International Journal of Gynecological and Obstetrical Research

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Female Genital Mutilation among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at a Tertiary Hospital in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria

Charlotte Blanche Oguejiofor — 2024-02-27

Background: Female genital mutilation, also referred to as “female genital cutting,” has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”. It has remained largely uninvestigated in Nnewi. This study was carried out to determine the level of practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and the influence of socio-economic factors on its practice among pregnancy women attending antenatal clinic in this area. Materials and Methods: The data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 400 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinics of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, south-east Nigeria. Vulvar examination was carried out to confirm the presence, type or absence of female genital mutilation using the WHO classification. Results: The prevalence of female genital mutilation is 167/400 (41.8%). Out of this, 24 (14.4%) had type I mutilation while 143 (85.6%) had type II mutilation. There were no type III and IV mutilation. The lowest trend in female genital mutilation was found in the age of 15-19 years. Female genital mutilation decreased with increasing level of education. Up to 120 (30%) of women were favourably disposed towards continuing the practice. Culture/tradition was the strongest reason for the practice. Conclusion: The prevalence of female genital mutilation is high in Nnewi and WHO type II variety is the most common. Culture/tradition was the strongest reason for the practice. The eradication of female genital mutilation must involve the identification of issues sustaining the practice in different localities and subsequent action supported both by logical persuasion following aggressive health education and by legislation.

Anaesthetic Considerations in an Infant with Cryptophthalmos – Anophthalmos

Veena Asthana — 2023-04-30

Several instances of Cryptophthalmos-Anophthalmos syndrome, including Fraser’s syndrome have been documented and the various anomalies found associated have been known, including the anaesthetic complications in cardiac as well as other major surgeries. Here we discuss the anaesthetic management and considerations in a non-cardiac case, including the difficult airway, for which retro-molar technique of intubation was successfully performed after one unsuccessful direct laryngoscopy intubation attempt.

CA-125 Correlates with Metastatic Status at [18F]FDG PET/CT in Patients with Relapsed Ovarian Cancer

Francesco Dondi — 2023-06-16

Background: ovarian cancer (OC) relapse can be diagnosed with the evaluation of tumor markers and 18Ffluorodoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) findings. The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between CA-125 and [18F]FDG PET/CT findings in terms of metastatic disease in patients with OC relapse. Material and Methods: 68 PET/CT scans positive for OC relapse were analyzed qualitatively and semiquantitatively by measuring the maximum and mean standardized uptake value body weight max (SUVmax, SUVmean), SUV lean body mass (SUVlbm), SUV body surface area (SUVbsa), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of hypermetabolic lesions. These parameters and CA-125 were correlated with the metastatic status of patients. Results: correlation of presence of distant metastases with MTV (p value <0.001), TLG (p value <0.001) and CA-125 (p value 0.010) were reported; no correlation with SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVlbm and SUVbsa were underlined. Moreover, correlation between the type of distant metastases (nodal or extranodal) with MTV (p value 0.021), TLG (p value 0.044) and CA-125 (p value 0.037) were underlined; no correlation with SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVlbm and SUVbsa were reported. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed acceptable performances in both cases. Conclusions: Correlation between volumetric [18F]FDG PET/CT parameters and CA-125 with the metastatic status was reported.

Is Male Circumcision a Violence against Men? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Elham Sadeghi — 2023-06-23

The influence of circumcision on sexual functions is still the topic of discussion. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis of increased sexual dysfunction in circumcised men through a review of the literature and to perform a detailed synthesis of the available evidence in order to guide patients, parents and decision-makers on male circumcision. Searches were performed in the MEDLINE (PUBMED) and COCHRANE databases. Keywords were circumcision in combination with “sensitivity, erectile, ejaculation, orgasm, desire, satisfaction, or sex”. All publication types indexed in databases and English languages were accepted until 2019. The SATAT 11 software was employed for data analysis. 5 studies were included in the meta- analysis. All studies results were divided into five subgroups to evaluate the effect of circumcision on premature ejaculation (PE), sexual desire, erectile dysfunction (ED), orgasm difficulty and dyspareunia. There were no significant differences in PE (RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.87 1.08) and orgasm difficulty (RR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.60 1.15) between circumcised and uncircumcised group. However, ED (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.53 1.1) and pain during intercourse (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.67 1.2) and sexual desire (RR: 0.93; 95% 62 CI: 0.81 1.06) between two groups. These results suggest that circumcision is unlikely to adversely affect male sexual status. Well-designed and prospective randomized control trial studies are required for a further understanding of this issue

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Complicating Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of the literature

Stylianos Stergios Chatziioannou — 2024-08-13

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) represents a severe genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. We present a case of a healthy male offspring coming from a mother carrier with the mutation c.9568c>T, p.Arg3190, depicting an extremely rare case. At the same time, it will provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the disease, including its etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and management strategies. The review section highlights the genetic basis of DMD, emphasizing mutations in the dystrophin gene and its consequences on muscle structure and function. Additionally, the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to muscle degeneration, such as impaired calcium homeostasis and increased oxidative stress, are discussed. Diagnostic methods, including genetic testing, muscle biopsy, and imaging techniques, are outlined, along with their respective limitations and benefits. Lastly, various management approaches are examined, ranging from symptomatic treatment, physical therapy, and assistive devices to emerging therapeutic strategies such as gene therapy and exon skipping. Through this case report and review, we aim to enhance the understanding of DMD and facilitate improved diagnosis and management of affected individuals.