Installing oncofertility programs for common cancers in limited resource settings (Repro-Can-OPEN Study): An extrapolation during the global crisis of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

PURPOSE: The state of limited resource settings that Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created globally should be taken seriously into account especially in healthcare sector. In oncofertility, patients should receive their fertility preservation treatments urgently even in limited resource settings before initiation of anticancer therapy. Therefore, it is very crucial to learn more about oncofertility practice in limited resource settings such as in developing countries that suffer often from shortage of healthcare services provided to young patients with cancer. METHODS: As an extrapolation during the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic, we surveyed oncofertility centers from 14 developing countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Nigeria, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India). Survey questionnaire included questions on the availability and degree of utilization of fertility preservation options in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer. RESULTS: All surveyed centers responded to all questions. Responses and their calculated oncofertility scores showed different domestic standards for oncofertility practice in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer in the developing countries under limited resource settings. CONCLUSIONS: Medical practice in limited resource settings has become a critical topic especially after the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the resources necessary to provide oncofertility treatments is important until the current COVID-19 pandemic resolves. Lessons learned will be valuable to future potential worldwide disruptions due to infectious diseases or other global crises.

Experience with conscious sedation for oocyte retrieval in Nigeria.

Conscious sedation is the most common method of pain relief used during ultrasound-directed transvaginal follicle aspiration (UDFA) for in-vitro fertilisation/embryo transfer (IVF/ETI). It is associated with minimal risks and facilitates early discharge following UDFA. The aim of this study was to assess clients' pain experience, acceptance of conscious sedation and correlates of pain during oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) at The Bridge Clinic, Port Harcourt. It was a cross-sectional survey conducted between May 1 and October 31 2004. Pain was assessed using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). Clients' pain experience and correlates were evaluated using Pearson's correlation and the student's t-test. The mean pain score was low and the duration of the procedure did not significantly affect the severity of pain felt by the client. Most (69.0%) clients would prefer the same sedation and analgesia for any subsequent procedure. Conscious sedation and analgesia are one of several methods used to relieve pain during oocyte retrieval in IVF procedures. The information in this study is of value when considering the management of pain in patients undergoing oocyte retrieval procedures.

Grandmultiparity in Lagos, Nigeria.

The case-notes and records of grandmultiparous patients delivered at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between 1st January, 1994 and 31st December, 1996 were analysed. The incidence of grandmultiparity was 4.11%. There were no cases of extreme grandmultiparity. The mean age +/- SD was 33.26 +/- 1.8 years, and the mean parity +/- SD 5.57 +/- 0.38. No patient was under 20 years and none had a parity greater than 9. Fifty-seven (42.22%) were booked patients and 78(57.78%) were unbooked. Anaemia and malpresentation were commonest in the antenatal period, whilst hypertension and disproportion were commonest intrapartum. Fifty per cent of the patients had a spontaneous vaginal delivery. The Caesarean section rate was 30.37%. The incidence of intrapartum complications, cephalopelvic disproportion, obstructed labour and Caesarean section, were found to be higher in the unbooked patients. There was an increased incidence of twin pregnancy and placenta praevia. The maternal mortality ratio was 44.4/1000 amongst the grandmultipara which was not statistically more significant than in the general obstetric population. The perinatal mortality rate was 169/1000 deliveries.