Obstetrics & Gynaecology Flashcards
List the functions of oestrogen
Development of internal/external genitalia, breasts, female fat distribution.
Follicle growth, endometrial proliferation, increase myometrial excitability.
Upregulates oestrogen, LH, progesterone receptors
Feedback inhibition of FSH and LH, then LH surge
Stimulates prolactin secretion
Decreases prolactin action on breasts.
Increase transport proteins, serum hormone binding globulin, increase HDL, reduce LDL.
List the physiological changes in pregnancy
Haematology
* Increased plasma volume by 50%
* Increased fibrinogen by 50%
* Increased clotting factors VII, IX, X
* Decreased platelets
* Decreased haemoglobin
* Venous stasis
Respiratory
* Increased oxygen consumption by 20%
* Increased minute ventilation by 40~50% (via increased tidal volume)
* Increased PO2
* Decreased PCO2
* Decreased forced vital capacity by third trimester
Cardiac
* Increased cardiac output by 40%
* Increased stroke volume
* Increased heart rate by 10-20 bpm
* Decreased blood pressure in the first and second trimesters
* Decreased systemic vascular resistance by 25~30%
* Decreased serum colloid osmotic pressure by 10~15%
Renal
* Increased renal blood flow by 60~80%
* Increased glomerular filtration rate
* Increased protein excretion up to 300mg/24h
* Decreased serum creatinine
* Glycosuria
* Physiological hydronephrosis
Gastroenterology
* Decreased gut motility
* Increased alkaline phosphate
* Decreased albumin by 20~40%
Endocrine
* Impaired glucose tolerance
* Insulin resistance
* Increased prolactin
* Increased cortisol
* Increased renin, angiotensin, aldosterone
General
* Fatigue
* Weight gain
* Nausea/vomiting
* Constipation
* Breathlessness
* Palpitations
* Ankle oedema
Skin
* Palmar erythema
* Dry skin
* Telangiectasia
* Pruritus
List the functions of progesterone during the luteal phase
(Prepares uterus for implantation)
Stimulates endometrial glandular secretions and spiral artery development
Increases thick cervical mucus and inhibits sperm entry into uterus
Prevents endometrial hyperplasia
Increases body temperature
Decreases oestrogen receptor expression
Decreases gonadotropin (LH, FSH) secretion
List the functions of progesterone during pregnancy
Maintains endometrial lining and pregnancy
Reduce myometrial excitability, thus reduce contraction, frequency and intensity
Reduce prolactin action on breasts
List the oestrogen synthesis pathway from cholesterol
Cholesterol
Pregnenolone
Progesterone
17a-Hydroxypregnenolone
17a-Hydroxyprogesterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Androstenedione
Testosterone
Estrone, beta-Estradiol
Estriol
List the functions of FSH
Stimulates follicular growth and development.
Binds exclusively to granulosa cells in the growing follicle.
Stimulates receptors for LH.
The granulosa cells produce oestrogen, feedbacks on the pituitary to suppress FSH
Only the dominant follicle will get enough FSH to continue development.
List the functions of LH
Stimulates ovulation
Reactivation of meiosis I
Sustains corpus luteum development
What is prolactin release stimulated by
Oestrogen
Phenothiazine
Reserpine
Methyltyrosine
What is prolactin release inhibited by
Dopamine
Bromocriptine
Cabergoline
What is the effect of hyperprolactinemia on ovulation
Hyperprolactinemia prevents ovulation by an inhibitory effect on hypothalamic GnRH production and release.
Important cause of secondary amenorrhoea and infertility.
List the three stages of labour
First stage
Regular painful contractions until cervix fully dilates and no longer palpable.
* Slow latent phase - the cervix becomes effaced and shortens from 3 cm in length and dilates up to 5 cm.
- <20 hrs in nulliparous, <14 hrs in multiparous
* Active phase - the cervix dilates from 5cm to full dilatation 10cm.
- 1.2 cm/hr in nulliparous, 1.5 cm/hr in multiparous
Second stage
From full cervical dilatation to delivery of the foetus.
* Pelvic (passive) phase - head descends in the pelvis
* Perineal (active) phase - mother gets a stronger urge to push and the fetus is delivered with the force of the uterine contractions and the maternal bearing-down effort
Third stage
From the delivery of the newborn to delivery of the placenta and membranes.
List the clinical signs of the onset of labour
Regular, painful uterine contractions that increase in frequency, duration and intensity.
Passage of blood-stained mucus from the cervix (show)
Rupture of the foetal membranes
Give the definition for pre-labour rupture of membranes
Latent period between rupture of membranes to onset of painful uterine contractions more than 4 hours
List the hormonal changes during initiation of labour
Progesterone withdrawal
Increase in oestrogen and prostaglandin action
Increased foetal cortisol
Increased local activity of prostaglandins
List the mechanisms of labour
Engagement
Descent
Flexion
Internal rotation
Extension
External rotation
Expulsion
List the mechanisms of the third stage of labour
(A) separation of the placenta from the uterine wall
(B) expulsion into the lower uterine segment and upper vagina
(C) complete expulsion of the placenta and membranes from the genital tract
List the signs of placental separation
trickling of bright blood
lengthening of the umbilical cord
elevation of the uterine fundus within the abdominal cavity
When is third stage considered abnormal
If the placenta is not expelled within 30 minutes
When does preterm labour occur?
Between 24 and 37 weeks gestation.
Give the classification for premature labour
Moderate to late preterm: 32~37 weeks’ gestation
Very preterm: 28 weeks’ to <32 weeks’ gestation
Extremely preterm: <28 weeks’ gestation.
List the causes for preterm labour
Antepartum haemorrhage
Multiple pregnancy
Infection
Polyhydramnios
Socioeconomic
Give the risk factor for PPROM
Infection
* Group B haemolytic streptococci
* C. trachomatis
* Bacterial vaginosis
List the management for PPROM
Antibiotics - erythromycin for 10 days after diagnosis of PPROM
Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis
Antenatal corticosteroids - dexamethasone
Magnesium sulfate (Neuroprotection)
Prophylactic tocolysis - Nifedipine
Give the presentation for PPROM
Sudden loss of amniotic fluid from vagina
Nitrazine-positive (blue) fluid
Ferning on microscopy
List the investigations to predict premature labour
Cervical length on transvaginal ultrasound - <2 cm are associated with higher risks of delivery
Foetal fibronectin
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) test
Placental alpha microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) test
List the indications for induction of labour
Prolonged pregnancy (> 42 weeks)
Pre-eclampsia
Placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction
Antepartum haemorrhage
* Placental abruption
* Uncertain origin
Rhesus isoimmunisation
Diabetes mellitus
Chronic renal disease
List the methods for induction of labour
Prostaglandin E2 pessaries
Syntocinon + Fore/hindwater rupture of membranes
Define Cord presentation
Any part of the cord lies alongside or in front of the presenting part.
List the management for cord presentation
Reduce pressure on the cord by
* Knee-chest position
* Buttocks elevated by pillows or head tilt in a trolley
* Filling the urinary bladder
Tocolytic - terbutaline
When may episiotomy be indicated during a normal vaginal delivery
Perineum begins to tear
Perineal resistance prevents delivery of the head
Concern for the foetal wellbeing requires expedited birth
List the management for abnormal third stage of labour
Intramuscular oxytocin (10I/U)
Late clamping (>2 minutes) and cutting of the cord
When signs of placental separation are seen, the placenta is delivered by controlled cord traction (Brandt-Andrews technique).
List the risk factors for anal sphincter damage
Large baby (>4kg)
First vaginal delivery
Instrumental delivery
Occipitoposterior position
Prolonged second stage
Induced labour
Epidural anaesthesia
Shoulder dystocia
Midline episiotomy
Define frank (extended breech)
The legs lie extended along the fetal trunk and are flexed at the hips and extended at the knees.
The buttocks will present at the pelvic inlet.
Define flexed breech
The legs are flexed at the hips and the knees with the fetus sitting on its legs so that both feet present to the pelvic inlet.
Define knee or footling presentation
One or both of the lower limbs of the fetus are flexed and breech of the baby is above the maternal pelvis.
Part of the fetal lower limb (usually feet) descends through the cervix into the vagina.
Why is there decrease in systemic vascular resistance during pregnancy
Progesterone
Why is there reduced functional residual capacity in pregnancy
Elevation of diaphragm
List the physiology of gallbladder disease in pregnancy
Decreased gallbladder emptying due to progesterone
Increased oestrogen cause increased cholesterol production in the third trimester
List the thyroid changes in pregnancy, give the mechanisms
Increased total T4, unchanged free T4
* b-HCG stimulates thyroid hormone production in the first trimester
* Oestrogen stimulates TBG, thyroid increases hormone production to maintain steady free T4 levels
Decreased TSH
* Increased b-HCG and thyroid hormone suppress TSH production
List the metabolic effects of human placental lactogen
Human placental lactogen causes pancreatic B cell hyperplasia, leads to increased insulin secretion and insulin resistance
Insulin resistance causes increased lipolysis, proteolysis, blood glucose (adequate foetal metabolism)
GDM arises when maternal pancreatic function does not overcome insulin resistance
Define normal contraction
3~5 contractions in 10 minutes, lasts for 45 seconds
What may be offered if foetal tachysystole / tetanic (>2min) during contractions
Terbutaline (tocolytic)
List the tocolytics and their contraindications
Ritodrine
* CI: tachycardia, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
Nifedipine
* CI: hypotension, heart disease
Magnesium
* CI: myasthenia gravis
Indomethacin
* CI: pregnancy after 32 weeks as closes PDA
Atosiban (oxytocin antagonist)
List the management approaches to foetal tachysystole
Discontinue uterotonics
Lateral decubitus positioning
Tocolysis
List the components in Bishop score
Dilation
Position of cervix
Effacement
Station
Cervical consistency
A Bishop score of 8 or greater is considered to be favourable for induction or spontaneous delivery.
What does station 0 in Bishop score indicate?
The ischial spines are halfway between the pelvic inlet and outlet.
At zero station, the foetal head is at the level of the ischial spines.
Give signs of False (Braxton Hicks) contraction
Irregular, infrequent labour
Weak strength
None to mild pain
No cervical change
List the adverse drug reactions to epidural anaesthesia
Hypotension
Systemic toxicity
High spinal / total spinal - depression of cervical spinal cord and brainstem activity
Postdural puncture headache
When does engagement of foetal head occur?
Stage 1 latent phase
List the management for abnormal stage 1 latent phase
If absent: balloon catheter
If water didn’t break - amniotomy
Oxytocin
List the disorders and management of the active phase of labour
Protraction - oxytocin
* Cervical change slower than expected
* Inadequate contractions
Arrest - caesarean delivery
* No cervical change >4 hours + adequate contraction
* No cervical change >6 hours + inadequate contractions
Define second stage arrest of labour
Insufficient foetal descent after pushing for >3 hrs in nulliparous or >2 hrs in multiparous
List the aetiology of second stage arrest of labour
Cephalopelvic disproportion
Malposition
Inadequate contractions
Maternal exhaustion
Give management options for second stage arrest of labour
Operative vaginal delivery
Caesarean delivery
Give management options for abnormal third stage of labour
Uterine massage and controlled cord traction
Oxytocin
Manual extraction
Surgery
Give the management for preterm labour with high risk of imminent delivery
Dexamethasone
IV antibiotics for GBS prophylaxis - benzylpenicillin / clindamycin
Tocolysis - nifedipine
Magnesium sulphate
List the management for PPROM
<34 weeks reassuring
* Expectant management
* Erythromycin 10 days
* Antenatal corticosteroids - dexamethasone
<34 weeks non-reassuring
* Delivery
* Erythromycin 10 days
* Antenatal corticosteroids - dexamethasone
* Magnesium sulphate if <32 weeks - neuroprotection
34~37 weeks
* Delivery
* GBS prophylaxis - benzylpenicillin
* Antenatal corticosteroids - dexamethasone
List the risk factors for intrapartum fever (endometritis/chorioamnionitis)
Prolonged rupture of membranes (>18hrs)
PPROM
Prolonged labour
Internal foetal/uterine monitoring devices
Repetitive vaginal examinations
Genital tract pathogens
List the presentation of intrapartum fever (endometritis/chorioamnionitis)
Maternal fever
Plus one of the following:
* Foetal tachycardia >160 bpm for at least 10 minutes
* Maternal leukocytosis
* Maternal tachycardia
* Purulent amniotic fluid
* Uterine fundal tenderness
List the management for intrapartum fever (endometritis/chorioamnionitis)
Ampicillin + gentamicin/clindamycin
Delivery
List the risk factors for postpartum endometritis
Caesarean/operative vaginal delivery
Chorioamniotis
Group B streptococcus colonisation
Prolonged rupture of membranes
List the clinical features for postpartum endometritis
Fever >24hr postpartum
Uterine fundal tenderness
Purulent lochia
Give the management for postpartum endometritis
Clindamycin + gentamicin
List the complications for surgical induction of labour
Hyperstimulation
Prolapse of the cord
Infection
Define third- and fourth-degree injuries
3a: < 50% of the external sphincter is disrupted
3b: > 50% of the external sphincter is disrupted
4: both the external and internal sphincters are disrupted
List the risk factors for breech presentation
Advanced maternal age
Multiparity
Uterine didelphys, septate uterus
Uterine leiomyomas
Foetal anomalies eg. anencephaly
Preterm (<37 weeks)
Oligo/polyhydramnios
Placenta praevia
List the management for breech presentation
Caesarean delivery
External cephalic version
List the complications of external cephalic version
cord entanglement
placental abruption
rupture of the membranes
List the indications for C-section
Non-reassuring foetal status (foetal distress)
Abnormal progress in the first/second stages of labour (dystocia)
Intrauterine growth restriction (poor placental function)
Malpresentations: breech, transverse lie, brow
Placenta praevia, abruptio placentae, severe antepartum haemorrhage
Previous caesarean section
Severe pre-eclampsia and other maternal medical disorders
Cord presentation and prolapse
List the classifications for C-section
Category 1 - immediate threat to life of the woman/foetus
Category 2 - maternal/foetal compromise but not immediately life threatening
Category 3 - no maternal/foetal compromise but early delivery required
Category 4 - elective planned C section
List the complications for C-section
Perioperative haemorrhage
Injury to bladder / ureters
Wound / uterine cavity infection
Secondary postpartum bleeding
DVT / PE
List the predisposing factors for shoulder dystocia
Macrosomic infants >4.5 kg
Prolonged second stage of labour
Assisted vaginal delivery
Give the approach for shoulder dystocia
McRobert’s manoeuvre
The woman is placed in the recumbent position with the hips slightly abducted and acutely flexed with the knees bent up towards the chest.
Apply suprapubic pressure on the anterior shoulder to displace it downwards and laterally.
Make / extend an episiotomy.
Insert a hand into the vagina and rotate the foetal shoulders to the oblique pelvic diameter.
Deliver the posterior arm by flexing it at the elbow and sweeping the arm across the chest.
Define primary postpartum haemorrhage
Bleeding from the genital tract > 500mL in the first 24 hours after delivery.
List the causes for primary postpartum haemorrhage
4T: Tone, Tissue, Trauma, Thrombin
Uterine atony (75~90%)
* uterine overdistension - multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios
* prolonged labour, instrumental delivery
* antepartum haemorrhage: placenta praevia, abruption
* multiparity
* multiple fibroids, uterine abnormalities
General anaesthesia
* episiotomy
* lacerations to perineum, vagina, cervix
* uterine rupture and caesarean scar dehiscence
* haematomas of the vulva, vagina and broad ligament
Genital tract trauma
Tissue - retained placenta
Thrombin acquired in pregnancy
* HELLP syndrome
* Sepsis
* Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
List the management for primary postpartum haemorrhage if the placenta is retained
Massage the uterus to ensure it is well contracted.
Attempt delivery of the placenta by controlled cord traction.
If this fails, proceed to manual removal of the placenta under spinal, epidural or general anaesthesia when the mother is adequately resuscitated.
List the management for PPH due to uterine atony
First line: IV oxytocin + IV fluid with balanced crystalloids (Ringer’s lactate) + slow IV Tranexamic acid 1g + uterine massage
List of uterotonics:
* IV Oxytocin 5 units
* IV Ergometrine 0.2mg
* IM Carboprost every 15 minutes for a maximum of eight doses
* Misoprostol 800μg sublingual
List the mechanisms of actions and contraindications for uterotonics
Ergometrine
* Stimulates uterine smooth muscle and vascular alpha1 receptors, causes sustained vasoconstriction and bleeding resolution
* CI: hypertension, cardiovascular disease
Carboprost
* Prostaglandin F2-alpha agonist in the uterine myometrium, stimulatesuterine contractions
* CI: asthma, hypertension, active cardiac, hepatic, pulmonary disease
Misoprostol
* Prostaglandin E1 agonist in the uterine myometrium.
List the surgical techniques for primary postpartum haemorrhage
Bimanual compression of the uterus (8–10 minutes)
Uterine tamponade with balloon catheters
Uterine compression sutures
Internal iliac and uterine artery ligation
Major vessel embolisation
Total/subtotal hysterectomy
Give the STASIS algorithm for severe refractory PPH
S - Shift the patient to the operating room for improved visualisation.
T - Rule out retained tissue, trauma. Employ balloon tamponade.
A - Apply surgical compression sutures to achieve haemostasis.
S - Systemic devascularisation by O’Leary, ovarian, hypogastric, quadruple, internal iliac sutures
I - Interventional radiology
S - Subtotal/total hysterectomy
Define secondary postpartum haemorrhage
Abnormal vaginal bleeding occurring at any subsequent time in the puerperium up to 6 weeks after delivery
List the causes of secondary postpartum haemorrhage
Retained placental tissue
Intrauterine infection
Trophoblastic disease
Intrauterine arteriovenous malformation
Define placenta accreta spectrum
Abnormal invasion of trophoblastic tissue into the uterine wall.
Placenta attaches to the myometrial layer of the uterus
List the risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum
Prior C-section/uterine surgery (uterine scarring impairs decidualization)
Placenta praevia
Increased maternal age
Multiparity
List the types of placenta accreta spectrum
Placenta accreta (most common) - Attaches to myometrium (instead of overlying decidua basalis) without invading it
Placenta increta - Partially invades into myometrium
Placenta percreta - Completely invades through myometrium and serosa, sometimes extend into adjacent organs
Give the investigation for placenta accreta spectrum
Colour flow doppler ultrasound
Give the presentations for placenta accreta spectrum
Difficulty separating placenta from uterus after foetal delivery
Severe post-partum haemorrhage upon attempted manual removal of placenta
List the causes for antepartum haemorrhage
Placenta praevia
Vasa praevia
Uterine rupture
Abruptio placentae
Cervical polyps
Cervicitis
Cervical dilation
Bloody show
Give the definition for antepartum haemorrhage
Bleeding from or into the genital tract, occurring from 24+0 weeks of pregnancy and prior to the birth of the baby.
List the risk factors for uterine rupture
Prior uterine surgery eg. C-section, myomectomy
Induction of labour / prolonged labour
Congenital uterine anomalies
Foetal macrosomia
List the clinical presentations for uterine rupture
Painful vaginal bleeding, increased with contractions
Intra-abdominal bleeding (hypotension, tachycardia)
Loss of intrauterine pressure
Foetal heart decelerations
Loss of foetal station
Palpable foetal parts on abdominal examination
Define placenta praevia and low lying placenta
Placenta praevia - placenta is directly covering the cervical os.
Low-lying placenta - placental edge is <2 cm from the cervical os.
Give the management for uterine rupture
Laparotomy for delivery and uterine repair
Define vasa praevia
Foetal vessels lie over the internal cervical os
List the risk factors for vasa praevia
Placenta praevia
Multiple gestations
IVF
Succenturiate placental lobe - smaller accessory placental lobe that is separate to the main disc of the placenta
List the clinical presentations for vasa praevia
Painless vaginal bleeding with ROM / contractions
Foetal bradycardia, sinusoidal pattern
Foetal demise
Give the management for vasa praevia
Emergency caesarean delivery
List the risk factors for placenta praevia
Advanced maternal age
Multiparity
Smoking , Illicit drug use
Miscarriages / abortions
Assisted conception
Deficient endometrium due to
* Uterine scar (previous C sections)
* Endometritis
* Manual removal of placenta
* Curettage
* Submucous fibroid
Give the typical symptom in placenta praevia
Second / third-trimester PAINLESS vaginal bleeding
Give the investigation for placenta praevia
Transabdominal ultrasound
Define abruptio placentae
The premature separation of a normally located placenta from the uterine wall that occurs before delivery of the foetus.
Give the types of abruptio placentae
Revealed - blood escapes through vagina
Concealed - bleeding occurs behind the placenta, no evidence of bleeding from the vagina
List the symptoms of abruptio placentae
Abdominal pain
Uterine contractions
Uterine tenderness
Vaginal bleeding (revealed)
List the foetal heart rate monitoring abnormalities that suggest an abruption
Late/variable decelerations
Loss of variability
Sinusoidal foetal heart rate tracing
Foetal bradycardia (<110 bpm)
List the investigations for abruptio placentae
Haemoglobin (Hb)
Haematocrit (Hct)
Coagulation studies
Kleihauer-Betke (K-B) test in Rh-negative women
Transabdominal ultrasound
List the transabdominal ultrasound signs in abruptio placentae
Retroplacental haematoma (hyperechoic, isoechoic, hypoechoic)
Pre-placental haematoma (jiggling appearance with a shimmering effect of the chorionic plate with foetal movement)
Increased placental thickness and echogenicity
Subchorionic collection
Marginal collection
Give the typical symptoms for cyclical breast pain
Starts during the luteal phase of the cycle (<2 weeks before menses), increases until menstruation begins, and improves after menses.
Dull, heavy, aching
Usually bilateral
May be poorly localised and extend to the axilla
Give the criteria for suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks)
> 30 years + unexplained breast lump with/without pain
30 years + unexplained lump in the axilla.
50 years + discharge, retraction, or other concerning changes in one nipple only
Has skin changes suggestive of breast cancer.
List the causes for non-cyclical breast pain
Mastitis.
Pregnancy.
Trauma.
Fibrocystic disease.
Malignancy.
Stretching of Cooper’s ligaments.
Diabetic mastopathy.
Extra-mammary causes:
Musculoskeletal conditions
* Costochondritis
* Soft tissue injury
* Rib or vertebral fracture
Fibromyalgia
Herpes zoster
Referred pain
* Ischaemic heart disease
* Peptic ulcer
* Gallstones
* Gastro-oesophageal reflux
List the management for cyclical breast pain
Paracetamol / ibuprofen
NSAIDs
Where is lactational abscess commonly localised
In the peripheral region of the breast, more commonly in the upper and outer quadrant.
Where is non-lactational abscess commonly localised
In the central/subareolar or lower quadrants of the breast
List the causes for lactational mastitis
Milk stasis
Infection - S aureus, including MRSA
List the causes for non-lactational mastitis
Central/subareolar infection
* Periductal mastitis
* Duct ectasia
Peripheral non-lactating infection
* Diabetes mellitus
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Trauma
* Corticosteroid treatment
Granulomatous mastitis - autoimmune reaction to substances secreted from the mammary ducts
Infectious mastitis
* S. aureus
* Enterococci
* Anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides spp. anaerobic streptococci)
List the predisposing factors for granulomatous mastitis
Corynebacterium spp.
Childbirth
Oral contraceptive use
Trauma
Autoimmune disease
Hyperprolactinaemia
Tuberculosis
Sarcoidosis
Diabetes mellitus
List the complications for mastitis
Breast abscess
Mammary duct fistula
Sepsis
Scarring
Additional infections
* Necrotizing fasciitis
* Skin infections at extramammary sites (S. aureus mastitis)
List the typical symptoms of mastitis
Painful breast.
Fever / general malaise.
Tender, red, swollen, hard area of the breast, usually in a wedge-shaped distribution.
List the features for periductal mastitis
Periareolar inflammation (with/without associated mass)
Established abscess
Nipple retraction at the site of the diseased duct
Central breast pain
Greenish discharge from the nipple.
List the features for granulomatous mastitis
Firm, unilateral breast mass
Breast distortion
Nipple retraction
Skin thickening
Axillary adenopathy
Ulceration
Large area of infection with multiple simultaneous peripheral abscesses
List the typical symptoms of breast abscess
History of mastitis / breast abscess.
Fever, general malaise
Painful, swollen lump in the breast + redness, heat, and swelling of the overlying skin.
On examination, the lump may be fluctuant with skin discolouration.
Give the investigation for mastitis
Breast milk culture
List the differential diagnoses for breast pain with lactation
Full / Engorged breasts
Blocked duct
Galactocele
Infection of the mammary ducts
List the differential diagnoses for breast pain not associated with lactation
Breast cancer
* Ductal cancer
* Inflammatory breast cancer
* Paget’s disease of the nipple
Duct extasia
Cellulitis
Fibroadenosis
Ruptured breast cyst
Necrotising fasciitis of the breast
Fat necrosis of the breast
List the differential diagnoses for nipple pain
Poor infant attachment
Candidal infection
Bacterial infection
Blanching
Eczema
Raynaud’s disease
List the management options for lactational mastitis
First line = flucloxacillin 500mg 4/day for 10–14 days
Alternatives:
Erythromycin 250–500mg 4/day for 10–14 days
Clarithromycin 500mg 2/day for 10–14 days
Second line = co-amoxiclav 500/125 mg 3/day for 10–14 days
List the management options for non-lactational mastitis
First line: co-amoxiclav 500/125mg 3/day for 10–14 days
Alternatives: Erythromycin (250–500mg 4/day) + metronidazole (400mg 3/day) for 10–14 days
Clarithromycin (500mg 2/day) + metronidazole (400mg 3/day) for 10–14 days
Give the most common female malignancy
Breast cancer
Give the five-year survival rate for breast cancer
85%
Give the characteristics for ductal cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, Paget’s disease of the nipple
Ductal cancer - breast pain, bloody discharge
Inflammatory breast cancer - rapid onset warmth of the breast, diffuse redness, and oedema (orange skin [peau d’orange] appearance)
Paget’s disease of the nipple - itchy, red rash, bleeding on the nipple, breast burning sensation
List the risk factors for breast cancer
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
Other associated genetic mutations
* NF1 (Neurofibromatosis type 1)
* PTEN (Cowden syndrome)
* STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome)
* TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
Exogenous oestrogen and progestin
* HRT
* Hormonal contraception
Which subtype of breast cancer is associated with BRCA1 mutations
Basal type tumours
Which subtypes of breast cancer is associated with shorter disease-free survival
Basal type and HER2+ tumours
Which subtype of breast cancer is associated with a longer disease-free survival
Luminal A tumours
List the symptoms for breast cancer
Increasing size of the mass
Axillary lymphadenopathy
Nipple discharge, retraction
Skin thickening / discoloration
* Tethering
* Peau d’orange
Retraction, inversion, or scaling of the nipple
Give the first line imaging investigation for breast cancer
Mammography
Give the gold standard investigation for breast cancer
Image-guided core biopsy
Describe the breast screening programme
3 yearly routine for women aged 50–70 years
List the benefits of breast screening
Early detection of breast cancer.
Reduction in breast cancer mortality.
List the cons for breast screening
Pain and discomfor - mammography.
Over-diagnosis - unnecessary treatment.
False-positive mammograms - unnecessary further investigations.
Psychological distress - false-positive result.
False reassurance - missed cancer and incorrect diagnosis.
Give the classifications for ovarian cancer
Epithelial carcinomas - six major histotypes
* Serous (70~85%)
* Mucinous
* Endometrioid
* Clear cell
* Transitional cell
* Other
Non-epithelial cancers
* Germ cell tumours
* Sex cord/stromal cell tumours
Where may ovarian cancer spread to
Intraperitoneal structures and organs (intestinal obstruction and cachexia)
Liver
Para-aortic lymph nodes
Lung (pleural effusions)
List the risk factors for ovarian cancer
Increasing age
Genetic factors
* Gene mutations - BRCA1/2
* Family history of ovarian cancer / cancer
Conditions that increase the number of ovulatory cycles
* Nulliparity
* Early menarche / Late menopause
Hormone replacement therapy
Medical conditions
* Cancer
* Endometriosis
Lifestyle
* Smoking
* Obesity
* Occupational exposure to asbestos
What is the risk of ovarian cancer reduced by
A higher number of pregnancies.
Breastfeeding.
Combined oral contraceptive pill
Tubal ligation and hysterectomy.
List the symptoms for ovarian cancer
In any woman (particularly > 50) if any of the following symptoms are persistent/frequent (particularly > 12/month):
* Abdominal distension (bloating).
* Feeling full (early satiety) / loss of appetite.
* Pelvic/abdominal pain.
* Increased urinary urgency/frequency.
In any woman > 50 years, if symptoms suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome within the last 12 months.
Other symptoms
* Abnormal/postmenopausal bleeding.
* Gastrointestinal symptoms (dyspepsia, nausea, bowel obstruction).
* Shortness of breath (pleural effusion).
List the investigations for ovarian cancer
Serum CA125 - Raised (> 35 IU/mL)
Abdominal and pelvis ultrasound
List the other causes of a raised serum CA125
Peritoneal trauma, disease, irritation.
Other cancers
* Primary peritoneal cancer
* Lung cancer
* Pancreatic cancer
Ovarian cyst torsion, rupture, haemorrhage.
Endometriosis.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pregnancy.
Heart failure.
Define Meigs syndrome
Ascites and pleural effusion associated with benign, usually solid ovarian tumour, most commonly ovarian fibroma
Where do most cases of cervical cancer originate from
ecto- or endocervical mucosa in the ‘transformation zone’ (the area of the cervix between the old and new squamocolumnar junction)
List the types of cervical cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma (70–80%)
Adenocarcinoma (20–25%)
Adenosquamous carcinoma
Neuroendocrine tumours
Undifferentiated carcinoma
Give the cause of cervical cancer
Human papillomavirus (subtypes 16 and 18)
List the risk factors for acquiring HPV infection
Early age of first sexual intercourse.
Multiple sexual partners or a high-risk sexual partner.
Lack of barrier contraception.
History of STI
History of HPV-related vaginal / vulvar dysplasia.
Immunocompromise
List the factors which increase the risk of HPV progression to cervical cancer
Co-infection with other STIs.
High parity (> 5 full-term births) and young age at first birth (< 17 years).
Combined oral contraceptives use > 5 years
Smoking
Family history in a first-degree relative.
Immunocompromise
List the symptoms for cervical cancer
Persistent unexplained abnormal vaginal, intermenstrual, postcoital bleeding
Persistent unexplained vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain, dyspareunia
Postmenopausal bleeding and not taking HRT
Postmenopausal bleeding and taking HRT
* increase in heaviness, duration of bleeding or irregular bleeding
* bleeding beyond 6 months or bleeding after a spell of amenorrhoea
List the examination findings in cervical cancer
Inflamed/friable appearance with contact bleeding
Visible ulcerating/necrotic lesion on the cervix.
Enlarged, indurated inguinal and supraclavicular lymph nodes in advanced disease
Give the first line investigation for cervical cancer
Colposcopy
Give the gold standard investigation for cervical cancer
Biopsy
List the colposcopy findings for cervical cancer
abnormal vascularity
white change with acetic acid (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia)
pre-cancerous abnormalities may not stain with iodine
visible exophytic lesions
Give the complications for advanced cervical cancer
Non-specific
* Loss of appetite
* Unexplained weight loss
* Fatigue
Pain
* Enlarged para-aortic/supraclavicular lymph nodes, bony metastases
* Pelvic/back pain - pelvic side wall infiltration
* Flank/loin pain - hydroureter, hydronephrosis
Renal failure - bilateral ureteric obstruction
Severe haemorrhage - erosion and bleeding from major pelvic vessels
Fistulae
* Vesicovaginal fistula - continual passage of urine through the vagina, incontinence
* Rectovaginal fistula - passage of faeces through the vagina
Lymphoedema
Define cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Abnormal changes of the cells that line the cervix, typically caused by HPV infections (16 and 18).
How may cervical cancer be prevented
HPV vaccination for girls aged 12–13 years (before sexually active)
Give the grading for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
CIN1 (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions)
⅓ of the thickness of the surface layer of the cervix is affected.
Morphological correlates of HPV infections
CIN2
⅔ of the thickness of the surface layer of the cervix is affected.
Correlates of cervical pre-cancers
CIN3 (high-grade / severe dysplasia, stage 0 cervical carcinoma in situ)
The full thickness of the surface layer is affected.
Correlates of cervical pre-cancers
Describe the NHS cervical screening programme
24.5 years - the first invitation is issued to ensure that the screening test can be completed by their 25th birthday.
25–49 years - recall every 3 years
50–64 years - recall every 5 years
People > 65 years - if a recent cervical cytology sample is abnormal, or they have not had a cervical screening test since 50 years of age and they request one.
What is the most common subtype of endometrial cancer
Endometrioid carcinoma of the uterine corpus
Define endometrial hyperplasia
Proliferation of endometrial glands resulting in a greater gland-to-stroma ratio than is observed in normal endometrium.
List the risk factors for endometrial cancer
Obesity (most important)
Age > 50 years
Endometrial hyperplasia
Unopposed endogenous oestrogen
* Anovulation
* PCOS
* Nulliparity
* Early menarche, late menopause
* Granulosa cell tumours
Unopposed exogenous oestrogen - hormone replacement therapy
Tamoxifen use in post-menopausal women
Familial cancer syndromes
* Lynch syndrome
* Cowden syndrome
Give the feature of Lynch syndrome
hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer - family history of colorectal, endometrial, ovarian cancer
Give the feature of Cowden syndrome
PTEN tumour suppressor gene mutation - increased risk for endometrial, breast, thyroid, colorectal, and renal cancer
Give the symptom in endometrial cancer
Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
Give the first line investigation and findings in endometrial cancer
Transvaginal ultrasound
* Thickened endometrial stripe (>4 mm)
* Vascular mass
Give the pathophysiology of erythroblastosis fetalis
Maternal IgG crosses the placenta and attaches to foetal RBCs that have expressed the antigen.
These RBCs are then sequestered by macrophages in the foetal spleen, where extravascular haemolysis occurs, producing foetal anaemia.
The foetus attempts to compensate by increasing extramedullary haematopoiesis.
Results in
* Hepatosplenomegaly
* Portal hypertension
* Cardiac compromise
* Tissue hypoxia
* Hypoviscosity
* Increased brain perfusion
Extreme foetal haemoglobin deficits of ≥70 g/L can ultimately lead to hydrops fetalis and intrauterine foetal death.
List the risk factors for maternal sensitisation to RhD antigen
History of delivery Rh+ve foetus to Rh-ve mother
Fetomaternal haemorrhage
Invasive foetal procedures
Placental trauma
Abortion
Give the investigation for Rh disease
Blood type and antibody screening
At the first antenatal visit, all women are screened for ABO blood group, Rh type, and RBC antibodies
Repeated RhD-antibody testing for all unsensitised RhD-ve women at 24-28 weeks’ gestation
How is fetomaternal haemorrhage assessed
Rosette test
If results +ve, Kleihauer-Betke (acid elution) test / flow cytometry measure the amount of foetal blood in the maternal circulation
Give the signs of foetal anaemia
Elevate peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery
Ultrasound
* Subcutaneous oedema
* Ascites
* Pleural / Pericardial effusion
Give the foetal signs of Rhesus sensitisation
Elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity
Elevated amniotic bilirubin levels
What food should be avoided in pregnancy
Food that may contain Listeria
* Soft mould-ripened cheeses
* Unpasteurized milk or cheese
* Pate
High levels of vitamin A from liver / liver products - increased the risk of birth defects
Fish containing relatively high levels of methylmercury
Limit caffeine intake
List the effects of listeria infection in pregnancy
miscarriage
stillbirth
severe illness in the newborn
List the effects of high levels of methylmercury in the womb
affect the nervous system of the foetus, potentially increasing the risk of learning or behavioural problems.
When is higher dose of folic acid recommended
Previously infant with a neural tube defect
Antiepileptic medications
Diabetes
Coeliac disease
Sickle-cell disease, thalassaemia
BMI over 30 kg/m2
List the ultrasound parameters used for assessment of gestational age
Gestational sac diameter: 4.5~6 weeks
Crown-rump length: 7~14 weeks
Biparietal diameter, head/abdominal circumference, femur length: 14+ weeks
List the screening parameters in the second trimester
MSAFP
bHCG
Oestriol
Inhibin A
List the quadruple screening results in Trisomy 18, 21, and neural tube defect
Trisomy 18
* Decreased MSAFP
* Decreased bHCG
* Decreased estriol
* Normal inhibin A
Trisomy 21 (if it has ‘h’ then it’s high)
* Decreased MSAFP
* Increased bHCG
* Decreased estriol
* Increased inhibin A
Neural tube defect
* Increased MSAFP
* Normal bHCG
* Normal estriol
* Normal inhibin A
List the causes for increased MSAFP
Open neural tube defects
Ventral wall defects (omphalocele, gastroschisis)
Multiple gestation
List the causes for decreased MSAFP
Aneuploidies (trisomy 18, 21)
Give the pathophysiology for pre-eclampsia
Failure of normal trophoblast invasion, leading to maladaptation of maternal spiral arterioles.
Give the definition for pre-eclampsia
New onset hypertension (>140/90) after 20 weeks of pregnancy + coexistence at least one of:
Proteinuria
Renal insufficiency (creatinine > 90 micromol/litre, 1.02 mg/100 ml).
Liver involvement
* Elevated transaminases AAT/AST > 40 IU/litre
* RUQ / epigastric pain
Neurological complications
* Eclampsia (seizure)
* Altered mental status
* Blindness
* Stroke
* Clonus
* Severe headaches
* Persistent visual scotomata
Haematological complications
* Thrombocytopenia
* Disseminated intravascular coagulation
* Haemolysis
Uteroplacental dysfunction
* Foetal growth restriction
* Abnormal umbilical artery doppler waveform analysis
* Stillbirth
Give the cardinal symptoms of pre-eclampsia
Severe headaches
Visual problems (blurred vision, flashing lights, double vision, floating spots)
Persistent new epigastric / RUQ pain
Vomiting.
Breathlessness.
Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.
List the presentations for HELLP syndrome
Epigastric/right upper quadrant pain
Nausea, vomiting
Jaundice
List the risk factors for pre-eclampsia
A history of hypertensive disease during a previous pregnancy
Chronic kidney disease
Autoimmune disease
* Systemic lupus erythematosus
* Antiphospholipid syndrome
Type 1/2 diabetes.
Chronic hypertension
First pregnancy.
Multiple pregnancy
Pregnancy interval of more than 10 years.
Aged >40 years
BMI > 35 kg/m2
Family history
List the maternal complications of pre-eclampsia
Eclamptic seizures
Acute renal failure
Liver dysfunction
Coagulation abnormalities
List the causes of death related to pre-eclampsia
Intracranial haemorrhage
Cerebral infarction, oedema
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Pulmonary oedema
Hepatic rupture, failure/necrosis
List the pregnancy/foetal/neonatal complications from pre-eclampsia
Placental abruption
IUGR
Preterm delivery
Stillbirth
Neonatal death
List the investigations for pre-eclampsia
Urine dipstick for protein and measure blood pressure at each antenatal visit
Give the management for pre-eclampsia
Aspirin 75-150 mg daily from 12 weeks’ gestation until birth
Give the management options for chronic hypertension, or new hypertension before 20 weeks’ gestation
Labetalol
Nifedipine
Methyldopa
List the maternal pregnancy related risks due to hypertension
Superimposed preeclampsia
Postpartum haemorrhage
Gestational diabetes
Abruptio placentae
Caesarean delivery
List the foetal pregnancy related risks due to hypertension
Foetal growth restriction
Oligohydramnios
Preterm delivery
Perinatal mortality
List the management options for seizures in pregnancy
IV magnesium sulphate
What is the most common cause of early-onset severe infection in the neonatal period
Group B Streptococcus
List the electrolyte abnormalities seen in hyperemesis gravidarum
hypoNa+, K+, Cl-
metabolic alkalosis
What treatment is recommended for postmenopausal women with ER+ve breast cancer
Aromatase inhibitors
* Letrozole
* Anastrozole
What treatment is recommended for premenopausal women with ER+ve breast cancer
Tamoxifen (Selective oestrogen receptor modulator)
Give the definition for full dilation of cervix
10 cm
List the scores in Bishop components
Dilation (cm)
0 - Closed
1 - 1~2
2 - 3~4
3 - 5~6
Position of cervix
0 - Posterior
1 - Mid position
2 - Anterior
Effacement (%)
0 - 0~30
1 - 40~50
2 - 60~70
3 - 80
Station
0 - -3
1 - -2
2 - -1, 0
3 - 1. 2
Cervical consistency
1 - Firm
2 - Medium
3 - Soft
List the parameters in 1st trimester screening
Ultrasound nuchal translucency
PAPP-A (Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A)
hCG
When may lower levels of PAPP-A be observed
Pre-eclampsia
Lower birth weight baby
Preterm birth
Mid trimester miscarriage
List the causes of increased hCG, decreased PAPP-A and thickened nuchal translucency
Down’s
Trisomy 18 (Edward syndrome) and 13 (Patau syndrome) - hCG lower
List the possible results for combined and quadruple antenatal screening
‘lower chance’: 1 in >150 chance
‘higher chance’: 1 in <150 chance
What will happen if a woman has a ‘higher chance’ results on combined or quadruple antenatal tests
offered a second screening test (Non-invasive prenatal screening test) or a diagnostic test (amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling).
Define Non-invasive prenatal screening test (NIPT)
analyses small DNA fragments that circulate in the blood of a pregnant woman (cell free foetal DNA, cffDNA)
Give the percentile threshold for small for gestational age
<10 percentile
Give the definitions for symmetrical and asymmetrical small for gestational age
Symmetrical: foetal head circumference and abdominal circumference are equally small
* Generally due to an early insult during pregnancy (first trimester)
Asymmetrical: abdominal circumference relatively decreased than head circumference
* Usually happens later in pregnancy
List the causes for symmetrical SGA
Idiopathic
Chromosomal and congenital abnormalities
Toxins - alcohol, heroin
TORCH infection
* Toxoplasmosis
* Others (HIV, syphilis, parvovirus, varicella zoster, listeria)
* Rubella
* CMV
* Herpes
Malnutrition
List the causes for asymmetrical SGA
Placental insufficiency
Pre-eclampsia
Chromosomal and congenital abnormalities
Toxins - smoking, heroin
List the maternal factors for placental insufficiency
Low pre-pregnancy weight
Substance abuse
Autoimmune disease
Renal disease
Diabetes
Chronic hypertension
List the investigations for placental insufficiency
Ultrasound
Foetal anatomical survey
Uterine artery doppler
Karyotyping
Infection screen
List the neonatal complications for SGA
Birth asphyxia
Meconium aspiration
Hypothermia
Hypo/hyperglycemia
Polycythemia
Retinopathy of prematurity
Persistent pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary haemorrhage
Necrotising enterocolitis
List the types of multiple gestations
Monochorionic, monoamniotic
Monochorionic, diamniotic
Dichorionic, diamniotic
Give an ultrasound sign for Monochorionic, diamniotic twin
T-sign at intertwin membrane
Give an ultrasound sign for Dichorionic, diamniotic twin
Lambda sign at intertwin membrane
List the maternal complications for multiple gestations
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Preeclampsia
Gestational diabetes mellitus
Iron-deficiency anaemia
List the foetal complications for multiple gestations
Congenital anomalies
Foetal growth restriction
Preterm delivery
Malpresentation
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome - monochorionic twins
Monoamniotic twins
* Conjoined twins
* Cord entanglement
List the risk factors for multiple gestations
Increased maternal age
Increased parity
Fertility enhancing therapies
Family history
Define twin-twin transfusion syndrome
Blood from the placental arteries of one twin is shunted into the placental veins of the other twin
List the presentations for donor and recipient twin in Twin-twin transfusion syndrome
Donor twin
Renal failure
Oligohydramnios
Low-output heart failure
Foetal growth restriction
Recipient twin
Polycythemia
Polyhydramnios
Cardiomegaly
High-output heart failure
Hydrops fetalis
Approximately how much women experience nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
75%