Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1 Flashcards
What is a Miscarriage?
Loss of pregnancy before 24 weeks gestation
What is an EARLY vs LATE Miscarriage?
Early miscarriage: 13- wksLate miscarriage: 13-24 wks
What percentage of pregnancies end up as Miscarriages?
30%
What are the RF for Miscarriages? (5 things)
- Age (both maternal + paternal like 35+)2. Black ethnicity3. Obesity4. Infection (e.g appendicitis)5. Anti-phospholipid syndrome
What is the single most common cause of Miscarriages in 1st trimester?
Chromosomal abn
What should you sus in with all women with bleeding in early pregnancy?
Miscarriage
What are the classifications of Miscarriages? (5 things)
- Missed2. Threatened3. Inevitable4. Incomplete5. Complete
What is a Missed Miscarriage?
Asymptomatic miscarriage
What is a Threatened Miscarriage?
Ongoing viable pregnancy w Bleeding
How long do symptoms of Threatened Miscarriage last?
Days / weeks
What is an Inevitable Miscarriage? (2 things)
- Non-viable pregnancy w Bleeding2. Pregnancy tissue still in uterus
What will an Inevitable Miscarriage become? (2 things)
Incomplete OR Complete miscarriage
What is the difference between INCOMPLETE and COMPLETE Miscarriage?
Incomplete: still has some products of conception left (seen in US)Complete: all products of conception have been expelled + bleeding STOPPEDPlus Cervical Os still Open in Incomplete
What are the CF of Miscarriages? (2 things)
- Bleeding2. Abd pain
What is the blood like in Miscarriage?
Usually low volume
What are the CF of Miscarriage if there is Excessive bleeding? (4 things)
Haemodynamic instability:1. Pale2. Tachycardia3. Hypotension4. Tachypnoea
What are the CF of Miscarriage @ Abd examination? (2 things)
- Distension2. Localised tenderness
What are the CF of Miscarriage @ Speculum examination? (3 things)
- Products of conception in Cervical canal2. Bleeding3. Cervical os (Open / Closed)
What is the Cervial Os like in a MISSED Miscarriage?
Closed
What is the Cervial Os like in a THREATENED Miscarriage?
Closed
What is the Cervial Os like in an INEVITABLE Miscarriage?
Open
What is the Cervial Os like in an INCOMPLETE Miscarriage?
Open
What is the Cervial Os like in a COMPLETE Miscarriage?
Closed
When is the only times the Cervical Os is OPEN in a Miscarriage? (2 things)
- Inevitable2. IncompleteOpeN iN iN
What are the CF of Miscarriage @ Bimanual examination? (2 things)
- Uterine tenderness2. Adnexal masses / collections
What are some other Differential Dx of Miscarriage? (3 things)
- Ectopic preg2. Hydatidiform mole3. Cancer (cervical / uterine)
Where should pt with sus Miscarriage be investigated?
EPAU
What investigation gives you a Definitive Dx of Miscarriage?
Transvaginal US
What will you NOT see in a Transvaginal US that will give you a Dx of Miscarriage?
Fetal Cardiac Activity
What weeks will you check for Fetal Cardiac Activity to check for Miscarriage Dx?
5.5 – 6 wks gestation
How can you calculate the weeks of gestation using US?
Crown Rump Length (CRL)
What are the measurements for a definitive Dx of MISSED Miscarriage? (2 things)
- CRL: 7+ mm2. NO Fetal Cardiac Activity(both together)
Can you make a Dx of Missed Miscarriage if you have NO Fetal Cardiac Activity but the CRL is LESS than 7mm?
No, you have to repeat US 7 days later to confirm
What are the measurements for a definitive Dx of Empty Sac Miscarriage (aka Anembryonic Pregnancy? (2 things)
- Mean Sac Diameter (MSD): 25+ mm2. NO Yolk Sac / Embryonic Pole (Fetal pole in pic)(both together)
Can you make a Dx of Empty Sac Miscarriage (aka Anembryonic Pregnancy if you have NO Yolk Sac / Embryonic Pole but the MSD is LESS than 25mm?
No, you have to repeat US 10-14 days later to confirm
What investigation can be done if US is not immediately available for Miscarriage?
Serum b-HCG blood test (helps Dx viable n non-viable pregnancy)
What other investigations can you do for bleeding women? (3 things)
- FBC2. Blood group + Rhesus status3. Triple swabs + CRP (esp if pyrexial)
What is the Tx of for Threatened Miscarriages? (2 things)
- Analgesia2. Vaginal micronised progesterone (400mg twice daily) (NICE 2021)
Who should have Vaginal Micronised Progesterone according to NICE 2021?
Woman who is:1. Pregnant (confirmed by scan)2. Bleeding3. Had a previous miscarriage(All 3)
What does Vaginal Micronised Progesterone do?
Helps preserve Threatened Miscarriage into Live Birth
If Fetal Cardiac Activity is confirmed while on Vaginal Micronised Progesterone, what should you do?
Continue VMP until 16 wks
What should you give if any type of Miscarriage pt (even threatened) is 12+ wks and Rhesus Negative?
Anti-D immunoglobulin
What is FIRST LINE management of Miscarriages?
Expectant (conservative) management (aka jus wait n let it come out naturally)
Who should be offered Expectant management of Miscarriage?
6- wks gestation w bleeding but NO pain
How long should you trial Expectant management for Miscarriages for?
7-14 days
If you do Expectant management of a miscarriage, and symptoms resolve within 7-14 days, what should the pt do next?
Pregnancy test @ 3 wks (if positive come bk)
What are the Advantages of Expectant Management of Miscarriage? (3 things)
- Can go home2. No meds side fx3. No anaesthetic / surgery risk
What are the Disadvantages of Expectant Management of Miscarriage? (4 things)
- Unpredictable timing2. Heavy bleeding + Pain @ passing POC (products of conception)3. Might not work4. Might need transfusion
What are the CI for Expectant management for Miscarriages? (4 things)
- Infection2. Increased risk of haemorrhage (e.g coagulopathy)3. Hx of bad pregnancies4. Pt doesn’t want to
What are the MEDICAL management options for Miscarriages? (3 things)
- Misoprostol (vaginal / oral) (vaginal is preffered)2. Analgesia (PRN)3. Anti-emetics (PRN)
What is Misoprostol? (2 things)
- Synthetic prostaglandin that stimulates Cervical Ripening + Uterine contractions2. Used as Medical management for miscarriages
What should you give 24-48 hours before Misoprostol?
Mifepristone
What is Mifepristone?
Anti-progestational steroid (blocks progesterone)(progesterone helps pregnancy, remember dat lecturer said its PRO-GEST-erone)
What should you do after giving Misoprostol?
Pregnancy test @ 3 weeks
What happens if Pregancy test @ 3 wks after Misoprostol is still Positive?
Specialist review
What are the Advantages of Medical Management of Miscarriage? (2 things)
- Can go home2. No anaesthetic / surgery risk
What are the Disadvantages of Medical Management of Miscarriage? (3 things)
- Meds side fx: D+V2. Heavy bleeding + Pain @ passing POC (products of conception)3. Might not work (might need emergency surgical intervention)
What should you do if Expectant and Medical Management of Miscarriages fail?
Surgical management
What are the 2 main options for Surgical management of Miscarriages?
- Manual vacuum aspiration (under LOCAL) (if 12- wks)2. Evacuation of Retained Products of Contraception (ERPC) (under GENERAL)
Who is Manual vacuum aspiration more suitable for?
Parous women (given birth b4)
What are the Indications for Surgical management of Miscarriage? (3 things)
- Haemodynamically unstable2. Infected tissue3. Gestational trophoblastic disease
What are the Advantages of Surgical management of Miscarriage? (2 things)
- Planned procedure (helps pt cope)2. Pt unconscious (under general)
What are the Disadvantages of Surgical management of Miscarriage? (7 things)
- Infection (endometriosis)2. Bleeding3. Ashermen’s syndrome (scar tissue aka adhesions form inside uterus)4. Uterine perforation5. Bowel / bladder damage6. Retained POC (products of contraception)7. Anaesthetic risk
What is given before Surgical management of Miscarriage and why?
Misoprostol, to soften cervix
When can sexual intercourse resume after a miscarriage?
Once symptoms have completely settled
When can a pt start trying to conceive again after a miscarriage?
@ 4-8 wks bc that’s when menstruation will resume
What is a Recurrent miscarriage according to RCOG?
3+ consecutive pregnancies that end in miscarriage of fetus before 24 weeks gestation
What is the epidemiology of Recurrent Miscarriages?
1-2% women
What are the RF for Recurrent Miscarriages? (3 things)
- Age2. No. of previous miscarriages3. Lifestyle (smoking / alcohol / caffeine)
The risk of miscarriage increases after each miscarriage… what is the risk of a 4th miscarriage after the 3rd one?
40%
What are the causes of Recurrent Miscarriages? (7 things)
- Antiphospholipid syndrome2. Genetic factors (parental / embyronic chromosomal abn)3. Endocrine factors (DM / Thyroid / PCOS)4. Anatomical factors (uterine abn / cervical weakness)5. Infection (any severe infection / bacterial vaginosis)6. Inherited thrombophilia7. Idiopathic (esp older women)
What happens in Antiphospholipid syndrome?
Blood clots more
How can you get Antiphospholipid syndrome? (2 things)
- Randomly2. Secondary to SLE
What percentage of Recurrent Miscarriage women have Antiphospholipid syndrome?
15%
What is the live birth rate for women with Antiphospholipid syndrome with no pharma intervention?
10% :( , but dw is treatable
What percentage of Recurrent Miscarriage couples have a Parental chromosomal abn being carried by one of the parents?
2-5%
What Parental chromosomal abn can be carried that cause Recurrent Miscarriages? (2 things)
- Balanced reciprocal2. Robertsonian translocation
If DM and Thyroid disease are WELL controlled @ conception / during pregnancy is that calm?
Yh
What Uterine abn can cause Recurrent Miscarriages? (6 things)
- Asherman’s syndrome (adhesions of uterus)2. Fibroids3. Septate uterus (partition thru uterus)4. Unicornuate uterus (single horned uterus)5. Bicornuate uterus (heart shaped uterus)6. Didelphic uterus (double uterus)
How can Cervical weakness cause Recurrent Miscarriages?
Cervix effaces and dilates before term
When does Cervical weakness cause Miscarriage?
2nd trimester
How can Bacterial vaginosis cause Recurrent Miscarriages?
Infection in 1st trimester –> 2nd trimester miscarriage
How is the Bacterial vaginosis cause of Recurrent Miscarriages prevented against?
Screening in 1st trimester + Tx if appropriate
What are the Inherited Thrombophilias that cause Recurrent Miscarriages? (4 things)
- Factor V Leiden2. Prothrombin gene mutation3. Protein C/S deficiencies4. Antithrombin 3 deficiency
When do Inherited Thrombophilias cause Miscarriages?
2nd trimester
How do Inherited Thrombophilias cause Miscarriages?
Thrombosis of uteroplacental circulation
When should investigations be started for Recurrent Miscarriages? (2 things)
- After 3+ 1st trimester miscarriages2. After 1+ 2nd trimester miscarriages
What different types of investigations can be done for Recurrent Miscarriages? (3 things)
- Blood tests2. Genetic tests3. Imaging
What blood tests can be done for Recurrent Miscarriages? (2 things)
- Antiphospholipid antibodies2. Inherited thrombophilia screen
How is a diagnosis of Antiphospholipid syndrome confirmed with blood tests? (3 things)
2 positive tests at least 12 weeks apart for either:1. Lupus Anticoagulant2. Anticardiolipin Antibodies3. Anti-B2-Glycoprotein Antibodies
What is checked for in an Inherited Thrombophilia Screen for Recurrent Miscarriages? (4 things)
- Factor V Leiden2. Prothrombin gene mutation3. Protein C/S deficiencies4. Antithrombin 3 deficiency
What genetic tests can be done for Recurrent Miscarriages? (2 things)
- Cytogenic analysis2. Parental peripheral blood karyotyping
What does Cytogenic analysis check for in Recurrent Miscarriages?
Chromosomal abn
What tissue is Cytogenic analysis done on in Recurrent Miscarriages?
Products of conception
When is Cytogenic analysis done for Recurrent Miscarriages?
After 3rd miscarriage + all ones after that
When should you do Parental peripheral blood karyotyping for Recurrent Miscarriages?
When Products of conception testing shows unbalanced structural chromosomal abn
Who is Parental peripheral blood karyotyping done on?
Both partners
What imaging can be done for Recurrent Miscarriages?
Pelvic US
What is a Pelvic US checking for in Recurrent Miscarriages?
Uterine anatomy
If you sus uterine abn in Pelvic US, what further investigations should you do to confirm Dx? (3 things)
- Hysteroscopy2. Laparoscopy3. 3D Pelvic US
What should patients with Recurrent Miscarriages be referred for?
Specialist treatment
How should you manage a couple with abn Parental karyotypes?
Refer to clinical geneticist (genetic counselling)
Will surgical correction of Uterine abn (like septated uterus) change the pregnancy outcome?
No (no evidence on this so far)
Will surgical correction of Cervical weakness change pregnancy outcome?
Yes
What is the surgical treatment for Cervical weakness?
Cervical cerclage (suture used to close cervix)
What are the indications for Cervical cerclage? (3 things)
- Poor obstetric Hx (3+ 2nd trimester miscarriages)2. Cervical shortening on US (25-mm before 24 wks + Hx of 2nd trimester miscarriage)3. Symptomatic + Premature Cervical dilatation + Exposed Fetal membranes in vagina
What are the complications of Cervical Cerclage? (3 things)
- Bleeding2. Membrane rupture3. Stimulating uterine contractionsTherefore need senior involvement n counselling b4 decision
What should you offer women with Hx of 2nd trimester miscarriages + Sus cervical weakness who have NOT had Cervical cerclage?
Serial Cervical Sonographic Surveillance
What is the treatment for Recurrent Miscarriages caused by Antiphospholipid Syndrome? (2 things)
- Low dose aspirin2. LMWH
What is the treatment for 2nd trimester Recurrent Miscarriages caused by Inherited Thrombophilias?
Heparin
What can you offer a woman with Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriages?
Preimplantation genetic screening + IVF (no evidence on this tho)
What is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
Excessive menstrual loss which interferes with a woman’s quality of life
What percentage of women experience Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
3%
What age group of women are most affected by Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
40-51 years old
What is the mnemonic used to divide the different causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
Palm-Coein
What does the PALM bit of the Palm-Coein mnemonic mean?
Structural causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding:P – PolypA – AdenomyosisL – Leiomyoma (Fibroid)M – Malignancy / hyperplasia
What does the COEIN bit of the Palm-Coein mnemonic mean?
Non-structural causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding:C – CoagulopathyO – Ovulatory dysfunctionE – EndometrialI – IatrogenicN – Not yet classified
What are the main risk factors for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding? (2 things)
- Age2. Obesity
What are the CF of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding? (3 things)
- Bleeding2. Fatigue3. SOB (if associated anaemia)
What are you looking for @ examination of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding patient? (4 things)
- Pallor (anaemia)2. Palpable uterus / pelvic mass3. Inflamed cervix / cervical polyp / tumour4. Vaginal tumour
What are you suspecting if a Heavy Menstrual Bleeding patient has an irregular uterus @ examination?
Fibroids
What are you suspecting if a Heavy Menstrual Bleeding patient has a tender uterus / cervical excitation @ examination? (2 things)
- Adenomyosis2. Endometriosis
What are the differential diagnoses for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding? (9 things)
- Pregnancy2. Endometrial / cervical polyps3. Adenomyosis4. Fibroids5. Malignancy / endometrial hyperplasia6. Coagulopathy7. Ovarian dysfunction8. Iatrogenic causes9. Endometriosis
What are the CF of Endometrial / cervical polyps? (3 things)
- Intermenstrual bleeding2. Post-coital bleeding3. NOT associated w dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
What are the CF of Adenomyosis? (2 things)
- Dysmenorrhea2. Bulky uterus (@ exam)
What are the CF of Fibroids? (2 things)
- Hx of pressure symptoms (e.g urinary frequency)2. Bulky uterus (@ exam)
What is the most common Coagulopathy to cause Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
Von Willebrand’s disease
What are the CF of Von Willebrand’s disease? (5 things)
- HMB since menarche2. PPH Hx3. Surgical / dental related bleeding (bleeding gums)4. Easy bruising / epistaxis5. Bleeding disorder FHx
What should you consider for pt w Von Willebrand’s disease?
Warfarin (anti-coagulant)
What are the most common causes of Ovarian dysfunction? (2 things)
- PCOS2. Hypothyroidism
What are the iatrogenic causes of HMB? (2 things)
- Contraceptive hormones2. Copper IUD
What percentage of all HMB does Endometriosis represent?
Less than 5%
What investigations should you do for HMB? (5 things)
- Urine pregnancy test2. FBC3. TFT4. Hormone tests (e.g if sus PCOS)5. Coag screen (+ check for Von Willebrand’s) if sus
Why should you do a FBC for HMB?
Anaemia presents after 120ml menstrual blood loss
When should you do a TFT for HMB?
If has other signs of hypothyroidism
What imaging should you do for HMB?
Transvaginal US
What is a Transvaginal US useful for?
Checking endometrium / ovaries
When should you for a Transvaginal US in HMB? (2 things)
- Uterus / pelvic mass palpable @ exam2. Pharmacological tx failed
When should you do a Cervical smear in HMB?
If hasn’t had routine ones done
What investigation should you for HMB if sus infection?
High vaginal / endocervical swabs
What biopsy can be done for HMB?
Pipelle endometrial biopsy
When should you do a Pipelle endometrial biopsy in HMB? (3 things)
- Persistent intermenstrual bleeding2. 45+ age3. Pharmacological tx failed
When should you do a Hysteroscopy / Endometrial biopsy for HMB?
US identifies pathology / is inconclusive
What is the aim of management of HMB?
Improve woman’s quality of life (rather than specific reduction in blood loss volume)
When considering HMB management options, what should you discuss with the patient?
Impact on fertility
What is the management approach for HMB when there is no sus pathology?
3 tiered approach
What is the 3 tiered approach for HMB?
- Levonorgestral-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)2. Tranexamic acid / Mefanamic acid / COCP3. Progesterone only: Oral Norethisterone / Depo / Implant
What does Levonorgestral-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) also act as?
Contraceptive
How long is Levonorgestral-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) licenced for treatment?
5 years
How does Levonorgestral-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) work? (2 things)
- Thins endometrium2. Shrinks fibroids
What does the woman’s choice to use Tranexamic acid / Mefanamic acid / COCP depend on?
Her wishes for fertility
When should Tranexamic acid be used?
Only during menses to reduce bleeding
Does Tranexamic acid have an effect on fertility?
No
What is a pro for using Mefanamic acid?
Is an NSAID = offers analgesia for dysmenorrhoea
When should Mefanamic acid be used?
Only during menses to reduce bleeding
Does Mefanamic acid have an effect on fertility?
No
Does Oral Norethisterone work as a contraceptive?
No
Do Depo / Implant progesterone work as a contraceptive?
Yes
What are the main Surgical management options for HMB? (2 things)
- Endometrial ablation2. Hysterectomy
What are some other Surgical management options only for HMB caused by fibroids? (2 things)
- Myomectomy2. Uterine artery embolization
What is Endometrial ablation?
Lining of uterus obliterated
Who is Endometrial ablation suitable for?
Women who no longer wish to conceive
By how much does Endometrial ablation reduce HMB?
Up to 80%
Where can Endometrial ablation be performed?
Outpatient using local anaesthetic
What is the only definitive treatment for HMB?
Hysterectomy
What does Hysterectomy offer? (2 things)
- Amenorrhoea2. End to fertility
What are the types of Hysterectomy performed? (2 things)
- Subtotal (partial)2. Total
What is Subtotal (partial) Hysterectomy?
Removal of uterus but NOT cervix
What is Total Hysterectomy?
Removal of uterus and cervix
What openings can Hysterectomy be performed via? (2 things)
- Abdominal incision2. Vagina
What is the most common gynaecological disorder?
Dysmenorrhoea
What is Dysmenorrhoea?
Painful periods
What are the pathophysiological steps of Dysmenorrhoea? (5 steps)
- Absence of fertilisation2. Corpus luteum regresses3. Decline in oestrogen + progesterone prod4. Endometrial cells release Prostaglandin5. Excess prostaglandin release –> primary dysmenorrhoea
What are main actions of Prostaglandins on the uterus? (2 things)
- Spiral artery vasospasm (–> ischaemic necrosis + endometrium shedding)2. Increased myometrial contractions
What are the RF for primary dysmenorrhoea? (5 things)
- Early menarche2. Long menstrual phase3. Heavy periods4. Smoking5. Nuliparity
Where is the pain of dysmenorrhoea?
Lower abd / pelvic pain
Where can the pain of dysmenorrhoea radiate to? (2 things)
- Lower back2. Ant thigh
What is the quality of the pain of dysmenorrhoea?
Crampy
How long does the pain of dysmenorrhoea last for and when does it occur?
48-72 hours during menstrual period
When is the pain of dysmenorrhoea worse?
At menses onset
What other symptoms can come w dysmenorrhoea? (5 things)
- Nausea2. Dizziness3. Malaise4. Vomiting5. Diarrhoea
What signs might you find @ examination of a pt w dysmenorrhoea?
Uterine tenderness
What is special about diagnosing primary dysmenorrhoea?
It is a diagnosis of exclusion: so you have to exclude causes of SECONDARY dysmenorrhoea
What are the causes of secondary dysmenorrhoea to exclude? (4 things)
- Endometriosis2. Adenomyosis3. Pelvic inflamm disease4. Adhesions
What investigations are needed for primary dysmenorrhoea dx?
None
What scenarios would make you do some investigations in sus primary dysmenorrhoea? (2 things)
- Pt = high risk for STI –> do high vaginal swab / endocervical swabs2. Pelvic mass palpated @ exam –> transvaginal US (TVS) for further investigation