Interaction and efficacy of Keigai-rengyo-to extract and acupuncture in male patients with acne vulgaris: A study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In consideration of patients seeking to use traditional Chinese medicine, an evidence-based potentiality for safe and effective use of herbal medicine and acupuncture in treatment of acne vulgaris has been suggested. However, despite common use of a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture in clinical practice, the current level of evidence is insufficient to draw a conclusion for an interaction and efficacy of herbal medicine and acupuncture. Therefore, considering these methodological flaws, this study was designed to assess the interaction and efficacy of an available herbal medicine, Keigai-rengyo-to extract (KRTE), and acupuncture for treatment of acne using the 2 × 2 factorial design and the feasibility of a large clinical trial.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>A randomized, assessor single blinded, 2 × 2 factorial pilot trial will be conducted. Forty four participants with acne vulgaris will be randomized into one of four groups: waiting list group (WL), KRTE only group (KO), acupuncture only group (AO), and KRTE and acupuncture combined treatment group (KA). After randomization, a total of 8 sessions of acupuncture treatment will be performed twice a week in the AO- and KA groups, respectively. Patients in the KO- and KA groups will be prescribed KRTE 3 times a day at a dose of 7.4 g after meals for 4 weeks. The following outcome measurements will be used in examination of subjects: the mean percentage change and the count change of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, the Skindex 29, visual analogue scale (VAS) and investigator global assessment (IGA) from baseline to the end of the trial.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>The trial is registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS), Republic of Korea: KCT0000071.</p

Perception and Practice of Emergency Contraception by Post-Secondary School Students in South West Nigeria

A survey of 1500 students in post-secondary institutions in south west Nigeria showed that the concept of emergency contraception (EC) was well known. Respectively, 32.4%, 20.4% and 19.8% knew that combined pills, progesterone only pills and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) were usable for EC, while 56.7% mentioned the use of traditional methods. Only 11.8% had ever used either pills or IUCD and 10.7% had used a traditional method. Few students (11.5% and 2.3% respectively) knew the correct timing of EC pills and IUCD. The respondents reported varying circumstances under which EC was indicated but the majority cited condom breakage and sexual assault. The popular media represent the commonest source of information while hospitals/clinics were the commonest sources of procurement. About 37% of the respondents planned to use EC in future while 58% would not and 4.7% were uncertain. Reasons for these responses were explored. (Afr J Reprod Health 2000; 4 [1]: 56-65) Key Words: Perception, practice, emergency contraception, students, Nigeri

Multi Variate Analysis Of Risk Factors For Caesarean Section In The University College Hospital Ibadan

To determine the effect of maternal age, parity and booking status and fetal weight and presentation on caesarean section rate at a teaching hospital Method: Retrospective analysis of the mode of delivery within a 5 year period as contained in patients' medical records using frequency distribution and cross tabulations of risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of Caesarean section. Result: Caesarean section rate was 22%. The highest rates were found among women aged 40 years and above, nulliparous and unbooked. Fetal macrosomia and abnormal presentation were also associated with high caesarean section rate. Predictors of Caesarean section were maternal age , parity, booking status and fetal presentation while fetal sex and birth weights were not. Conclusion: Caesarean section rate has remained constant over the last 3 decades and the risk factors still play the same role despite an increase in health personnel, facilities and general public educational level. There is a need to focus on the predictors of caesarean section, improve public health education, provide adequate prenatal and intrapartum care, encourage external cephalic version for breech presentation and increase contraceptive usage in order to reduce the caesarean section rate. KEY WORDS: Caesarean section, Risk factors. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.6(2) 2003: 87-9

Parameters of nutrition in school girls in southwestern Nigeria

Objectives: To document trends in parameters of nutrition in south-western Nigerian school girls in comparison with earlier reports and provide baseline data for future comparison. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Fifteen secondary schools from the five local governments in Ibadan, Oyo State in south-western Nigeria. Subjects: One thousand six hundred and seventy five apparently healthy female students aged between nine and twenty three years. Results: One thousand six hundred and seventy three questionnaires were analysed. The mean age, mean height and mean body weight were 15.45 years ±2.06 (SD), 154.98cm ±8.4(SD) and 46.09kg ±8.8 (SD) respectively. The mean body fat was 11.12kg ±4.6 (SD); mean lean body mass (LBM) was 34.96kg ±4.6 (SD); mean total body water (TBW) was 25.17L ±3.3 (SD) and the mean body index (BMI) was 19.07kg/m2 ±2.7 (SD). Girls from upper socio-economic background had significantly higher values of anthropometric measurements and body composition for each age than lower socioeconomic class girls. Compared with their peers from another Nigerian city investigated two decades ago, girls in this study were significantly lighter and shorter. Conclusion: The study revealed a decline in nutritional parameters among adolescents. The implications of these findings for the reproductive health of Nigerian women are discussed. Serial studies to monitor trends in adolescents are recommended. East African Medical Journal Vol.82(4) 2005: 198-20