2nd International Conference on Advances in Obstetrics and Gynaecology : Part I - Poster presentationsSultan Qaboos University, 22–24 January 2016

Objectives: This study aimed to determine causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality at Nizwa Hospital, Nizwa, Oman, in order to improve the quality of healthcare. Methods: A prospective self-audit was conducted by the Maternal Morbidity Working Group to critically analyse secondary healthcare lapses during the management of all obstetric cases at Nizwa Hospital in order to highlight possible strategies to avoid such errors in future. Results: Major obstetric morbidity occurred in 3.97% of cases. Leading causes of death were obstetric haemorrhages caused by placenta accreta and rupture of the uterus, followed by eclampsia, vaginal tears and wound haematomas. Sickle cell disease and H1N1 influenza type A-associated pneumonia were the main indirect causes of maternal mortality. In some cases, uncontrolled diabetes led to birth asphyxia, stillbirths and an increased rate of congenital anomalies. Conclusion: Auditing morbidity and mortality can help in recognising, anticipating and managing risks to maternal and neonatal health. Objectives: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) data from developing countries is scarce. This study aimed to assess the PCOS risk factor profile in Oman with the aim of improving screening and early detection. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. A total of 53 women with PCOS (diagnosed according to the Rotterdam 2003 criteria) and 55 female control subjects without PCOS were recruited and their sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data collected. Results: Selected clinical characteristics were significantly higher among the PCOS group in comparison to the control group, including nulliparity (P = 0.02) and infertility (P = 0.01). Additionally, the waist-to-hip ratio was significantly higher in the PCOS group than the control group (P <0.01). Levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (P <0.01) were higher in women with PCOS, indicating hyperandrogenism. Fasting insulin was higher among PCOS patients, indicating insulin resistance. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for early PCOS detection at the primary healthcare level in Oman.