Long acting octreotide in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular cancer and overexpression of somatostatin receptors: Randomized placebo-controlled trial

AIM: To estimate if and to what extent long acting octreotide (LAR) improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A total of 127 cirrhotics, stages A-B, due to chronic viral infections and with advanced HCC, were enrolled in the study. Scintigraphy with 111Indium labeled octreotide was performed in all cases. The patients with increased accumulation of radionuclear compound were randomized to receive either oral placebo only or octreotide/octreotide LAR only as follows: octreotide 0.5mg s.c. every 8 h for 6 wk, at the end of wk 4-8 octreotide LAR 20 mg i.m. and at the end of wk 12 and every 4 wk octreotide LAR 30mg i.m.. Follow-up was worked out monthly as well as the estimation of quality of life (QLQ-C30 questionnaire). Patients with negative somatostatin receptors (SSTR) detection were followed up in the same manner. RESULTS: Scintigraphy demonstrated SSTR in 61 patients. Thirty were randomized to receive only placebo and 31 only octreotide. A significantly higher survival time was observed for the octreotide group (49 ± 6 wk) as compared to the control group (28 ± 1 wk) and to the SSTR negative group (28 ± 2 wk), LR = 20.39, df = 2, P < 0.01. The octreotide group presented 68.5% lower hazard ratio [95% CI (47.4%-81.2%)]. During the f irst year, a 22%, 39% and 43% decrease in the QLQ-C30 score was observed in each group respectively.CONCLUSION: The proposed therapeutic approach has shown to improve the survival and quality of life in SSTR positive patients with advanced HCC.

Impact of Social Determinants of Health on the Choice and Use of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives

Modern women have increased options for birth control with the development of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). These methods are reliable, easy to use, and require less daily maintenance while providing contraception for an extended period of time. However, despite the surge of LARCs as contraceptive options, the prevalence of unintended pregnancies is still alarmingly high in the United States. As LARCs are the most effective reversible method of birth control at preventing pregnancy, and therefore the potential social, financial, and medical complications associated, we examined whether social determinants of health play a role in LARC usage. While parity and marriage do not seem to affect LARC utilization, increased research is needed to determine the effects of race. Age can affect the type of LARC implemented, as younger women prefer implants to intrauterine devices (IUDs). Insurance coverage was an apparent influencer of LARC usage, as low out-of-pocket costs translate to increased utilization. This is linked to socioeconomic status (SES), as lower SES is associated with decreased access to healthcare in general. Increased research is needed in order to draw conclusions about the effects of education, intimate partner violence, geographic location, and other SDH on LARC usage.

Intramuscular Diffusion Status of Risperidone and Aripiprazole Long Acting Injectable (LAI) by Ultrasonography

The aim of this study was to consider the characteristics of intramuscular diffusion status of risperidone and aripiprazole long acting injectable (LAI) by ultrasonography. Subjects were 40 adult subjects diagnosed with schizophrenia and treated with LAI [32 patients were risperidone LAI (RLAI) and 8 patients were aripiprazole LAI (ALAI)]. However, in this paper, only three cases (one RLAI case and 2 ALAI cases) were selected to illustrate the diffusion effects of both LAI. Dorsogluteal intramuscular (IM) injection sites were measured at prone position using the “double cross” method. Before LAI injection, the distance from the epidermis to the under-fascia (DEUF), and distance from the epidermis to the iliac bone (DEI) at the IM injection site were assessed by using ultrasonography: 1) the injection needle was inserted to the gluteus medius, and 2) observed the diffusion status within the muscle injected RLAI and ALAI were confirmed using the B-mode ultrasonography. Both RLAI and ALAI were depicted as high echogenicity with acoustic shadowing. It was considered that the diffusion states of LAIs by ultrasonography were important time course evaluations providing objective evidence.

Explanatory Variables as Evidence for Precision in Intramuscular Long-Acting Injections of Patients with Schizophrenia

Intramuscular injections can cause damage to arteries, veins and nerves. Achieving maximum effects of medications through precise intramuscular (IM) injections must be assured and with certainty, particularly with long-acting injection drugs (LAI). The purpose of this study is to determine precision in IM LAIs of patients with schizophrenia. These evidences estimate “Distance from the Epidermis to the Under-Fascia” (DEUF) and “Distance from Epidermis to the Upper-Arm Bone” (DEB) of the deltoid muscle. Explanatory variables include body height, weight, body-mass index (BMI), deltoid-muscle circumference, fat percentage and muscle mass measured by body composition monitor. Sixty nine subjects are included based on the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV, 1994), and receive treatments of typical and atypical antipsychotic LAI. There are 46 males and 23 females with average age of 51.41 (Standard Deviation = 13.58) and ranging from 21 to 81 years who are all right-handed. Ultrasonographic data and those from explanatory variables are calculated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Multiple regression analysis (step-wise method/forced input method) is performed assuming DEUF or DEB as dependent variables. Significant correlations are found with highest adjusted R-square. Paired t-tests show differences in average values of actual ultrasonographic measurements assigned to DEUF or DEB, and the regression equations for accuracy. Ultrasonographic values are assigned multiple-regression equations as true values, and the calculated values are compared with those obtained by regression equations. There are no significant differences observed for either the right or left arm. The multiple regression equations for BMI and fat percentages (upper extremity estimation) of DEUF, and for BMI and injection site circumference of estimated DEB, successfully value the DEUF and DEB. By using these multiple regression equations for IM injection to the deltoid-muscle, DEUF can better ensure accurate LAI into the muscle through body monitor, DEB, and measured values of the deltoid-muscle injection site circumference.

User Perspective of Misplaced PPIUCD and Factors Resulting in PPIUCD Removal: Qualitative Pilot Study

Objective: The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of operative interventions for misplaced device among women who opted for PPIIUCD and the evaluation of reasons for PPIUCD removal within the follow up period of two years. Design: A descriptive exploratory study was conducted over three months among fourteen PPIUCD acceptors at a tertiary care health facility in Delhi, India. Face-to-face & telephonic in-depth interviews were conducted with a selected sample of PPIUCD acceptors who had later opted for its removal. Results: Participants (n = 14) aged 24 – 40 exhibited generally positive attitudes towards PPIUCDs indicating an indicate an understanding of the importance of PPIUCD in preventing unintended pregnancies. Menstrual disturbance and misplaced IUCD were major reasons for removal. despite their own experience necessitating the removal of IUCD, positive experience by other family members (mothers in law) in this study helped to keep the confidence on the contraceptive. Themes included (a) general experience of PPIUCD use (b) Health Facility accessed for removal of IUCD (c) Would she recommend it to others? (d) preferred contraceptive after removal of IUCD. Conclusion: Misplaced IUCD, missing thread, menstrual irregularities, and pain are all associated with PPIUCD and are important reasons for dissatisfaction. Appropriate, timely and supportive individualized care that address knowledge gaps, societal perceptions, and healthcare system challenges would certainly help in reducing dissatisfaction due to PPIUCD and thereby the removal rates.

Postpartum intrauterine device contraception: A review

AIM： To review the safety （infection, perforation） and efficacy （expulsion, continuation rates, pregnancy） of intrauterine device （IUD） insertion in the postpartum period. METHODS： MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies of IUD insertions at different times during the postpartum period. Time of insertion during the postpartum period was documented speci-fically, immediate post placenta period （within 10 min）, early post placenta period （10 min to 72 h）, and de-layed/interval period （greater than 6 wk）. Other study variables included mode of delivery, vaginal vs cesarean, manual vs use of ring forceps to insert the IUD. RESULTS： IUD insertion in the immediate postpartum （within 10 min of placental delivery）, early postpartum （10 min up to 72 h） and Interval/Delayed （6 wk onward） were found to be safe and effcacious. Expulsion rates were found to be highest in the immediate postpartum groups ranging from 14% to 27%. Immediate post placental insertion found to have expulsion rates that ranged from 3.6% to 16.2%. Expulsion rate was significantly higher after insertion following vaginal vs cesarean delivery. The rates of infection, perforation and unplanned pregnancy following postpartum IUD insertion are low. Method of insertion such as with ring forceps, by hand, or another placement method unique to the type of IUD did not show any signifcant difference in expulsion rates. Uterine perforations are highest in the delayed/interval IUD insertion groups.Breastfeeding duration and infant development are not affected by delayed/interval insertion of the non-hormonal （copper） IUD or the Levonorgestrel IUD. Timing of the Levonorgestrel IUD insertion may affect breastfeeding. CONCLUSION： IUD insertion is safe and efficacious during the immediate postpartum, early postpartum and delayed postpartum periods. Expulsion rates are highest after vaginal delivery and when inserted during the immediate postpartum period. IUD associated infection rates were not increased by insertion during the postpartum period over interval insertion rates. There is no evidence that breastfeeding is negatively affected by postpartum insertion of copper or hormone-secreting IUD. Although perforation rates were higher when inserted after lactation was initiated. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate the consequence of lactation on postpartum insertion. Despite the concerns regarding expulsion, perforation and breastfeeding, current evidence indicates that a favorable risk beneft ratio in support of postpartum IUD insertion. This may be particularly relevant for women for whom barriers exist in achieving desired pregnancy spacing.

An Investigation on the Utilization of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device among Women in Kabwe, Central Province

Introduction: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is an effective long acting reversible contraceptive but its use is low. This study examined factors contributing to the utilization of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) among women in Kabwe Central Province. Methodology: This was an analytical cross sectional study. Primary data was collected from 150 respondents in using simple random sampling method. Data was analysed using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 22. Chi-square test was used to test associations among the dependent and independent variables. Logistic regression analysis was conducted. The confidence interval was set at 95% and significant level was at 0.05%. Findings: The study found that 44% of the respondents had high level of knowledge about IUCD. About 28% of the respondents, said that they used IUCD because it maintains menstrual bleeding, 26% said that they used because IUCD it does not cause infections, and 19% said that they used IUCD because it does not migrate to other body parts. Majority (81%) of the respondents agreed with a statement that age contributes to underutilization of IUCD. About 77% of the respondents agreed with a statement that marital status contributes to underutilization of IUCD and 75% agreed with a statement that, education level contributes to underutilization of IUCD and was significant. Furthermore, 91% of the respondents agreed with a statement that lack of knowledge about IUCD contributes to underutilization of IUCD and 74% agreed with a statement that religion contributes to underutilization of IUCD. Age (p = 0.003), marital status (p = 0.002), education level (p = 0.003), and employment status (p = 0.02), were found to have a significant relationship with the utilization of IUCD. About 36% of the respondents said that knowledge or education affects the utilization of IUCD at a large extent. The study showed a positive relationship between the utilization of IUCD and all explanatory variables such as age, education/knowledge, marital status, religion, family size and income and acceptability which had a positive correlation ranging from 0.543 to 0.815. Older women with higher education levels were more inclined to use IUCDs compared to younger individuals and those with only a primary education. Religious affiliation influenced IUCD use with Muslim women being less likely to opt for IUCDs. Moreover, being married was associated with lower IUCD utilization. Conclusion: Based on these findings, the study identified age, education/knowledge, marital status, religion, family size and income, and acceptability as the primary drivers of IUCD usage. The study recommends that, there should be a conduct of educational workshops, there should be community awareness programs and there should be comprehensive family Planning Services.

Evaluation of Current Termination of Pregnancy and Related Services at Grimsby(UK) and Recommendations for Service Improvement

Objective To develop local termination of pregnancy （TOP） dataset and to identify ＂hotspots＂ for highest activity and gaps in our fertility control services. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 305 women who received TOP under section C of the Abortion Act 1967 over a period of 9 consecutive months from 1st March through to 31st October 2012. Results There were 275 （90.2%） British White （BW） and 30 non-BW women. Among 30 non-BW women, 10 （3.3%） were British Asian, 8 （2.6%） were Polish, 6 （2.0%） were British Black or Black, 5 （1.6%） were Chinese and i （0.3%） was White Latvian. The TOP rate was 8.9% in the under 18 years old and 27.9% in the over 30 years old. Totally 240 TOPs （78. 7%） occurred in 〈10 weeks and 276 TOPs （90.5%） occurred under 13 weeks of gestation. Eight-five women who received TOP-service have had one or more previous termination（s） in the last 3 years. The contraception use was low pre-TOP and none of the women were on long-acting reversible contraception （LARCs） pre- TOP, including those who had repeat terminations. Conclusion There are inequalities and gaps in the TOP and related services in Grimsby which must be addressed to reduce the rate of TOP. This is a major challenge involving multiple agencies. Provision of contraception across all age and ethnic groups, improving sex education, engaging with parents and women to improve their negotiation skills for safer sex, supporting vulnerable women, reducing risk factors e.g. alcohol and substance misuse and raising aspirations across the region will contribute to a reduction in termination rate.