Obstetrics & gynaecology Flashcards
What hormonal changes occur in pregnancy?
increased:
steroid hormones
T3/4
prolactin
melanocyte stimulating hormone
oestrogen
progesterone
HcG
What cardiovascular changes occur in pregnancy?
increased:
blood volume
plasma volume
cardiac output
decreased:
vascular resistance
blood pressure
What respiratory changes occur in pregnancy?
Increased:
tidal volume
resp rate
What renal changes occur in pregnancy?
Increased:
blood flow
GFR
sodium reabsorption
water reabsorption
protein excretion
What haematological changes occur in pregnancy?
Increased:
RBC production
WBC
Clotting factors
ALP
decreased:
Platelets
Haematocrit
Albumin
What skin changes occur in pregnancy?
Linear Nigra
melasma
striae gravidarum
spider naevi
Palmar erythema
When does labour and delivery normally occur?
between 37 and 42 weeks gestation
What are the 3 stages of labour?
The first stage is from the onset of labour (true contractions) until 10cm cervical dilatation.
The second stage is from 10cm cervical dilatation to delivery of the baby.
The third stage is from delivery of the baby to delivery of the placenta.
What is the role of prostaglandins in labour?
Ripening of cervix
uterine contractions
can use prostaglandin E2 pessaries to induce labour
What are the 3 phases of the first stage of labour?
Latent phase: From 0 to 3cm dilation of the cervix. This progresses at around 0.5cm per hour. There are irregular contractions.
Active phase: From 3cm to 7cm dilation of the cervix. This progresses at around 1cm per hour, and there are regular contractions.
Transition phase: From 7cm to 10cm dilation of the cervix. This progresses at around 1cm per hour, and there are strong and regular contractions.
What 3 factors does the second stage of labour depend on?
Power: strength of contraction
Passenger: size, attitude(posture), lie, presentation
Passage: size and shape of pelvis/birth canal
What are the 7 cardinal movements of labour?
Engagement
Descent
Flexion
Internal Rotation
Extension
Restitution and external rotation
Expulsion
How is decent of the baby measured?
position of baby’s head in relation to ischial spines
-5: when the baby is high up at around the pelvic inlet
0: when the head is at the ischial spines (this is when the head is “engaged”)
+5: when the fetal head has descended further out
What 2 factors should prompt active management of the 3rd stage of labour?
Haemorrhage
more than 60 minute delay in delivery of placenta
What is active management of the 3rd stage of labour?
IM oxytocin
traction to the umbilical cord
What are some causes of primary amenorrhoea?
Abnormal functioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism)
Abnormal functioning of the gonads (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism)
Imperforate hymen or other structural pathology
What is secondary amenorrhoea?
when the patient previously had periods that subsequently stopped
What are some causes of secondary amenorrhoea?
Pregnancy (the most common cause)
Menopause
Physiological stress due to excessive exercise, low body weight, chronic disease or psychosocial factors
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Medications, such as hormonal contraceptives
Premature ovarian insufficiency
Thyroid hormone abnormalities
Excessive prolactin, from a prolactinoma
Cushing’s syndrome
What are some differentials for irregular menstruation?
Extremes of reproductive age
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Physiological stress
Medications, particularly progesterone only contraception, antidepressants and antipsychotics
Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid abnormalities, Cushing’s syndrome and high prolactin
What are some differentials for intermenstrual bleeding?
Hormonal contraception
Cervical ectropion, polyps or cancer
Sexually transmitted infection
Endometrial polyps or cancer
Vaginal pathology, including cancers
Pregnancy
Ovulation can cause spotting in some women
Medications, such as SSRIs and anticoagulants
What are some differentials for dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) ?
Primary dysmenorrhoea (no underlying pathology)
Endometriosis or adenomyosis
Fibroids
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Copper coil
Cervical or ovarian cancer
What are some differentials for menorrhagia?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (no identifiable cause)
Extremes of reproductive age
Fibroids
Endometriosis and adenomyosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Contraceptives, particularly the copper coil
Anticoagulant medications
Bleeding disorders (e.g. Von Willebrand disease)
Endocrine disorders (diabetes and hypothyroidism)
Connective tissue disorders
Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
What are some differentials for postcoital bleeding?
Cervical cancer, ectropion or infection
Trauma
Atrophic vaginitis
Polyps
Endometrial cancer
Vaginal cancer
What are some differentials for pelvic pain?
Urinary tract infection
Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Ovarian cysts
Endometriosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection)
Ectopic pregnancy
Appendicitis
Mittelschmerz (cyclical pain during ovulation)
Pelvic adhesions
Ovarian torsion
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
What are some differentials for excessive, discoloured or foul-smelling discharge?
Bacterial vaginosis
Candidiasis (thrush)
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Trichomonas vaginalis
Foreign body
Cervical ectropion
Polyps
Malignancy
Pregnancy
Ovulation (cyclical)
Hormonal contraception
What are some causes of pruritis vulvae?
Irritants such as soaps, detergents and barrier contraception
Atrophic vaginitis
Infections such as candidiasis (thrush) and pubic lice
Skin conditions such as eczema
Vulval malignancy
Pregnancy-related vaginal discharge
Urinary or faecal incontinence
Stress
How do you define primary amenorrhoea?
Not starting menstruation:
By 13 years when there is no other evidence of pubertal development
By 15 years of age where there are other signs of puberty, such as breast bud development
What is hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?
deficiency of LH and FSH
What is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism?
lack of response to LH and FSH by the gonads (the testes and ovaries)
What are some causes of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?
Hypopituitarism
Damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary, for example, by radiotherapy or surgery for cancer
Significant chronic conditions can temporarily delay puberty (e.g. cystic fibrosis or inflammatory bowel disease)
Excessive exercise or dieting
Constitutional delay in growth and development
Endocrine disorders such as growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s or hyperprolactinaemia
Kallman syndrome
What are some causes for hypergonadotropic hypogonadism?
Previous damage to the gonads (e.g. torsion, cancer or infections such as mumps)
Congenital absence of the ovaries
Turner’s syndrome (XO)
What is Kallman syndrome?
genetic condition causing hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, with failure to start puberty. It is associated with a reduced or absent sense of smell (anosmia)
What causes congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
congenital deficiency of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme. This causes underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone, and overproduction of androgens from birth
Autosomal recessive
What is androgen insensitivity syndrome?
tissues are unable to respond to androgen hormones (e.g. testosterone), so typical male sexual characteristics do not develop. It results in a female phenotype
What structural pathology can cause primary amenorrhoea?
Imperforate hymen
Transverse vaginal septae
Vaginal agenesis
Absent uterus
Female genital mutilation
What initial investigations should be done to assess for underlying medical conditions in primary amenorrhoea?
Full blood count and ferritin for anaemia
U&E for chronic kidney disease
Anti-TTG or anti-EMA antibodies for coeliac disease
What blood tests can be done to assess for hormonal abnormalities in primary amenorrhoea?
FSH and LH will be low in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and high in hypergonadotropic hypogonadism
Thyroid function tests
Insulin-like growth factor I is used as a screening test for GH deficiency
Prolactin is raised in hyperprolactinaemia
Testosterone is raised in polycystic ovarian syndrome, androgen insensitivity syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia
What imaging can be useful to assess causes of primary amenorrhoea?
Xray of the wrist to assess bone age and inform a diagnosis of constitutional delay
Pelvic ultrasound to assess the ovaries and other pelvic organs
MRI of the brain to look for pituitary pathology and assess the olfactory bulbs in possible Kallman syndrome
What is the definition of secondary amenorrhoea?
no menstruation for more than three months after previous regular menstrual periods
What medication can be given to treat hyperprolactinaemia?
Dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine or cabergoline
What should an assessment of secondary amenorrhoea involve?
Detailed history and examination to assess for potential causes
Hormonal blood tests
Ultrasound of the pelvis to diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome
What hormone tests suggest primary ovarian failure?
High FSH
What hormone tests suggest PCOS?
High LH, or LH:FSH ratio
raised testosterone
How can you reduce the risk of osteoporosis in secondary amenorrhoea?
adequate vitD and calcium
COCP or HRT
What is premenstrual syndrome?
psychological, emotional and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, particularly in the days prior to the onset of menstruation
What are some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?
Low mood
Anxiety
Mood swings
Irritability
Bloating
Fatigue
Headaches
Breast pain
Reduced confidence
Cognitive impairment
Clumsiness
Reduced libido
What are the management options for premenstrual syndrome?
General healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, exercise, alcohol, smoking, stress and sleep
Combined contraceptive pill (COCP)
RCOG recommends COCPs containing drospirenone first line (i.e. Yasmin). Drospironone as some antimineralocortioid effects, similar to spironolactone. Continuous use of the pill, as opposed to cyclical use, may be more effective.
SSRI antidepressants
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
What investigations can be done for heavy menstrual bleeding?
Pelvic examination with a speculum and bimanual
Full blood count, coag screen, ferritin
Outpatient hysteroscopy
Pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound
What are the management options for heavy menstrual bleeding when the patient does not want contraception?
Tranexamic acid when no associated pain (antifibrinolytic – reduces bleeding)
Mefenamic acid when there is associated pain (NSAID – reduces bleeding and pain)
What is the management of heavy menstrual bleeding when contraception is wanted?
Mirena coil (first line)
Combined oral contraceptive pill
Cyclical oral progestogens, such as norethisterone 5mg three times daily from day 5 – 26 (although this is associated with progestogenic side effects and an increased risk of venous thromboembolism)
When medical management has failed what are the options for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding?
endometrial ablation and hysterectomy
What are the 4 types of fibroids?
Intramural means within the myometrium (the muscle of the uterus). As they grow, they change the shape and distort the uterus.
Subserosal means just below the outer layer of the uterus. These fibroids grow outwards and can become very large, filling the abdominal cavity.
Submucosal means just below the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).
Pedunculated means on a stalk.
How may fibroids present?
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged menstruation
Abdominal pain, worse during menstruation
Bloating or feeling full in the abdomen
Urinary or bowel symptoms due to pelvic pressure or fullness
Deep dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
Reduced fertility
what may abdominal and bimanual examination reveal in fibroids?
palpable pelvic mass or an enlarged firm non-tender uterus
What investigations can be done for fibroids?
Hysteroscopy
pelvic ultrasound
MRI
If fibroids are over 3cm what are the management options?
referral to gynaecology
Symptomatic management with NSAIDs and tranexamic acid
Mirena coil – depending on the size and shape of the fibroids and uterus
Combined oral contraceptive
Cyclical oral progestogens
Surgical options for larger fibroids are:
Uterine artery embolisation
Myomectomy
Hysterectomy
GnRH agonists, such as goserelin (Zoladex) or leuprorelin (Prostap), may be used to reduce the size of fibroids before surgery.
What are the potential complications of fibroids?
Heavy menstrual bleeding, often with iron deficiency anaemia
Reduced fertility
Pregnancy complications, such as miscarriages, premature labour and obstructive delivery
Constipation
Urinary outflow obstruction and urinary tract infections
Red degeneration of the fibroid
Torsion of the fibroid, usually affecting pedunculated fibroids
Malignant change to a leiomyosarcoma is very rare (<1%)
What is red degeneration of fibroids?
ischaemia, infarction and necrosis of the fibroid due to disrupted blood supply.
presents with severe abdominal pain, low-grade fever, tachycardia and often vomiting. Management is supportive, with rest, fluids and analgesia
common in pregnancy
What is endometriosis?
condition where there is ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterus
What are chocolate cysts ?
Endometriomas in the ovaries
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Cyclical abdominal or pelvic pain
Deep dyspareunia (pain on deep sexual intercourse)
Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
Infertility
Cyclical bleeding from other sites, such as haematuria
What may examination reveal in endometriosis?
Endometrial tissue visible in the vagina on speculum examination, particularly in the posterior fornix
A fixed cervix on bimanual examination
Tenderness in the vagina, cervix and adnexa
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Pelvic ultrasound
Laparoscopic surgery = gold standard
What staging system may be used for endometriosis?
American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
What are the hormonal management options for endometriosis?
Combined oral contractive pill, which can be used back to back without a pill-free period if helpful
Progesterone only pill
Medroxyprogesterone acetate injection (e.g. Depo-Provera)
Nexplanon implant
Mirena coil
GnRH agonists
What are the surgical management options for endometriosis?
Laparoscopic surgery to excise or ablate the endometrial tissue and remove adhesions (adhesiolysis)
Hysterectomy
What is Adenomyosis?
endometrial tissue inside the myometrium (muscle layer of the uterus)
What are the presenting features of adenomyosis?
Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
Heavy periods (menorrhagia)
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
1st line = transvaginal ultrasound
MRI/transabdominal ultrasound
Gold = histology following hysterectomy
What pregnancy complications are associated with adenomyosis?
Infertility
Miscarriage
Preterm birth
Small for gestational age
Preterm premature rupture of membranes
Malpresentation
Need for caesarean section
Postpartum haemorrhage
when can a diagnosis of menopause be made?
after a woman has had no periods for 12 months
What is the average age of menopause?
51 years
what is postmenopause?
describes the period from 12 months after the final menstrual period onwards.
What is perimenopause?
time around the menopause, where the woman may be experiencing vasomotor symptoms and irregular periods. Perimenopause includes the time leading up to the last menstrual period, and the 12 months afterwards
What is premature menopause?
menopause before the age of 40 years. It is the result of premature ovarian insufficiency.
What are the hormonal changes in menopause?
Oestrogen and progesterone levels are low
LH and FSH levels are high, in response to an absence of negative feedback from oestrogen
describe the physiology of menopause
decline in development of follicles -> reduced production of oestrogen -> no negative feedback -> increased LH and FSH
Name some perimenopausal symptoms
Hot flushes
Emotional lability or low mood
Premenstrual syndrome
Irregular periods
Joint pains
Heavier or lighter periods
Vaginal dryness and atrophy
Reduced libido
What are you at increased risk of with low oestrogen e.g. menopause
Cardiovascular disease and stroke
Osteoporosis
Pelvic organ prolapse
Urinary incontinence
when is it recommended to do an FSH test to diagnose menopause?
Women under 40 years with suspected premature menopause
Women aged 40 – 45 years with menopausal symptoms or a change in the menstrual cycle
when is contraception required after menopause?
Two years after the last menstrual period in women under 50
One year after the last menstrual period in women over 50
What are some management options for perimenopausal symptoms?
No treatment
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Tibolone, a synthetic steroid hormone that acts as continuous combined HRT (only after 12 months of amenorrhoea)
Clonidine, which act as agonists of alpha-adrenergic and imidazoline receptors
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
SSRI antidepressants
Testosterone can be used to treat reduced libido (usually as a gel or cream)
Vaginal oestrogen cream or tablets, to help with vaginal dryness and atrophy (can be used alongside systemic HRT)
Vaginal moisturisers
What are some causes of premature ovarian insufficiency?
Idiopathic (the cause is unknown in more than 50% of cases)
Iatrogenic, due to interventions such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery (i.e. oophorectomy)
Autoimmune, possibly associated with coeliac disease, adrenal insufficiency, type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease
Genetic, with a positive family history or conditions such as Turner’s syndrome
Infections such as mumps, tuberculosis or cytomegalovirus
What are the 2 HRT options for premature ovarian insufficiency?
Traditional hormone replacement therapy
Combined oral contraceptive pill
What are the risks of HRT?
breast cancer (particularly combined HRT)
endometrial cancer
Increased risk of venous thromboembolism (2 – 3 times the background risk)
stroke and coronary artery disease with long term use in older women
How can you reduce the risks of HRT?
The risk of endometrial cancer is greatly reduced by adding progesterone in women with a uterus
The risk of VTE is reduced by using patches rather than pills