Laser acupuncture effect on fetal well-being during induction of labor.

Labor induction with traditional drugs is sometimes associated with fetal complications as fetal distress or death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of labor induction by laser acupuncture on fetal well-being in post-term pregnancy. Nulliparous women at 40 weeks or greater were randomized to sham laser group versus laser acupuncture group. Each session consisted of laser application on bilateral points LI 4, SP 6, BL 31, and BL 32. The study was conducted in Cairo University, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences. Sixty nulliparous women were randomized into laser acupuncture group n = 30 and control group n = 30. Women were treated in both groups in three consecutive days in post-date pregnancy. Results (66.6%) showed a significant difference in rate of normal vaginal delivery (NVD) between acupuncture group (50%) and control group (50%) (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference of enrollment delivery time between laser acupuncture and sham groups (p > 0.05). There were six cases of cesarean section (CS) due to no fetal movement with normal cardiotocography (CTG). Laser acupuncture has no effect on fetus, and its effect on fetal movement needs more investigations. Laser can induce labor if the cervical length is less than 1 cm and dilation (0).

[Asthma control status in Tunisia]. / Etat de contrôle de l'asthme en Tunisie.

AIM: Transversal study during hospital allergology visit which aim is to evaluate asthma control levels in Tunisia. METHODS: Questionnaire issue of global initiative for asthma (GINA) guidelines. RESULTS: 400 asthmatics were included (70% of women and 30% men), aged 32 +/- 11 years old. Asthma was intermittent in 43% of patients, mild persistant (27%), moderate (14%) and severe in 16% of patients. Daytime symptoms were observed in 56% of cases, nocturnal symptoms in 40%, exacerbations in 39% of cases, activities limitation in 44% of cases and need of rescue treatment in 56%. Controller medications were used in 63% of patients. Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids were used in 90% of patients with persistent asthma. Subjective self evaluation of asthma showed that 83% of patients felled better with treatment, whereas, asthma objective control was obtained only in 10% of them. For the rest, asthma was partly controlled in 35% of patients and uncontrolled in 55%. College and professional absenteeism was observed in 60% of cases, with a mean of 1 to 5 days per month. Control factors seem to be young age, non smoker status and mild persistent asthma. CONCLUSION: Although GINA 2006 guidelines and treatment progress, an important rate of asthmatics (90%) continue to present symptoms, underuse their treatment and overestimate control level of their disease.