Obstetrics & Gynae Flashcards
What is the most common cause of primary PPH?
Uterine atony (failure of contraction)
How would you manage PPH?
- Bimanual uterine compression to manually stimulate contraction
- IV oxytocin and/or ergometrine
- IM carboprost
- Intramyometrial carboprost
- Rectal misoprostol
- Surgical intervention such as balloon tamponade
What drugs are contraindicated in breast feeding?
- Antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, sulphonamides
- Psychiatric drugs: lithium, benzodiazepines, avoid clozapine
- Aspirin
- Carbimazole
- Methotrexate
- Sulphonylureas
- Cytotoxic drugs
- Amiodarone
If group B strep is identified on high-vaginal swab how should this be managed?
Intrapartum IV benpen to reduce neonatal transmission.
Alternative: Clindamycin
Mx Mastitis?
Flucloxacillin for 10-14 days, continue breast feeding.
What kind of contraception is absolutely contraindicated in women < 6 weeks post-partum if breast feeding?
COC
Give 6 moderate risk factors for pre-eclampsia?
Management?
- Primip
- > 40
- Pregnancy interval >10 years
- BMI >35
- Family history
- Multiple pregnancy
Mx: Aspirin 75mg OD from 12 weeks.
Mx menorrhagia if:
- Contraception required (1st, 2nd, 3rd line)?
- Not? + Pain?
When are they taken? When would you refer?
If required:
1: Levonorgestrel-releasing IUS (Mirena)
2: COCP
3: long-acting progestogens (Depo-provera)
If not: Tranexamic acid 1g TDS during period only.
If also dysmenorrhoea (pain) give Mefenamic acid 500mg TDS during period only (= NSAID)
Both started on first day of period, if ineffective refer and trial other drug.
What is the most common complication of surgical TOP?
Infection (up to 10%) - Abc routinely given.
What is vasa praevia? What is it’s classic triad?
Foetal blood vessels crossing or running close to the internal orifice of the uterus. Easily compromised when membranes rupture.
Rupture of membranes followed by painless vaginal bleeding and foetal bradycardia.
No major maternal risk, but significant foetal mortality.
What is primary dysmenorrhoea?
Mx?
Excessive pain during period, with no underlying pelvic pathology. Pain typically starts just before or within a few hours of the period starting - whereas secondary is typically 3/4 days before.
Mx: First-line = NSAIDs (mefenamic acid or ibuprofen), effective in up to 80%
Second line- COCP
What is the most likely cause of recurrent first-trimester spontaneous miscarriage?
Antiphospholipid syndrome (Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are present in 15% of women with recurrent miscarriage)
What is a threatened miscarriage?
Threatened miscarriage: any painless vaginal bleeding (not spotting) occurring before 24 weeks, but typically occurs at 6 - 9 weeks.
- Bleeding is often less than menstruation
- Cervical os is closed
- Complicates up to 25% of all pregnancies
Pregnancy continues
What is Meig’s syndrome?
Rare condition usually occurring in women over 40.
The three features of Meig’s syndrome are:
- a benign ovarian tumour (usually a fibroma)
- ascites
- pleural effusion
What are the UKMEC 4 conditions (absolute contraindications to COCP use)?
- more than 35 years old and smoking more than 15 cigarettes/day
- migraine with aura
- history of thromboembolic disease or thrombogenic mutation
- history of stroke or ischaemic heart disease
- breast feeding < 6 weeks post-partum
- uncontrolled hypertension
- current breast cancer
- major surgery with prolonged immobilisation
What is the Mx of severe pre-eclampsia?
Delivery
IV labetalol +/- Magnesium sulphate as seizure prevention
How is chickenpox exposure in pregnancy managed?
If there is any doubt about previous exposure, urgently check VZV antibodies
If non-immune:
- Give VZ immunoglobulin (VZIG) as soon as possible (with 10 days of exposure)
- VZIG has no benefit once rash has started, can give aciclovir within 24 hours of rash onset.
What is a complete hydatidiform mole?
Benign tumour of trophoblastic material, occurring when an empty egg is fertilised by a single sperm that then duplicates its own DNA - all 46 chromosomes are paternal.
Around 2-3% go on to develop choriocarcinoma
What are the features of hydatidiform mole?
Features:
- bleeding in first or early second trimester
- exaggerated symptoms of pregnancy e.g. hyperemesis
- uterus large for dates
- very high serum levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- hypertension and hyperthyroidism (hCG can mimic TSH) may be seen
What is the management of complete hydatidiform mole?
- urgent referral to specialist centre - evacuation of the uterus is performed
- effective contraception is recommended to avoid pregnancy in the next 12 months
What factors are associated with increased risk of miscarriage?
Increased maternal age Smoking in pregnancy Consuming alcohol Recreational drug use High caffeine intake Obesity Infections and food poisoning Health conditions, e.g. thyroid problems, severe hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes Medicines, such as ibuprofen, methotrexate and retinoids Unusual shape or structure of womb Cervical incompetence
What is Sheehan’s syndrome a complication of? Signs? Diagnosis?
Complication of severe PPH.
Pituitary gland undergoes ischaemic necrosis which can manifest as hypopituitarism.
Most common sign: lack of postpartum milk production and amenorrhoea following delivery.
Dx: inadequate prolactin and gonadotropin stimulation tests in patients with a history of severe PPH.
What is the Mx of moderate gestational hypertension?
What about with Hx of asthma or depression?
Oral labetolol.
CI in asthma so give nifedipine or methyldopa.
Methyldopa CI in depression.
What diabetes medications are CI in pregnancy?
Gliclazide and liraglutide
Metformin and insulin are both fine.
What is placenta accreta? What are the risk factors?
Attachment of the placenta to the myometrium (due to defective decidua basalis). Risk of PPH as placenta does not separate properly during labour.
RF:
- Previous CS
- Placenta previa
What is alpha-fetoprotein?
What is the relevance of measuring?
= Protein produced by developing foetus
Low: Neural tube defects, abdo wall defects, multiple pregnancy
Decrease: Down’s, Trisomy 18, Maternal DM
What is a Kleihauer test?
Test for foeti-maternal haemorrhage which detects foetal cells in the maternal circulation and if present estimates volume allowing calculation of additional anti-D immunoglobulin.
Required for any sensitising event after 20 weeks gestation, give 1 dose immediately then calculate.
What is chorioamniotitis?
What is the major risk factor?
A potentially life-threatening condition (medical emergency) as a result of ascending bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid/membranes/placenta.
RF: Preterm premature rupture of membranes.
What is the most common site for ectopic pregnancy?
Tubal, specifically ampulla.
What are the components of the combined Down’s syndrome test?
What weeks of gestation is it done?
What would the results be if positive?
beta-hCG
Pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A)
+ Nuchal translucency on US
10-14 weeks
In pregnancies with Down Syndrome, PAPP-A is low and beta-hCG raised.
What are the components of the quadruple Down’s syndrome test?
What weeks of gestation is it done?
- Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP)
- Unconjugated oestriol
- beta-hCG
- inhibin A.
14-20 weeks.
In pregnancies with Down Syndrome, AFP and unconjugated oestriol are low and beta-hCG and inhibin A are raised.
What is the first-line treatment in small (<35mm) unruptured ectopic pregnancy with no visible heartbeat, a serum B-hCG level of <1500 IU/L, no intrauterine pregnancy and no pain?
Methotrexate (provided the patient is willing to return for follow-up)
What is the first-line management of ectopic pregnancy if ectopic is larger than 35mm, is causing severe pain or if the B-hCG level is >1500?
Laparoscopic salpingectomy.
Risk of infertility if a problem arises with the remaining tube in the future.
What is placental abruption?
How does it typically present?
Separation of a normally-sited placenta from the uterine wall, resulting in maternal haemorrhage.
Features:
- Shock out of keeping with visible loss
- Pain constant
- Tender, tense uterus (woody)
- Normal lie and presentation
- Foetal heart: absent/distressed
- Coagulation problems
- Beware pre-eclampsia, DIC, anuria
Give 5 risk factors for breech presentation?
- Uterine malformations, fibroids
- Placenta previa
- Polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios
- Foetal abnormality (CNS, chromosomal)
- Prematurity
What is the Mx of breech presentation?
Depends on gestation:
- If <36 weeks many foetuses turn spontaneously
- If still breech at 36 weeks attempt external cephalic version (ECV) - has a success rate of around 60%
- If still breech then can plan CS or vaginal delivery
What is the primary mode of action of the contraceptive implant? (Etonogestrel)
Inhibits ovulation.
Also thickens cervical mucus
How does the COCP work?
Inhibits ovulation
How does the progesterone-only pill work? (Except desogestrel)
Thickens cervical mucous
How does metformin action in PCOS?
Increases peripheral insulin sensitivity
What is the Bishop scoring system used for?
What would a score less than 5 mean? What about above 9?
To assess the need for induction, taking into account cervical position, consistency, effacement, dilation and foetal station.
<5: Induction likely be necessary
>9: Labour will likely occur spontaneously
How does the desogestrel-only pill work?
Primary: Inhibits ovulation
Also: thickens cervical mucus
What is the third stage of labour?
What is active management of the 3rd stage of labour?
Why is it recommended?
Stage 3: from delivery of fetus to when the placenta and membranes have been completely delivered
Active management lasts less than 30 minutes and involves the following:
- Uterotonic drugs
- Deferred clamping and cutting of cord, over 1 minute after delivery but less then 5 minutes
- Controlled cord traction after signs of placental separation
Recommended to reduce post-partum haemorrhage
How is urge incontinence managed?
- Bladder retraining (for min 6 weeks)
- Bladder stabilising drugs: anti-muscarinic is first line (Oxybutynin, tolterodine or darifenacin).
Avoid immediate release oxybutynin in ‘frail older women’
How is stress incontinence managed?
- Pelvic floor muscle training (at least 8 contractions TDS for a minimum of 3 months)
- Surgery
How are menopausal symptoms treated?
- HRT is most effective
NB. Tibolone is unsuitable for use within 12 month of last menstrual period as may cause irregular bleeding
Non-hormonal methods (may help vasomotor symptoms):
- SSRIs and venlafaxine
- Clonidine (use often limited by SE such as dry mouth, dizziness and nausea)
- A progestogen such as norethisterone
Lifestyle advice:
Regular exercise, avoid caffeine/spicy foods and lighter clothing
Vaginal symptoms:
- Vaginal atrophy may be helped by topical oestrogens
- If the symptoms are predominately vaginal dryness then a lubricant or moisturiser
What is the Mx of atypical endometrial hyperplasia in pre- and post- menopausal women?
Pre-menopausal: Total hysterectomy
Post-menopausal: Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
Risk of malignant progression.
What is the Mx of simple endometrial hyperplasia?
Simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia: high dose progestogens with repeat sampling in 3-4 months. The levonorgestrel intra-uterine system may be used.
What is the Mx of obstetric cholestasis?
- Induction at 37 weeks is common practice
- Ursodeoxycholic acid
- Vitamin K supplementation
How long is it until the following contraceptives are effective (if not first day of the period):
- IUD
- POP
- COC, injection, implant, IUS
IUD: instant
POP: 2 days
COC, injection, implant, IUS (7 days)
What is the first line treatment for induction of ovulation in PCOS?
How long can it be used for?
SE?
What would you use as an alternative?
Clomifene (anti-oestrogen)
Given on days 2 to 6 of each cycle to initiate follicular maturation.
If no follicles develop then the dose can be increased from 50mg/day to 100mg/day and finally 150mg/day in subsequent cycles. It is limited to 6 months use and increases the risk of multiple pregnancy to 11%.
Alternative: Metformin (can be used in addition to clomifene). Used alone it has a lower live birth rate compared to clomifene, but increases the effectiveness of clomifene in clomifene-resistant women. It also treats hirsutism and may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and early miscarriage.
What would you use if Clomifene and metfromin are ineffective in inducing ovulation in PCOS?
What if this is ineffective?
Ovarian diathermy
Gonadotropin induction: daily S/C FSH and/or LH. Stimulates follicular growth, monitor by US. Once a follicle has reached approximately 17mm in size, the process of ovulation is artificially stimulated by injection of hCG or LH.
Third-line: IVF
If mastitis doesn’t improve after 12-24 hours of conservative management what are the 1st and 2nd line Mx?
1st: Oral flucloxacillin 500mg Qds for 14 days, continue breast-feeding.
Erythromycin if allergic.
2nd: Co-amox.
What is the initial imaging modality for suspected ovarian cysts/tumours?
US
What is the management of ovarian cysts?
Premenopausal women:
- Conservative approach if small, simple cyst - highly likely benign ( corpus callosum remnant). Repeat US in 8-12 weeks and refer to gynae if persists.
Postmenopausal:
Regardless of nature or size refer to gynaecology.
Why is folic acid taken in pregnancy? What dose and for how long?
What if there is a previous affected pregnancy or family history?
To prevent neural tube defects.
400 micrograms OD whilst trying to conceive and until 12th week of pregnancy.
If Hx then increase to 5mg.
How does the COCP alter risk of breast, cervical, ovarian and endometrial cancers?
Increased risk: Breast, cervical
Protective against: Ovarian and endometrial
What is the safest drug to use in pregnancy with epilepsy?
Lamotrigine
What should you do if POP dose is missed?
What is the difference with cerazette/desogestrel?
Micronor, Noriday, Nogeston, Femulen:
- If less than 3 hours late, take and no further action required.
- If more, then take missed pill asap (only take 1 if more than 1 missed), take the next pill at the usual time (even if means taking 2 pills in one day) and condom use until pill taking established for 48 hours.
Desogestrel:
- If less than 12 hours late, take pill and continue as normal.
- If more, then advice as above
What are the risk factors for perineal tears?
- primigravida
- large babies
- precipitant labour
- shoulder dystocia
- forceps delivery
What is a first degree perineal tear?
Superficial damage with no muscle involvement
What is a second degree perineal tear?
Injury to the perineal muscle, but without involvement of the anal sphincter
What is a third degree perineal tear?
- 3a?
- 3b?
- 3c?
Injury to perineum involving the anal sphincter complex (external anal sphincter and internal anal sphincter)
- 3a: Less than 50% EAS thickness torn
- 3B: More than 50% EAS torn
- 3C: IAS torn
What is a fourth degree perineal tear?
Injury to perineum involving anal sphincter complex (EAS and IAS) and rectal mucosa
Name 8 associations with endometrial hyperplasia?
- Taking oestrogen unopposed by progesterone
- Obesity
- Late menopause
- Early menarche
- Aged over 35-years-old
- Being a current smoker
- Nulliparity
- Tamoxifen
What is done on the booking visit?
What gestation is this?
8-12 weeks, ideally <10 weeks.
- General info: Diet, EtOH, Smoking, Folic acid, Vit D, antenatal classes
- BP
- Urine dipstick and culture to detect asymptomatic bacteria
- Check BMI
- HIV, hep B, syphillis, rubella testing
- FBC, blood group, rhesus status, red cell alloantibodies, haemohglobinopathies
What is the initial assessment if a woman has not conceived after 1 year, in the absence of any known cause of infertility?
- Semen analysis
- Serum progesterone 7 days prior to expected next period (usually day 28)
What is the Mx of pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy?
- Weight loss if BMI >27
- Stop oral hypoglycaemic agents except metformin, commence insulin
- Folic acid 5mg/day until 12 weeks
- Detailed anomaly scan at 20 weeks
- Tight glycemic control (test: daily fasting, pre and 1 hour post meals, pre bed)
- Treat retinopathy as can worsen during pregnancy