ABSTRACT
The prevalence and severity of prelabor rupture of the membranes (PROM)/preterm PROM (PPROM) are a worldwide public health concern. PROM is the result of a cascade of events involving matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), cytokines and proapoptotic genes, which is initiated by several factors such as infection, genotoxic agents or some unknown etiology. In PROM, there is an increased expression and activation of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 and a reduction of TIMP1. p53 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-? mediate the major apoptotic pathway of PROM. p53 can transactivate some MMP genes, resulting in the overexpression of MMPs. This leads to apoptosis. MMP-2 and MMP-9 degrades type-IV collagen, which is the major structural component of chorioamnion. Understanding the fundamental pathology at the molecular level, it appears necessary to adjust the biologically protective mechanism to prevent spontaneous preterm labor. Our findings show that the novel combination of arginine, ascorbic acid, folic acid, glutamine, glutathione, thiamine, lactic acid bacillus spores, vitamin E acetate and pyridoxine is safe and effectively prevents PROM and PPROM (97% patients) and prolongs pregnancy term.
ABSTRACT
Painful menstrual cramps during or around the time of the monthly cycle are known as dysmenorrhea. The estimated global prevalence in women of reproductive age ranges from 45% to 95%. It has a significant negative impact on regular activities and productivity at work. However, despite the severe consequences on quality of life, primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is underdiagnosed. Dysmenorrhea has complex pathogenesis. It involves the release of prostaglandins and activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and also includes the involvement of other mediators such as bradykinin, histamine and acetylcholine. Even though nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the most common type of pain medication, the question of which one should be the most preferred is still open to debate. The current review examines the existing evidence for the pathogenesis of PD and makes evidence based and clinical experience based recommendations for the use of mefenamic acid and its combination in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Mefenamic acid alleviates PD by inhibiting endometrial prostaglandin formation, restoring normal uterine activity, and reducing the inflammatory response by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing the release of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1?. It is also known to have bradykinin antagonist activity. Dicyclomine has a dual action of blocking the muscarinic action of acetylcholine in postganglionic parasympathetic effect or regions and acting directly on uterine smooth muscle by blocking bradykinin and histamine receptors to relieve spasms. According to the experts, mefenamic acid and dicyclomine act synergistically by acting on the different pathways of dysmenorrhea by blocking multifactorial agents attributed to the cause of dysmenorrhea. Hence, the combination of mefenamic acid and dicyclomine should be the preferred treatment option for dysmenorrhea.
ABSTRACT
Background: To compare the effectiveness, side effects, and patient satisfaction of buccal versus vaginal misoprostol administration in first trimester abortions.Methods: Women opting for first trimester abortion received oral Mifepristone followed 48 hours latermisoprostol. Group A received Misoprostol via buccal route whereas group B received Misoprostol vaginally. A comparative analysis using SPSS was done.Results: Giving 800µg Misoprostol by either buccal or vaginal route after oral Mifepristone have comparable efficacy in terms of complete abortion rate (96% in buccal group versus 98% in vaginal group; p value = 0.495), failure rate being statistically similar (4% versus 2%). Drug abortion interval was comparable in the two groups. (11.16 hour in buccal group and 12.32 hours in vaginal group). Few side effects like nausea and vomiting, shivering, diarrohea was significantly higher with vaginal Misoprostol while abdominal cramps, altered taste were found more with the buccal group.Conclusions: Buccal Misoprostol is comfortable and easier to administer when compared to other routes and it has potential to be developed as a self-administered regimen. Buccal Misoprostol is as efficacious as vaginal Misoprostol with significantly lesser side effects up to 7 weeks of period of gestation.