Mahmoud A. Abdel-Aleem

Misoprostol as an adjunct to standard uterotonics for treatment of post-partum haemorrhage: a multicentre, double-blind randomised trial

BACKGROUND Post-partum haemorrhage is a leading cause of global maternal morbidity and mortality. Misoprostol, a prostaglandin analogue with uterotonic activity, is an attractive option for treatment because it is stable, active orally, and inexpensive. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of misoprostol as an adjunct to standard uterotonics compared with standard uterotonics alone for treatment of post-partum haemorrhage. METHODS Women delivering vaginally who had clinically diagnosed post-partum haemorrhage due to uterine atony were enrolled from participating hospitals in Argentina, Egypt, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam between July, 2005, and August, 2008. Computer-generated randomisation was used to assign women to receive 600 microg misoprostol or matching placebo sublingually; both groups were also given routine injectable uterotonics. Allocation was concealed by distribution of sealed and sequentially numbered treatment packs in the order that women were enrolled. Providers and women were masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome was blood loss of 500 mL or more within 60 min after randomisation. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered, number ISRCTN34455240. FINDINGS 1422 women were assigned to receive misoprostol (n=705) or placebo (n=717). The proportion of women with blood loss of 500 mL or more within 60 min was similar between the misoprostol group (100 [14%]) and the placebo group (100 [14%]; relative risk 1.02, 95% CI 0.79-1.32). In the first 60 min, an increased proportion of women on misoprostol versus placebo, had shivering (455/704 [65%] vs 230/717 [32%]; 2.01, 1.79-2.27) and body temperature of 38 degrees C or higher (303/704 [43%] vs 107/717 [15%]; 2.88, 2.37-2.50). INTERPRETATION Findings from this study do not support clinical use of 600 microg sublingual misoprostol in addition to standard injectable uterotonics for treatment of post-partum haemorrhage. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction.

Uterine massage to reduce postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery.

To determine the effectiveness of sustained uterine massage started before delivery of the placenta in reducing postpartum hemorrhage.

Hormonal, follicular and endometrial dynamics in letrozole-treated versus natural cycles in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation

The objective of this study was to compare letrozole-stimulated cycles to natural cycles in 208 patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) between July of 2004 and January of 2007. Group I (n = 47) received cycle monitoring only (natural group), Group II (n = 125) received letrozole 2.5 mg/day on cycle days three to seven, and Group III (n = 36) received letrozole 5 mg/day on cycle days three to seven. There were no differences between the groups in endometrial thickness or P4 on the day of hCG. Estradiol levels had higher variation in the second half of the follicular phase in both letrozole-treated groups compared to the control group. Estradiol per preovulatory follicle was similar in both letrozole cycles to that observed in the natural cycles. LH was lower on the day of hCG administration in the letrozole 2.5 mg/day group vs. the natural group. In summary, letrozole results in some minor changes in follicular, hormonal and endometrial dynamics compared to natural cycles. Increased folliculogenesis and pregnancy rates were observed in the letrozole-treated groups compared to the natural group. These findings need to be confirmed in larger, prospective studies.

The effect of calcium supplementation during pregnancy on fetal and infant growth: a nested randomized controlled trial within WHO calcium supplementation trial.

Objective. To evaluate whether prenatal calcium supplementation affects fetal and infant growth during the first year of life. Methods. Ninety-one pregnant women and 159 mothers and their infants enrolled beginning before 20 weeks gestation, and women received daily supplements containing either 1.5 g calcium or placebo. Women were examined by ultrasound at 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 weeks to evaluate fetal biometry. During the first year after delivery, sub-groups of infants born from mothers participating in the trial were examined to assess infant growth. Anthropometric measurements of the infants were assessed. Mothers were enquired about lactation patterns, morbidities of the infants, separation from the mother, and admission to hospital. Results. Ultrasound measurements of fetal biometry did not show any differences between fetuses whose mothers received calcium supplementation during pregnancy and those who received placebo. Concerning infant growth, the mean weight and head circumference of infants born to calcium-supplemented mothers were similar to those born to placebo-supplemented mothers during the first year of life. The mean mid-arm circumference and mean length were significantly higher in the infants of the calcium group at sixth and ninth month, respectively. But, at 12 months, there were no significant differences in any of the anthropometric measurements. Conclusion. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy of women with low calcium intake does not have a noticeable impact on fetal and infant growth during the first year of life.

Hybrid septate uterus, coexistence of bicornuate and septate varieties: A genuine report

Aim:  To highlight the coexistence of a uterine septum in cases diagnosed as bicornuate uterus on the basis of the external shape of the uterine fundus and to present the outcomes of its hysteroscopic management.

Effect of coadministration of dexamethasone with intrathecal morphine on postoperative outcomes after cesarean delivery

To investigate the effect of intrathecal dexamethasone administered with intrathecal morphine at cesarean delivery on postoperative adverse effects and patient satisfaction.

Doxycycline in the treatment of bleeding with DMPA: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in the endometrium is a predisposing factor for bleeding with depot medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA) injectable contraception. Doxycycline (DOX) has been proven in vitro to inhibit MMP-mediated degradation of stromal matrix. The current study examined the effect of DOX compared to placebo in treating a current bleeding episode during DMPA use. STUDY DESIGN A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in Assiut, Egypt. DMPA users with current bleeding episode were counseled to participate. Women who agreed to participate were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg DOX twice daily for 5 days (34 patients) or an identical placebo (34 patients). All participants were asked to report bleeding and spotting days in a menstrual diary. All participants were followed for 3 months after treatment. This trial was registered (NCT01254799). RESULTS The relative risk to stop a bleeding episode within 10 days of starting treatment was 0.88 (confidence interval 0.64-1.21) in the treatment group compared to the control. DOX treatment caused no significant difference compared to placebo in the number of bleeding and/or spotting days in the 3 months following the treatment. CONCLUSION Doxycycline as MMP inhibitor is not effective in stopping a current attack of bleeding with DMPA. It also does not improve the bleeding characteristics of women for the subsequent 3 months following the treatment.

Failed vaginoplasty: a successful novel blend of minimally invasive approaches

OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcomes of a novel blend of techniques for treating vaginal contractures secondary to previous conventional constructive surgeries. STUDY DESIGN Balloon vaginoplasty and scar tissue hydrolysis/hydro-disintegrations (BV/STH) were performed for three cases with vaginal scars after previously failed vaginoplasties. The outcomes measured were operative complications, vaginal depths as measured by a calibrated vaginometer, and functional outcomes as measured by changes in the penetration and satisfaction (P/S) scores on a 0-100 point visual analog scale. RESULTS BV/STH was performed successfully for 3 women with previously failed vaginoplasties. They included a case with a previous partial thickness skin grafting, one with previous labial flaps and one with previous amnion membrane graft. Preoperative P/S scores ranged from 20 to 30 points. Initially BV was done in addition to multiple snips of the scar tissue with a 2mm scalpel. No operative complications were reported but we failed to achieve progressive increase in vaginal depth after day 4. Scar tissue was injected with a mixture of lidocaine and normal saline. Progressive increase in depth was dramatically improved after scar hydro-disintegration. The depths of the resultant neovaginas were 10, 11 and 11.6 cm. Postoperative P/S scores increased up to 90. CONCLUSIONS BV/STH was successfully performed as a revision surgery for blind vaginas with fibrosis. This report highlights a wider range of possible applications of balloon vaginoplasty.

The relationship between female genital cutting and sexual problems experienced in the first two months of marriage

To examine the relationship between female genital cutting (FGC) and sexual problems experienced by couples in the first 2 months of marriage (“honeymoon distress”).

Hyperprolactinemia and Woman’s Health

The most important of which is to stimulate the mammary glands to produce milk (lactation). Increased serum concentrations of PRL during pregnancy cause enlargement of the mammary glands of the breasts and increases the production of milk. However, the high levels of progesterone during pregnancy act directly on the breasts to stop ejection of milk. It is only when the levels of this hormone fall after childbirth that milk ejection is possible. Sometimes, newborn babies (males as well as females) secrete a milky substance from their nipples. This substance is commonly known as Witchs milk. This is caused by the fetus being affected by PRL circulating in the mother just before birth, and usually stops soon after birth. Another effect is to provide the body with sexual gratification after sexual acts. The hormone represses the effect of dopamine, which is responsible for sexual arousal, thus causing the sexual refractory period. The amount of PRL can be an indicator for the amount of sexual satisfaction and relaxation. On the other hand, high amounts are suspected to be