Maternal intravenous immunoglobulin: a non-invasive treatment option for Rhesus D-sensitised women with previous adverse pregnancy outcomes

Background. Maternal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may delay the onset and severity of fetal anaemia in Rhesus D (RhD)- sensitised pregnancies, thereby minimising the need for intrauterine transfusion and its associated complications. Objective. To compare the pregnancy outcomes of RhD-sensitised women who received antenatal IVIG with those who did not receive antenatal IVIG. Methods. This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of RhD-sensitised women who attended the Wits Fetal Medicine Centre (Johannesburg) from 1 January 2008 to 31 May 2018. Criteria for maternal IVIG administration were: (i) previous adverse pregnancy outcome (early neonatal death, intrauterine fetal death or miscarriage related to RhD sensitisation), (ii) women with high antibody titre levels (≥1:64) in the absence of fetal anaemia; and (iii) rising antibody titre levels. Maternal antibody titre levels, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were compared in women who received IVIG v. those who did not receive IVIG. Results. Of the 42 RhD-sensitised women, 14 received IVIG. A greater proportion of women experienced a decrease in antibody titres in the IVIG v. no-IVIG group (43% v. 11%, respectively; p=0.04). Nine of the 10 women in the IVIG group with a previous adverse pregnancy outcome had a successful pregnancy outcome following IVIG treatment. Conclusion. Maternal IVIG may provide a successful pregnancy outcome in RhD-sensitised women with previous adverse pregnancy outcomes related to Rh disease, or women with raised or increasing maternal antibody titre levels who present in the first or early second trimester

Buried penis repair: tips and tricks

ABSTRACT Obesity is increasing in prevalence worldwide and an increasingly commonly encountered condition is adult acquired buried penis (AABP). We review the current management of AABP and relevant literature. Management of AABP requires a combination of genitourinary reconstructive techniques and plastic surgery techniques that are unique to this condition. We offer our experience and tips and tricks for the treatment of AABP.

Advances in enzyme bioelectrochemistry

ABSTRACT Bioelectrochemistry can be defined as a branch of Chemical Science concerned with electron-proton transfer and transport involving biomolecules, as well as electrode reactions of redox enzymes. The bioelectrochemical reactions and system have direct impact in biotechnological development, in medical devices designing, in the behavior of DNA-protein complexes, in green-energy and bioenergy concepts, and make it possible an understanding of metabolism of all living organisms (e.g. humans) where biomolecules are integral to health and proper functioning. In the last years, many researchers have dedicated itself to study different redox enzymes by using electrochemistry, aiming to understand their mechanisms and to develop promising bioanodes and biocathodes for biofuel cells as well as to develop biosensors and implantable bioelectronics devices. Inside this scope, this review try to introduce and contemplate some relevant topics for enzyme bioelectrochemistry, such as the immobilization of the enzymes at electrode surfaces, the electron transfer, the bioelectrocatalysis, and new techniques conjugated with electrochemistry vising understand the kinetics and thermodynamics of redox proteins. Furthermore, examples of recent approaches in designing biosensors and biofuel developed are presented.