14 research outputs found
Serum interferon-alpha level in first degree relatives of systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Correlation with autoantibodies titers
Background and objectives: Interferon-a (IFN-a), a cytokine with both antiviral and immune-regulatory functions, was suggested as a useful tool which can evaluate current systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity and identify patients whoare at risk of future disease flares. In the current study, serum IFN-a levels and associated demographic, and serological features in Egyptian SLE patients and their first degree relatives (FDRs) in comparison to unrelated healthy controls (UHCs) were examined, in order to identify individuals at the greatest risk for clinical illness.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, blood samples were drawn from 54 SLE patients, 93 of their FDRs who consented to enroll into the study and 76 UHCs. Measurement of serum IFN-a by a modified ELISA was carried out. Data were analyzed for associations of serum IFN-a levels with autoantibodies titer.Results: Meanserum IFN-a inFDRswas statistically higher than theUHCsand lower than inSLE patients (P < 0.0001) and it was correlated with ANA titer (r = 0.6, P < 0.0001) and anti ds DNA titer (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001).Conclusion: IFN-a is a crucial player in the complicated autoimmune changes that occur in SLE and serum IFN-a can be a useful marker identifying persons who are at risk of future disease development.Keywords: Interferon-a; Systemic lupus erythematosus; First degree relatives; Autoantibodie
Analysis of misoprostol and chlorhexidine policy gains in Pakistan: the advocacy experience of Mercy Corps Pakistan
A double-blind placebo controlled randomised trial of misoprostol and oxytocin in the management of the third stage of labour
Corrosion inhibition of stainless steel type 316L in hydrochloric acid solution using p-aminoazobenzene derivatives
Fixed-bed study for bone char adsorptive removal of refractory organics from electrodialysis concentrate produced by petroleum refinery
Evaluation of Potentiality of Different Adjuvants for Date Palm Pollination and Fruit Set
Aromatic Amino Acid Activation of Signaling Pathways in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Depends on Oxygen Tension
Oral misoprostol for preventing postpartum haemorrhage in home births in rural Bangladesh : how effective is it?
AIMS: Evidence exists about prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) by oral administration of misoprostol in low-income countries, but effectiveness of prevention by lay community health workers (CHW) is not sufficient. This study aimed to investigate whether a single dose (400 Āµg) of oral misoprostol could prevent PPH in a community home-birth setting and to assess its acceptability and feasibility among rural Bangladeshi women. METHODS: This quasi-experimental trial was conducted among 2,017 rural women who had home deliveries between November 2009 and February 2010 in two rural districts of northern Bangladesh. In the intervention district 1,009 women received 400 Āµg of misoprostol immediately after giving birth by the lay CHWs, and in the control district 1,008 women were followed after giving birth with no specific intervention against PPH. Primary PPH (within 24 hours) was measured by women's self-reported subjective measures of the normality of blood loss using the 'cultural consensus model.' Baseline data provided socio-economic, reproductive, obstetric, and bleeding disorder information. FINDINGS: The incidence of primary PPH was found to be lower in the intervention group (1.6%) than the control group (6.2%) (p<0.001). Misoprostol provided 81% protection (RR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.08-0.48) against developing primary PPH. The proportion of retained and manually removed placentae was found to be higher in the control group compared to the intervention group. Women in the control group were more likely to need an emergency referral to a higher level facility and blood transfusion than the intervention group. Unexpectedly few women experienced transient side effects of misoprostol. Eighty-seven percent of the women were willing to use the drug in future pregnancy and would recommend to other pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Community-based distribution of oral misoprostol (400 Āµg) by CHW appeared to be effective, safe, acceptable, and feasible in reducing the incidence of PPH in rural areas of Bangladesh. This strategy should be scaled up across the country where access to skilled attendance is limited