Seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in pregnancy

This study aims to determine the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among pregnant women admitted to Antenatal Care Unit, Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt and to identify the risk factors for the disease among those women and their husbands. Screening of pregnant women for anti-HCV antibodies by ELISA second generation, HBsAg and anti-HIV antibodies Risk factors for HCV infection among those women and their husbands were recorded. This study indicates that the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among 767 pregnant women was 13.69%, HBsAg 2.35% and no cases of anti-HIV antibodies were encountered. The most important risk factors for HCV infection were surgical operations [60.95%], bilharziasis [27.62%] and blood transfusion [22.86%]. Husbands risk factors included travelling abroad [37.14%] and surgical operations [12.38%]. No risk factors were identified in 16.19% of women and 55.24% of their husbands. The prevalence of anti HCV antibodies [13,69%] is higher among pregnant women presenting to Mansoura university Hospital than those reported by other Studies. Schistosomiasis and husband travelling abroad were two important risk factors for HCV infection

Perinatal mortality in Mansoura University Hospital

This study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt, through the period from April 1[st] 1998 to March 30[th] 1999, to evaluate the crude perinatal mortality rate at that center as an index for obstetric and neonatal care in our locality. Also, the study aimed to identify the major risk factors operative in perinatal losses. Also, we aim to reduce these losses by proper prediction, prevention and management of the underlying factors. Perinatal morality is still high in developing countries. Low birth weight, lethal anomalies, asphyxia, pregnancy complicated cases, grand multiparity and undermined general condition are the essential causes. The vast majority of the causes of perinatal mortality are preventable, and are within the scope of management by obstetricians. Prediction and prevention of preterm labour, is of great value for immediate reduction of perinatal mortality. Prediction and prevention of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, urgent hospitalization and proper management of established cases are life saving. Obstetric management of multifoetal pregnancies represents a major obstetric challenge as regards good perinatal outcome. Grand multiparity should be considered as a disease and should be prevented by contraception. Strict control of diabetes mellitus and thorough evaluation of foetal well being can lead to favourable perinatal outcome. Proper conduct of the hospital deliveries, early referral of complicated cases, proper selection of cases for vaginal breech delivery, leads to noticeable and immediate reduction in perinatal mortality. Ultrasonographic screening for lethal congenital anomalies during early pregnancy and throughout gestation, and termination of pregnancy when justified. In addition to that: perinatal mortality rate will be reduced following improvement of socioeconomic and educational standards on long term. Proper data collection and efficient statistical records

Acceptability of the norplant subdermal implants

A total of 344 women was selected to evaluate the acceptability of norplant. Changes in the menstrual pattern were the most frequent side effects reported. However, such changes diminished with time and by the end of 12 months after insertion 7.1% of users experienced no change in cycle length and about 85% considered their menstrual pattern to be normal. Non-menstrual side effects were not persistent and not constituting a problem. The continuation rate was 86.337% and the pregnancy rate was 0.29/100 w.y., i.e. the continuation rate and the effectiveness are high

Bile acid and cholinesterase activity as an early liver function tests for detection of organic solvent hepatotoxicity

Forty-six workers exposed to different types of organic solvents and fourteen workers far from exposure were included in this study. The exposed workers were classified into 3 groups according to the nature of the work and the type of solvent; group A [acetone, n-hexane-exposed workers], group B [toluene, xylene-exposed workers] and group C [trichloroethylene, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol exposed workers]. Routine liver function tests appear normal. Serum bile acid and serum cholinesteracse were estimated in all workers. The results showed a significant increase in serum bile acid in all exposed groups compared with the non-exposed group. Serum cholinesterase activity was significantly lower in the exposed groups than the non-exposed group. From these results we can conclude that, serum bile acid and serum cholinesterase represent an early and sensitive tests for detection of organic solvent hepatotoxicity

Soldering flux causing occupational dermatitis among workers in printed board circuits in the electronics industry

Although many irritants and allergens proved to cause occupational contact dermatitis in the electronics industry, soldering flux was seldom mentioned. Aminoethylethanolamine which is a constituent of some fluxes is a sensitizer.Dermatitis tends to start over the periungual area and spread to the finger shafts and sometimes the wrists. The use of cotton gloves by workers augmented the problem because it tends to soak up the flux and thus to prolong contact. Prophylactic measures are essential to prevent occupational contact dermatitis in workers handling flux in the electronics industry