A study to evaluate the efficacy of combined prostaglandins and vaginal estradiol compared to prostaglandin alone in labor induction

Background: Induction of labor (IOL) is a process where labor is initiated artificially before its spontaneous onset for the delivery of feto placental unit by mechanical or pharmacologic methods.Methods: The present Hospital based prospective randomized comparative study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital, Belagavi during the period of January 2015 to December 2015.The selected women were randomized into two groups by simple randomization using an opaque sealed envelope, into either without vaginal estradiol Group A: Group PGE2 - Prostaglandin E2 gel intracervical alone group or Group B: PGE2 + E (Estradiol) - combined Prostaglandin E2 gel intracervical and 50 µg of estradiol tablet intravaginal group.Results: In the present study 65% of the women in group PGE2 required three doses of prostaglandins compared to 23.33% in group PGE2 and estradiol for the cervix to become favorable. In this study there is significantly longer mean interval time noted for induction to cervical ripening (12.88±4.91 versus 8.92±5.07; p <0.001), induction to active labor (16.97±4.93 versus 11.02±4.72; p <0.001) and induction to delivery time (21.97±3.83 versus 13.14±4.98; p <0.001) in group PGE2 compared to combined PGE2 and estradiol group.Conclusions: Thus, vaginal estradiol along with prostaglandins has the potential in cervical ripening and induce labor and in an efficacious way. There is beneficial fetal outcome when combined vaginal estradiol along with intracervical prostaglandin E2 was used

Occupational dermatoses among cottage industry workers of Kashmir Valley in North India

Introduction: Cottage industry is usually a small-scale industry operated from home by family members using their own equipment. Kashmir has a unique cottage industry of its own which deals with production of many handicrafts, which may lead to a peculiar pattern of skin diseases in these artisans. Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the pattern of skin disorders in the cottage industry workers of Kashmir valley, with primary focus on the occupation-related dermatoses and to identify the most common cutaneous manifestation in these workers. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in which 1062 cottage industry workers engaged in different crafts were screened. A detailed history taking and examination was carried out in each worker and the diagnosis was made on clinical grounds. Wherever deemed necessary, relevant investigations were done to establish the nature of the disease. Results: A total of 1062 workers were evaluated for the presence of skin disorders. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.5. The mean age of the study group was 30.3 years ± 10.79 years, with maximum number of workers (164) belonging to the crewel embroidery industry. The mean duration of work was 6.4 ± 2.08 hours/day. A total of 953 workers (89.7%) had cutaneous manifestations, with callosities being the most common finding seen in 371 workers (35%), followed by cumulative insult dermatitis seen in 201 workers (19%). Conclusion: Cottage industry of Kashmir valley is a unique occupational group where a high percentage of workers had cutaneous manifestations related to their occupation, with callosities being the most common finding. Information and better knowledge regarding these dermatoses are important in devising strategies to improve the health scenario of these workers. Simple measures such as proper use of instruments, use of protective gloves, guarded use of chemicals, and hand washing may be very beneficial in reducing the burden of health problems in these workers

Common contact allergens in patients with palmoplantar and scalp psoriasis and impact of their avoidance on dermatology life quality index: A hospital-based study

Background: Scalp psoriasis and psoriasis limited to palms and/or soles have been referred to as difficult to control psoriasis. Contact allergy has long been suspected to aggravate existing lesions and cause resistance to therapy in these psoriasis variants. Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess common contact allergens in patients with palmoplantar and scalp psoriasis and the impact of their avoidance on dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Materials and Methods: A total of 54 patients with palmoplantar and scalp psoriasis were patch tested with Indian Standard Series. The patch test results were read on day 2 and day 4. DLQI was calculated before patch testing and at 1 month and 3 month in patch test positive patients after instructing allergen avoidance. Results: Sixteen out of fifty-four patients (29.62%) showed positive patch test reactions. Metal antigens like nickel and cobalt were the most common sensitizers identified. Statistically significant improvement in DLQI was observed at 1 month and at 3 month of allergen avoidance. Conclusion: Patch testing is a useful test to determine the triggering or aggravating antigens in patients with palmoplantar and scalp psoriasis and subsequent allergen avoidance should be stressed on