Implication of umbilical cord in preeclampsia

To investigate the role of biochemical changes in the umbilical cord and placenta in developing preeclampsia [PE]. Thirty women with PE and 15 healthy pregnant women as controls were enrolled in this study. Vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 [sVEGFR-1], platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor [PD-ECGF], neutrophil elastase and nitric oxide [NO] were measured. Both serum [maternal and fetal] and tissue [placenta and umbilical cord] levels of VEGF, sVEGFR-1, PD-ECGF and neutrophil elastase were significantly increased, whereas NO was significantly decreased [except placental tissue showed no changes] in preeclamptic patients. The cord serum level of PD-ECGF was significantly higher in severe PE compared to mild PE and normal pregnant women. The placental and cord tissue levels of PD-ECGF and neutrophil elastase were significantly higher in severe PE, while the cord tissue level of NO was significantly lower in severe PE. Our data showed that umbilical cord vessels and stroma can serve as an additional source of vasoactive and angiogenic substances that contribute to the biochemical Changes OCCUrring in PE

Reproductive health: a call to the research community

Reproductive health has been receiving increasing recognition and attention. Its elements are included as 3 of the 8 Millennium Development Goals adopted by the world government community, and it is considered essential for reaching the other goals. Reproductive health problems still account for a major share of the burden of disease, particularly in women. The 57th World Health Assembly adopted a reproductive health strategy to accelerate progress towards the attainment of international development goals and targets. A research component is indispensable. The research community is called upon to enhance the responsiveness and potential impact of its contribution. Ten propositions are submitted

Reliability of Omani women's self-reporting of gynaecologic morbidities

To assess the agreement of women's self-reports of gynaecologic morbidities [reproductive tract infections, RTIs; genital prolapse, and urinary tract infections, UTIs], physician's observations and the final diagnosis of these conditions. Subjects and A nationally representative sample of 1,662 Omani women selected by a multi-stage, stratified probability-sampling procedure was included in the study. A questionnaire interview, physical and gynaecologic examination, and laboratory investigations were used. A total of 1,364 women completed all forms. The agreement between women's report of vaginal discharge and the diagnosis of RTI was poor. The sensitivity but not the specificity improved when the women were asked about specific discharge questions that upset them or are medically suspicious. Sensitivity of self-report in the diagnosis of genital prolapse and UTI from self-report was high but specificity was low. Conclusions: Self-report of vaginal discharge, coupled with clinical examination, can be used in community diagnosis of RTI. Self-report of symptoms of vaginal prolapse can also be used for community diagnosis of genital prolapse. A urinary culture should supplement self-reports of UTI to enhance specificity, although the presence of a positive culture in the absence of symptoms is of no clinical significance in non-pregnant women or women without renal disease

Phakic anterior chamber intraocular lenses in the management of high myopia

The aim of this work was to study the clinical and optical results and safety of anterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses in patients with high myopia. Seventeen eyes of 11 patients with myopia ranging between -10.5 to -24 D were included in the study. Uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle corrected visual acuity, refraction, spherical equivalent, astigmatism, intraocular pressure, papillary ovalization and central corneal thickness were studied before the operation and after week, one month, six months and one year. Endothelial cell count was done before surgery and one year after surgery. Uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle corrected visual acuity, refraction and spherical equivalent showed statistically significant improvement, which lasted throughout one-year follow up. Temporary changes in intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and astigmatism were noted, but were restored later to mean preoperative levels. Endothelial cell count decreased significantly from the preoperative levels, but was not less than 2000/mm2. In one case, the lens had to be explanted due to chronic inflammatory reaction

Febrile convulsion: prognostic criteria for recurrence

49 infants and children [29 boys and 20 girls] between the ages of 3 monthes and 5 years, fulfilling the criteria of Fc were studied during the acute phase of the illness both clinically and electroencephalographically and were followed up for 12 months with the main aim of defining the important risk factors for recurrence of F.C. recurrence was reported in 13 cases [26.5%] during that period of follow up. Various clinical and EEG findings were correlated statistically the following 5 risk factors for recurrence identified: 1- positive neurological findings. 2- type of seizures. 3- Duration of fits. 4- family history of FC, and 5- positive EEG findings

Contraceptive technology and safety

This one of 13 technical background papers prepared for the International Conference on Better Health for Women and Children, through Family Planning, held in Nairobi, Kenya October 5-9, 1987. The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views in every respect of the Conference's Co-sponsoring organizations or of its Technical Consultative Group