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Aim: To study the efficacy and safety of controlled release dinoprostone (PGE2) for the induction of labour., Methods: From March 2001 to August 2002, a total of 173 patients hospitalized for postdate pregnancy, maternal hypertension, intrauterine delayed growth, reduction of amniotic fluid, were studied. In 33 of these patients, a hydrogel strip containing 10 mg dinoprostone, inserted into the posterior fornix of the vagina and release PGE2 at constant rate of 0.3-0.4 mg/h was used., Results: Indications for induction, mode and time of delivery, maternal, fetal and neonatal parameters anomalies are evaluated. In 23 patients dinoprostone was used for postdate pregnancy, in 4 for maternal hypertension, in 4 for oligohydramnios and in 2 for intrauterine delayed growth. In 2 cases, the vaginal insert was removed for hyperstimulation in 1 case and for abnormal fetal heart rate in the other case. After vaginal delivery, Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH values were evaluated without anomalies. Vaginal delivery within 24 hours occurred in 51.6% of patients and medium time to delivery was 17.5 (nulliparous) and 12.3 (multiparous) hours. Only one case of uterine hyperstimulation to PGE2 was recorded, and the induction was suspended. The cesarean section rate was 12% and vaginal delivery after 24 hours was 38.7%., Conclusion: The continuous release of PGE2 from the vaginal insert permits a controlled and safe induction of labour, minimal risk of hyperstimulation, fast and easy removal of drugs in cases of fetal or maternal anomalies, easy accetability for patients, but high cost.

Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) represents a valid therapeutic approach for menopausal symptoms and for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Nevertheless, an informed consent, after a complete information, must be obtained from the patient. This procedure is generally adopted in any medical activity, but the modality of the consent in the HRT administration is not well established (verbal or written?, timing of administration?). The authors propose an informed written consent model to be utilized in menopausal centers; this model synthetically informs about HRT benefits and risks and must be red and signed by the patient. The written consent should be explained through a verbal detailed discussion about it, during which the patient's comprehension must be assured. The informed consent procedure should be renewed every year in long term-users. The influence of the HRT informed consent in menopausal centers must be analyzed in particular as far as women compliance is concerned.

Endometrial hyperplasia is a endometrial condition often found in perimenopausal age. AUB is the most frequent symptom of endometrial hyperplasia. The combination of hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy is the most suitable approach for the diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia in symptomatic patients. The Authors have studied endometrial modifications due to LH-RH analogue, a depot formula, in 60 perimenopausal patients with AUB and with hysteroscopic and histologic picture of low-risk endometrial hyperplasia. They report the result of treatment efficacy (disappearance of symptoms and tendency to hypoatrophy of the mucosa). The use of LH-RH A seems to have a good result in the management of oestrogen-dependent gynaecological benign diseases.

Hundred-fifty-seven male partners of patients affected by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) lesions, underwent CO2 Laser vaporization between January 1989 and January 1990. The age ranged between 18 and 45 (median 28.2). The vaporization was performed with a Coherent System 451 CO2 Laser equipment, at a power of 16 watt in continuous mode, depth of 2 mm and a free margin of 2 mm. First Laser treatment proved successful in 129 patients (82.1%); 17 out of 28 patients with persistent or relapsed pathology underwent a second CO2 Laser vaporization with a total cure percentage equal to 92.9%. Laser-surgery is the method of choice in the treatment of HPV genital lesions.