids if between 24-34 weeks gestation and there is risk of preterm labour
If the bleeding is not controlled, immediate caesarean section required
Characteristics of the third stage of labour
Period between the baby’s delivery and the expulsion of the placenta and membranes
How is the delivery of the placenta commonly managed
Manually by controlled cord traction.
This must be gentle, or else there is increased risk of causing complications such as uterine inversion and postpartum haemorrhage.
The delivery of the placenta is commonly managed manually by controlled cord traction. This must be gentle, or else there is increased risk of causing complications.
What two complications can occur
Uterine inversion
Postpartum haemorrhage
Characteristics of the latent first stage of labour
Regular painful contractions
Cervical changes, including effacement and dilatation up to 4cm
Characteristics of the established first stage of labour
Regular painful contractions
Progressive cervical dilatation to 4cm
Name the two stages of the first stage of labour
Latent first stage (0-4cm)
Established first stage (4-10cm)
Characteristics of the active second stage of labour
Full cervical dilatation i.e. 10cm
Active maternal pushing
Baby is visible
Characteristics of the passive second stage of labour
Full cervical dilatation i.e. 10cm
No active maternal pushing yet i.e. involuntary expulsive contractions
Name the two stages of the second stage of labour
Passive second stage (no active maternal pushing)
Active second stage (active maternal pushing and the baby is visible)
NOTE: she is in the second stage when the cervix is fully dilated i.e. 10cm
Characteristics of the third stage of labour
Period between the baby’s delivery and the expulsion of the placenta and membranes
How many stages of labour are there
3
First stage is split into: latent and established
Second stage is split into: passive and active
Third stage
Why do you not carry out a vaginal examination in any antenatal haemorrhage
They require a transvaginal ultrasound to rule out placenta praevia
This is due to the risk of inducing further haemorrhage
Name an infection that is a relative indication for C section
Active Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection
Vaginal examination should be avoided in HSV as a measure to prevent ascending infection
Medication used for post-exposure HIV prophylaxis in an infant born to a low-risk mother (i.e. low viral load, <50 HIV RNA copies/mL)
Zidovudine
Also used for the management of untreated women presenting in labour at term, and is given intravenously throughout labour.
Management of a pregnancy women with newly diagnosed HIV
Start antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible
Tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine is a common first-line regime
If the mother’s HIV viral load is <50. Can she have a normal vaginal delivery?
Yes
Normal vaginal delivery can be recommended and supported
If the mother’s HIV viral load is >50.
Can she have a normal vaginal delivery?
Not recommended
An elective caesarean section is recommended
Can a women with HIV breastfeed?
Recommended not to
The safest way to feed infants born to women with HIV is with formula milk, as there is no on-going risk of HIV exposure after birth
However women with a low viral load on cART who choose to breastfeed should be informed of the risk of transmission, but supported to breastfeed if they wish, alongside additional monitoring
How and when invited for cervical screening
Women between the ages of 25 and 64 years
Every 5 year
What is the purpose of the cervical screening i.e. smear test
Testing for the presence of human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer
What two human papilloma virus (HPV) stains account for the majority of the cervical cancers
HPV 16 and 18
What medication is the recommended first-line anti-hypertensive agent in the management of pre-eclampsia
Oral labetalol
The definitive treatment of eclampsia is the delivery of the baby.
What other medication should be considered to prevent and treatment of eclamptic seizures
Intravenous magnesium sulphate should also be given and continued for 24 hours following the last seizure
What is the first line treatment of atrophic vaginitis
Characterised by inflammation and thinning of the genital tissues due to a fall in oestrogen levels, hence is most common after menopause.
Topical oestrogen
Likely Dx:
Post menopausal woman with vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal skin
Atrophic vaginitis
‘Woody uterus’ in pathognomoic of what condition
Placental abruption (the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall)
Likely Dx:
Pregnant women at term with severe abdominal pain with woody uterus and no vaginal bleeding
May have features of shock
Placental abruption (the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall)
Shock is very common as there is often a large blood loss even when there is not a lot of blood loss vaginally because the blood mostly remains between the placenta and the uterine wall and so external losses can be minimal
When should woman that is RhD -ve ben given anti-D after the onset of placental abruption
Within 72 hours
What is the biggest risk factor for a baby developing Group B Streptococcus
Previous baby with Group B Streptococcus infection
About 50% of infants born to women who carry GBS will go on to become carriers and less than 1% become ill with the infection themselves
Management of pregnant women at risk of developing Group B Streptococcus infection e.g. had a previous baby with GBS infection
Intrapartum antibiotics prophylactically
Intrapartum meaning given from the onset of labour until full delivery
First line benzylpenicillin
This is only for those undergoing vaginal delivery. Not required for C section
What patient groups are offered intrapartum antibiotics prophylaxis against GBS
Women with risk factors for developing GBS infection
AND
All women in preterm labour regardless of their GBS status
What is the first-line manoeuvre in shoulder dystocia
McRobert’s manoeuvre i.e. mother put into hyperflex and abduction of the her legs
Increases the relative anterior-posterior diameter of the pelvis
This may be accompanied with applied suprapubic pressure
Define category 1 caesarean section
Immediate threat to the life of mother or baby and delivery should expedite immediately within 30 minutes
Define category 2 caesarean section
Poses no immediate life-threatening event to the mother or baby, but urgent delivery is required (preferably between 60 and 75 minutes)
Define category 3 caesarean section
Early delivery is required (within 24 h), but there is no evidence of maternal or foetal compromise
HELLP syndrome.
What does HELLP stand for?
Haemolysis (anaemia)
Elevated Liver enzymes
Low platelets
HELLP syndrome is a complication of what condition
Complication of preeclampsia caused by elevated blood pressure in pregnancy
Most likely to occur immediately after the baby is delivered
Likely Dx:
Pregnant women in third trimester
Painless jaundice
Pruritus in hands and feet
Elevated bilirubin
LFT normal
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage
High parity
Bleeding disorder e.g. von Willebrand disease
Pre-eclampsia
Multiple pregnancy
Gestational hypertension
What is the active management of the third stage of labor
Prophylactic uterotonic
Early cord clamping
Controlled cord traction to deliver the placenta
Oxytocin helps to contract the uterus, thereby preventing bleeding
Name the four causes of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)
4 ‘T’s.
Tone (uterine atony) - failure of the uterus to contract after delivery.
Trauma - may come from a birth canal injury or tear
Tissue - retained placental or foetal tissue can lead to continued bleeding
Thrombin - coagulopathies can lead to continued bleeding due to a failure of clotting.
Define delayed puberty
Absence of menstruation and secondary sexual characteristics by age 13
OR
Absence of menstruation but with normal secondary sexual characteristics by age 15
What are uterine fibroids
Benign smooth muscle tumours of the myometrium of the uterus
What is the gold standard investigation for uterine fibroids
Trans-vaginal ultrasound - used to assess the size and location of the fibroids.
MRI is used if ultrasound is not detailed enough to assess the fibroid for surgery.
What is the first line non-surgical management option for uterine fibroids
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena)
What is the first line management option for uterine fibroids in patients trying for a baby
Myomectomy - surgical removal of the fibroid from the uterine wall, and is generally fertility-sparing.
What medication is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea
Mefenamic acid
Dysmenorrhoea refers to painful menstruation
“MP is a pain”
What medication is used in the treatment of menorrhagia
Tranexamic acid
Menorrhagia refers to heavy periods
What is the most common cause of delayed puberty
Constitutional delay
Watch and wait approach
Most appropriate next step:
Smear: positive for HPV but negative cytology
Repeat smear in 12 months
12 months time:
If the sample is negative for HPV at 12 months, patients can be returned to routine recall.
Patients who remain positive for HPV, who still have normal cytology at 12 months should have a repeat smear test in another 12 months.
24 months time:
Patients who are then negative for HPV at 24 months can return to routine recall.
Patient who remains positive for HPV at 24 months (regardless of cytology result) should be referred to colposcopy