OSCE emergencies (Obs and Gynae) Flashcards
key emergencies in Obs and Gynae
Obs
- Preterm labour
- Eclampsia
- Uterine rupture
- Amniotic fluid embolism
- PPH
- Placenta praevia
- Placental abruption
- Sepsis
- Post partum psychosis
Gynae
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Ovarian rupture/torsion
- PID
- Hyperemesis
- Testicular tortion
prelabour rupture of membranes
The amniotic sac has ruptured before the onset of labour.
Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (P‑PROM):
The amniotic sac has ruptured before the onset of labour and before 37 weeks gestation (preterm).
prematurity definition
birth before 37 weeks gestation
Babies are considered non-viable below
23 weeks gestation
prophylaxis of preterm labour
Between weeks 16 to 24
- Vaginal progesterone: decreases activity of myometrium and cervix rmeodelling in prep for delivery
- Cervical cerclage: invovles putting a stich in cervix to keep it closed
“Rescue” cervical cerclage
may also be offered between 16 and 27 + 6 weeks when there is cervical dilatation without rupture of membranes, to prevent progression and premature delivery.
diagnosing preterm prelabour rupture of membranes
Rupture of membranes can be diagnosed by:
- Speculum examination revealing pooling of amniotic fluid in the vagina.
- No tests are required.
Where there is doubt about the diagnosis, tests can be performed:
- Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) is a protein present in high concentrations in amniotic fluid, which can be tested on vaginal fluid if there is doubt about rupture of membranes
management of Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes
- Prophylactic antibitoics to prevent chorioamnionitis (erythromycin)
- Induction of labour from 34 weeks
management of Preterm Labour with Intact Membranes
- Fetal monitoring (CTG or intermittent auscultation)
- Tocolysis with nifedipine: nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that suppresses labour
- Maternal corticosteroids: can be offered before 35 weeks gestation to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality
- IV magnesium sulphate: can be given before 34 weeks gestation and helps protect the baby’s brain
- Delayed cord clamping or cord milking: can increase the circulating blood volume and haemoglobin in the baby at birth
how are antental sterois given
two doses of intramuscular betamethasone, 24 hours apart.
role of magnesium sulfate in preterm labour
- protect fetal brain reducing risk of CP
- given within 24 hours od delivery of babies less than 34 weeks
- given as an IV bolus
Side effect: magnesium toxicity
magnesium toxicity
Mothers need close monitoring for magnesium toxicity at least four hourly. This involves close monitoring of observations, as well as tendon reflexes (usually patella reflex). Key signs of toxicity are:
- Reduced respiratory rate
- Reduced blood pressure
- Absent reflexes
inducing labour indication
Induction of labour can be used where patients go over the due date. IOL is offered between 41 and 42 weeks gestation.
Induction of labour is also offered in situations where it is beneficial to start labour early, such as:
- Prelabour rupture of membranes
- Fetal growth restriction
- Pre-eclampsia
- Obstetric cholestasis
- Existing diabetes
- Intrauterine fetal death
options for induction of labour
- Membrane sweep
- Vaginal prostaglandinE2 (dinoprostone)
- Cervical ripening balloon
- Artifical rupture of membranes with oxytocin infusion
- Oral mifepristone (anti-progesterone)
There are two means for monitoring during the induction of labour.
- Cardiotocography (CTG) to assess the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions before and during induction of labour
- Bishop score before and during induction of labour to monitor the progress
complication of induction of labour
uterine hyperstimulation
Uterine hyperstimulation
is the main complication of induction of labour with vaginal prostaglandins. This is where the contraction of the uterus is prolonged and frequent, causing fetal distress and compromise.
The two criteria often given are:
- Individual uterine contractions lasting more than 2 minutes in duration
- More than five uterine contractions every 10 minutes
Uterine hyperstimulation can lead to:
- Fetal compromise, with hypoxia and acidosis
- Emergency caesarean section
- Uterine rupture
Management of uterine hyperstimulation involves:
- Removing the vaginal prostaglandins, or stopping the oxytocin infusion
- Tocolysis with terbutaline