International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2326-7234 Vol. 8 (5), pp. 001-010, May, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Prevalence and risk factors of unintended pregnancies among married women in Damot Gale Woreda Southern Ethiopia

Tadele Kebede Lako, M.Sc^1* and Nigatu Regassa Geda, PhD²

¹*Addis Ababa University, Institute of Population Studies, Addis Ababa (generated the data for partial fulfillment of Masters Degree in Population Studies)

²Hawassa University, Institute of Environment, Gender and Development; P.O.Box 679, Hawassa, SNNPR, Ethiopia.

Accepted 05 April, 2020

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to examine the prevalence and risk factors for unintended pregnancies among selected married women in Damot Gale Woreda (a district in Southern Ethiopia). A multistage sampling technique was used to select women respondents in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained using structured questionnaires, focus group discussion and key informants interview. The dependent variable is unintended pregnancy. Demographic, socio-cultural and service related characteristics were used as explanatory variables. Of 713 women surveyed, 302(42.4 %) reported that their most recent pregnancies were unintended. Most of the women (89%) knew at least one modern Family Planning (FP) methods. Further, we found that 84% of the women have never discussed with husbands about issues concerning FP, and 80% of women have never been visited by health workers. Major reasons mentioned for failure to avoid unintended pregnancy were lack of knowledge, disapproval by husband, difficulty to get method and method failure. The predicted probability, using logistic regression, has shown that women with delayed age at marriage, with lower parity, women exposed to radio, women who discus about FP issues with husband; those who have autonomy on their health care and those visited by FP workers are less exposed to unintended pregnancy. Finally, based on the key findings, some workable recommendations are given which includes: sustainable behavioral changes among community members, reforms in disseminating family planning and related information, enhancing women’s status at all levels through formal and non-formal education, strengthening the follow up system on FP workers and beneficiaries, improving inter- spousal communication through peer or informal education and community level orientation.

Key words: Unwanted Pregnancy, Contraception, Determinants, Southern Ethiopia, Damot Gale.

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.