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Biomedical subjects

S Paranjothy

Publications and source records attributed to S Paranjothy.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Perinatal and infant autopsy.

OBJECTIVES: To measure perinatal and infant autopsy rate in Wales over a 10-year period and study factors influencing the decision to perform an autopsy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis of data from the All Wales Perinatal Survey. METHODS: Autopsy rates were calculated over a 10-year period (1994-2003), and reasons for not performing an autopsy were noted. Two time periods, 1994-1996 and 2001-2003 were compared, to study changing autopsy patterns. RESULTS: Over the 10-year period, there were 4393 perinatal and infant deaths, with data available for 4306 (98%) cases. Consent for autopsy was requested in 89% of cases and granted in 68%. When compared, the 3-year cumulative autopsy rate fell from 67.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 65% to 69%) in 1994-1996, to 52.7% (CI 49% to 55%) in 2001-2003. The difference in the proportion of autopsies performed between the two time periods was 14.8% (CI 11% to 18%). Parental consent was granted in 76.2% (CI 73% to 78%) of cases in 1994-1996 and 60% (CI 57% to 63%) of cases in 2001-2003. The difference in proportion in consent for autopsy in the two time periods was 16% (CI 12% to 20%). CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in perinatal and infant autopsy rates has been found in Wales over the past 10 years. Parental refusal has been the main cause of this decline.

Autopsy↗

How much variation in CS rates can be explained by case mix differences?

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the amount of variation in caesarean section (CS) rates between maternity units explained by case mix differences. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: All 216 maternity units in England and Wales. POPULATION: Women giving birth at these maternity units between May and July 2000. METHODS: Logistic regression models were developed to investigate the relationship between case mix characteristics, and odds of (i) CS before labour, (ii) CS in labour. Using these results, overall CS rates standardised for case mix were calculated for each maternity unit. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to examine heterogeneity between maternity units. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CS before labour and CS during labour. RESULTS: Adjustment for case mix differences between maternity units explained 34% of the variance in CS rates. Odds of CS (before and in labour) increased with maternal age. Women from ethnic minority groups had lower odds of CS before labour, and increased odds of CS in labour. Women with a previous vaginal delivery had lower odds of CS, although the magnitude of this for CS before and in labour is markedly different. CONCLUSIONS: Case mix adjustment is important to enable understanding of the factors that influence the CS rate. These include organisational and staffing levels as well as women's preferences for childbirth and clinician's attitudes. An understanding of how these factors influence the CS rate is essential for evaluation of quality and appropriateness of obstetric care provided to women.

Adolescent↗

An audit of the management of induced abortion in England and Wales.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality of care provided to women undergoing induced abortion. METHODS: The design was a single round audit questionnaire aimed at the providers of abortion services throughout England and Wales (NHS hospitals, clinics under NHS, agency agreements and private units. The levels of care were assessed against agreed audit criteria. RESULTS: Responses were received from 240 (74%) of the 324 units providing abortion care in England and Wales. These units undertook 80% of the 176,000 termination procedures. Generally standards of care were appropriate, but there were clear areas for improvement including choice of method, infection screening, and delays in referral. A number of unnecessary investigations were still evident, including cross-matching, while lower doses and alternative drug regimens might reduce costs. Only half of the units audited procedures and complications. CONCLUSIONS: This audit was carried out prior to the publication of the RCOG evidence-based guideline and a further round of audit to assess the impact of the guideline should now be considered.

Abortion Applicants↗

Interstitial cystitis coexisting with vulvar vestibulitis in a 4-year-old girl.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a disorder that is difficult to diagnose and is thought to be uncommon in children. We report the first case of IC coexisting with vulvar vestibulitis in a 4-year-old girl. She presented with urinary symptoms and pelvic and vulvar pain. Cystoscopic and histological investigation confirmed interstitial cystitis and vulvar vestibulitis. Gynecologists are often called upon to deal with symptoms referable to the genital tract. It is important to always include interstitial cystitis in the differential diagnosis of urinary symptoms associated with pelvic pain.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗