Operational Research for STD Service: Improvement of Treatment and Care at Siriraj Hospital.

Objective: Operational research for sexually transmitted disease (STD) service was conducted to: 1) create the potential for systematic care: to assess and monitor for HIV and STI; 2) create the linkage among OB-GYN, Medicine and Pediatric Departments of Siriraj Hospital; 3) cervical cancer screening in HIV-infected females by Pap smear once a year; 4) create a system file for collection of STI data of the unit; 5) promote HIV counseling, disclosure and keep records; 6) promote condom usage and reduce risk behaviors of HIV-infected females continuously. Methods: HIV positive females attending STD Clinic, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Siriraj Hospital were enrolled in to the study during March 1, 2005 to September 1, 2006. The procedures include: 1) provide STI testing/treatment, risk-reduction and HIV disclosure counseling, provision of free condoms, and cervical cancer screening at least once a year; 2) develop standardized procedures and data collection tools and strengthen data management; 3) refer women from different departments to the STI clinic for screening; 4) provide training in risk reduction counseling and HIV disclosure counseling. Results: Most of the primary visits were check-up. Chlamydial infection was 2.1% (year 2005). GC infection was 0.5% (year 2005). Abnormal Pap was significantly related to low CD4 count. L-SIL = 9.3%; H-SIL = 26.8%. Among the participants, 10.4% had CD4 count <200. Conclusion: Early detection and treatment of STI is 30%. Early detection of cervical cancer and treatment were increased. Access to ARV for HIV-1 PMTCT was also increased. Cross sectional analysis will show more realistic data since the follow up visit may be a group who came to receive condoms which could be missed as high condom use rate. KPI of success in good clinical tracer include increased condom use and CD4 count, decrease STI, opportunistic infection, and viral load.

Relationship between human papilloma virus infection and abnormal Pap smear in HIV-seropositive women at Siriraj Hospital.

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus and abnormal Pap smear in HIV-seropositive women, particularly in HIV-seropositive women who undertook antiretroviral drug. The consecutive series of 178 HIV-seropositive women was enrolled in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Siriraj Hospital. All general information and laboratory results of the patients were recorded. Pap smears are obtained from the endocervix, cervical transformation zone and vagina by using a cotton tip stick and Ayre spatula, as described in the VCE technique. The patients were assigned into two groups, the AZT and non-AZT group. The comparison between the groups was calculated statistically. It was found that 88 of 178 HIV-seropositive women (49.4%) undertook Zidovudine. The prevalence of abnormal Pap smear in HIV-seropositive women, who had an abnormal Pap smear, was 59.6 per cent. However, the prevalence of human papillomavirus infection detected by Pap smear was reported in 17 patients (9.6%). There was no difference between the AZT and non-AZT group statistically. There was a significantly higher probability of finding an abnormal Pap smear for cervical dysplasia in HIV-seropositive women who were infected with human papillomavirus compared to. It is concluded that there is a higher risk of developing cervical dysplasia in HIV-seropositive women who carry the human papillomavirus.

Effect of a newly developed abdominal webbing strap for pain relief after exploratory laparotomy in gynaecological patients.

The effect of a newly developed abdominal webbing strap for pain relief after exploratory laparotomy in gynaecological patients was studied using a quasi-experimental method. The subjects consisted of 60 patients in gynaecological wards and were randomly allocated into 2 groups as a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group was given the webbing strap when they gained consciousness after operation until 72 hours later while the control group was not. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate the pain level experienced by the patient. The percentage changes in pain level while resting, coughing and walking were evaluated in both groups at 24, 48, and 72 hours after operation. The data were then analysed using the Student t-test. The results of the study showed no statistical difference in the decrease of pain level for either group while they were resting (P > 0.05) at every time of evaluation. On the contrary, at every time of evaluation, the pain level of the experimental group showed a greater decrease than the control group when coughing or walking which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The quantity of analgesic usage was also not statistically different for either group (P > 0.05). As a result of this, we suggest our new developed webbing strap should be used routinely in gynaecological patients after exploratory laparotomy.