Clinical characteristics and risk factors for septic shock in patients with pyometra: A retrospective multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pyometra is a disease characterized by the collection of pus in the uterus. The clinical characteristics and etiology of pyometra have not been sufficiently described. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, outcomes, and risk factors of septic shock in patients with pyometra. METHODS: Patients with pyometra admitted to one of four university-affiliated hospitals between January 2010 to August 2022 were enrolled. Pyometra cases associated with peripartum infection and surgical site infection were excluded. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of pyometra were described, and pyometra patients with or without septic shock were compared. RESULTS: A total of 192 patients was included. Twenty-eight-day all-cause mortality was 5.0%, and the 1-year recurrence rate was 6.3%. Median patient age was 77.5 years. The two most common symptoms were abdominal pain (49.0%) and vaginal discharge (47.9%). Escherichia coli (40.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.7%), and Streptococcus spp.(16.0%) were the pathogens most frequently isolated by conventional culture; those isolated from polymerase chain reaction were Mycoplasma hominis (48.0%), and Ureaplasma spp. (32.0%). In multivariable analysis, fever, uterine perforation, and dementia were associated with increased incidence of septic shock, while vaginal discharge was associated with a lower incidence of septic shock. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that pyometra is a unique gynecological infectious syndrome in post-menopausal individuals. The most common associated pathogens are similar to those involved in urinary tract infections rather than those of sexually transmitted diseases. Decreased cognitive function could delay early diagnosis of pyometra and lead to septic shock and higher mortality.

Child sexual abuse unmasked due to vaginal foreign body: case review.

Vaginal foreign body (VFB) can be a routine presentation to a pediatric unit, especially with associated vaginal discharge. Although it can be rare, this case series highlights that child sexual abuse (CSA) should not be ignored as a possibility when such a presentation is investigated. In the first case, an 11-year-old school girl presented with vaginal discharge and urinary symptoms, which was revealed to be due to a vesico-vaginal fistula secondary to an intra-vaginal foreign body, which was a plastic cap. Further investigation revealed that she had undergone vaginal penetration since the age of 6 years by two older male relatives. However, she was unaware how a plastic object came in to being inside her vagina. In the second case, a polythene bag was retrieved from the vagina of a 15 and a half year-old, pubertal female with an intellectually disability who presented with a 3-4-month history of vaginal discharge. Further investigation revealed that she had been vaginally penetrated on multiple occasions by her elder brother, who used polythene bags instead of condoms. Such a bag had been retained in her vagina leading to the vaginal discharge. VFB with or without genito-urinary symptoms is a red flag to identify sexual abuse among children, especially with intellectual disabilities. Although literature reports a wide variety of vaginal foreign bodies, there had been no reports of polythene bags used in place of condoms which were retrieved from a vagina of a CSA victim.

Tamoxifen related side effects and their impact on breast cancer incidence: A retrospective analysis of the randomised IBIS-I trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies in the adjuvant setting have shown that endocrine therapy related side effects predict breast cancer recurrence risk. Here, we assess the relationship between early reported side effects and incidence of breast cancer in women randomised to tamoxifen for cancer prevention in the International Breast Intervention Study (IBIS)-I trial. METHODS: Women randomised to tamoxifen in the IBIS-I trial and for whom side effect status was known at the 6-month follow-up visit were included in this analysis. Side effects included in this analysis were hot flushes, vaginal discharge, and vaginal dryness. The primary endpoint was all breast cancer and secondary endpoint was oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate breast cancer incidence in the tamoxifen group with and without side effects reported within 6 months of randomisation. RESULTS: Women randomised to tamoxifen and reporting hot flushes at the 6-month follow-up visit had a non-statistically significant increase in breast cancer compared to those without hot flushes (HR = 1.26 (0.98-1.62), P = 0.08). A significant higher breast cancer risk was observed for postmenopausal women who reported hot flushes at the 6-month follow-up visit compared to those without hot flushes (HR = 1.59 (1.12-2.26), P = 0.01). A higher risk was observed for ER-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women (HR = 1.81 (1.19-2.74), P = 0.01). No significant associations between gynaecological side effects and breast cancer occurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, no association between side effects reported at 6 months and subsequent breast cancer occurrence was observed. Some side effects might be useful markers for breast cancer occurrence in postmenopausal women.

Growth Forms of Gardnerella spp. and Lactobacillus spp. on Vaginal Cells.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition in women of reproductive age. During BV development, BV-associated bacteria may form a polymicrobial biofilm, which predispose women to recurrent BV. The aim of the study was to investigate the growth forms of Gardnerella spp. and Lactobacillus spp. and to determine the association between the bacterial growth forms and clinical characteristics [urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and abnormal vaginal discharge] in women attending a tertiary hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. A first-void urine specimen was collected from 196 women and BV was diagnosed using the Nugent scoring and the Ison-Hay criteria (vaginal smear microscopy). Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) was performed to classify the growth forms ["dispersed" or "biofilm"]. Bacterial cells were categorized as "dispersed" if cells were scattered separately and as "biofilm" if bacterial aggregates on the vaginal epithelial cells were observed. BV was detected in 52 women (52/196; 27%) and in these women, Gardnerella spp. were predominantly present in biofilms (46/52; 88% for Nugent scoring; and 45/50; 90% for Ison-Hay criteria), whereas Lactobacillus spp. were predominantly present in a dispersed form (38/52; 73% for Nugent scoring; and 37/50; 74% for Ison-Hay criteria). The odds of having BV increased when Gardnerella biofilms were present (p < 0.001), whereas the opposite was observed for Lactobacillus biofilms (p = 0.001). Neither Gardnerella spp. or Lactobacillus spp. (both dispersed or biofilms) had an association with the presence of UTI symptoms, HIV coinfection or abnormal vaginal discharge. In conclusion, this study demonstrated and confirmed that Gardnerella biofilms are associated with BV and that Lactobacillus spp. may form biofilms to protect against BV.

HIV infection in patients with sexually transmitted infections in Zimbabwe - Results from the Zimbabwe STI etiology study.

BACKGROUND: HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) frequently co-occur. We conducted HIV diagnostic testing in an assessment of the etiologies of major STI syndromes in Zimbabwe. METHODS: A total of 600 patients were enrolled at six geographically diverse, high-volume STI clinics in Zimbabwe in 2014-15: 200 men with urethral discharge, 200 women with vaginal discharge, and 100 men and 100 women each with genital ulcer disease (GUD). Patients completed a questionnaire, underwent a genital examination, and had specimens taken for etiologic testing. Patients were offered, but not required to accept, HIV testing using a standard HIV algorithm in which two rapid tests defined a positive result. RESULTS: A total of 489 participants (81.5%) accepted HIV testing; 201 (41.1%) tested HIV-1-positive, including 16 (11.9%) of 134 participants who reported an HIV-negative status at study enrollment, and 58 (28.2%) of 206 participants who reported their HIV status as unknown. Of 147 who self-reported being HIV-positive at study enrollment, 21 (14.3%) tested HIV negative. HIV infection prevalence was higher in women (47.3%) than in men (34.8%, p<0.01), and was 28.5% in men with urethral discharge, 40.5% in women with vaginal discharge, 45.2% in men with GUD, and 59.8% in women with GUD (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of HIV infection in STI clinic patients in Zimbabwe underscores the importance of providing HIV testing and referral for indicated prevention and treatment services for this population. The discrepancy between positive self-reported and negative study HIV test results highlights the need for operator training, strict attention to laboratory quality assurance, and clear communication with patients about their HIV infection status.

Efficacy of Tamarindus indicus, Melia azadirach and Santalum album in syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge: A single-blind randomised controlled trial.

Background At least 25 % of women attending genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics receive treatment for one of the three common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge: bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis. Syndromic diagnostic approach was adopted by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) India, at the primary health centre level. Syndromic management implies the simultaneous treatment of two or more infections. The aim of this study was to assess efficacy of sandal sufaid, maghze tukhme bakayin and khaste tamar hindi in syndromic management of Sailanur rehm. Methods This study was a randomized, single blind, standard controlled trial. It was conducted to compare efficacy of formulation which contains buradae sandal safaid, safoofe maghze tukhme bakayin, safoofe khaste tamar hindi and safoofe shakkar safaid against combination of azithromycin, fluconazole and secnidazole on diagnosed subjects of Sailanur rehm. Test group received 10 g of test drug B.D for 21 days while control group received single dose of standard drug to both the partners. Vaginal symptom score (VSS) was used for assessing discharge and associated complaints. Visual analogous scale (VAS) was used for assessing low backache and lower abdominal pain. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning baseline characteristics (p>0.05). VSS was significantly decreased with p<0.001 for both control and test group. VAS was significantly decreased with p<0.001 and p=0.07 in test and control group respectively for low backache. For lower abdominal pain p=0.006 for both groups after the completion of treatment. Conclusions The formulation can effectively alleviate the disease with associated symptoms without any side effects. It can be used in syndromic management of vaginal discharge. Future research is on large sample size.

Is a Self-Assessed Questionnaire Useful for the Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy in Hospitalized Patients?

BACKGROUND: Delayed diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (EP) is responsible for maternal morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to develop and validate decision rules for the diagnosis of EP, in patients in their first trimester of pregnancy with symptoms, based solely on a self-assessment questionnaire. METHODS: From September 2006 to March 2008, 574 patients, who have consulted for acute pelvic pain at the gynecologic emergency department (ED) of five hospitals, completed a Self-Assessment Questionnaire for Gynecological Emergencies (SAQ-GE). We included for our study only women in their first trimester of pregnancy experiencing acute pelvic pain and/or vaginal bleeding who were hospitalized (262 patients). Two-thirds of patients were selected to derive the SAQ-GE EP score which was built on multiple logistic regression. One third of patients were used for internal validation. RESULTS: Five variables were independently and significantly (p<0.05) associated with EP: no frequent need to change sanitary towels (aDOR = 6.1; 95% CI [2.1-17.8]), duration of bleeding > 24 hours (aDOR = 4,3; 95% CI [1,7-11,0]), pain during coughing (aDOR = 3.1; CI 95% [1,4-6,7]), brown discharge (aDOR = 3.0; 95% CI [1.3-7.1]) and unilateral pelvic pain (aDOR = 2.7; 95% CI [1.3-5.9]). The SAQ-GE ectopic pregnancy score was based on these five criteria with values ranging from 0 to 100. The low-risk group of EP (score<25) had a sensitivity of 95.9% 95% CI [89.8-98,9] and an LR- of 0.2 95% CI [0.1-0.5]. The high-risk group (score>70) had a specificity of 97.4 95% CI [90.9-99.7] and a LR+ of 12.3 95% CI [3.0-49.8]. The percentages of EP observed in the validation sample were: 0% in the low-risk group and 88.9% in the high-risk group. DISCUSSION: These prediction rules that classify patients in a low-risk or high-risk group may prove useful for triaging pregnant women in their first trimester with symptoms before complementary exams.

Effect of puerperal metritis on reproductive and productive performance in dairy cows in Argentina.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows with and without puerperal metritis and to evaluate the effectiveness of using a long-acting ceftiofur preparation. Dairy cows in one dairy farm, calving from July 2009 to January 2010, were examined between 3 and 14 days postpartum and classified on the basis of vaginal discharge into three groups: cows with normal discharge (control; C); cows with a bloody mucus purulent or pathologic nonfetid discharge (PnFD), and cows with bloody mucopurulent or purulent fetid discharge (PFD). Cows in C and PnFD groups were not treated, whereas those in the PFD group were randomly allocated to receive 2.2 mg/kg of ceftiofur subcutaneously behind the ear (PFD-T) or remain untreated (PFD-No T). From the 640 cows examined, 58.2% formed the C group, 13.4% formed the PnFD group, and 28.4% formed the PFD group. Survival curves differed between cows in the C group and PFD-No T group (P = 0.0013) and between PFD-No T versus PFD-T group (P = 0.0006). Survival curves of PnFD were intermediate and did not differ from those in the C group (P = 0.2) and PFD-T group (P = 0.1) but tended to be different from the PFD-No T group (P = 0.056). The postpartum interval to achieve a 25% pregnancy rate was 72 days for cows in the C group, 73 days for the PFD-T group, 83 days for PnFD group, and 95 days for the PFD-No T group. The chance of pregnancy in a cow in the C group was 1.98 times higher (95% confidence interval = 1.33, 3.08) and in cows in the PFD-T group was 2.16 times higher (95% confidence interval = 1.37, 3.50) than that in the PFD-No T group. Finally, the chance of pregnancy in cows in the PnFD group tended to be higher (P = 0.08) than that in the PFD-No T group but did not differ from the other two groups. Cumulative 305-day milk production was higher (P < 0.0001) in C group than those with vaginal discharge, regardless of fetidness and regardless of treatment. It is concluded that puerperal metritis affects the reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows and the treatment with ceftiofur was effective in reducing the adverse effects on reproductive performance but not on milk production.

Reflujo Vaginal y Urocolpos / Vesicovaginal Reflux and Urocolpos

OBJETIVOS: El reflujo vaginal (RV) o micción intravaginal es una causa de incontinencia urinaria diurna, con goteo postmiccional. El llenado retrógrado de la vagina durante la micción obedece a causas anatómicas predisponentes o funcionales. MÉTODOS: Exposición de casos clínicos. RESULTADO: Caso clínico 1.- Niña de 10 años, con infecciones de orina acompañadas de incontinencia postmicional a diario. En CUMS se aprecia, en las placas miccionales, la aparición progresiva de urocolpos, que desaparece parcialmente al finalizar la micción. Se inicia tratamiento con re-educación miccional con resolución de síntomas. Caso clínico 2.- Niña de 9 años, con antecedentes de Reflujo Vesicoureteral (RVU) corregido en la infancia que desde hace un año presenta incontinencia de escasa cuantía, postmiccional, con sensación de vaciado incompleto. Aporta ecografia pre y postmiccional normal, pero en la CUMS se aprecia RV, por lo que se inicia tratamiento específico con mejoría de los síntomas. Caso clínico 3.- Niña de 10 años con sobrepeso que consulta por incontinencia diurna, sin síntomas nocturnos. En CUMS se aprecia RV por lo que se establecen medidas conductuales. A los seis meses, las fugas han recurrido, al incumplir la paciente dichas medidas. Concluisones: Hasta un 12-15% de las niñas prepúberes que consultan por escapes de orina pueden presentar RV. El tratamiento consiste en la re-educación del hábito miccional, insistiendo en micciones frecuentes y programadas con un hábito postural correcto consistente en apertura de piernas e inclinación hacia delante, o bien, a horcajadas sobre el inodoro en posición contraria a la habitual

OBJECTIVE: Vesico-vaginal reflux (VVR) is defined as the reflux of urine into the vaginal vault during voiding, occasionally seen in pre- adolescent girls. The typical history consists in post voiding leaks in the daytime, that correspond to the progressive urine discharge from the vagina, after it has been filled up during micturition. We intend to show two cases presenting with significant urocolpos. METHODS: Description of two clinical cases observed in the pediatric urology office. RESULTS: Clinical case 1.- A 10-year-old girl presented with the complaint of diurnal incontinence (in the immediate post-voiding minutes). The early voiding phase in the cystourethrogram (VCUG) demonstrated progressive gross distension of the vagina (urocolpos) due to retrograde filling as the bladder emptied. The girl was managed with behavioural modifications, and was dry afterwards. Clinical case 2.- A 9-year-old girl presented with history of incomplete voiding. In infancy, she had right-sided vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and was endoscopically treated at the age of 2. VCUG showed VVR, and no VUR. She was then successfully treated with behavioural modifications. Clinical case 3.- A 10-year-old girl complained of diurnal urinary incontinence, described as post voiding leaks. Again, a VCUG showed VVR and a small urocolpos. After re-education of voiding habits, leaks disappeared, but recurred 6 months afterwards, when she acknowledged no adherence to the therapy. DISCUSSION: Between 12 to 15% of girls referred to Urological clinics because of urine incontinence present VVR. In the absence of a clear anatomical obstruction, reflux happens as the urine flow encounters a natural obstacle in the labia majora usually in girls that close their legs as they void. Instructions on proper voiding form a key element in the management of VVR, and if not enough, the behavioural modification consists on a reverse position during voiding

Effects of vaginal discharge on female sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of vaginal discharge on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: In a study at a university hospital in Canakkale, Turkey, women affected by vaginal discharge and age-matched healthy control women were recruited between January and December 2012. Women were grouped in accordance with their vaginal discharge complaints and each participant completed the FSFI questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 114 women were included in the study. Women in the first group (n=58) had no vaginal discharge or had physiologic vaginal discharge, those in the second group (n=29) had abnormal vaginal discharge with itching, and those in the third group (n=27) had abnormal vaginal discharge without itching. Compared with the first group, women in the second and third groups had higher FSFI scores for desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain, in addition to higher overall FSFI scores. Women with genital malodor had significantly higher FSFI scores than patients without genital malodor (23.83 ± 5.07 vs 21.15 ± 4.78; P=0.008). CONCLUSION: Women with abnormal vaginal discharges were found to have better FSFI scores for some domains. This finding may be attributed to the adverse effects of sexual intercourse on vaginal infections.

Clinical trial of treatment programs for purulent vaginal discharge in lactating dairy cattle in New Zealand.

Studies of treatment of postpartum endometritis in dairy cows indicate that prostaglandin (PGF2α) might result in similar outcomes as intrauterine antibiotics, but the effect might depend on the presence of a CL. The objective was to compare reproductive performance in cows with purulent vaginal discharge treated on the basis of having or not having a CL (CL-dependent treatment; CLdep), versus treatment of all affected cows with an intrauterine antibiotic alone. Cows (N = 756) from 36 seasonal calving dairy herds in New Zealand were enrolled on the basis of having a vaginal discharge score (VDS) ≥2 (mucus with flecks of pus or more purulent) after examination with the Metricheck device (Simcro, Hamilton, New Zealand) and ≥14 days after calving. The presence of a CL was assessed by transrectal palpation. Cows were randomly assigned within farm to be treated with an intrauterine antibiotic (0.5 g cephapirin) irrespective of CL status, or treated with PGF2α if a CL was present and cephapirin if a CL was not present (CLdep). The VDS was reassessed 14 days later. Cows were bred using standard practices and pregnancy was tested to define the date of conception. The proportion of cows clinically cured (i.e., with a VDS ≤1 at reexamination) did not differ between treatment groups (0.82 ± 0.03 vs. 0.80 ± 0.03) for the group of cows treated with an intrauterine antibiotic irrespective of CL status and the CLdep groups, respectively (P = 0.66). The proportions of cows submitted for AI by 21 days into the breeding program, pregnant to first breeding, pregnant by 42 days into the breeding program, and at the end of the breeding program, and the interval from the start of the mating program to pregnancy did not differ among treatment groups. Cows that had positive VDS (i.e., >1) at Day 14 after treatment had lower proportions of conception and pregnancy than those with lower (<2) VDS. A treatment protocol in which cows with purulent vaginal discharge with a palpable CL were treated with PGF2α and those without a CL with intrauterine cephapirin resulted in reproductive performance that was not inferior to treating all cows with an intrauterine antibiotic.

The relaxation exercise and social support trial-resst: study protocol for a randomized community based trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies suggests a possible link between vaginal discharge and common mental distress, as well as highlight the implications of the subjective burden of disease and its link with mental health. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a community-based intervention trial that aims to evaluate the impact of a psycho-social intervention on medically unexplained vaginal discharge (MUVD) in a group of married, low-income Lebanese women, aged 18-49, and suffering from low to moderate levels of anxiety and/or depression. The intervention consisted of 12 sessions of structured social support, problem solving techniques, group discussions and trainer-supervised relaxation exercises (twice per week over six weeks). Women were recruited from Hey el Selloum, a southern disadvantaged suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, during an open recruitment campaign. The primary outcome was self-reported MUVD, upon ruling out reproductive tract infections (RTIs), through lab analysis. Anxiety and/or depression symptoms were the secondary outcomes for this trial. These were assessed using an Arabic validated version of the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). Assessments were done at baseline and six months using face-to face interviews, pelvic examinations and laboratory tests. Women were randomized into either intervention or control group. Intent to treat analysis will be used. DISCUSSION: The results will indicate whether the proposed psychosocial intervention was effective in reducing MUVD (possibly mediated by common mental distress). TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at the Wellcome Trust Registry, ISRCTN assigned: ISRCTN: ISRCTN98441241.

Relación del bajo peso al nacer con la sepsis vaginal: its relation to the low-birth weight / Vaginal sepsis: its relation to the low-birth weight

INTRODUCCIÓN: El bajo peso al nacer constituye uno de los principales problemas obstétricos actuales pues está relacionado con más del 75 por ciento de la mortalidad perinatal. Las infecciones del tracto genital se asocian a numerosas complicaciones como aborto espontáneo, elevada morbimortalidad, bajo peso al nacer, endometritis posparto y secuelas en los neonatos sobrevivientes. OBJETIVO: Conocer la relación del bajo peso al nacer con la sepsis vaginal en el área de salud del policlínico Este del municipio Camagüey, durante el trienio 2007-2009. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, acerca de la relación del bajo peso al nacer con la sepsis vaginal en el área de salud. El universo estuvo conformado por los 1 151 nacidos vivos en el periodo y se tomó como muestra los 55 niños que nacieron con peso inferior a 2 500 g, independientemente de la edad gestacional, aplicándoles a las madres un cuestionario (previo consentimiento informado) que contenía las variables: presencia de sepsis, tipo de germen, rotura prematura de membranas y modificaciones cervicales durante el embarazo. RESULTADOS: El 72,72 por ciento de las madres tuvieron en algún momento del embarazo sepsis vaginal, el germen más frecuente fue la trichomonas vaginalis con el 50,90 por ciento; el 52,5 por ciento de las gestantes aunque tenían sepsis vaginal no presentaron modificaciones cervicales. CONCLUSIONES: Las tres cuartas partes de las gestantes tuvieron sepsis vaginal, más de la mitad de las gestantes que tuvieron sepsis vaginal presentaron rotura prematura de membranas(AU)

INTRODUCTION: The low-birth weight is one of the major current obstetric problems since it is related to with more than the 75 percent of the perinatal mortality. The genital tract infections are associated with many complications including the spontaneous abortion, a high morbidity and mortality, the low-birth weight, postpartum endometritis and the sequelae in surviving neonates. OBJECTIVE: To know the relationship between the low-birth weight and vaginal sepsis in a health area of the East polyclinic of Camag³ey municipality from 2007-2009. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted to know the relationship between the low-birth weight and vaginal sepsis in the above mentioned health area. Universe included 1 151 newborns during the period taking like sample a group of 55 children weighing less than 2 500 g, independently of the gestational age, applying to mothers a questionnaire (previous informed consent) including the following variables: presence of sepsis, type of germen, an premature rupture of membranes and cervical modifications during pregnancy. RESULTS: The 72.72 percent of mothers had during any moment of pregnancy vaginal sepsis, the more frequent germ was the Trichomonas vaginalis with the 50.90 percent; the remainder 52.5 percent although despite the presence of vaginal sepsis had not cervical modifications. CONCLUSIONS: The three quarter of pregnant women had vaginal sepsis, more than half with this type of sepsis also had a premature rupture of membranes(AU)

Relación del bajo peso al nacer con la sepsis vaginal: its relation to the low-birth weight / Vaginal sepsis: its relation to the low-birth weight

INTRODUCCIÓN: El bajo peso al nacer constituye uno de los principales problemas obstétricos actuales pues está relacionado con más del 75 por ciento de la mortalidad perinatal. Las infecciones del tracto genital se asocian a numerosas complicaciones como aborto espontáneo, elevada morbimortalidad, bajo peso al nacer, endometritis posparto y secuelas en los neonatos sobrevivientes. OBJETIVO: Conocer la relación del bajo peso al nacer con la sepsis vaginal en el área de salud del policlínico Este del municipio Camagüey, durante el trienio 2007-2009. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, acerca de la relación del bajo peso al nacer con la sepsis vaginal en el área de salud. El universo estuvo conformado por los 1 151 nacidos vivos en el periodo y se tomó como muestra los 55 niños que nacieron con peso inferior a 2 500 g, independientemente de la edad gestacional, aplicándoles a las madres un cuestionario (previo consentimiento informado) que contenía las variables: presencia de sepsis, tipo de germen, rotura prematura de membranas y modificaciones cervicales durante el embarazo. RESULTADOS: El 72,72 por ciento de las madres tuvieron en algún momento del embarazo sepsis vaginal, el germen más frecuente fue la trichomonas vaginalis con el 50,90 por ciento; el 52,5 por ciento de las gestantes aunque tenían sepsis vaginal no presentaron modificaciones cervicales. CONCLUSIONES: Las tres cuartas partes de las gestantes tuvieron sepsis vaginal, más de la mitad de las gestantes que tuvieron sepsis vaginal presentaron rotura prematura de membranas

INTRODUCTION: The low-birth weight is one of the major current obstetric problems since it is related to with more than the 75 percent of the perinatal mortality. The genital tract infections are associated with many complications including the spontaneous abortion, a high morbidity and mortality, the low-birth weight, postpartum endometritis and the sequelae in surviving neonates. OBJECTIVE: To know the relationship between the low-birth weight and vaginal sepsis in a health area of the East polyclinic of Camag³ey municipality from 2007-2009. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted to know the relationship between the low-birth weight and vaginal sepsis in the above mentioned health area. Universe included 1 151 newborns during the period taking like sample a group of 55 children weighing less than 2 500 g, independently of the gestational age, applying to mothers a questionnaire (previous informed consent) including the following variables: presence of sepsis, type of germen, an premature rupture of membranes and cervical modifications during pregnancy. RESULTS: The 72.72 percent of mothers had during any moment of pregnancy vaginal sepsis, the more frequent germ was the Trichomonas vaginalis with the 50.90 percent; the remainder 52.5 percent although despite the presence of vaginal sepsis had not cervical modifications. CONCLUSIONS: The three quarter of pregnant women had vaginal sepsis, more than half with this type of sepsis also had a premature rupture of membranes

Gynecological symptoms and sexual behaviors among adolescent women.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The study sought to expand the minimal understanding of the prevalence of gynecological symptoms, such as vulvovaginal pain, pelvic cramps, and vaginal discharge, and the prevalence of the relationship of symptom duration to event-level sexual behaviors. DESIGN: Data were daily diaries collected from an ongoing, longitudinal cohort with the three symptom variables MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptom duration was calculated, and event-level sexual behaviors were included. RESULTS: It was reported with relative frequency that single symptoms had positive and negative effects, whereas multiple symptoms and long duration of symptoms decreased the likelihood of all noncoital sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Gynecological symptoms influence the likelihood of sexual behaviors, suggesting a complex relationship between the occurrences.

Relations among menopausal symptoms, sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms in midlife.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relations among hot flashes, other menopausal symptoms, sleep quality and depressive symptoms in midlife women. METHODS: A large population-based cross-sectional study of 639 women (ages 45-54 years) consisting of a questionnaire including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale, demographics, health behaviors, menstrual history, and menopausal symptoms. RESULTS: After controlling for menopausal status, physical activity level, smoking status and current self-reported health status elevated CES-D score is associated with frequent nocturnal hot flashes, frequent trouble sleeping, experiencing hot flashes, nausea, headaches, weakness, visual problems, vaginal discharge, irritability, muscle stiffness, and incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found significant links between depressive symptoms and several menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, sleep disturbance, irritability, muscle stiffness, and incontinence after controlling for covariates. These findings suggest that a potential mechanism in which bothersome menopausal symptoms may influence depressed mood during the midlife is through sleep disturbance.

Phase II clinical trial with Praneem polyherbal tablets for assessment of their efficacy in symptomatic women with abnormal vaginal discharge (an ICMR task force study).

Abnormal vaginal discharge syndrome (AVDS) is a commonly observed gynaecological complaint for which women seek medical attention. The present study was conducted in six Indian Council of Medical Research centres with Praneem polyherbal tablets (PPT), to determine their efficacy in the treatment of symptomatic women with AVDS. Data are given on 141 subjects investigated. In total, 137 women (97%) reported complete (n=62, 44%) and partial (n=75, 53%) relief from symptoms after use of PPT for seven consecutive days. On speculum examination, 71 (74%) women were confirmed to be cured of AVDS. Microbiological tests could only be conducted microscopically for Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans and bacterial vaginosis. It was observed that all women with T. vaginalis had this infection cured by PPT, and the cure rate was 77% for C. albicans and 68% for bacterial vaginosis. Seventy-eight women (55%) reported a transient burning sensation, mostly on the first 2 d of intake of PPT; however, they continued to use the tablets for the prescribed 7 d. This study lays the basis for an extended Phase II/III clinical trial, preferably randomized and comparing a larger number of women to confirm the safety and efficacy of PPT.

Role of different etiological factors in progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Implication of high risk-human Papillomavirus in the process of cervical carcinogenesis is well documented. However, carcinogenesis in the cervix is recognized as multifactorial and other unknown etiological factors are also presumed to contribute to development of cancer. The present communication was aimed to investigate the role of risk factors such as age, parity, cervical lesions, and gynecological symptoms in the progression of the intra-epithelial cervical neoplasia. The study followed 571 cytologically diagnosed cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) during 35 yr of cytological screening, which is in progress at Gynae OPD of Queen Mary's Hospital of the University since April 1971 and until June 2005, a total of 33,658 cervical smears have been cytologically evaluated. Analysis of different risk factors in 571 HSIL cases revealed high parity coupled with increasing age to play a significant role in the progression of SIL. Further aggravated cervical lesions such as suspicious and unhealthy cervix and persistent vaginal discharge were found to be contributing factor in the progression of SIL. All these factors were predominantly seen in 35 cases of severe dysplasia that have shown progression from moderate dysplasia. The study indicates that women of high parity, especially with high age, are more prone to progression of SIL and hence this group needs mandatory cytological evaluation. Further adequate treatment of mild cervical lesions and persistent vaginal discharge is necessary to avoid the aggravation of the lesion/symptom and subsequent progression of dysplasia.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among intrauterine device users in Thai women attending Family Planning Clinic, Siriraj Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of BV among IUD users attending at Family Planning Clinic, Siriraj Hospital In addition, associated risk factors for BV were also explored. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was carried out from August through November 2003 at the Family Planning Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Siriraj Hospital. A total of 300 IUD users were enrolled Bacterial vaginosis is defined by fulfillment of at least three of four findings according to Amsel's criteria. Prevalence and risk factors were determined. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis according to the Amsel's criteria was 20.3% (95% CI 15.7-24.9%). The most common complaints were abnormal vaginal discharge (41.0%) and pelvic pain (41.0%), whereas 32% had no symptoms. The only significant factor associated with BV was duration of IUD use. Women with BV were more likely to have used IUD for a longer period than women without BV especially more than 15 years. (19.7% and 9.2% respectively, P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed rate of BV was prevalent among Thai women with IUD insertion. The only risk factor was long time duration of IUD insertion that health care providers should aware of the infection among these women. The influence of IUD use on the occurrence of vaginal flora changes and BV remained a controversial issue. Further study should be conducted to examine the issue in more detail, both among IUD users and other groups of women as well.