Background: Preeclampsia is one of the most common causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Extensive research into biomarkers that can help us understand the disease is vital to alleviating its burden. Catestatin, an endogenously produced regulator of cardiac function and blood pressure, may be associated with the severity of the disease. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 56 pregnant women with varying forms of preeclampsia. Blood samples were obtained at diagnosis, centrifuged and the sera were stored at -200C until analysis. The catestatin levels of the sera were then measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: The mean serum catestatin among patients with mild preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia were 3.3 ±1.2ng/ml and 4.5±2.5ng/ml, respectively (p=0.011). Conclusion: The serum catestatin level significantly relates to the increasing severity of preeclampsia. There might be a potential value for using serum catestatin to assess the severity of the disease.

Background: Secondary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) defined as excessive vaginal bleeding from 24 hours after delivery up to 6 weeks postpartum, continues to be a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Exploration of its causes and risk factors is essential to inform more effective prevention and management strategies, particularly in resource limited settings. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of delivery methods, antenatal care and other related factors in determining incidence of secondary PPH. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of BSMMU, Dhaka during the period from March 2012 to August 2012. A total of 42 women with secondary PPH were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were collected by means of structured interviews, clinical examinations and medical record reviews. Maternal age, delivery methods, timing and causes of secondary PPH were analyzed. Results: Secondary PPH was found most commonly during the second (38.1%), and third (28.57%) weeks postpartum. The leading causes were infections (52.38%), retained placental tissue (23.81%), uterine atony (16.67%), and lower genital tract injuries (7.14%). Women with inadequate antenatal care (61.9%) and who delivered vaginally (57.14%) had greater risk of secondary PPH. Cesarean deliveries contributed to 38.1% of cases. Conclusion: Infections, inadequate antenatal care and delivery methods are strongly associated with secondary PPH. Improving antenatal care, skilled care during delivery and postpartum monitoring can significantly reduce its occurrence and complications.

The appearance of a pregnancy without sexual intercourse with vaginal penetration has always given rise to many very lively debates. It is most often described as miraculous by some popular beliefs. In reality, some specific situations can exceptionally lead to a pregnancy without penetration. The authors report the case of a 20-year-old girl who became pregnant without having previously had sex with vaginal penetration. However, she strongly suspected her fiancé of abusing her during his last visit to her home and she had fallen asleep when he left her. After her period was two months late, she decided to have a gynecological consultation, after which an ultrasound concluded that there was a continuous intrauterine pregnancy for 10 weeks of amenorrhea plus 3 days. The parents, informed of the situation, raised awareness and supported her so that she could keep the pregnancy and carry out the prenatal follow-up. The pregnancy progressed normally. She gave birth to a daughter weighing 2600 grams by elective caesarean section to keep her virginity, which she appreciated very much before her marriage to another man.

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria occurring after 20 weeks of gestation, impacting various organ systems like the placenta, kidneys, liver, and cardiovascular system. Early-onset pre-eclampsia, occurring before 34 weeks, poses significant challenges due to its unpredictable progression and heightened maternal and fetal risks. It is linked to higher rates of maternal complications, including multi-organ dysfunction, and obstetric issues like premature birth and fetal growth restriction. Women with a history of early-onset pre-eclampsia face increased risks of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders post-pregnancy. The study, conducted at Pravara Rural Hospital, Maharashtra, aims to explore the complexities of early-onset pre-eclampsia and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes. The study aims to investigate maternal and fetal outcomes in early-onset severe pre-eclampsia. Materials And Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, with 208 participants. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Inclusion criteria included patients with gestational age between 24 and 34 weeks, diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, proteinuria ≥+1, and certain symptoms like persistent headache or blurred vision. Exclusion criteria included patients with co-morbidities or outside the specified gestational age range. Results: The study revealed high maternal complications, including anemia, abnormal coagulation, and organ dysfunction. Treatment involved magnesium sulfate and antihypertensive drugs. Maternal mortality was 4.32%, with significant fetal mortality (18.88% intrauterine death, 13.33% neonatal death). Conclusion: Vigilant monitoring and individualized care are critical for improving outcomes in early-onset pre-eclampsia.

Long COVID or POST-COVID is continuation or development of new symptoms after three months of infection. Long COVID (also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, or PASC) refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even longer after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection has resolved. Long COVID can affect many organs. More than 200 symptoms have been identified with impacts on multiple organ systems. At least 65 million individuals worldwide are estimated to have long COVID, with cases increasing daily. Long COVID-19 in pregnant women include a wide spectrum with fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, respiratory symptoms and psychological disturbances. There are adverse maternal and foetal complications. Two doses of vaccination can substantially reduce post COVID problems.

Introduction: Worldwide, the demand for blood exceeds the supply. Transfusion services face the constant challenge of providing sufficient supplies of quality blood products. The objective of this study was to analyze this gap between demand and supply in the Obstetrics service. Methodology: this is a prospective cross-sectional study carried out in the maternity ward of the Niono district hospital during the 1st semester of 2020. The study population was composed of patients admitted with an obstetric complication requiring a transfusion request not made or partially satisfied. Results: 125/196 patients (63.78%) had a blood request that was unmet or partially met. 220/588 units of blood requested were not served; or 37%. These unmet needs concerned patients who were mainly housewives (98%), unschooled in 87% and residing in rural areas in 89% of cases. 85% of patients had a hemoglobin level below 7g/dl before the blood transfusion. Out of stock was the reason for unmet requests in 88% of cases. 2 cases of death were recorded among the 125 patients, a rate of 1.6%.