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Biomedical subjects

H A Mousa

Publications and source records attributed to H A Mousa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Treatment for primary postpartum haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Primary postpartum haemorrhage is one of the top five causes of maternal mortality in both developed and developing countries. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and surgical interventions used for the treatment of primary postpartum haemorrhage. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's trials register (April 2002). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing pharmacological, surgical and radiological interventions for the treatment of primary postpartum haemorrhage. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Studies were assessed for eligibility and quality by reviewers independently. Data were extracted into pre-specified data sheets. Authors of the included study were contacted for more information. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results are presented as relative risk with 95% confidence intervals using the fixed effects model. MAIN RESULTS: One trial, comparing rectally administered misoprostol versus syntometrine combined with an oxytocin infusion, met the eligibility criteria and was included in the review. It was not large enough to evaluate the effects of rectal misoprostol on maternal mortality, serious maternal morbidity or hysterectomy rates in women with primary postpartum haemorrhage. Compared with a combination of intramuscular syntometrine injection and oxytocin infusion, rectal misoprostol administration showed a statistically significant reduction in the number of women who continued to bleed after the intervention and those who required medical co-interventions to control the bleeding (6% versus 34%) (relative risk 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.67). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding surgical interventions to control intractable haemorrhage including hysterectomy, internal iliac artery ligation and/or uterine packing. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Rectal misoprostol in a dose of 800 micrograms could be a useful 'first line' drug for the treatment of primary postpartum haemorrhage. Further randomised controlled trials are required to identify the best drug combinations, route, and dose for the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

Administration, Rectal↗

Postnatal screening for thrombophilia in women with severe pregnancy complications.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of maternal thrombophilia in women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and unexplained stillbirth. METHODS: We studied 102 women who had pregnancy complications and 44 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies. All women were tested 10 weeks postpartum for mutations of factor V Leiden, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, and G20210A prothrombin gene; deficiencies of protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III; and the presence of lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies. We aimed to recruit 100 cases and 300 controls to detect a 10% difference in thrombophilia between the groups. However, we were able to recruit only 44 controls. RESULTS: Abnormal thrombophilia screen was found in 54 women with pregnancy complications (53%) and in 17 women (39%) with normal pregnancies (odds ratio [OR] 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87, 3.67). Mutations encoding for factor V Leiden, G20210A prothrombin gene, and MTHFR C677T (homozygous) were identified in 18% of women with complications compared with 16% of controls (OR 1.1; 95% CI 0.44, 2.94). Activated protein C resistance, not due to factor V Leiden mutation, was the most common thrombophilic defect, found in 26% of women with pregnancy complications compared with 18% of controls (OR 1.5; 95% CI 0.63, 3.73). Twenty women with complications (20%) had multiple thrombophilic defects compared with four controls (9%) (OR 2.4; 95% CI 0.78, 7.61). CONCLUSION: In our cohort of women with pregnancy complications, maternal thrombophilia was less common than previously thought, and multiple thrombophilias were not a major additional risk factor.

Adolescent↗

Yeast infection of burns.

In a prospective study, 132 patients were investigated for yeast infection of burn wounds. Ten patients (7.6%) were infected with Candida species. All patients with yeast infections were also infected with bacteria with the exception of one patient who was infected with Candida tropicalis alone. The predominant yeast recovered was Candida krusei. Yeast infection was found to be more common in the younger age group. The isolation of a Candida species alone from one patient and Candida isolation from patients with sepsis in burn wounds indicate a significant role for yeasts in the production of infection in burn wounds. Therefore, special cultures for yeasts are recommended for all cases of burn wound infection.

Administration, Topical↗

Major postpartum haemorrhage.

Postpartum haemorrhage remains in the top five causes of maternal deaths in both developed and developing countries. Persistent blood loss of more than 1000 ml should prompt predetermined measures to achieve resuscitation and haemostasis. A protocol including guidelines is given and volume replacement is discussed. The range of medical and surgical interventions that may be considered for the modern management of major haemorrhage unresponsive to oxytocin and ergometrine are presented. The review discusses in depth the use of misoprostol, recombinant activated factor VII, the uterine tamponade procedures, artery ligation, and uterine haemostatic suturing techniques. It also evaluates the place of interventional radiology and hysterectomy in modern obstetrics.

Balloon Occlusion↗

Thrombophilia and adverse pregnancy outcome.

Congenital and acquired thrombophilias are the most common predisposing factors for thromboembolism, but they may also contribute to pathophysiological processes involved in recurrent pregnancy loss, fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption, placental infarction, and pre-eclampsia. The most common thrombophilias are deficiencies of antithrombin III, protein C, and protein S, acquired protein C resistance, genetic mutation encoding for factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene, and inherited hyperhomocysteinemia, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Although adverse pregnancy outcomes are more common in women with thrombophilia, the current evidence does not support routine thrombophilia screening of all pregnant women. Selective thrombophilia screening may be justified in certain group of women, particularly those with a history of thromboembolism. More research is required to confirm or refute the causal link between thrombophilia and abnormal placentation, and assess effectiveness and safety of thromboprophylaxis in pregnant women.

Female↗

Medium-term clinical outcome of women with menorrhagia treated by rollerball endometrial ablation versus abdominal hysterectomy with conservation of at least one ovary.

BACKGROUND: To compare patients' satisfaction, health related quality of life, and sexual function among women who were either treated with rollerball endometrial ablation or abdominal hysterectomy with conservation of at least one ovary for the treatment of menorrhagia. METHOD: Between March 1992 to June 1997, 91 women underwent rollerball endometrial ablation and 78 women had abdominal hysterectomy with preservation of at least one ovary for the treatment of intractable menorrhagia. Each was sent a detailed questionnaire at least 18 months (range 18-60) after surgery. Case notes were reviewed to collect additional data relating to pre-operative management and operative details. RESULTS: Of 169 women, 120 (71%) returned a completed questionnaire [80/91 women (88%) had ablation and 40/78 women (51%) had hysterectomy]. Non-response analysis did not reveal any differences in prognostic characteristics between responders and non-responders. The length of hospital stay and time taken to return to normal daily activity were significantly less in the ablation group. Pre-menstrual symptoms improved over time but more so in the hysterectomy group, who also rated their improvement in general health higher. Women who had hysterectomy were more satisfied (100% versus 79%) and would be more likely to recommend it to a friend (100% versus 91%). CONCLUSION: Both procedures are effective for the treatment of menorrhagia but hysterectomy is associated with better general health and fewer pre-menstrual symptoms. Rollerball ablation is a useful alternative with many short term benefits and acceptable satisfaction rate. Further work is required to evaluate long term effects.

Adolescent↗

Do placental lesions reflect thrombophilia state in women with adverse pregnancy outcome?

We examined the relationship between placental histology and thrombophilia status in women who were admitted with severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction or unexplained stillbirth. All women had thrombophilia screen at least 10 weeks after delivery (antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, activated protein C resistance, anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, fasting plasma homocysteine and specific mutations to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T, G20210A prothrombin gene and factor V Leiden. Placental histology reports were examined to identify the frequency of thrombotic lesions in the placenta including fetal stem vessel thrombosis, fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, placental infarction, perivillous fibrin deposition, intervillous thrombosis and placental floor infarction. During a 17 month period, a cohort of 79 women met the study criteria. Thirty (70%) out of 43 women with abnormal thrombophilia screen had abnormal placental histology. Twenty-eight (78%) out of 36 women with negative thrombophilia screen had abnormal placentae. No specific histological pattern could be identified when thrombophilia positive and thrombophilia negative groups were compared. We propose that there is a poor correlation between thrombophilia status and pathological changes of the placenta in women with severe pregnancy complications.

Adult↗

Do practice guidelines guide practice? A prospective audit of induction of labor three years experience.

BACKGROUND: To examine the effect of implementation of guidelines for induction of labor on the process of care and outcome measures. METHOD: Guidelines for induction of labor were implemented in January 1996 following an audit report identifying inconsistency in clinical practice. A prospective audit was carried out following the implementation of a new strategy directed towards pre-induction cervical ripening in nulliparae with unfavorable cervices and the use of low dosages of vaginal prostaglandin E2 for induction of labor. Level of compliance and outcome measures were compared before and after implementation of guidelines. RESULTS: In the period of January 1995 to November 1997, 1,230 women were induced with a singleton viable pregnancy in a cephalic presentation with a gestational age > or = 37 weeks with no history of rupture of membranes or cesarean section. Completed forms were available for 1,147 women (370, 421 and 356 in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively). Among nulliparous women, there was a reduction in the number of women who were admitted with cervical score of < or = 4 (24%, 40%, and 54% in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively; p=0.0001), an increase in the number of women who had amniotomy on admission (32%, 25% and 12% in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively; p=0.0001) and a shorter induction-delivery interval. No change in outcome measures was noted among multiparous women despite reduced dose of prostaglandin E2 used for induction of labor. A marginal reduction of both Cesarean section and failed induction rates were noted in both nulliparae and multiparae. Level of compliance improved with successive rounds of audit. CONCLUSION: Explicit guidelines do improve clinical practice, when introduced and monitored in the context of rigorous evaluations. However, the size of improvement could vary.

Adolescent↗

Medium-term follow-up of women with menorrhagia treated by rollerball endometrial ablation.

BACKGROUND: To assess medium-term efficacy of rollerball endometrial ablation in a district general hospital. METHOD: From March 1992 to June 1997, 91 women underwent rollerball endometrial ablation for uncontrolled menorrhagia unresponsive to medical treatment. Each was sent a detailed questionnaire after at least 18 months (range 18-55). There was an overall response rate of 88% (80/91). Case notes were reviewed to collect additional data related to pre-operative management and actual operative procedure. The main outcome measures included treatment satisfaction, relief of symptoms, improvement in health related quality of life, at least 18 months after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-five of the 80 women (44%) had achieved amenorrhea. Ten women required further treatment; of these seven had a hysterectomy (9%). None of the non-responders had a hysterectomy. Following rollerball endometrial ablation, many women reported improvement in cyclical pelvic pain (73%), pre-menstrual symptoms (65%), ability to do housework (85%), and an improved sexual life (96%). Seventy-nine (99%) women were able to return to normal work within 4 weeks following surgery. The majority of them remained satisfied with treatment (79%) and they would recommend it to a friend (91%). CONCLUSIONS: Rollerball endometrial ablation is a simple, effective, and acceptable procedure for the treatment of menorrhagia in selected cases. Longer-term follow up is still needed to establish the ultimate effectiveness of the procedure.

Adolescent↗

Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis: microbial conversion and unusual age presentation.

From 1983 to 1989, 110 cases of haematogenous osteomyelitis were studied retrospectively. The most commonly affected were children under 1 year. No adult cases were reported. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 72.7% of cases. During 1992-1997, 80 cases were studied prospectively. The most commonly affected were children aged 9 years. This group included 19 adults. S. aureus was isolated from 43.7% of the cases. There was a clear difference in the incidence of S. aureus and age presentation in the cases before and after the Gulf conflict. Working children and malnutrition might have caused changes in the infecting organisms and age presentation in recent years.

Acute Disease↗

Correlation between fungi isolated from burn wounds and burn care units.

A comparison was made prospectively between fungal isolates from patients and burn care units. Aspergillus niger was the most frequent isolate in both patients and burn care units whereas Ulocladium was the commonest isolate in the control group. Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium and Zygomycetes, which were recovered from burned patients, were also found more frequently in the burn care units than in the control group (other areas in the hospital). These findings indicate a potential risk of fungal infection which can be acquired from the immediate surroundings of patients in burn care units. Periodical burn ward decontamination is therefore recommended.

Burn Units↗

Fungal infection of burn wounds in patients with open and occlusive treatment methods.

Fungal infection of burn wounds was investigated in a prospective study of 130 patients managed either with open or occlusive treatment methods. In all, 30 fungal isolates were recovered from 26 patients all of whom had bacterial infection also, except for one patient. The predominant fungi recovered were Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. Fungal infection was more common in patients treated with open dressing (25.5%) than occlusive dressing (16.0%). Fungal culture from tissue specimens gave a better isolation rate of fungi than from cotton swab specimens.

Adolescent↗

Tuberculosis of bones and joints: diagnostic approaches.

Mycobacterial and routine aerobic and anaerobic cultures were made prospectively from 22 patients with bone and/or joint tuberculosis. Mycobacteria were found on direct smear in 6 patients (27.3%), on culture in 14 (63.6%) and on histological section in 5 (22.7%). In one patient routine culture at operation revealed growth of Nocardia asteroides and Moraxella catarrhalis in addition to a positive culture of mycobacteria. Routine sinus culture showed growth of Staphylococcus epidermis in 3 out of 8 patients with draining sinuses. Thus, isolation of avirulent pyogenic bacteria from an operative or sinus specimen does not exclude the possibility of tuberculosis. Mycobacteria can often be identified from sinus-track culture in patients in whom operative culture, histopathological and clinical examination have failed to confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis should be suspected if there are pus cells without pyogenic bacteria on direct smear, if there is no growth of any pyogenic bacteria or if there is growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis alone on routine aerobic and anaerobic sinus cultures.

Adult↗

Aerobic, anaerobic and fungal burn wound infections.

One hundred and twenty-seven patients were studied prospectively for aerobic, anaerobic and fungal burn wound infections. All cases yielded organisms on culture. A total of 377 isolates were recovered (239 aerobes, 116 anaerobes and 22 fungi). Aerobic bacteria alone were present in 49 patients (38.6%). Anaerobic bacteria alone were present in four patients (3.2%). Candida sp. alone was present in one patient (0.8%). Mixed aerobic and/or anaerobic bacteria and/or fungi were present in 73 patients (57.5%). Fungi were isolated from 21 patients (23.9%) of 88 patients having fungal cultures. The predominant isolates recovered in descending order of frequency were: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides sp., Klebsiella sp. and Peptostreptococcus sp. There were 70 patients (55.1%) infected with anaerobic bacteria. The rate of recovery of anaerobes was higher in patients with open wound dressing (72.7%) than in patients with occlusive wound dressings (41.7%), (P < 0.01). Seventeen patients presented with septic shock, 15 of them (88.2%) yielding positive anaerobic cultures. Bacteroides sp. were isolated from 14 patients with septic shock, and were recovered from the four patients who had anaerobic infection alone. These results indicate a significant role of Bacteroides sp. in burn wound sepsis.

Adolescent↗