Premature rupture of membranes at term: immediate induction of labor versus expectant management

Objective: To compare the maternal outcomes of immediate induction of labor with expectant management in women presenting with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term.Methods: One hundred and fifty two women with PROM at term were randomized into either immediate induction of labor with oxytocin or expectant management for a period of 12 hours. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of clinical endometritis in each group. Secondary outcomes were the mode of delivery, the neonatal outcome and the proportion of women in the expectant management group that progressed to spontaneous labor.Results: The immediate induction arm had a lower caesarean section rate, (7.9% vs 28.9%, P=0.001), higher spontaneous vaginal delivery rate (92.1% vs 71.1%; P=0.001) and lower incidence of clinical endometritis (0% vs 5.3%, P=0.006), when compared with the expectant management arm. The estimated duration of labor was shorter in the expectant management arm (8.9±2.17hours vs 10.6±2.35hours; P=<0.001). Neonatal morbidity rates were comparable in both groups.Conclusion: Immediate induction of labor in women with PROM at term resulted in significantly lower rate of infectious morbidity without increasing the risk of operative delivery. It is therefore recommended as the management option of choice.Keywords: Premature rupture of membranes, induction of labor, endometriti

UK guidelines on 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT in prostate cancer imaging

The purpose of these guidelines is to assist specialists in Nuclear Medicine and Radionuclide Radiology in recommending, performing, interpreting and reporting 18F-fluciclovine PET/computed tomography. It should be recognised that adherence to the guidance in this document will not assure an accurate diagnosis or a successful outcome. These guidelines will assist individual departments in the formulation of their own local protocols. The guidelines apply to studies on adults. All that should be expected is that the practitioner will follow a reasonable course of action based on current knowledge, available resources and the needs of the patient in order to deliver effective and safe medical care

Awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention among young women in Ekiti state, south-west Nigeria.

Background: Cancer of the cervix is a major public health issue in the developing countries. The burden of the disease is considerable with associated morbidity and mortality among women in their productive years. The lack of awareness and adequate information about cervical cancer and its prevention may be responsible for the large burden of cervical cancer on the developing countries.Objective: To assess the knowledge of cervical cancer, its risk factors and prevention among young women in Ekiti State.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire based survey of young women aged 15-24 years in randomly selected local government areas in Ekiti State in June 2013. Means, frequencies and percentages were determined and frequency tables were generated using SPSS software version 16.0.Results: A total of 444 young females participated in this study. Among the respondents, 69.4% were sexually active with only a quarter consistently using condom. Only 54.3% had heard cervical cancer, 2.9% knew the risk factors and a quarter knew no risk factor for cervical cancer. A tenth of the respondents knew about human papilloma virus (HPV) and a similar number knew about the HPV vaccine. Only 9% have heard about Pap smear while 1.4% have had pap smear at least once.Conclusion: Our study revealed poor knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention among young women in this environment. There is a need for increase in public awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention. Provision of adequate information, community mobilization, proper service delivery, women empowerment and political will are essential in reducing this burden in the developing world

Sexual and Contraceptive Practices among Female Undergraduates in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

BACKGROUND:The reproductive health of adolescents and young women is integral to the wellbeing of a society. This study was carried out to determine current sexual practices and contraceptive usage among female undergraduate students in a Southwest Nigerian tertiary institution.METHODS:It was a cross-sectional questionnaire based survey of female university undergraduates. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic variables and sexual and contraceptive practices. Frequency tables were generated and univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine factors that influenced sexual and contraceptive practices. SPSS software version 16.0 was used for analysis.RESULTS:Of 350 students sampled, 306 completed the questionnaire. One hundred and eighty six (60.8%) students were currently sexually active. The mean age of sexual debut was 19.11 years. Sixty-six (35.5%) had more than one sexual partners. Contraceptive knowledge was 100%, but consistent use was 34.4%. A third of the respondents had sex for material rewards and/or under the influence of alcohol and recreational drugs. Students who were less than 20 years old (Adjusted OR: 3.52; 95%CI=2.10-6.82) were more likely to be sexually active while those from polygamous/separated families (Adjusted OR: 0.32; 95% CI=0.18-0.58) were less likely to be sexually active.CONCLUSION:There is a high level of sexual activity and low contraceptive use among female undergraduate students in Southwest Nigeria. More reproductive health education and promotion is necessary to safeguard their sexual health