Effectiveness of auricular acupressure in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of auricular acupressure in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ninety-eight volunteer pregnant women with symptoms of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy before 14 weeks gestation were enrolled. The participants were randomized into two groups: treatment group and control group. Each patient in the treatment group received magnet pellets, placed at both auricles. They were taught to start acupressure from the third to the sixth day. Outcome measurement was Rhodes index score, which describe the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting in the form of a questionnaire. The patients from both groups were asked to complete and return the forms including the amount of anti-emetic drug taken. Mean Rhodes index score and total number of anti-emetic drug taken from day 4-6 were used to compare the treatment effect. Student's t test, Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-one pregnant women who returned the questionnaires were evaluated. The Rhodes index scores of the treatment group were lower than that of the control group especially after day 4 to day 6 when the acupressure was started. However when comparing the mean score between the two groups, there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). The total amount of anti-emetic tablets in day 4-6 after acupressure intervention was compared and there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the groups. CONCLUSION: Auricular acupressure therapy in treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy may not relieve nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy and need further clinical research to confirm the effectiveness.

Prevalence of Rh negative pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic and delivered in Rajavithi Hospital: 2000-2005.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of Rh-negative pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic and delivered in Rajavithi Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive retrospective study in Rh-negative pregnant women was done. The present study included the general characteristic of cases, anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis administration, fetal anemia and neonatal jaundice. RESULTS: During the study period, 147 Rh-negative pregnant women delivered at Rajavithi Hospital. The prevalence of Rh-negative pregnant women in Rajavithi hospital was 0.31%. Fetal anemia and neonatal jaundice were detected in 21.9% and 37.2%, respectively, and 68.14% of cases received antenatal anti-D immunoglobulin. Anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of neonatal jaundice (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Rh-negative pregnant women was 0.31%.

Satisfaction and tolerability of combination of lactoserum and lactic acid on the external genitalia in Thai women.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess the user satisfaction and tolerability of a combination of lactoserum and lactic acid on the external genitalia of Thai women. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Women who were over 18 years of age who came to gynecologic outpatient unit at Rajavithi Hospital from November 2004 to January 2005, without clinical manifestations of vulvovaginal irritation or infection were included. The exclusion criteria were women who had allergy to a combination of lactoserum and lactic acid, or any of the components of this product. Clinical history was taken and gynaecological examination was performed. Those who met the eligible criteria were assigned to use one bottle of 150 ml combination of lactoserum and lactic acid on the external genitalia. Fisher's Exact test was used to compare the satisfaction between each group. RESULTS: There were 300 patients equally dividing in 3 groups. Average age was 42.2 +/- 9.8 years. The satisfaction percentage was more than 90 percent according to the evaluation criteria. There was no statistically significant difference between products. The tolerability were high percentage, only 3.3% of the patients used these products less than 7 days. 6 patients (2%) experienced discomfort resulting from these products and no statistically significant difference between products. CONCLUSION: The combination of lactoserum and lactic acid demonstrated the high percentage of satisfaction and tolerability. Only 2% of patients experienced discomfort without any serious discomfort effects.