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Enhancing women's decision-making autonomy in developing countries constitutes one of the recognised approaches to improving maternal healthcare service utilisation. The inability of women to make decisions about their health, the lack of universal health insurance, and inadequate health facilities are contributing factors to high maternal mortality rates in many countries in the developing world. This study explored women's decision-making autonomy over maternal healthcare in Ghana. The authors used a mixed method design, collecting quantitative data through a survey of 163 pregnant and lactating mothers from private and public health centres in Madina, a suburb of Accra in the Greater Accra Region. They also gathered qualitative data from four nurses/midwives and 40 women and their partners. The study identified a clear dominance of men over women in making maternal health decisions, explained mainly by cultural, financial and religious factors. It also identified two other decision-making processes influenced by economic factors: a balanced or democratic decision-making process and a women-dominated decision-making process. The paper concludes that there is a need for a change in cultural norms and stereotypes, particularly concerning the supply side of health services and the factors driving individuals to seek quality and appropriate maternal health care. Presently, these decisions are heavily influenced by cultural and economic patriarchal relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-established causal agent of cervical cancer, and the first group of viruses to have been acknowledged to prompt carcinogenesis. They are linked with cancers of the uterine cervix, anogenital tumours, and head and neck malignancies. Cervical cancer is by far the most common HPVrelated disease, with about 99% of cervical cancer cases caused by persistent genital high-risk (HR) HPVs, especially types 16 and 18. Methodology: A hospital-based descriptive analytical study of 300 consenting HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy (ART), selected from the three senatorial districts of Plateau State, Nigeria, was conducted over a period of 24 months (November 2018 to November 2020). Blood and cervical specimens were collected from each participant. HIV status was confirmed by standard rapid test on serum sample, CD4+ cell count was determined by flow cytometry and HIV viral load estimation was done by GeneXpert nucleic acid amplification technique. Cervical cytology was performed by Papanicolaou (Pap smear) on the cervical specimen and reported according to the 2004 Bethesda system classification. HPV antigen was first detected on the cervical specimen using ELISA, and samples positive for HPV antigen were then subjected to multiplex PCR amplification of E6 and E7 genes to detect HR-HPV (16 and 18) and other HPV types. Standard questionnaires were administered to obtain information on biodata, risk factors and clinical presentations. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, and significance level was determined at p<0.05. Results: Of the 300 participants, 84 were positive for HPV of any type, giving an overall prevalence of HPV infection of 28.0%. The prevalence of HPV-16 and HPV-18 types were 5.0% (15/300) and 5.3% (16/300) respectively. Cytological analysis showed that 36.3% (109/300) of the participants had cervical abnormalities ranging from low-grade to high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. HPV prevalence of 46.8% (51/109) in women with cervical abnormalities was significantly higher than 17.3% (33/191) in women with normal cervical cytology (OR 4.2, p<0.0001). HPV prevalence was higher in women with AG-US (100.0%), ASC-US (78.8%), AC-US (66.7%), ASC-H (33.3%), HSIL (33.3%), HSIL (23.8%), and LSIL (41.2%) compared with women with normal cervical cytology (p<0.001). Aside educational level (p=0.03), none of the analyzed sociodemographic characteristics or risk factors for cervical cancer was significantly associated with HPV infection in the study (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of HPV infections among HIV-infected patients on ART in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria including detection of high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which are major risk factors for progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia to cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breastfeeding has been widely encouraged by health care systems for many years. Breast reduction or mastopexy, are very frequent procedures often performed on young women. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of breast surgery on breastfeeding by comparing the success rate of breastfeeding in operated women versus unoperated women. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the breastfeeding success rate according to the surgical technique or the weight resected. A retrospective comparative study was conducted. Women of childbearing age who underwent breast reduction surgery or mastopexy at Henri-Mondor Hospital were contacted to answer a questionnaire about their pregnancies. Two hundred nine patients answered and two groups of patients were constituted, a preoperative group of 104 women who had a pregnancy before surgery and a postoperative group formed by 61 women who had a pregnancy after surgery. Breastfeeding success rate was 82% in the preoperative group versus 41% in the postoperative group. A statistically significant difference was found on the success rate of breastfeeding, as well as the rate of exclusive breastfeeding, with significantly lower rates in the postoperative group. In contrast, there was no significant difference between the different pedicles used, neither according to the weight of the resected gland. The cause of failure in the postoperative group was in most cases insufficient milk. Breast reduction surgery or mastopexy seems to have negative impact on the ability of operated women to breastfeed. This impact is multifactorial so these results should be interpreted with caution and further studies are needed to improve the management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cahiers Elisabethains: A Biannual Journal of English Renaissance Studies is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Population & Sociétés is the property of Institut National d'Etudes Demographiques and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection and hospitalization in children. Globally, in 2019, there were an estimated 33 million acute respiratory infections associated with RSV, resulting in 3.6 million pediatric hospitalizations. People 65 years and older are also at risk for severe RSV infection with an estimated 5.2 million cases, 470,000 hospitalizations, and 33,000 hospital deaths among adults ≥ 60 years in high-income countries pupil. A vaccine has just been authorized for pregnant women to prevent RSV infections in infants and two other vaccines (only one of which is marketed in France) for the elderly. What to expect from vaccination? How effective? How long does the protection last? What side effects? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K, are molecules with no energy value that are essential for the body to function and for life. Their intake is almost exclusively exogenous, i.e. dietary. As a result, deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins are rarer in industrialised countries than in countries with limited resources. However, even in the latter, certain groups of individuals are affected, such as newborns or growing children, pregnant or breast-feeding women and elderly or isolated subjects. Vitamin A, D, E and K deficiencies are also relatively common in people with digestive tract disorders, in patients suffering from chronic pathologies or in intensive care patients. Deficiencies or excesses of fat-soluble vitamins are responsible for a variety of more or less specific clinical symptoms. Treatment of deficiencies requires vitamin supplementation, a well-balanced diet and treatment of the cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant individuals and parents have experienced elevated mental health problems and stress during COVID‐19. Stress during pregnancy can be harmful to the fetus and detrimental to the parent–child relationship. However, social support is known to act as a protective factor, buffering against the adverse effects of stress. The present study examined whether (1) prenatal stress during COVID‐19 was associated with parent–infant closeness at 6 months postpartum, and (2) social support moderated the effect of prenatal stress on the parent–infant relationship. In total, 181 participants completed questionnaires during pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to assess whether social support moderated the effect of stress during pregnancy on parent–infant closeness at 6 months postpartum. Results indicated a significant interaction between prenatal stress and social support on parents' perceptions of closeness with their infants at 6 months postpartum (β =.805, p =.029); parents who experienced high prenatal stress with high social support reported greater parent–infant closeness, compared to those who reported high levels of stress and low social support. Findings underscore the importance of social support in protecting the parent–infant relationship, particularly in times of high stress, such as during the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Actualités Pharmaceutiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Severe infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have mortality rate exceeding 50%. On the strength of this, this study sought to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy caused by CRE and associated risk factors in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Nigeria, with the aim of making recommendations that can stem the tide of UTI caused by this bacterial strain in the hospital. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 349 consecutively selected pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of UCTH, Calabar, Nigeria, between September 2020 and August 2021. Demographic/clinical data and risk factors were collected with semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Voided mid-stream urine (MSU) sample was collected from each participant and transported to the medical microbiology laboratory of the hospital for microbiological analysis using conventional culture and biochemical identification methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) on each isolate was performed by the disk diffusion technique against selected antibiotics. Phenotypic carbapenemase production from presumptive carbapenem resistant isolates following AST was confirmed by the modified Hodge test (MHT). Data analysis was done on SPSS version 19.0. Association of risk factors with prevalence of UTI caused by CRE was determined using Chi square or Fisher Exact test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of UTI among the pregnant women was 10.0% (35/349), with prevalence of 6.6% for Escherichia coli (23/349) and 3.5% (12/349) for Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotic susceptibility test result showed that piperacillin-tazobactam was the most active antibiotic in vitro, with 82.9% isolates sensitive to it while sensitivity to imipenem (60.0%) and meropenem (40.0%) was low. A total 17 (48.6%) of the 35 isolates were resistant to carbapenems in the AST and 12 (34.3%) were carbapenemase-producing strains on MHT while 5 (14.3%) were non-carbapenemase-mediated resistance (NCMR). None of the demographic characteristics or risk factors analysed was significantly associated with UTI caused by CRE in the pregnant women (p>0.05). Conclusion: To stem the rising trend of UTIs in pregnancy caused by carbapenem resistant uropathogens, pregnant women receiving antenatal care in UCTH, Calabar should be routinely screened for UTI and offered appropriate treatment if indicated based on microbiological test results [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Gestational diabetes is a major problem during pregnancy, as the complications and repercussions for the foetus and the pregnant woman are so significant. The occurrence of acid ketosis during gestational diabetes remains exceptional and is rarely described in the scientific literature. For this reason, we present a case report of a 23-year-old primiparous woman of African origin with no known medical history who presented to emergency with vomiting associated with abdominal pain during pregnancy. Clinical and laboratory investigations revealed diabetic decompensation with acid ketosis. We present this clinical case and a review of the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Le HELLP syndrome qui a été décrit pour la première fois en 1982 repose sur une triade biologique associant une hémolyse biologique, une cytolyse et une thrombopénie périphérique. Le HELLP complique souvent une préclampsie, et se manifeste préférentiellement à la fin de la grossesse, voire en post-partum. La physiopathologie repose sur un défaut d'implantation trophoblastique, à l'origine d'une ischémie placentaire et de lésions endotheliales. De récentes publications mettent en avant la probable implication du complément dans la physiopathologie, mimant ainsi la clinique d'une microangiopathie thrombotique non placentaire (de type PTT et SHUa). Cela pourrait expliquer en partie l'incidence de l'insuffisance rénale qui n'est pas rare dans cette maladie (30 % des cas) ; et qui est bien souvent source d'erreur de diagnostic. Certains auteurs préconisent même de parler maintenant de maladie médiée ou non par le complément, sur l'hypothèse que dans certaines situations il y aurait une suractivation de la voie alterne. Or à ce jour, aucun test rapide d'activation du complément n'est disponible, et ce diagnostic repose sur des faisceaux d'arguments biologiques qui manquent de sensibilité et de spécificité. Cette piste de réflexion pourrait permettre d'ouvrir l'arsenal thérapeutique de cette pathologie, qui repose actuellement seulement sur l'interruption de grossesse. The HELLP syndrome, first described in 1982, is based on a biological triad involving biological hemolysis, cytolysis, and peripheral thrombocytopenia. HELLP often complicates preeclampsia and typically manifests toward the end of pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Its pathophysiology stems from a defective trophoblastic implantation, leading to placental ischemia and endothelial lesions. Recent publications highlight the likely involvement of the complement system in the pathophysiology of this condition, mimicking the clinical presentation of a non-placental thrombotic microangiopathy (similar to TTP and aHUS). This could partly explain the incidence of renal failure, which is not uncommon in this disease (30 % of cases) and often leads to diagnostic errors. Some authors even advocate for discussing this as a complement-mediated or non-complement-mediated disease, suggesting that in certain situations, there might be an overactivation of the alternate pathway. However, to date, there is no rapid complement activation test available, and the diagnosis relies on clusters of biological evidence lacking sensitivity and specificity. Exploring this line of thinking could potentially broaden the therapeutic options for this condition, which currently rely solely on pregnancy termination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cet article vise à dégager la nature du fœtus et les conflits qui résultent autour de l’avortement et les valeurs, tout en cherchant à savoir entre la vie de la mère et du fœtus, laquelle a une valeur supérieure.

Copyright of Actualités Pharmaceutiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To date, very few studies have focused on reducing stress during pregnancy. Yet, stress can have negative impacts on the mother and her child. À systematic review without date limitation was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane. The studies were evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Finally, 16 studies were selected: 14 randomized controlled trials, one pilot study, and one mixed-method observation study. Of the 16 studies, 9 included mindfulness interventions, 3 used music therapy or aromatherapy, and 4 implemented relaxation interventions. The results show a significant reduction in stress and anxiety in pregnant women for all interventions. Other effects were observed such as an increase in mindfulness, a reduction in cortisol levels, and an improvement in sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

L'hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) a été récemment sous les feux de la rampe en raison de son utilisation dans le traitement de la COVID-19, ce qui a suscité des inquiétudes concernant sa tolérance cardiaque. Toutefois, l'efficacité de l'HCQ dans les maladies auto-immunes, notamment dans le lupus systémique, est bien établie. Elle offre une amélioration significative des symptômes et une prévention des lésions tissulaires. Pour prévenir des effets secondaires rares mais potentiellement graves, il est essentiel de surveiller les patients et de prendre en compte les rares contre-indications. La rétinopathie reste la complication la plus redoutée au très long cours. Un suivi ophtalmologique régulier est recommandé afin de la dépister au stade infra-clinique. La dose d'HCQ administrée est également importante pour éviter les effets secondaires. Des études récentes ont suggéré qu'une dose supérieure à 5 mg/kg/j pourrait augmenter le risque de rétinopathie. Toutefois, à l'inverse une dose inférieure à 5 mg/kg/j pourrait exposer à une reprise d'activité de la maladie lupique. Le dosage sanguin peut permettre une optimisation du traitement, en dépistant les problèmes d'adhésion thérapeutique, mais aussi les problèmes de surdosage qui expose en effet à un risque de rétinopathie plus précoce. Les données cliniques sont globalement rassurantes quant à l'innocuité de l'HCQ pendant la grossesse des patientes lupiques. Les bénéfices cliniques pour le contrôle de la connectivite et le bon déroulement de la grossesse l'emportent sur les risques éventuels discutables. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has recently been in the spotlight due to its use in the treatment of COVID-19, raising concerns about its cardiac tolerance. However, the effectiveness of HCQ in autoimmune diseases, particularly in systemic lupus, is well-established. It provides significant symptom improvement and prevents tissue damage. To prevent rare but potentially serious side effects, it is essential to monitor patients and consider the few contraindications. Retinopathy remains the most feared long-term complication. Regular ophthalmological follow-up is recommended to detect it at an early, subclinical stage. The administered dose of HCQ is also crucial to avoid side effects. Recent studies have suggested that a dose exceeding 5 mg/kg/day may increase the risk of retinopathy. On the other hand, a dose lower than 5 mg/kg/day may lead to a resurgence of lupus activity. Blood level monitoring can optimize treatment by detecting therapeutic adherence issues and potential overdose problems, which may lead to early-onset retinopathy. Clinical data are reassuring regarding the safety of HCQ during pregnancy in lupus patients. The clinical benefits for disease control and a successful pregnancy outweigh the disputed potential risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La survenue d'une grossesse chez une femme avec une biologie et a fortiori un syndrome des antiphospholipides (SAPL) n'est pas rare, qu'elle soit associée ou non à la présence d'une connectivite notamment un lupus systémique. Le SAPL est associé à une augmentation du risque de complications à la fois maternelles et fœtales incluant pertes fœtales, retard de croissance in utero, pré-éclampsie, prématurité, thromboses et hémorragies maternelles. La prise en charge de ces grossesses est optimisée par leur planification au cours d'une consultation préconceptionnelle associée à une prise en charge multidisciplinaire par des équipes entraînées. La faible activité d'un éventuel lupus associé, un traitement adapté aux antécédents et au profil biologique antiphospholipides ainsi qu'une surveillance régulière sont les principaux éléments permettant une issue favorable de ces grossesses à risque. Toutefois, la morbi-mortalité maternelle et fœtale reste plus importante que dans la population générale. The occurrence of pregnancy in a woman with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and/or antiphospholipid antibodies has become a common situation, whether or not it is associated with another connective tissue disease, in particular systemic lupus erythematosus. APS exposes to an increased risk of both maternal and fetal complications including fetal loss, in utero growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, prematurity, maternal thrombosis and hemorrhage. Improving the care of these pregnancies depends upon a systematic pregnancy planning, ideally during a preconception counseling visit and a multidisciplinary approach by teams trained in these high-risk pregnancies. Low disease activity of a possible associated lupus, appropriate medications during pregnancy adjusted to the patient's medical history and biologic antiphospholipid profile as well as a regular monitoring are the main elements allowing for a favorable outcome for these high-risk pregnancies. However, maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality remain higher than in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Population & Sociétés is the property of Institut National d'Etudes Demographiques and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. Le retentissement nutritionnel chez le fœtus et la mère est une préoccupation constante de l’équipe médicale, surtout au niveau pronostique. Le déséquilibre alimentaire, risque majeur, justifie l’évaluation précise du statut nutritionnel chez les femmes en état de grossesse. Objectif. Il s’agit de déterminer, chez des femmes en état de grossesse le niveau de sensibilisation sur les complications et les symptômes associés, les règles hygiéno-diététiques et rechercher une corrélation au déroulement de la grossesse. Matériel et méthode. Cette étude prospective cible 30 femmes en état de grossesse suivies en ambulatoire par le centre de santé Nabil Choucair en banlieue dakaroise (Sénégal). C’est une enquête alimentaire et une évaluation du déroulement de la grossesse à travers une appréciation de l’état nutritionnel, de l’état clinique, de paramètres biologiques (numération sanguine, glycémie, test d’Emmel, tests d’hémostase). Le respect des recommandations de l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé pour la supplémentation en fer, acide folique et polyvitamines a été évalué. Résultats. Toutes les grossesses étaient désirées ; 37% des cibles ignoraient le minimum de consultations prénatales exigibles ;10% avaient réalisé un bilan biologique au premier trimestre de grossesse et 50% au troisième. Le comportement hygiéno-diététique a révélé une consommation de féculents du pain, de céréales et de pâtes par, respectivement, 93.3%, 86.7% et 73.3% des cibles. Les protéines consommées étaient la viande chez 100% et le poisson chez 93.3% ; celle des œufs était modérée pour 56.7% alors que 43.3% n’en consommaient pas. Toutes les cibles s’alimentaient en fruits et légumes : 76.7% abondamment et 23.3% modérément. Une proportion de 16.7% ne prenait pas de collation contre 83.3% qui en usaient 1 à 6 par jour. Aucun usage abusif du thé ou du café n’a indiqué. Toutes les cibles pratiquaient une activité physique adaptée. Conclusion. De bons comportements hygiéno-diététiques ont été notés avec la consommation de nutriments comme les glucides à index glycémique bas, de protéines animales, des fruits, de légumes, de non-abus de boissons nervines et la pratique d’une activité physique adaptée. Il est apparu la nécessité d’actions d’information et de sensibilisation sur la réalisation précoce des consultations prénatales.

La coqueluche est une affection respiratoire pouvant être mortelle à tous les âges mais surtout chez les nourrissons avant leur primo vaccination. Les données épidémiologiques récentes montrent une diminution du nombre de cas de coqueluche mais une résurgence n'est pas à exclure dans les années à venir, en raison de l'évolution cyclique de la maladie et du relâchement des mesures barrières. Deux approches sont actuellement recommandées pour protéger les nourrissons avant leur primo vaccination : la vaccination de la mère durant la grossesse et la vaccination de l'entourage proche du nourrisson (cocooning). La vaccination de la mère durant sa grossesse a montré une efficacité plus marquée. Le surrisque incertain de chorioamniotite, possiblement associé à la vaccination durant la grossesse, n'apparaît pas suffisant pour remettre en question cette stratégie. Pertussis is a respiratory disease that can be fatal at all ages but especially in infants before their mandatory vaccination. Recent epidemiological data shows a decrease in the number of pertussis cases, but a resurgence cannot be excluded in the coming years due to the cyclic evolution of the disease and the loosening of hygiene measures. Two approaches are used to protect infants before their vaccination: vaccination of the mother during pregnancy and vaccination of all the infant's close relatives (cocooning). The vaccination of the mother during pregnancy is more effective. The uncertain risk of chorioamniotitis associated with vaccination during pregnancy is insufficient to question this strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sports medicine, as a classical cross-sectional subject, includes diverse topics which show gender-specific differences and thus require a differentiated consideration. Evidence-based research exists in the field of musculoskeletal medicine, for example, in relation to cruciate ligament injuries or concussions. Marked differences in trainability (both muscular and cardiac or pulmonary) are also emerging. Pregnancy and sport is also a topic of increasing interest. Close interdisciplinary care of female athletes, knowledge of physiological changes during pregnancy and contraindications to sports activity (especially with higher intensity) are essential here. Aspects in the field of internal sports medicine with gender differences are topics like iron deficiency or the relative energy deficit (REDS). There are also sex and gender differences with implications for preventative aspects such as the annual screening examination (so called 'preparticipation screening'). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Actualités Pharmaceutiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Intussusception israrely observed in adults, particularly after an uncomplicated caesarean section. It is a surgical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. We report a case of acute abdominal pain due to idiopathic intestinal intussusception during the early postpartum period of caesarean delivery in a 35-year-old multipara. The authors recall the diagnostic difficulties and insist on the value of diagnostic imaging, which should be widely indicated in context of any persistent abdominal pelvic pain syndrome in women during the postpartum period. Multidisciplinary management and timely surgery are necessary to minimize maternal morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of severe burn injury in a 42-year-old pregnant patient referred to our hospital’s burn unit after experiencing a scald burn injury that burned her neck, chest, trunk, abdomen and limbs. The patient had burn wounds distributed on her neck, all four extremities, the chest and abdomen, with a total burn area of 46.5%. The burn wounds were treated with surgical debridement and then covered with silver sulfadiazine and damp gauze. The patient’s wounds were treated every three days. The patient delivered a healthy baby full-term through a spontaneous, vaginal delivery. After delivery, the amniotic membrane from the patient was used as an amniotic membrane graft and was planted on the patient’s chest, right arm and right thigh. The amniotic membrane in this patient helped to accelerate the preparation of the wound bed for skin grafting. Split-thickness skin grafts were then used on the wounds and the patient was discharged from the hospital one week later. Patients that present with burn injuries during pregnancy require intense monitoring and careful management from a multidisciplinary team. A collaborative effort needs to be made in order to plan the best outcome for the mother and fetus. Precise and early resuscitation is the first step to treating such cases. The administration of fluids should be titered based on the patient’s hemodynamic condition and urine output. Wound management can also be optimized using the amniotic membrane as a temporary dressing before skin grafting [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Actualités Pharmaceutiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Actualités Pharmaceutiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Actualités Pharmaceutiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Actualités Pharmaceutiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is the most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Increased production of adrenal-derived androgens and progesterone in 21OHD women interfere with their reproductive function and their fertility in many different ways, depending of the severity of the disease. Sexuality and fertility in women with classic 21OHD is impaired, due to several issues such as disrupted gonadotropic axis due to androgen and progesterone overproduction, and mechanical, psychological factors related to genital surgery. Fertility and fecundity in these women get better over the years. In women with non classic 21OHD form, subfertility is relative when they receive hydrocortisone preconceptionally and during the first trimester of pregnancy to avoid increased miscarriage risk. In all cases, genetic counselling is primordial prior to any pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Actualités Pharmaceutiques is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Parental reflective functioning (PRF) is the capacity to focus on feelings and experiences in oneself as a parent and in the child. Research has demonstrated that, the better the PRF the better outcomes for the child. This paper evaluated the Danish version of the prenatal parental reflective functioning questionnaire (P‐PRFQ). We used data from a cluster‐randomized trial of pregnant women recruited from Danish general practice. The sample included 605 mothers. Factor structure and internal consistency were investigated. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the P‐PRFQ score and the five most predictive variables. The confirmatory factor analyses supported the three‐factor model. The P‐PRFQ had moderate internal consistency. The regression analysis showed a decrease in the P‐PRFQ score with increasing age, increasing parity, current employment, better self‐reported health, lower anxiety score, and fewer negative life events with persistent impact. The directions of the associations between P‐PRFQ score and the predictive variables were opposite of what was hypothesized raising questions about whether the P‐PRFQ can be used as an early pregnancy screening tool assessing prenatal PRF. Further validation studies are required to assess the extent to which the P‐PRFQ truly measures reflective functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Upside down, a couple of weeks before birth, the baby "listens" to the extrauterine world that awaits him, traslated and interpreted by the organic reactions of the mother's body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nancy Suchman's work highlighted the fundamental role of maternal mentalization in maternal addiction, mental health, and caregiving challenges. In this study, we aimed to examine the role of mental‐state language (MSL) as a measure of mentalization in prenatal and postnatal narratives and their sentiment in a sample of 91 primarily White mothers from the western United States, followed from the second trimester of pregnancy, through the third trimester, to 4 months postpartum. Specifically, we investigated the use of affective and cognitive MSL in prenatal narratives when mothers visualized caring for their baby and postnatal narratives when mothers compared their prenatal visualization to the current caregiving reality. Results indicated moderate consistency in MSL between the second and third trimesters, but prenatal and postnatal MSL was not significantly correlated. Across all time points, higher use of MSL was related to more positive sentiment, indicating an association between mentalization and positive caregiving representations across the perinatal period. Women used more affective than cognitive MSL in prenatal imagination of caregiving, but this pattern was reversed in their postpartum reflection. Implications on assessing parental mentalization prenatally and considering the relative dominance of affective and cognitive mentalizing are discussed while considering study limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]