International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2326-7234 Vol. 8 (5), pp. 001-012, May, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research paper

A study of the relationship between apoptosis and Toxoplasma in induced abortion: Significance of caspase 8

Ameena S. M. Juma^{1, 2}* and Shaimma L. Salman¹

¹Microbiology Department, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, P. O. Box 14222, Baghdad, Iraq.

²Pharmacy Department, Cihan University, Erbil, Iraq.

Accepted 21 March, 2020

Abstract

A total of 120 women with spontaneous abortion and 6 women with induced abortion from medical causes were enrolled in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, for the detection of specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunohistochemistry method for the detection of antigen in tissue were used as diagnostic methods for Toxoplasma gondii. Twenty-six (26) women were found to have Toxoplasma infection by immunohistochemistry (IHC) method, while 23 women were found to have Toxoplasma infection by ELISA method (the same samples that had T. gondii infection by IHC). From the remaining negative cases by IHC, of the 120 cases, 26 women were selected as patient control group. Those patient control cases were matched with those 26 positive by the age and gestational age. Venous blood samples were collected from all patients for the detection of specific anti-Toxoplasma IgM in the serum using the ELISA test. At the same time, trophoblastic tissue during curettage was collected for immunohistochemical analysis for the detection of T.gondii antigen and evaluation of caspase 8. The results obtained indicate a high frequency 19.17% of the infection by ELISA method and 21.67% by immunohistochemistry among women with abortion. This may be due to multiple pathways of parasite exposure and transmission. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA was 88.46 and 100%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of IHC was 100 and 96.91%, respectively. The frequency of the number of miscarriages was studied. It was observed that within the positive group, the highest percentage of patients was among those who had no previous miscarriages and to a lesser percentage that had a previous single miscarriage. The same result was found within the patient control group, while the entire six control groups had no previous miscarriages. The frequency of gestational weeks during which abortion had occurred was studied. The highest frequency within the positive group was 12 gestational weeks, then, 8 gestational weeks. While the frequency of gestational weeks was between 10-12, within the control group. The highest percentage of caspase 8 was within the positive group for T. gondii then lower than this was within the patient control for T. gondii and the lowest percentage was within the control group. This may indicate that T. gondii infected cells undergo apoptosis more than non-infected cells, while the cells of the control group was with the lowest level of apoptosis because of the absence of apoptotic trigger (for example, T. gondii). The results obtained show that there was a significant difference in the percent of caspase 8 between the positive and control groups. A significant difference in the percent of caspase 8 was also found between the patient control group and the control group, while there was no significant difference in the percent of caspase 8 between the positive and patient control group.

Key words: Toxoplasma gondii, caspase 8, apoptosis, miscarriage.

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2326-7234 Vol. 8 (5), pp. 001-003, May, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Evaluation of the amount of leukocyte during menstruation

Agoreyo F. O.* and Asowata E. O.

Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 November, 2019

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate if menstruation actually alters the quantity of the total population of the leukocytes in the body of females. If it alters the leukocytes counts in the body, the extent to which it affects it was also ascertained using student of the University of Benin as case study. Menstruation is the shedding of the endometrial lining accompanied by the loss of blood through the vagina. Normal blood loss through menstruation has not been cited as a factor that can alter the leukocyte count in healthy females. A randomized selection of female students of the University was carried out. After preliminary medical check-up, blood samples were taken before and during menstruation. A total of thirty (30) students between the ages of 18 to 29 years were included in the study. Estimations of the total leukocytes were carried out. Results presented as mean ± SEM for pre-menstruation and during menstruation were 5313 ± 22 and 6080 ± 33, respectively. The increase in total leukocyte count is statistically significant. It is concluded that menstruation causes an increase in the total leukocyte count in the body.

Key words: Granulocytes, agranulocytes, leukocytes, menstruation.

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2326-7234 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The efficacy of local hemostatic agents in controlling  postpartum hemorrhage

Mohamed Sayed Ahmed Emarah (MD), Abeer EL Shabacy (MD), Mohamed A.EL Naggar (MD) of Obstetrics & Gynacology Department, Benha Teaching Hospital, Egypt.

Accepted 26 February, 2019

Abstract                                                                           

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is considered as one of the most leading causes of maternal mortality all across the world, especially in developing countries. Topical hemostatic agents are utilized as adjuncts to control intraoperative bleeding in situations including: bleeding near vital organs or nerves, at needle-holes, from raw surface areas, in friable or attenuated tissues and in patients who are anticoagulated, have bleeding diatheses or have platelet dysfunction. Physical agents and biologically active agents comprise the two main categories of topical hemostatic agents. The use of local hemostatic agents for intraoperative hemorrhage control has been described by various surgical specialties including cardiovascular, otolaryngology, urology, gynecology, and others.  The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of a local hemostatic agent (Gelfoam) in the control of PPH. This cross-section study was conducted at Benha Teaching Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department (Emergency Unit) for delivery. The study included 60 pregnant females who underwent cesarean section and vaginal deliveries and developed PPH. Pregnant women are at risk of PPH and blood loss during labor that cannot be always prevented. Good antenatal care help is needed in the early detection of risk factors for PPH. Those technically simple procedures such as the use of Gelfoam at the bleeding sites should have the priority in cases of PPH, because they are effective, reliable, and can be performed under easy instructions and by less trained personnel.  

Keywords: Gelfoam, local hemostatic agents, postpartum hemorrhage. 

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2326-7234 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-003, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Short  Communication

Splenic rupture in neonate with hemolytic anemia

Ozge Serce¹, Sevilay Topcuoglu¹, Gökmen Kurt¹ and Guner Karatekin^1,2*

¹Neonatology, Zeynep Kamil Children's Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

²Arakiyeci Hacı Mehmet Mahallesi, Op. Dr. Burhanettin Ustunel Caddesi, No. 10 Uskudar 34668 Istanbul, Turkey.

Accepted 23 July, 2019

Abstract

Splenic rupture is relatively a rare and life threatening situation in the newborn. The classic triad of the disease is shock, anemia, and abdominal distension. Non-traumatic etiologies are seldom and one of them is exchange transfusion which was performed due to underlying erythroblastosis fetalis as discussed. A high index of suspicion and prompt treatment are critical to the survival of these neonates.

Key words: Splenic rupture, neonate, erythroblastosis fetalis, exchange transfusion.

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2326-7234 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Factors influencing the choice of family planning among couples in Southwest Nigeria

OLAITAN, Olukunmi Lanre

Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. Tel: +234 80 347 15 348.

Accepted 17 June, 2019

Abstract

The study investigated factors influencing the choice of family planning among couples in Southwest Nigeria. Six hundred couples were selected from five Southwestern states in Nigeria through a multistage sampling technique. Questionnaire was used to collect information from the subjects. Five research questions were raised, five hypotheses were formulated and chi-square statistics was employed for the purpose of data analysis at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings revealed that socio-economic status, religious factors and cultural norms do not influence couples’ choice, whereas educational background of the couples and involvement of partners toward the choice of family planning significantly influenced the choice of family planning among couples. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended among others that every couple should be well informed about the importance of family planning’s choice so as to improve their reproductive health and economic standard of living, to reduce maternal mortality, morbidity and reduce unwanted pregnancy.

Key words: Family planning, couples, socio-economic

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2326-7234 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-007, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Association of socioeconomic status with health and birth outcomes: Maternal variables (Part 1)

Cyrus Azimi¹* and Mahshid Lotfi²

¹Genetics Group, Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.

²International Development Research Center (IDRC), Ottawa, Canada.

Accepted 24 October, 2019

Abstract

Social class is one of the strongest known predictors of health or illness, but paradoxically very little is known about this variable. Adequate data on socioeconomic status (SES) and birth outcomes must be available to monitor socioeconomic inequality in birth outcomes. Our research was designed to respond to this gap. This is the first large-scale survey of this kind in Ontario. Results from large scale surveys are instrumental for policy making and planning programs to improve population health and wellbeing. In this survey, the association of SES with maternal variables such as maternal age, height, previous stillbirths, previous neonatal deaths, duration of gestation, and forms of delivery was studied. In this study, the records from about 47,000 babies which have been collected over a period of 5 years by the hospitals in rural and urban areas of Ontario were accessed and analyzed. The results demonstrate that mothers from lower social classes were significantly younger, shorter, more previous stillbirths, more previous neonatal deaths with longer duration of gestation, and more spontaneous deliveries but less chance of having forceps or a Cesarean section. Lower income respondents may be exposed to more stressful life events beyond their control and there may be fewer social and psychological resources to cope with stressful life events. To improve health outcomes of infants born to teenage mothers, policies should aim at providing additional social support as well as additional financial resources to adolescent mothers.

Key words: Socioeconomic status, maternal health variables, age, height, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, duration of gestation, forms of delivery.