ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the prescribing patterns and clinical practices in the use of pharmaceutical agents in pregnancy
Study Design: Observational, Cross-sectional study
Study Period: March 2002 to March 2003
Setting: Study was conducted at antenatal clinic, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore
Materials and Methods: 250 patients from antenatal clinic were interviewed to collect information regarding age, parity, gestational age, any medication, its indication, route, duration and prescriber during current pregnancy on a pre-designed proforma
Sampling Method: Patients were enrolled in this study on first come and enroll basis
Results: Most of the women [90%] visiting the antenatal clinic were in the age group 21-30years. 94% of the women were taking medications and the prescriptions included haematenics [88%], folic acid [61%], calcium supplements [63%], antibiotics [22%], anti-fungals [19%], antiemetics [8%] and laxatives [6%]. 6% of women were not taking any medication. Commonest prescribers were general practitioners [46%]. Rest of the prescribers were medical officers at antenatal clinic [28%], LHVs/nurses [11%] and specialists [9%]. Self-medication was seen in 6%. 47% of the women taking self-medications were among the educated group [Matric and above] and 53% of the women were among the uneducated group [P < 0.001]. 28% took treatment from general practitioners and lady health visitors without any certain diagnosis, on symptomatic grounds
Conclusion: The use of drugs in pregnancy is substantial and varied. Information on the use of drugs during pregnancy is scarce and anecdotal. Careful consideration of the benefits to the mother and risks to the fetus is required, when prescribing drugs during pregnancy. All prescriptions or drugs recommended in pregnancy must have solid evidence derived from current literature
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Importance of information provision by the gynaecologist and its effects on women`s decision making about hysterectomy
Design of Study: Structured questionnaire and interview
Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was given to 50 women who had undergone hysterectomy for benign menstrual problems and information was collected. Main Outcome Measures: Women`s experience and satisfaction, with the communication and information provision by the doctor about her disease before hysterectomy. To assess the influence of that counseling on the decision-making process of hysterectomy
Results: Most of the women undergoing hysterectomy were between the age group of 40 - 45yrs [40%]. Most common indication for hysterectomy was dysfunctional uterine bleeding [55%]. 32% women reported optimal satisfaction with decision made. 57 highlighted sub-optimal aspects of decision-making process. 37% complained of deficiency in communication skills of doctors and 63%, stated that information provided were incomplete [P<.001]. 11% had residual doubts about the appropriateness of hysterectomy
Conclusion: The efforts are required to ensure that women are adequately informed and involved in decision about gynecological treatment
ABSTRACT
Aims and Objectives: To review the efficacy of Sacrocolpopexy in the management of vaginal vault prolapsed
Study Design: Interventional study
Setting and Population: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Women with vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy.
Methods and Main-outcome measures: Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy using proline mesh. Follow-up in these patients were carried out at one week, four weeks, six months, and one year
Results: Sacrocolpopexy was carried out in ten patients for vaginal vault prolapse after vaginal [6] and abdominal hysterectomy [4]. The mean age was 49.8 years. Parity was between P3 - P6 [Mean parity 4.3]. Mean operation time was 79.3 minutes. Estimated blood loss was less than 200m1. No intra-operative or post-operative complications occurred in any case
Conclusion: Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is effective and safe in the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse. This procedure has high success rate in correcting prolapse without a time dependent decrease in efficacy