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Introduction and hypothesis: To evaluate the efficacy of vaginal CO2 laser in women with stress predominant urinary incontinence (SUI) compared with the sham treatment. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with sham treatment was conducted between January 2019 and April 2021. Women with predominant SUI were recruited and randomized into two groups: the CO2 laser group (n = 29) and the sham group (n = 30). The International Consultation on Continence Questionnaire—Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) was used to evaluate the efficacy at 3 months postoperatively. All participants in both groups were advised to perform pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) after the intervention. Results: A total of 59 women were studied. A total of 29 women were included in the CO2 laser group and 30 women were included in the sham group. The baseline scores of the ICIQ-UI SF were similar in both groups. A significant improvement in urinary incontinence scores was found in both groups 3 months after treatment (p < 0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups at 3 months (p = 0.8281). There were no changes in bladder neck descent or levator hiatal area immediately after intervention or 3 months after completion of treatment in either group. Most participants who received the active intervention reported mild vaginal pain during the procedure that resolved spontaneously at the end of treatment. Conclusions: Fractional CO2 laser treatment does not provide any benefit over the sham technique in alleviating SUI symptoms. The improvement in SUI symptoms in both groups might be related to PFMT. This study was registered with the Thai Clinical Trial Register (TCTR20190131004). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of women with endometrioma and explore the associated factors. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2020 and March 2021. A total of 99 women diagnosed with ovarian endometrioma with at least one endometriosis-associated symptom completed the Endometriosis Health Profile 30 (EHP-30) questionnaire for their QoL score before treatment for ovarian endometrioma. The questionnaire comprises a central questionnaire (30 items) and a modular questionnaire (23 items divided into 6 sections). Demographics and QoL scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression or median regression. Results: The mean QoL score was 35.0± 15.8 (range, 16.0± 21.2 in the social support dimension to 45.1± 24.4 in the control and powerlessness dimension). In the modular questionnaire, the highest score was in the infertility domain, while the lowest was in the relationship with the physician domain. The pain score and chronic pelvic pain (CPP) were independent correlation factors for a higher total EHP-30 score: the higher the total EHP-30, the poorer the QoL. CPP was positively correlated with the QoL score in the work domain. Conclusion: The present study revealed that CPP was the factor associated with a worse QoL and work performance in women with endometrioma based on a disease-specific, EHP-30 questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the rate of oophorectomy and associated factors at the time of hysterectomy in premenopausal women with benign diseases. Materials and Methods: The medical records of the premenopausal women that underwent hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy due to benign gynecologic conditions between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017 at Khon Kaen University Hospital (Thailand) were retrospectively reviewed. The data collected included age, BMI, parity, indication for surgery, family history of carcinoma, route of hysterectomy, procedure, specialization of the surgeon, operative notes, and histopathological reports of the ovaries. Results: Six hundred thirty-eight subjects underwent hysterectomy due to benign gynecologic conditions. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) was performed in 57.37% (366) of the cases. In 81.97% (300) of these cases, either one or both patient's ovaries were grossly normal. The rate of prophylactic oophorectomy among all cases was 47.02% (300 in 638). The strongest associated factor with BSO was age (odds ratio 8.421, 95% CI 5.488 to 12.921). Other associated factors were irregular menstrual history, the surgeon being a gynecologic oncologist, and abdominal hysterectomy. No cases of ovarian cancer were found. Conclusion: Nearly half of premenopausal women that underwent hysterectomy due to benign conditions underwent prophylactic oophorectomy. Associated factors were age, irregular menstruation, the surgeon being a gynecologic oncologist, and abdominal hysterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the policy of universal salt iodization and daily iodine-containing vitamin supplementations were implemented, the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in pregnant women in the northeast of Thailand still showed mild iodine deficiency. Objective: To determine UIC in pregnant women receiving daily iodine-containing vitamin versus a single dose of two iodized oil capsules. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted between March 2014 and October 2015, in 21 public hospitals in Khon Kaen Province. Healthy singleton pregnancy of a gestational age of less than 20 weeks that had not received iodine-containing vitamin were enrolled. The participants were asked to take either daily one tablet vitamin or a single dose of two iodized oil capsules. Random urine was collected before and after taking medication. Neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was retrieved from medical record. Results: Of the 2,079 participants, median UIC of pre- and post-daily vitamin supplementation in 1,061 pregnant women were 116.0 and 126.2 mcg/L. Median UIC of pre- and post-single dose iodized oil in 973 participants were 110.4 and 108.6 mcg/L. There was no statistically significant increase UIC post iodine supplementation in both groups (p=0.169). The median neonatal serum TSH were 4.34 and 3.79 mU/L in daily vitamin and single dose respectively, which is significantly lower in the iodized oil group (p=0.023). Conclusion: Post iodine supplementation either by daily vitamin or single dose did not significantly increase UIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern worldwide. Commensal bacteria from the human genitourinary tract can act as reservoirs of resistance genes playing a role in their transfer to pathogens. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration of 16 antibiotics to 15 isolates from the human vagina, identified as Enterococcus faecalis , Streptococcus anginosus , and Streptococcus salivarius , was determined. Eight isolates were considered resistant to tetracycline, five to clindamycin and quinupristin-dalfopristin, and four to rifampicin. To investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes, PCR analysis was performed in all isolates, and five were subjected to whole-genome sequencing analysis. PCR reactions identified tet (M) in all tetracycline-resistant E. faecalis isolates, while both tet (M) and tet (L) were found in tetracycline-resistant S. anginosus isolates. The tet (M) gene in E. faecalis VA02-2 was carried within an entire copy of the transposon Tn 916. In S. anginosus VA01-10AN and VA01-14AN, the tet (M) and tet (L) genes were found contiguous with one another and flanked by genes encoding DNA mobilization and plasmid replication proteins. Amplification and sequencing suggested the lsaA gene to be complete in all E. faecalis isolates resistant to clindamycin and quinupristin-dalfopristin, while the gene contain mutations rendering to a non-functional LsaA in susceptible isolates. These results were subsequently confirmed by genome analysis of clindamycin and quinupristin-dalfopristin resistant and susceptible E. faecalis strains. Although a clinical breakpoint to kanamycin for S. salivarius has yet to be established, S. salivarius VA08-2AN showed an MIC to this antibiotic of 128 μg mL–1. However, genes involved in kanamycin resistance were not identified. Under the assayed conditions, neither tet (L) nor tet (M) from either E. faecalis or S. anginosus was transferred by conjugation to recipient strains of E. faecalis , Lactococcus lactis , or Lactobacillus plantarum. Nonetheless, the tet (L) gene from S. anginosus VA01-10AN was amplified by PCR, and cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli , to which it provided a resistance of 48–64 μg mL–1 to tetracycline. Our results expand the knowledge of the antibiotic resistance-susceptibility profiles of vaginal bacteria and provide the genetic basis of their intrinsic and acquired resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The vaginal microbiota (VMB) plays a key role in women's reproductive health. VMB composition varies with ethnicity, making it necessary to characterize the VMB of the target population before interventions to maintain and/or improve the vaginal health are undertaken. Information on the VMB of Thai women is currently unavailable. We therefore characterized the VMB in normal Thai women. Methods. Vaginal samples derived from 25 Thai women were subjected to 16S rRNA gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) on the Ion Torrent PGM platform. Results. Two groups of VMB were detected, lactobacilli-dominated (LD) and nonlactobacilli dominated (NLD) groups. Lactobacillus iners was the most common species found in the LD group while Gardnerella vaginalis followed by Atopobium vaginae and Pseudumonas stutzeri were commonly found in the NLD group. Conclusions. The VMB patterns present in normal Thai women is essential information to further determine the factors associated with VMB patterns in vaginal health and disease and to develop proper management of reproductive health of Thai women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcium is an essential element for the body, which is taken through the dietary sources. Calcium supplements may be needed to achieve the dietary reference intake (DRI). Dietary calcium and supplemental calcium intake for calcium balance might be necessary. However, increasing evidence shows that calcium supplementation may enhance soft tissue calcification and cause cardiovascular diseases. Calcium requirement during pregnancy is markedly increased. If calcium supplementation depends on the dietary style of a region, then the adequacy of dietary calcium intake may guide the calcium supplementation. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among pregnant women who attended prenatal care at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University. We used semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) to evaluate the amount of daily calcium intake, and 3 days food record to assess the SFFQ reliability. We used the INMUCAL-N V.3.0, based on the Thai food composition table for nutritional calculation. Results: Among 255 recruited pregnant women, the mean daily dietary calcium intake was 1,256.9 mg/day (SD: 625.1) and up to 1,413.4 mg/day (SD: 601.3) in daily milk consumed group. Based on Thai DRI for pregnant women, with 800 mg/day as adequate intake of calcium, 74.9% had adequate calcium intake, and majority of them had milk daily. Conclusion: The majority of pregnant women in a province of Northeast Thailand had adequate calcium intake, particularly those who had milk with their meal every day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of and risk factors for postoperative febrile morbidity after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). Methods: This retrospective study was carried out using the medical records of women with benign gynecologic conditions who underwent LAVH between June 2007 and May 2012 at Srinagarind Hospital in Thailand. Data were collected to assess baseline patient characteristics, occurrence of body temperature ⩾38°C on two occasions at least 6 hours apart in the 24 hours following the surgical procedure, and possible risk factors related to postoperative febrile morbidity. Results: In total, 199 women underwent LAVH during the study period. They had a mean age of 46±6 years, a mean body mass index of 24.0±3.2 kg/m2, a mean surgical duration of 134±52 minutes, median estimated blood loss of 200 mL, a mean total hospital stay of 5±2 days, and a mean postoperative hospital stay of 3±2 days. Postoperative febrile morbidity was documented in 31 cases (15.6%). The cause of postoperative fever was unknown in most cases, with only two cases having an identifiable cause. The risk of postoperative febrile morbidity was highest in women treated with more than two antibacterial agents and with a regimen of more than 3 days. Conclusion: This study shows a moderately high rate of febrile morbidity after LAVH, for which the main risk factors were use of multiple drugs and doses for antibiotic prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A descriptive study at a tertiary care center was carried out to assess the prevalence of iron status in anemic pregnant women and to determine the appropriate iron supplement. Methods: Eligible subjects were pregnant women with a hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dL. Pregnant women who received antenatal vitamin and/or iron supplements before blood testing and women with an underlying chronic disease were excluded. Hemoglobinopathy was defined by hemoglobin typing other than HbA[sub 2]A, percentage of HbA[sub 2] > 4%, and HbF >1.1%. We diagnosed iron deficiency and iron depletion if their serum ferritin were <12 and 20 ng/mL, respectively, whereas anemia from undetermined causes was defined by hemoglobin typing, namely: A[sub 2]A, HbA[sub 2] < 4% and HbF <1.1%, and serum ferritin >20 ng/mL. Results: Among the 137 anemic pregnant women recruited, 67 (49.8%) had HbA[sub 2]A, 47 (34.3%) HbEA, 15 (10.9%) HbEE, 3 (2.2%) HbCSA[sub 2]A, 2 (1.5%) HbCSEA, 1 (0.7%) HbCSA[sub 2]A Bart's, 1 (0.7%) HbEA Bart's, and 1 (0.7%) β-thalassemia. Among the 67 women with normal hemoglobin (HbA[sub 2]A), 14 (20.9%) had iron deficiency, and 12 (17.9%) iron depletion. Among the 70 women with hemoglobinopathy, 6 (8.6%) had iron deficiency, and 10 (14.3%) iron depletion. Conclusions: Anemic pregnant women with hemoglobinopathy could also be iron deficient so will need iron supplementation, as other pregnant women do, and some iron replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria can act as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes that can be ultimately transferred to pathogens. The present work reports on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 antibiotics to 25 LAB isolates of five Lactobacillus and one Bifidobacterium species from the human vagina. Acquired resistances were detected to kanamycin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and ampicillin. A PCR analysis of lactobacilli failed to identify genetic determinants involved in any of these resistances. Surprisingly, a tet(W) gene was detected by PCR in two Bifidobacterium bifidum strains, although they proved to be tetracycline-susceptible. In agreement with the PCR results, no acquired genes were identified in the genome of any of the Lactobacillus spp. strains sequenced. A genome analysis of B. bifidum VA07-1AN showed an insertion of two guanines in the middle of tet(W) interrupting the open reading frame. By growing the strain in the presence of tetracycline, stable tetracycline-resistant variants were obtained. An amino acid substitution in the ribosomal protein S12 (K43R) was further identified as the most likely cause of VA07-1AN being streptomycin resistance. The results of this work expand our knowledge of the resistance profiles of vaginal LAB and provide evidence for the genetic basis of some acquired resistances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of additional low-pressure pulmonary recruitment in reducing postoperative shoulder pain., Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at Srinagarind Hospital between May 2021 and October 2021. Forty patients who underwent laparoscopic gynecologic surgery were randomized into either an intervention group that received additional low-pressure pulmonary recruitment (30 cmH2O) (n=20) or a control group (n=20). Shoulder pain was evaluated using a numerical rating scale from 0 to 10, 24, and 48 hours after the operation., Results: The mean±standard deviation of shoulder pain at 24 hours after the operation of both the intervention and control groups were 2.10±2.27 and 1.45±1.73 points, respectively. The shoulder pain at 48 hours after the operation of the intervention and control groups were 1.15±1.46 and 0.85±1.73 points, respectively. There were no statistical differences in the mean difference between the two groups at 24 and 48 hours after operation (P=0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.61 to 1.91 and P=1.00; 95% CI, -0.96 to 1.56, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed in additional analgesic medications used in either group, such as intravenous morphine or oral acetaminophen., Conclusion: Additional low-pressure pulmonary recruitment to reduce shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic diseases did not show a significant benefit compared to the control group, especially when administering postoperative around-the-clock analgesia.

Background: Surgical options for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are usually explored after conservative interventions have failed. Surgeries fall into two categories: traditional techniques (open surgery) and minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic procedures, midurethral sling and injections with urethral bulking agents. Postsurgery infections, such as infections of the surgical site or urinary tract, are common complications. To minimise the risk of postoperative bacterial infections, prophylactic antibiotics may be given before or during surgery.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of prophylactic antibiotics for preventing infection following continence surgery in women with stress urinary incontinence.  SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP; and handsearched journals and conference proceedings to 18 March 2021. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles., Selection Criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs assessing prophylactic antibiotics in women undergoing continence surgery to treat SUI., Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors selected potentially eligible trials, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We expressed results as risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and as mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes, both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach., Main Results: We identified one quasi-RCT and two RCTs, involving a total of 390 women. One study performed retropubic urethropexy surgery requiring a transverse suprapubic incision, while the other two studies performed midurethral sling surgery. It should be noted that none of the included studies clearly specified the timing of outcome assessment. We are very uncertain whether prophylactic antibiotics (cefazolin) have an effect on surgical site infections (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.03 to 12.35; 2 studies, 85 women; very low-certainty evidence) or urinary tract infections or bacteriuria (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.05 to 13.24; 2 studies, 85 women; very low-certainty evidence). The effect of prophylactic antibiotics (cefazolin) on febrile morbidity is also uncertain (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.29; 2 studies, 85 women; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain whether prophylactic antibiotics (cefazolin) have any effect on mesh exposure (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.61; 1 study, 59 women; very low-certainty evidence). None of the three included studies described the assessment of adverse events from antibiotic use, sepsis or bacteraemia in their reports., Authors' Conclusions: Only limited data are available from the three included studies and, overall, the certainty of evidence was very low. Moreover, the three included studies evaluated different surgical procedures and dosages of antibiotic administration. Thus, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection following anti-incontinence surgery. In addition, there were no data regarding adverse effects of prophylactic antibiotics. More RCTs are required., (Copyright © 2022 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Background: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is known to have an effect on fetal growth and development. It is recommended that women increase their calcium intake during pregnancy and lactation, although the recommended dosage varies among professionals. Currently, there is no consensus on the role of routine calcium supplementation for pregnant women other than for preventing or treating hypertension., Objectives: To determine the effect of calcium supplementation on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes (other than for preventing or treating hypertension) as well as any possible side effects., Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30th September 2014)., Selection Criteria: We considered all published, unpublished and ongoing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women who received calcium supplementation versus placebo or no treatment. Cluster-RCTs were eligible for inclusion but none were identified. Quasi-RCTs and cross-over studies were not eligible for inclusion., Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy., Main Results: Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, but only 23 studies contributed data to the review. These 23 trials recruited 18,587 women, with 17,842 women included in final analyses. There were no statistically significant differences between women who received calcium supplementation and those who did not in terms of reducing preterm births less than 37 weeks' gestation (risk ratio (RR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70 to 1.05; 13 studies, 16,139 women; random-effects model) or less than 34 weeks' gestation (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.36; four trials, 5669). Most studies were of low risk of bias. We conducted sensitivity analysis for the outcome of preterm birth less than 37 weeks by removing two trials with unclear risk of bias for allocation concealment; the results then favoured treatment with calcium supplementation (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.99; 11 trials, 15,379 women). There was no significant difference in infant low birthweight between the two treatment groups (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.07; six trials, 14,162 infants; random-effects model). However, when compared to the control group, women in the calcium supplementation group gave birth to slightly heavier birthweight infants (mean difference 56.40, 95% CI 13.55 to 99.25; 21 trials, 9202 women; random-effects model).Three outcomes were chosen for assessment with the GRADE software: preterm birth less than 37 weeks; preterm birth less than 34 weeks; and low birthweight less than 2500 g. Evidence for these outcomes was assessed as of moderate quality., Authors' Conclusions: This review indicates that there are no clear additional benefits to calcium supplementation in prevention of preterm birth or low infant birthweight. While there was a statistically significant difference of 56 g identified in mean infant birthweight, there was significant heterogeneity identified, and the clinical significance of this difference is uncertain.

Background: One to eight per cent of women suffer third-degree perineal tear (anal sphincter injury) and fourth-degree perineal tear (rectal mucosa injury) during vaginal birth, and these tears are more common after forceps delivery (28%) and midline episiotomies. Third- and fourth-degree tears can become contaminated with bacteria from the rectum and this significantly increases in the chance of perineal wound infection. Prophylactic antibiotics might have a role in preventing this infection., Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis for reducing maternal morbidity and side effects in third- and fourth-degree perineal tear during vaginal birth., Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 August 2014) and the reference lists of retrieved articles., Selection Criteria: Randomised controlled trials comparing outcomes of prophylactic antibiotics versus placebo or no antibiotics in third- and fourth-degree perineal tear during vaginal birth., Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors independently assessed the trial reports for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy., Main Results: We identified and included one trial (147 women from a pre-planned sample size of 310 women) that compared the effect of prophylactic antibiotic (single-dose, second-generation cephalosporin - cefotetan or cefoxitin, 1 g intravenously) on postpartum perineal wound complications in third- or fourth-degree perineal tears compared with placebo. Perineal wound complications (wound disruption and purulent discharge) at the two-week postpartum check up were 8.20% and 24.10% in the treatment and the control groups respectively (risk ratio (RR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12 to 0.96). However, the high failed-appointment rate may limit the generalisability of the results. The overall risk of bias was low except for incomplete outcome data. The quality of the evidence using GRADE was moderate for infection rate at two weeks' postpartum, and low for infection rate at six weeks' postpartum., Authors' Conclusions: Although the data suggest that prophylactic antibiotics help to prevent perineal wound complications following third- or fourth-degree perineal tear, loss to follow-up was very high. The results should be interpreted with caution as they are based on one small trial.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among reproductive-aged women. Apart from infertility, women with PCOS often have other endocrine disorders, including insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia and hyperandrogenism. Metformin,combined with clomiphene citrate (CC), has been shown to be more effective in ovulation induction when compared with clomiphene citrate alone. The optimal duration for metformin pretreatment before initiation of clomiphene citrate, however, is unknown., Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of short-course (less than four weeks) metformin plus CC versus long-course (four weeks or more) metformin plus CC with regard to ovulation and achievement of pregnancy in infertile women with PCOS., Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO (all from inception to 1 February 2012)., Selection Criteria: Randomised controlled trials comparing short-course (less than four weeks) metformin plus CC versus long-course (four weeks or more) metformin plus CC for ovulation or achievement of pregnancy in infertile women with PCOS., Data Collection and Analysis: No trials were found that met the selection criteria., Main Results: No randomised controlled trials were identified., Authors' Conclusions: There are insufficient data to determine whether short-course metformin pretreatment is as effective as the conventional long-course metformin pretreatment before initiation of clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in infertile women with PCOS. A well-designed randomised controlled trial is needed to answer this important clinical question.

Background: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is known to have an effect on fetal growth and development. It is recommended that women increase their calcium intake during pregnancy and lactation, although the recommended dosage varies among professionals. Currently, there is no consensus on the role of routine calcium supplementation for pregnant women other than for preventing or treating hypertension., Objectives: To determine the effect of calcium supplementation on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes (other than for preventing or treating hypertension) as well as any possible side effects., Search Strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (17 March 2011)., Selection Criteria: We considered all published, unpublished and ongoing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women who received calcium supplementation versus placebo or no treatment. We excluded quasi- and pseudo-RCTs., Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors identified studies for inclusion and extracted the data. Two review authors performed data analysis., Main Results: This review includes data from 21 studies (involving 16,602 women). There were no statistically significant differences between women who received calcium supplementation and those who did not in terms of reducing preterm births (less than 37 weeks' gestation) (risk ratio (RR) 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73 to 1.11; 12 studies, 15615 women; random-effects model) and also in less than 34 weeks' gestation (RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.46; three trials, 5145 women). There was no significant difference in infant low birth weight between the two groups (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.16; four trials, 13449 infants; random-effects). However, compared to the control group, women in the calcium supplementation group gave birth to slightly heavier birth weight infants (mean difference (MD) 64.66 g; 95% CI 15.75 to 113.58; 19 trials, 8287 women; random-effects)., Authors' Conclusions: Calcium supplementation is associated with a significant protective benefit in the prevention of pre-eclampsia, and should be used for this indication according to a previous review. This review indicates that there are no additional benefits for calcium supplementation in prevention of preterm birth or low infant birth weight. While there was a statistically significant difference of 80 g identified in mean infant birth weight, there was significant heterogeneity identified, and the clinical significance of this difference is uncertain.

Background: One to eight per cent of women suffer third-degree perineal tear (anal sphincter injury) and fourth-degree perineal tear (rectal mucosa injury) during vaginal birth, and these tears are more common after forceps delivery (28%) and midline episiotomies. Third- and fourth-degree tears can become contaminated with bacteria from the rectum and this significantly increases in the chance of perineal wound infection. Prophylactic antibiotics might have a role in preventing this infection., Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis for reducing maternal morbidity and side effects in third- and fourth-degree perineal tear during vaginal birth., Search Strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 August 2010) and the reference lists of retrieved articles., Selection Criteria: Randomised controlled trials comparing outcomes of prophylactic antibiotics versus placebo or no antibiotics in third- and fourth-degree perineal tear during vaginal birth., Data Collection and Analysis: Two review authors independently assessed the reports and extracted data., Main Results: We identified and included one trial (147 participants) that compared the effect of prophylactic antibiotic (single-dose, second generation cephalosporin, intravenously) on postpartum perineal wound complications in third- or fourth-degree perineal tears. Perineal wound complications (wound disruption and purulent discharge) at the two-week postpartum check up were 8.20% and 24.10% in the treatment and the control groups respectively (risk ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.96)., Authors' Conclusions: Although the data suggest that prophylactic antibiotics help to prevent perineal wound complications following third- or fourth-degree perineal tear, loss to follow-up was very high. The results should be interpreted with caution as they are based on one small trial.

A 60- year-old woman, gravid 4, para 4-0-0-4 was admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Khon Kaen University due to chronic extensive painful genital ulcer. She was treated by antiviral and antifungal regimens but the ulcer persisted. After acid fast bacilli was found on tissue biopsy, a standard 6- month course of antituberculosis was started. One month after treatment, the ulcer was completely cured.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of mefenamic acid vs paracervical block for pain relief during and after fractional curettage., Material and Method: Between January 1 and July 31, 2002, the authors enrolled 87 patients with abnormal uterine bleeding, who requested fractional curettage at the Outpatient Gynecologic Clinic, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University. A simple randomization procedure was used to distribute the patients into a control group comprising 44 patients given a paracervical block and a treatment group comprising 43 patients given mefenamic acid (500 mg) 2 hours before starting the procedure., Outcome Measures: Pain was scored using a visual analogue scale (VAS range, 0 to 10)., Results: The median pain scores of the treatment types during endocervical, endometrial, immediately after, and 30 minutes after, fractional curettage were 2.5 vs 3.0 (p = 0.42), 6.5 vs 7.5 (p = 0.19), 4.0 vs 3.5 (p = 0.20) and 1.5 vs 1.0 (p = 0.17), respectively. The rate of complications was 6.8% (3 in 44) in the paracervical lignocaine injection group., Conclusion: The efficacy of pain relief for fractional curettage using oral mefenamic acid (500 mg) two hours before the procedure was not statistically different from the paracervical block, but there were fewer side effects. Mefenamic acid should be considered an alternate pain relief during fractional curettage.

Background: Rubella infection in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, can result in serious neonatal morbidity and mortality. To stem a series of rubella outbreaks in Thailand (in 1967, 1974 and 1978), the Ministry of Public Health launched the National Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 1986. The Mump-Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine was given to all graduated primary school girls., Objective: To determine the immune status to rubella in healthy pregnant women visiting the Antenatal Care Clinic (ANC) at Srinagarind University Hospital., Design: Descriptive study., Setting: Antenatal Care Clinic at Srinagarind Hospital., Material and Method: Between January15 and May 17, 2004, 150 normal pregnant women (between 15 and 40 years of age) were included. After a complete history was taken and a physical examination performed, informed consent was signed; serum was collected for testing for rubella antibodies at the same time as routine prenatal check up in normal pregnant women including CBC, red blood cell indices, Rh blood group, VDRL, HBs Ag, andAntiHIV The ELISA technique was used to detect maternal rubella IgG antibodies., Outcome Measure: Rubella IgG antibody level., Results: Three-quarters (112/150) of the pregnant women had immunity to rubella, 7% (11 cases) were indeterminate and 18% (27 cases) had no immunity., Conclusion: The cost of screening for rubella IgG antibodies was 150 baht using the HAI technique and 350 baht/case using the ELISA technique. The latter is more available but twice as expensive, so repeating rubella immunization for all high school females would be more cost effective and provide more certain protection.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal douching with 1 per cent povidone-iodine in reducing febrile and infectious morbidities after total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH)., Method: The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial in 300 patients undergoing elective TAH in three hospitals in Northeast Thailand: a university, a regional and a general hospital. The patients were randomly allocated to the intervention or control groups. Patients in the intervention group received pre-operative vaginal douching with 1 per cent povidone-iodine while patients in the control group did not. External evaluators not apprised of the intervention assessed febrile and infectious morbidities., Results: 300 patients were enrolled in the study. The incidences of febrile morbidity in patients with and without pre-operative vaginal douching were 25 and 35 per cent, respectively, though not statistically significant (risk difference -9.6%, 95% CI -19.9%, 0.8%, adjusted odds ratio 0.6, 95% CI 0.3%, 1.0%). A statistically significant difference in infectious morbidity was found between the groups (8 vs 19%, risk difference -10.0%, 95% CI -17.8%, -2.2%, adjusted odds ratio 0.4, 95% CI 0.2%, 0.9%)., Conclusion: Pre-operative vaginal douching with 1 per cent povidone-iodine significantly reduces infectious morbidities after TAH.