Female sterilization using tubal coagulation

3 different techniques have been described for laparoscopic sterilization using using tubal coagulation. Our experience using all 3 different techniques with a 3-year follow-up is evaluated. Unipolar electrocoagulation (UPE) was used in only 17 cases and subsequently replaced. 1 ectopic pregnancy was encountered (5.88%). There was no pregnancy when bipolar electrocautery (BPE) was applied to 94 women. Endothermic coagulation (EC) was used in 166 patients. 9 pregnancies (5.42%) were noted. An analysis of the possible causes of such high pregnancy rate did not answer our questions. 200 patients were followed by hysterosalpingography (HSG) after tubal coagulation. 4 if them (2%) showed radiologic signs of tubal patency. 1/2 of the clinical pregnancies had a negative HSG performed. BPE is the method of choice for tubal coagulation. EC has a high failure rate. UPE should be abandoned. HSG is not a reliable method for control after sterilization.

Cervical shedding of herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus throughout the menstrual cycle in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to evaluate the frequency and patterns of the shedding of herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus in the female genital tract throughout the menstrual cycle.

STUDY DESIGN

Seventeen women, all seropositive for herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1, underwent daily evaluation of cervical viral shedding for the duration of 1 menstrual cycle (21-31 visits per woman). Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were monitored 3 times weekly.

RESULTS

Overall, herpes simplex virus deoxyribonucleic acid was detected in 43 (10%) of 450 cervical swabs, and cytomegalovirus deoxyribonucleic acid was detected in 232 (52%) of 450 cervical swabs. For individual women there was considerable variability in the percentage of days on which virus was detected, ranging from 0% to 33% for herpes simplex virus and from 20% to 97% for cytomegalovirus. Shedding of herpes simplex virus did not vary significantly with menstrual cycle; however, shedding of cytomegalovirus was significantly more frequent in the luteal phase (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.4). A CD4(+) lymphocyte count <200/microL was associated with increased frequency of the detection of herpes simplex virus (odds ratio, 5.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-29.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic cervical shedding of both herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus occurs very frequently in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1. The risk of transmitting these viruses to sexual partners and neonates may be higher than previously recognized.

Postoperative administration of monophasic combined oral contraceptives after laparoscopic treatment of ovarian endometriomas: a prospective, randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative administration of monophasic, combined, low-dose oral contraceptives on endometrioma recurrence and on persistence-recurrence of associated pain symptoms after laparoscopic treatment of moderate-to-severe endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective, randomized trial 70 patients who were not attempting to conceive, aged 20 to 35 years, underwent laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometriomas, followed by either postoperative administration of low-dose cyclic oral contraceptives for 6 months or no treatment on the basis of a computer-generated sequence. At 3 and 6 months after surgery and then at 6-month intervals, both groups underwent ultrasonographic examination for possible evidence of endometrioma recurrence and for evaluation of the absence, persistence, or recurrence of pain symptoms.

RESULTS

Two patients in the oral contraceptive group did not complete the study. After a mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 12-48 months), there were 2 (6.1%) endometrioma recurrences in the 33 patients who received postoperative oral contraceptives versus 1 (2.9%) recurrence in the 35 patients in the control group (not significant). The moderate-to-severe pain recurrence rate was 9.1% in the oral contraceptive group versus 17.1% in the control group (not significant). The mean time to recurrence of either symptoms or endometriomas was 18.2 months in the oral contraceptive group versus 12.7 months in the control group. The 12-month cumulative recurrence rate at life-table analysis was significantly lower for patients receiving oral contraceptives versus control subjects, whereas no significant difference was evident at 24 and 36 months.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative administration of low-dose cyclic oral contraceptives does not significantly affect the long-term recurrence rate of endometriosis after surgical treatment. A delay in recurrence is evident at life-table analysis.

Vaginal epithelial surface appearances in women using vaginal rings for contraception

Vaginal inspections using colposcopy before insertion of contraceptive vaginal rings and at 2-month intervals during ring use were conducted on 169 users of four different formulations. The rings studied released Nestorone alone (50, 75, 100 g daily over 6 months); ethinyl estradiol: Nestorone (30:100 and 15:150 g daily over 6 months); ethinylestradiol:norethindrone acetate (20:1000 and 15:1000 g daily over 4 months); and ethinyl estradiol:norethindrone acetate (20:1000 g daily over 12 months). A total of 88 altered or atypical conditions of the vaginal surface appearance were recorded in 507 inspections (17.4% of inspections). Many of these atypical appearances were quite subtle. The incidence was significantly higher (p <0.01) than in the single pretreatment examinations (11 in 158 inspections; 7.0%), but closely matched that of a "control group" of sexually active women who were the subject of an earlier study by the same investigators. In that study, the incidence was 18% (57 atypical conditions in 317 inspections). In all, 83% of atypical conditions identified in the vagina during ring use had disappeared by the next scheduled colposcopy despite continued ring use. Findings of potential significance were conservatively defined as all ulcerations, those abrasions and ecchymoses that were >0.5 cm in any direction, and fields of five or more petechiae. Findings fitting those criteria comprised 30% of atypical conditions in ring users, 33% in the control group, and 27% pretreatment. The corresponding incidence as a percentage of inspections were 5.3%, 6. 0%, and 2.5% in the ring users, control groups, and pretreatment groups, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. The findings suggest that the vaginal rings included in the studies contributed little, if at all, to clinically significant lesions or to total lesion incidence. Further definition would require a larger and longer-term study with matched controls.

Low-cost technology for screening uterine cervical cancer

We report on an illuminated, low-cost (Rs 1500 (US$ 36)) magnifying device (Magnivisualizer) for detecting precancerous lesions of the uterine cervix. A total of 403 women attending a maternal and child health care clinic who had abnormal vaginal discharge and related symptoms were referred for detailed pelvic examination and visual inspection by means of the device after the application of 5% (v/v) acetic acid. Pap smears were obtained at the same time. The results were compared with those obtained using colposcopy and/or histology. The Magnivisualizer improved the detection rate of early cancerous lesions from 60%, for unaided visual inspection, to 95%. It also permitted detection of 58% of cases of low-grade dysplasia and 83% of cases of high-grade dysplasia; none of these cases were detectable by unaided visual inspection. For low-grade dysplasia the sensitivity of detection by means of the Magnivisualizer was 57.5%, in contrast with 75.3% for cytological examination. However, the two methodologies had similar sensitivities for higher grades of lesions. The specificity of screening with the Magnivisualizer was 94.3%, while that of cytology was 99%. The cost per screening was approximately US$ 0.55 for the Magnivisualizer and US$ 1.10 for cytology.

The effect of foot massage on patients' perception of care following laparoscopic sterilization as day case patients

This randomized-controlled study examined the effects of foot massage on patients' perception of care received following surgery. The sample of 59 women who underwent laparoscopic sterilization as day case patients were randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group received a foot massage and analgesia post-operatively, whilst the control group received only analgesia post-operatively. Each participant was asked to complete a questionnaire on the day following surgery. This examined satisfaction, memory and analgesia taken. The 76% response rate was comparable with other patient satisfaction studies following day-case surgery. Statistical analysis showed no overall significant difference in the pain experienced by the two groups; however, the mean pain scores recorded following surgery showed a significantly different pattern over time, such that the experimental group consistently reported less pain following a foot massage than the control group. This study has attempted to explore the use of foot massage in a systematic way and is therefore a basis for further study.

Experience with gynaecological laparoscopies in Wad Medani Hospital, Sudan

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value and safety of laparoscopy in gynaecological practice in a tertiary care centre in Sudan to determine the magnitude of tubal disease as an aetiological factor in female infertility.

DESIGN

A prospective case series study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a tertiary care Teaching Hospital in Sudan.

SUBJECTS

Seven hundred and three women selected for laparoscopy for various reasons.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Indications for laparoscopy findings and complications.

RESULTS

Infertility was the main indication (94.32%). Tubal disease was diagnosed in 46.6% of all infertile women studied. The overall complication rate was 22.76 per 1000; two major complications and no death.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy is a valuable and safe procedure and and is useful in solving patients' problems, especially infertility. Tubal disease is a major aetiological factor in female infertility.

Influence of health education on community participation in rapid assessment of onchocerciasis prior to distribution of ivermectin

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of health education on community participation in the rapid assessment of onchocerciasis prior to distribution of ivermectin in Nigeria.

DESIGN

There was health education with use of pictorial monographs to an adult population and school children in Umulumgbe and Okpatu communities, respectively. The school children in turn transferred the knowledge acquired to their parents through a health club, and a third community (Awhum) had no health education. Randomly selected subjects in each community were then assessed for their ability to recognise clinical manifestations of disease.

SETTING

The study took place in three onchocerciasis-endemic, autonomous communities in Udi local government area of Enugu state in eastern Nigeria.

SUBJECTS

Fifty, thirty seven, and thirty three male subjects, aged 20 years and above in Umulumgbe, Okpatu and Awhum respectively were involved in the study.

RESULTS

89.3%, 100% and 25.6% of the total number of onchocercal nodules were rightly indicated by the subjects in Umulumgbe, Okpatu and Awhum respectively. 100% of skin depigmentation was also reported in Umulumgbe and Okpatu each, and 50% in Awhum. Although some of the clinical manifestations (onchocercal nodules and skin depigmentation) were wrongly indicated, others (hanging groin and enlarged scrotum) were not reported by the subjects at all.

CONCLUSION

This study clearly shows that health education is necessary for control programmes that are meant to be sustainable, especially the WHO-supported community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI).

Laparoscopic tubal anastomosis and reversal of sterilization

Fallopian tube interruption is a common form of contraception worldwide. For a variety of reasons (e.g. change in marital status, wish for additional children, psychological factors), many of these women seek restoration of fertility. Laparoscopic tubal anastomosis is one of the newest of these procedures by which this can be achieved. Sixteen women underwent laparoscopic microsurgical anastomosis. We used a three-stitches technique with tubal cannulation adapted from methods described in the literature. Five pregnancies occurred, giving an overall pregnancy rate of 31.2%. Surgical outcome depends on the patient's age, the method of tube interruption and the length of Fallopian tube segments being anastomosed. In this study, the feasibility of laparoscopic tubal sterilization reversal is confirmed, as well as the benefits offered by laparoscopic procedures in terms of quality of life. Further improvement of surgical outcome will be achieved not only through better laparoscopic techniques but also through careful screening for surgical indications.

Laparoscopic tubal sterilization. Methods, effectiveness, and sequelae

The following statements summarize the material presented herein. 1. Although laparoscopic tubal ligation remains an effective and widely available form of birth control throughout the world, cumulative failure rates may be higher than previously reported, and patients should be appropriately counseled, with special attention to younger women. 2. Proper surgical technique is important in reducing failure rates, particularly with regard to applying clips or using bipolar cautery. Teaching institutions should employ strict guidelines for instructing residents in the most effective techniques. 3. Although overall rates of ectopic pregnancy are lower after tubal ligation (as is true with any form of birth control), should pregnancy ensure from a failed procedure, there is a 30% to 80% chance of ectopic pregnancy. Consideration should be given to earlier ultrasound and documentation of the location of the pregnancy. 4. There is little evidence to support PTLS from a biologic standpoint. The data on increased hysterectomies in post-tubal patients may be a result of multiple factors, particularly for women aged less than 30 years at the time of occlusion. 5. Although the majority of women report satisfaction with sterilization, thorough counseling for all women cannot be overemphasized. Women aged less than 30 years should be completely aware of all alternatives and possibly encouraged to try another method prior to permanent sterilization.

Clinical predictors of hypoxaemia in Gambian children with acute lower respiratory tract infection: prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To determine clinical correlates and outcome of hypoxaemia in children admitted to hospital with an acute lower respiratory tract infection.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Paediatric wards of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the hospital of the Medical Research Council's hospital in Banjul, the Gambia.

SUBJECTS

1072 of 42 848 children, aged 2 to 33 months, who were enrolled in a randomised trial of a Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine in the western region of the Gambia, and who were admitted with an acute lower respiratory tract infection to two of three hospitals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of hypoxaemia, defined as an arterial oxygen saturation <90% recorded by pulse oximetry, and the relation between hypoxaemia and aetiological agents.

RESULTS

1072 children aged 2-33 months were enrolled. Sixty three (5.9%) had an arterial oxygen saturation <90%. A logistic regression model showed that cyanosis, a rapid respiratory rate, grunting, head nodding, an absence of a history of fever, and no spontaneous movement during examination were the best independent predictors of hypoxaemia. The presence of an inability to cry, head nodding, or a respiratory rate >/= 90 breaths/min formed the best predictors of hypoxaemia (sensitivity 70%, specificity 79%). Hypoxaemic children were five times more likely to die than non-hypoxaemic children. The presence of malaria parasitaemia had no effect on the prevalence of hypoxaemia or on its association with respiratory rate.

CONCLUSION

In children with an acute lower respiratory tract infection, simple physical signs that require minimal expertise to recognise can be used to determine oxygen therapy and to aid in screening for referral. The association between hypoxaemia and death highlights the need for early recognition of the condition and the potential benefit of treatment.

Validation of caregiver interviews to diagnose common causes of severe neonatal illness

The objective of this study was to validate retrospective caregiver interviews for diagnosing major causes of severe neonatal illness and death. A convenience sample of 149 infants aged < 28 days with one or more suspected diagnoses of interest (low birthweight/severe malnutrition, preterm birth, birth asphyxia, birth trauma, neonatal tetanus, pneumonia, meningitis, septicaemia, diarrhoea, congenital malformation or injury) was taken from patients admitted to two hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Study paediatricians performed a standardised history and physical examination and ordered laboratory and radiographic tests according to study criteria. With a median interval of 64.5 days after death or hospital discharge, caregivers of 118 (79%) infants were interviewed about their child's illness. Using reference diagnoses based on predefined clinical and laboratory criteria, the sensitivity and specificity of particular combinations of signs (algorithms) reported by the caregivers were ascertained. Sufficient numbers of children with five reference standard diagnoses were studied to validate caregiver reports. Algorithms with sensitivity and specificity > 80% were identified for neonatal tetanus, low birthweight/severe malnutrition and preterm delivery. Algorithms with specificities > 80% for birth asphyxia and pneumonia had sensitivities < 70%, or alternatively had high sensitivity with lower specificity. In settings with limited access to medical care, retrospective caregiver interviews provide a valid means of diagnosing several of the most common causes of severe neonatal illness and death.

An assessment of care provided by a public sector STD clinic in Cape Town

A study was undertaken in a Cape Town public sector STD clinic to evaluate the content and quality of care provided since it has been recognized that appropriate improvements in the management of conventional sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including provision of correct therapy, health education, condom promotion and partner notification, could result in a reduced incidence of HIV infection. Our objectives were to assess patients' needs for health education and to assess the quality of STD management in terms of health education, condom promotion, partner notification, the validity of the clinical diagnoses and the adequacy of the treatments prescribed. The study subjects were sampled systematically, according to their gender. Patients included in the study were given a standardized interview and their clinical records reviewed. Specimens were collected for laboratory investigations. For each STD detected, the treatment was defined as adequate if drugs currently known to be active against that infection were prescribed. One hundred and seventy men and 161 women were included in the study (median age: females 22 years, males 26 years). While almost all patients believed their STD may have been caused by unprotected sexual intercourse, many also believed it may have been caused by other factors, such as bewitchment with traditional medicine. Only 21% of male and 37% of female patients received any education about STD transmission during the clinic visit, and only 25% of male and 36% of female patients received education about condom use. As a result of the low sensitivity of the clinicians' diagnoses, 16% of men and 61% of women left the clinic with at least one infection inadequately treated. The majority of patients were not receiving education for the prevention of STDs including HIV. Many were not receiving adequate treatment for their infections. The introduction of a syndromic management protocol in this setting would substantially reduce the proportion of inadequately-treated patients. However, syndromic protocols, and the means by which they are implemented, need to take into account problems with the clinical detection of genital ulcerative disease and candidiasis in women.

Precise measurements of intrauterine vascular structures at hysteroscopy in menorrhagia and during Norplant use

Using currently available equipment for panoramic hysteroscopy, the size of images viewed cannot be accurately judged because of the magnifying and distorting effects of the objective lens. This study has demonstrated that magnification by the hysteroscope lens can alter the apparent size of images by up to 27%. An additional effect of lens distortion can alter the apparent size of images viewed by up to 28%, depending on the position of the image in the field of view. These effects are independent and may be additive. Thus, the apparent size of intrauterine structures at hysteroscopy may bear little resemblance to their actual size. Image-correction methods are described which reduce the effects of image magnification on the apparent size of an object viewed through the hysteroscope to 7%, and the effect of distortion to 3 %. This technique can greatly improve the accuracy of measurement at hysteroscopy, and has been utilized in this study for the precise measurement of superficial endometrial vascular diameter (mean+/-SEM) in 34 Norplant users (120+/-11.6 microm) and 20 women with spontaneous menorrhagia (74+/-7.2 microm). It has also confirmed the presence of scattered dilated vessels (up to 777 microm in diameter) on the endometrial surface in some Norplant users.

Can the number of cigarettes smoked predict high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among women with mildly abnormal cervical smears?

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether the number of cigarettes smoked by women who had mildly abnormal cytologic study results could identify those at risk for high-grade dysplasia.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective study of all women who were referred for colposcopy with a mildly abnormal cervical smear over a 4-year period. A detailed questionnaire was completed that evaluated sociodemographic characteristics including smoking history. Colposcopy then determined the degree of disease.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-three women were referred with a mildly abnormal cervical smear. There was a significant relationship between the numbers of cigarettes smoked and the risk of high grade disease (P = .007). Once the number of cigarettes smoked daily exceeded 20, the risk of high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was increased fivefold (odds ratio 5.85 [95% confidence interval 1.92 to 17.80]).

CONCLUSION

Cigarette smoking is associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 among women who have mildly abnormal cervical smears.

Prevalence and prediction of sexually transmitted diseases among sex workers in Cameroon

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), describe the frequency of genitourinary symptoms and signs, and to assess the accuracy of clinical diagnoses of STD in a cohort of Cameroonian sex workers. Physical examinations were conducted on 1233 sex workers in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon. Symptoms experienced within the 14 days prior to examination were collected. Women were tested for gonorrhoea, chlamydia infection, and trichomoniasis. Doctors' clinical impressions were compared with laboratory tests. Prevalence of cervical infection and trichomoniasis was 20%. A high percentage of abnormal signs and symptoms was found in this cohort. Clinical diagnosis for cervicitis and trichomoniasis had low sensitivities (<50%) while specificity remained high (>65%). In conclusion STDs are common among sex workers in Cameroon. Clinical diagnosis was not an accurate predictor of infection at the individual level in this population at risk of STD.

Diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making with transvaginal sonography for first trimester spontaneous abortion, clinically thought to be incomplete or complete

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal sonography for first trimester spontaneous abortions, thought to be incomplete or complete, in patients with postabortion bleeding or uterine cramping within 5 days of abortion. In a prospective study, 78 patients underwent transvaginal sonography to evaluate the maximum anteroposterior diameter of the uterine cavity on the long axis view and echo pattern of the retained products of conception. Patients were divided into three groups: those with a normal uterine cavity or a uterine cavity with fluid collection without echogenic foci (n = 13, group A), those with a uterine cavity containing fluid mixed with solid components (n = 38, group B), and those with a uterine cavity containing solid components (n = 27, group C). Group A was considered not to have retained products of conception, and the latter two groups were considered to have retained products of conception. Patients in group A were assigned to receive conservative treatment. In groups B and C, patients with significant vaginal bleeding during 48 h of follow-up underwent elective curettage and those with minimal-mild bleeding received conservative management. A total of 73 patients (12 in group A, 35 in group B and 26 in group C) completed the study. There were no differences in any of selected reproductive data of the groups (p > 0.05). In group B, all patients with uterine cavity diameter of 10 mm or greater underwent elective curettage. In group C, all patients with a diameter of the uterine cavity 8 mm or greater underwent elective curettage. The overall complication and patient satisfaction rates were approximately 14% and 88%, respectively. Transvaginal sonographic findings can be used as a decision factor in the management of patients with first trimester spontaneous abortion to reduce the need for an elective curettage by approximately 58%.

Neonatal neurological examination as a predictor of neuromotor outcome at 4 months in term low-Apgar-score babies in Zimbabwe

The predictive value of the neonatal neurological examination (NNE) adapted from Prechtl, was investigated in 139 term Zimbabwean infants born with an Apgar score of five or less at 5 min. At 4 months, seven infants had died and 13 were lost to follow-up, leaving 119 infants to undergo the Infant Motor Screen (IMS). Eighty-eight infants were diagnosed as normal, six as suspect and 25 as abnormal at screening. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the NNE were 94%, 55%, 42% and 96%, respectively. Seventeen (14%) infants had developed microcephaly at 4 months and 13 (77%) of them scored abnormal on the IMS. Twenty-three of the 48 (48%) infants who had convulsions within 48 h of birth, were diagnosed as abnormal (P < 0.0001). The NNE proved to be very sensitive in detecting neurodevelopmental abnormalities in the neonatal period and the five abnormal syndromes derived from the NNE were able to correctly identify 94% of the abnormal infants.

Observations of sexually transmitted disease consultations in India

OBJECTIVES

To assess the quality of sexually transmitted disease (STD) case management provided in public and private health facilities in selected areas of Madras, Tamil Nadu, India, in order to make recommendations for improving the quality of care and promote the syndromic approach to STD treatment.

METHODS

Structured observations of consultations for STDs in health care facilities. Scoring of the observations according to standards for history taking, examination, treatment and provision of basic health promotion advice allows evaluation of STD case management.

RESULTS

With STD treatment adequacy scored against Indian national guidelines (which recommend aetiologic treatment), history taking, examination and treatment were satisfactory in 76 out of 108 (70%) of observed consultations. However, if STD treatment adequacy is scored with respect to the syndrome approach towards selected STD (male urethritis and non herpetic genital ulcer for both sexes), only 8 out of 81 (10%) of the patients were satisfactory managed. During 32 out of 108 (30%) of the consultations, advice on the use of condoms in order to prevent STD or HIV/AIDS was given. Instructions regarding how to use condoms were offered to seven (6%) patients and condoms were only provided to one patient (1%). Patients were urged to refer their partner(s) for treatment during 29 (27%) of consultations. A criterion of adequate use of the STD consultation for health promotion, requiring both promotion of condoms and encouragement to refer partner(s) for treatment, was met during 13 (12%) of consultations.

CONCLUSIONS

Monitoring and improving the standards of care at facilities at which STDs are treated have become key roles of STD/HIV/AIDS programmes. The present report suggests that in Madras the activities of medical practitioners who treat STD patients are far from ideal at present. Improvements would involve simplifying existing treatment guidelines by promoting the syndromic approach to STD management, continuing education programmes for health care providers in the public and private sectors and repeat assessments and feedback of the quality of STD care.

[Late effects of sterilization in women]

Sterilization affects measurably the circulation and the functioning of the ovaries, but further studies are required to estimate the clinical meaning of the change.

Colposcopic evaluation of a vaginal gel formulation of iota-carrageenan

There is an urgent need to develop safe, effective, and acceptable vaginal products for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Preliminary in vitro results suggest that vaginal formulations of sulfated polysaccharides, including iota-carrageenan, have the potential to block mucosal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Twenty-five women in five sites participated in Phase I trials to evaluate the safety of a formulation containing iota-carrageenan (PC 213). The results of this study indicate that a 5 mL 2% gel formulation of iota-carrageenan is not associated with significant irritation of the female reproductive tract when administered once daily in the absence of sexual intercourse. Given the small number of participants in this initial study, careful observation for potential irritation must also be included in larger studies of this and other vaginal formulations.

Gestational age assessment by nurses in a developing country using the Ballard method, external criteria only

The aim of this study was to evaluate postnatal examination of the newborn by nurses in a developing country, using a modified Ballard method, scoring for the six external criteria only (Ballard-ext). Applicability of gestational age estimates with the Ballard-ext. was assessed by calculating its agreement with gestational age derived from the last menstrual period (LMP), fundal height and the Dubowitz method. The smallest difference in gestational age and the most narrow limits of agreement were found between the Ballard-ext. and the Dubowitz method. No reliable gestational age could be obtained from LMP or fundal height. At low gestational ages, Ballard-ext. tended to give lower gestational ages compared with the Dubowitz method. At an average gestational age of more than 251 days, Ballard-ext. gave higher values compared with Dubowitz. Both Ballard-ext. and the Dubowitz method identified 48% of low birthweight babies as growth-retarded (gestational age > or = 37 weeks). No significant difference in gestational age assessment of newborns between nurses was observed. The Ballard method, scoring for external criteria alone, compared favourably with the Dubowitz method. The test is simple to perform and can be reliably used routinely by nurses.

Cystoscopic staging of carcinoma uterine cervix, revisited

Of the 378 cases of stage 3 carcinoma uterine cervix, only 10 showed vesical invasion, while 19 of 24 cases of stage 4 disease had vesical invasion. Results of this procedure did not alter the management of the disease in any of these cases. From the whole series it was concluded that cysto-urethroscopy is an unnecessary, cost ineffective, invasive procedure which has no role in either diagnosis or in planning the definitive treatment of carcinoma uterine cervix.

Malaria and human immunodeficiency virus infection among male employees of a sugar estate in Malawi

In sub-saharan Africa, where malaria is endemic and diagnostic and laboratory services are limited, fever is generally presumed to be due to malaria; however, the proportion of fevers actually related to malaria is unknown in most places. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between fever, malaria parasitaemia and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Between February and April 1994, 643 consenting adult male workers of the Sugar Corporation of Malawi (SUCOMA) in Nchalo, Chikwawa District, Malawi were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Participants underwent routine physical examinations and data were collected on age, axillary temperature, and history of fever or other illness in the 2 weeks before enrollment. Patients with axillary temperature > or = 37.5 degrees C were considered to be febrile. Blood was collected and thick blood films were prepared and examined for the presence of malaria parasites. HIV testing was done using the Wellcozyme enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Complete information was obtained from 605 subjects (94%), of whom 248 (41%) reported a history of fever (only 15% of the fever reporters were parasitaemic), 139 (23%) were HIV positive, and 131 (22%) received an antimalarial drug. HIV infection was significantly associated with fever but not with parasitaemia. Fever reporters and non-fever reporters were of similar age (means 32.8 and 33.1 years, respectively). These data suggest that in this population there was both high HIV seroprevalence and gross overestimation of fever as malaria. High HIV prevalence makes it necessary to re-examine the common practice in Malawi of treating all fever among adults as malaria.

Domestic violence in an inner-city ED

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) for male and female ED patients and to determine the demographics of DV.

METHODS

The study design was a descriptive written survey of adults. We used the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA), a previously validated survey tool. The study was set in an inner-city ED with approximately 75,000 patients annually, most of them indigent. Patients 18 years or older who were able to give consent were included. Patients were excluded if they had a language barrier, were a prisoner, or had never had a partner. All patients presenting during 31 randomly selected 4-hour shifts during July 1995 were considered for the study. DV was defined as either physical or nonphysical on the basis of ISA scoring. The prevalence was determined for present (in the preceding year) and past (more than 1 year ago) abuse. Four violence parameters were calculated for patients who had a partner at the time of presentation: present physical, present nonphysical, past physical, and past nonphysical. Only the "past" parameters were calculated for patients who had had a partner in the past but had no partner at the time of presentation. We used the chi2 test to determine individually significant predictors of the four parameters. Logistic-regression models were constructed to determine the significant predictors of DV. Associations among the present physical, present nonphysical, past physical, and past nonphysical abuse categories were determined with McNemar's test.

RESULTS

We enrolled 516 patients, 233 men and 283 women. On the basis of ISA scoring, 14% of men and 22% of women had experienced past nonphysical violence (P=.02, men versus women), and 28% of men and 33% of women had experienced past physical violence (P=.35). Of the 157 men and 207 women with partners at the time of presentation, 11% of men and 15% of women reported present nonphysical violence (P=.20), and 20% men and 19% of women reported present physical violence (P=.71). Using logistic-regression models, we determined that women experienced significantly more past and present nonphysical violence but not physical violence than men. For all four parameters, the victim's suicidal ideation and alcohol use were independently associated with DV. The victim's family history was strongly associated with past abuse. Using McNemar's test, we found that physical and nonphysical abuse were correlated in the past and present.

CONCLUSION

Using a validated scale, we found that the prevalences of physical DV for men and women are high and that they are not statistically different in this population. Using chi 2 testing, we found that women had experienced significantly more past nonphysical violence than men; using logistic regression we found that they experienced significantly more nonphysical violence (both past and present) than men. DV was frequently associated with suicidal ideation, alcohol use, and family history of violence.

Sterilization for family planning in a Third World country

Outpatient laparoscopy procedures have made sterilization possible for millions of women in developing countries. This report describes the experience of a team of doctors, nurses, and support staff that performed 107 laparoscopic tubal sterilizations during on eight-day sojourn in a remote north-central area of Nicaragua. Minimal analgesia (oral ibuprofen) and anesthesia (1% lidocaine) were used since most of the patients walked to and from the hospital-some up to 15 miles. Because the Nicaraguan government's support for birth-control programs is unreliable and because illegal abortion is the leading cause of maternal mortality in Nicaragua, this safe, minimally invasive surgical method is the favored means of birth control.

Outpatient laparoscopic interval female sterilization

A 23-year retrospective review of laparoscopic sterilization in Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, is reported. A total of 9041 cases of outpatient laparoscopic interval female sterilizations were done from January 1973 to December 1995. Intraoperative complications occurred in 35 cases (0.39%) and hospital admissions totalled 65 cases (0.72%). Adnexal injuries were the most frequent complication. There was one case of death from anesthetic complication. Management and prevention of complications are discussed.

New technologies permit safe abortion at less than six weeks' gestation and provide timely detection of ectopic gestation

OBJECTIVE

The previously held dictum that elective abortion before 6 weeks' gestation carried greater risks than a later procedure was challenged by this protocol.

STUDY DESIGN

This study evaluated a protocol for abortion before the customary 6 weeks' gestation. Patients willing to return to the clinic within 72 hours were given the option of elective abortion even when no gestational sac could be visualized with transvaginal ultrasonography. When no chorionic membrane with villi was seen in the curettings, postoperative serum levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin confirmed complete evacuation or diagnosed ectopic pregnancy.

RESULTS

In 1530 abortion procedures at < 6 weeks' gestation by ultrasonographic criteria no serious complications occurred. In addition, 9 (0.67%) unsuspected ectopic pregnancies were diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

Abortion before 6 weeks' gestation is safe, given close surveillance. Early termination combined with vaginal ultrasonography and follow-up with beta-human chorionic gonadotropin measurements allows diagnosis of early, unsuspected ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy was found to be uncommon in women requesting early abortion.

Hormonal profile, endometrial histology and ovarian ultrasound assessment during 1 year of nomegestrol acetate implant (Uniplant)

The present study assesses the endocrinological, endometrial histology and vaginal ultrasound profiles of nomegestrol acetate subdermal implant users at varying times after insertion. Follicle stimulatory hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol, progesterone, vaginal ultrasound assessment of the ovaries and the histological dating of the endometrium were serially assessed for a period of 50 days immediately after the insertion, and after at 6 months and 12 months of use. The endocrinological results of this prospective observational clinical trial indicated that 75% of the cycles across the study period in Uniplant users were anovulatory, 63% showing development of a persistent non-luteinized follicle. Anovulatory cycles devoid of follicular development were seen primarily in the first months after Uniplant insertion. Ovulatory cycles represented 25% of the Uniplant cycles. Inadequate luteal phase or disregulation of follicular growth was a common feature of ovulatory cycles. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the contraceptive mechanisms of a single nomegestrol acetate subdermal implant involve prevention of follicular growth, development of a persistent non-luteinized follicle, inadequate luteal phase and disruption of the endometrial architecture.