Nystatin-Neomycin-Polymyxin B Combination:Efficacy and Tolerance as 1st-Line Local Treatment of Infectious Vaginitis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a local treatment combining two antibacterials and one antifungal in patients with a clinical presentation suggesting infectious vaginitis. Patients and methods: 169 patients presenting with clinical criteria for vaginitis were included in an open, multicenter trial. Vaginal samples were taken for microbiological analyses and a triple-combination product of nystatin, neomycin and polymyxin B was then started as local treatment, without waiting for the test results. The treatment was continued with the usual dosage (1 vaginal capsule at bedtime for 12 days) for vaginal infections in the scope of the combination product with approved labeling. A second vaginal sample was performed at the end of the treatment. The main efficacy criterion was the clinical success rate (cure or improvement of the clinical signs and symptoms) according to the investigator.Results: 93 patients were included in the efficacy population. Non-exclusively fungal vaginitis (strictly bacterial or bacterial + fungal) represented 31.2% of the cases. The clinical success rate was 97.8% according to the investigator and 95.7% according to the patients. The microbiological success rate was 81.3%, with no differences between etiologies (Candida spp., bacteria or both). The combination product was well-tolerated, despite the local inflammation before treatment. Discussion and conclusion: Given the etiological diversity of vaginitis, this trial supports the efficacy of a triple-combination product (nystatin, neomycin, polymyxin B) as a first-line local treatment of Candida, bacterial or mixed vaginitis.

Topical Treatment of Infectious Vaginitis:Effects of Antibiotic,Antifungal and Antiseptic Drugs on the Growth of Normal Vaginal Lactobacillus Strains

Objectives: The balance of the vaginal ecosystem depends on lactobacilli whose biofilm protectsagainst microorganisms that are not normally present or are subdominant in vaginal flora. Vaginal?infection treatments should eliminate pathogens while preserving the?Lactobacillus?flora to prevent relapse or recurrence. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of lactobacilli to antiseptics, antibiotics and antifungal agents used, alone or in combination, in the topical treatment of infectious vaginitis. Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15 active ingredients and the minimum inhibitory dilution (MID) of 17 pharmaceuticals products were determined for three main?Lactobacillus?strains (L. crispatus,?L. gasseri?and?L. jensenii). Results: The MICs of the antibiotics and antifungal agents were above their critical concentrations in the three strains, contrary to the antiseptics. According to their MID, some pharmaceutical products, especially combinations, inhibit the growth of one or more strains at concentrations that can be found in the vaginal mucosa after application at the usual dosage. Conclusions: Certain topical anti-infective drugs may interfere with the growth of lactobacilli, worsening the vaginal flora imbalance. Maintaining vaginal flora balance should be a selection criterion when choosing an anti-infective therapy.

Clinical Observation on Treatment of 50 Patients with Candidal Vaginitis by Chinese Herbal Medicine Combined with Canesten

From January 2001 to January 2002, 50 patients of candidal vaginitis were treated by Kushen powder (KSP,苦参散) combined with Canesten as the treatment group, and controlled by a control group including another 50 patients treated with Canesten alone. The therapeutic results were satisfactory and reported as follows.

Occurrence and Clinical Characteristics of Vaginitis among Women of Reproductive Age in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Vaginitis is an important public health problem globally. It is associated with gynaecological and obstetric complications. Vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are mainly responsible for vaginitis. The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence, clinical characteristics and associated risk factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age attending Primary Health Care centres in Lagos Nigeria. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 258 women with genital complaints after obtaining their informed written consent between May 2017 and March 2018. Structured questionnaires were administered and high vaginal swabs were collected for laboratory examination. The results were analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square and simple logistic regression. Results: Out of the 210 (81.4%) of the women with one or more vaginal infections, 105 (50.0%), 26 (12.4%) had bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis respectively while 78 (37.1%) had both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Only 1 (0.5%) participant had trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. History of abortion and age below 25 years were associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis while pregnancy, history of miscarriage, age at first sexual activity and discharge were associated with bacterial vaginosis. Itching was associated with both vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: This study revealed vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis as important cause of genital complaints among reproductive age women in Lagos. Health education, robust diagnosis and early treatment are needed in order to reduce the associated risk factors, disease burden and complications.

Importance of Lactic Acid in Maintaining Vaginal Health: A Review of Vaginitis and Vaginosis Etiopathogenic Bases and a Proposal for a New Treatment

The most frequent cause of visits to the gynecologist in the western world is vaginal discomfort (vaginitis and vaginosis) whose origin lies in the uncontrolled proliferation of bacteria, such as haemophilus vaginalis or Candida-type fungi, normally considered as saprophytes. Such uncontrolled development of saprophytes is caused by some types of aggression against?Doderlein bacilli and/or by a significant decrease in the amount of lactic acid (use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, douches with aggressive products, etc.). Consequently, as the vagina creates a progressively alkalinized and increasingly inadequate environment for the lactobacilli activity, a more favorable environment for the growth of saprophytes is created. The more alkaline the medium becomes, the lower the production of lactic acid. Therefore a vicious circle is created, resulting in the bacillus acidophilus near the lack of metabolism and the disappearance of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins. All of the above make it possible for saprophytic bacteria to proliferate and become pathogenic. So far, all vaginitis and vaginosis treatments have solely been focused on attacking the disproportionately developed bacteria but have not addressed the restoration of a vaginal acidic environment, i.e. the environment allowing the proliferation of lactic acid-producing bacillus acidophilus. This explains the high rate of relapse occurring after the treatment of these vaginal profiles. In this paper we propose a new treatment focused on the use of lactic acid to prevent recurrence after a vaginitis or vaginosis treatment.

SilTech: A New Approach to Treat Aerobic Vaginitis

Background: The aerobic vaginitis (AV) is characterized by increased levels of aerobic bacteria, vaginal inflammation and depressed levels of lactobacilli. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of SilTechTM vaginal softgel capsules, containing new microcrystals of silver monovalent ions, for aerobic vaginitis (AV). Methods: This prospective study enrolled 32 women diagnosed with AV. All recruited women were treated with SilTechTM vaginal softgel capsules once daily for 7 days (one course). Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated based on clinical and microscopic criteria, and cure rates were calculated. Women who were improved (but not cured) received a second course of therapy. Patients classified with clinical and microscopic failure were treated using other strategies. Results: After one course of therapy, 59.2% (19/32) of women were cured, 19.0% (6/32) were improved (but not cured) and 21.8% (7/32) failed to respond to the therapy. After two courses of therapy, clinical improvement was achieved in additional two women. The therapy was very well tolerated, and during the entire study no drop out related to the SylTechTM vaginal capsules treatment was observed;only two patients (6.2%) experienced a mild transient burning after application. Conclusion: SylTechTM vaginal capsules is an effective therapeutic option for patients with AV, and most women with AV were cured with one course of therapy.

A Case of Senile Vaginitis Treated by Acupuncture

The article records details of the treatment process and efect of an elderly patient with senile vaginitis,where needling,a method of Chinese Traditional Medicine(TCM)method,was applied mainly,combined with oral administration of western medicine.It then analyses this disease from prospective of TCM.In the end,it concludes that no matter traditional needling method or traditional needling method combined with moxibustion,it has achieved a satisfied treatment effect while applying needling on chosen acupuncture points,so it is worthy being further popularized.

Therapeutical effect of marine lysozyme suppository on bacterial vaginitis caused by S. aureus and E. coli

Aim To research therapeutical effect of marine lysozyme suppository on bacterial vaginitis caused by S. aureus and E. coll. Methods Lysozyme obtained from concha ostreae which were used to preparate marine lyso- zyme suppository. The identification and test of suppository was in line with the standards stated in Chinese pharma- coperia（2010 edition）. After determined its quality control, we studied its therapeutical effect on bacterial vaginitis which caused by S. aureus and E. coli, by vaginitis model in rats infection of S. aureus bacteria and E. coli. Results The preparation technology of marine lysozyme suppository was simple, convenient and clinically effective. The marine lysozyme suppository was delivered by dose 0.5, 0.25, 0. 125 g ~ kg-1, the cure rates of S. aureus infec- tion were 80% , 50% and 30% , respectively, the cure rates of E. coli infection were 90% , 60% and 30% re- spectively, the cure rates of mixed infection were 92.9% , 82. 1% and 92.9% respectively. Marine lysozyme sup- pository had an outstanding therapeutical effect on bacterial vaginitis which caused by S. aureus and E. coll. Con- clusion The preparative process of marine lysozyme suppository was practicable, and it had a good therapeutic effect on bacterial vaginitis caused by S. aureus and E. coll.

Vaginitis in Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Users

Objectives: This study aimed to assess clinical, microbial changes in IUD users and other contraceptive methods in referent to urban health centers in Hamadan city, Iran. Methods: Detailed history and gynecological examination were conducted on women (IUD users, n = 100) or other contraceptive methods (controls, n = 160) in the health centers. Results: Frequencies of the different vaginal pathogens, high indices of infection by bacterial vaginosis (12.0%) candida albicance (7.0%) and low indices of trichomoniasis (5.0%) were found in present study, but none of them in both groups was significant. Menorrhagia was more frequent among women with IUD than that among women without IUD (P < 0.05). A trend of erosion cervix and dysmenorrhea being more frequent among women with IUD was also found (P < 0.05). Conclusions: IUD is the safety in general;however, an increase occurred in the frequency of vaginitis.

Oral Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Atrophic Vaginitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid oral tablets for the treatment of atrophic vaginitis. 12 women with atrophic vaginitis were recruited for this double blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized to receive either low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) oral tablets or placebo for three months. Vaginal biopsies were taken at baseline and after three months of treatment, and vaginal epithelium was analysed using light microscopy. The evaluation of symptoms was self-assessed by the patients. Biopsies from HA group showed an epithelium thicker than in placebo group. The lamina propria from the HA group also showed a denser appearance compared to placebo group. Morphometric analysis showed significant differences between HA and baseline in the number of epithelial layers and in the thickness. The evaluation of symptoms also showed an effective improvement in the patients treated with HA, compared to baseline and to placebo group. In conclusion, oral administration of HA tablets improved the vaginal epithelium, decreasing atrophy. This can be an ideal option for patients with atrophic vaginitis who do not want to or can not take estrogen and show low compliance toward vaginal administration.

Study on Vaginitis Among Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Users in Ibadan,South-western Nigeria

Objective To investigate IUD-related vaginitis in IUD users at the University College Hospital Ibadan, South-western Nigeria.Methods A prospective cohort study in IUD users present with abnormal vaginal discharge at the family planning clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan was conducted between lOth of October, 2008 and 31st of May 2009. High Vaginal Swabs were taken from the clients for microbiology, culture and drug sensitivity test. Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was made based on gram stained vaginal smear using the standard Nugents criteria. Other aetiological agents were identified either on wet preparation or culture using standard techniques. Treatment given was by the family planning nurse, as was the protocol at the family planning clinic.Results Twenty-four IUD users present at the Jamtty ptannmg ctmtc with vaginal discharge were studied. Their ages ranged 28-51 years（38.14 ± 5.9 years）, Mean parity was 4.4 ± 1.4, All the women were married and all used CuT 380A. The mean duration of lUCD use was 2.5 years only. Majority （46%） had used it for more than 3 years and most （75%） of the visits were unscheduled. All the clients complained of abnormal vaginal discharge which was copious, watery and foul smelling, or clumpy. Nine users （37.5%） complained of pruritus vulvae, 3 users （12.5%） lower abdominal pain, 1 user （4,2%） dyspareunia and vaginosis was made in 16 （66. 7%） and 1 （4.2%） dysuria. The diagnosis of bacterial vaginal candidiasis in 8 （33.3%）. Age less than 40 years, Christianity and IUD use more than 3 years were associated with a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis （OR=1.29, 1.67 and 6.6, respectively）, while women above 40 years, Muslims and women with lower educational status had a higher risk of candida-related vaginitis （OR=1.67 and 4.2, respectively）. Eight clients （33.3%） were treated for candidiasis with antifungals （3 empirically, and 5 after obtaining results of vaginal swab）, 9 （37.5%） were given oral metronidazole, 3 patients were referred to the gynaecological emergency unit on account of abdominal pain and 4 did not return for follow up.Conclusion IUD associated vaginitis is a disturbing condition causing unscheduled visits among IUD users. Bacterial vaginosis and Candidia albicans are major aetiologies in south western Nigeria Ibadan. Persistent discharge is a documented reason for discontinuation of lUD use. Periodic empirical treatment for candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis with antifungals and oral metronidazole is advocated. This may reduce the discomfort caused by IUD-related vaginitis, the risk of PID and other risks exposed to the IUD users and ensure continued use of the IUD.

Individualized vaginal applicator for stage IIb primary vaginal adenocarcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary vaginal cancer is rare and most vaginal tumors are metastatic,often arising from adjacent gynecologic structures.Primary vaginal cancers are also more common among postmenopausal women and most of these are squamous cell carcinomas,with adenocarcinomas being relatively rare.Vaginal bleeding is the most common clinical manifestation of vaginal adenocarcinoma.About 70%of vaginal adenocarcinomas are stage I lesions at the time of diagnosis,for which radical surgery is recommended.However,more advanced vaginal cancers are not amenable to radical surgical treatment and have poor clinical outcomes.Optimal treatments modes are still being explored.Here,we report a rare case of stage IIb primary vaginal adenocarcinoma for which an individually designed vaginal applicator for after-loading radiotherapy was used to achieve good tumor control.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old woman presented to our clinic after 3 months of abnormal postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.Gynecological examination,computed tomography(CT),and positron emission tomography-CT showed a large mass(about 5 cm)on the anterior vaginal wall.Colposcopy biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma of vaginal origin.After three cycles of carboplatin plus paclitaxel chemotherapy,the lesion partially shrunk.The patient then received external irradiation of 45 gray(gy)in 25 fractions,which further reduced the vaginal lesion,followed by after-loading radiotherapy of 30 gy in 5 fractions with an individually designed vaginal applicator.Three months later,magnetic resonance imaging showed a slight thickening CONCLUSION Primary vaginal adenocarcinoma is rare,and prognosis is poor in most vaginal cancers of locally advanced stages,which cannot be treated with radical surgery.Better tumor control can be achieved with an individualized vaginal applicator that allows administration of a higher radical dose to the tumor area while protecting normal tissues.

Predictors of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge among Women of Reproductive Age in Southeast Nigeria

Background: An abnormal vaginal discharge is a common complaint among women of reproductive age, and it can indicate serious conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 women of reproductive age group attending the clinic at Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri, in Imo State, Nigeria. Respondents were recruited using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge. Statistical significance was set at p Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30 ± 4.5 years. Predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge were: age 36 - 45 years (OR: 4.5;95% C.I: 1.023 - 8.967, p = 0.041), being a student (OR: 2.4: 95% C.I: 1.496 - 7.336, p = 0.003), use of oral contraceptives (OR: 3.4;95% C.I: 1.068 - 6.932, p = 0.010), use of water cistern (OR: 4.7;C.I: 1.654 - 5.210, p = 0.028) anal hygiene practices (OR: 2.7;95% C.I: 1.142 - 4.809, p Conclusion: These findings suggest that targeted sexual and reproductive health interventions should be provided to reduce the risk of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group.

Curative effect of hydrogen peroxide combined with silver ion disinfection on pelvic floor dysfunction

BACKGROUND Pelvic floor dysfunction(PFD)is related to muscle fiber tearing during childbirth,negatively impacting postpartum quality of life of parturient.Appropriate and effective intervention is necessary to promote PFD recovery.AIM To analyze the use of hydrogen peroxide and silver ion disinfection for vaginal electrodes in conjunction with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy for postpartum women with PFD.METHODS A total of 59 women with PFD who were admitted to the hospital from May 2019 to July 2022 were divided into two groups:Control group(n=27)received comprehensive rehabilitation therapy and observation group(n=32)received intervention with pelvic floor biostimulation feedback instrument in addition to comprehensive rehabilitation therapy.The vaginal electrodes were disinfected with hydrogen peroxide and silver ion before treatment.Intervention for both groups was started 6 weeks postpartum,and rehabilitation lasted for 3 months.Pelvic floor muscle voltage,pelvic floor muscle strength,vaginal muscle voltage,vaginal muscle tone,pelvic floor function,quality of life,and incidence of postpartum PFD were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Before comprehensive rehabilitation treatment,basic data and pelvic floor function were not significantly different between the two groups.After treatment,the observation group showed significant improvements in the maximum voltage and average voltage of pelvic floor muscles,contraction time of type I and type II fibers,pelvic floor muscle strength,vaginal muscle tone,vaginal muscle voltage,and quality of life(GQOLI-74 reports),compared with the control group.The observation group had lower scores on the pelvic floor distress inventory(PFDI-20)and a lower incidence of postpartum PFD,indicating the effectiveness of the pelvic floor biostimulation feedback instrument in promoting the recovery of maternal pelvic floor function.CONCLUSION The combination of the pelvic floor biostimulation feedback instrument and comprehensive rehabilitation nursing can improve pelvic floor muscle strength,promote the recovery of vaginal muscle tone,and improve pelvic floor function and quality of life.The use of hydrogen peroxide and silver ion disinfectant demonstrated favorable antibacterial efficacy and is worthy of clinical application.

Study of Harmful Vaginal Practices of Women in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Vaginal practices include washing, altering, cutting, cleaning, enhancing, drying, tightening, lubricating, or loosening of the vagina, labia, clitoris, or hymen. This study aimed to investigate the different vaginal practices of women using non-pharmaceutical products. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical purposes that took place from January 15 to April 23, 2023, in the four largest markets in the municipality of Ouagadougou. This was performed using the data collection sheet in the KoboCollect application. Epi info 7.2.5.0. software was used for data analysis. For the analysis of associated factors, a p-value Results: In total, 977 women were surveyed. Among them, 43.19% underwent vaginal procedures using non-pharmaceutical products. The female practitioners were 34.34 ± 7.44 years old. The products used included plants, mineral substances, ointments, tablets, and solutions. Among the practicing women, 40.99% were looking for vaginal tightening. The main purpose was to maintain their partners (45.97%). Three-point thirty-two percent (3.32%) of the women who underwent vaginal procedures had reported adverse events. Conclusion: Raising awareness of the consequences of vaginal practices and encouraging women to go to a health center for any gynecological problem could significantly reduce the prevalence of vaginal practices.

Vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma in Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich(HWW)syndrome is a rare Müllerian duct anomaly,characterized by a combination of urogenital abnormalities.The occurrence of primary cervico-vaginal carcinomas in patients with HWW syndrome is excep-tionally rare,posing significant challenges for screening,early diagnosis,and effective management.CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of primary clear cell carcinoma of the vagina complicated in a 40-year-old woman with HWW syndrome.The patient presented with irregular vaginal bleeding for 4 years.On gynecological examination,an oblique vaginal septum was suspected.Surgical resection of the vaginal septum revealed a com-municating fistula and a tumor on the left vagina and the left side of the septum,which was confirmed as clear cell carcinoma.One month later,she underwent a radical hysterectomy,vaginectomy,bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy,and pelvic lymph node dissection.Due to significant side effects,she completed only one course of chemotherapy.A year later,lung metastasis was detected and continued to grow.A thoracoscopic wedge resection of the right upper lobe was performed 4 years after the initial surgery.We also conducted a systemic review of the lite-rature on primary cervical or vaginal carcinoma in HWW syndrome to explore this rare entity.CONCLUSION Cervico-vaginal adenocarcinomas in patients with HWW syndrome are occult,and require early surgical intervention and regular imaging surveillance.

The Incidence and Risk Factors of Third- and Fourth-Degree Perineal Tears in Ministry of Health in Bahrain over 5 Years

Background: Perineal trauma and vaginal laceration are considered a common complication associated with vaginal delivery. Well established risk factors, recognized by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, are ethnicity, birth weight over 4 kg persistent occipital posterior position, null parity, induction of labor, shoulder dystocia, instrumental delivery. There are other risk factors that were suggested in the literature, but data are conflicting, such as prolonged second stage of labor, episiotomy and obesity. Objective: To evaluate third- and fourth-degree perineal rears rates and the impact of related risk factors on perineal tears in Ministry of health in Bahrain over 5 years (which includes Salmanyia Medical complex (SMC) and Jidhafs maternity hospital (JMH)). Methods: This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed all vaginal deliveries from January 2015 to December 2019 in Obstetrics and Gynecology department in Salmanyia Medical Complex (the main hospital in Kingdom of Bahrain which received all kinds of cases including low and high risks) and Jidhafs Maternity Hospital (tertiary hospital which received only low risk cases), Kingdom of Bahrain. During the period of interest 33,694 records were identified. Data were extracted from observational recording from SMC and JMH labour registry books. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups according to age (p = 0.199). On the other hand, there was statistically significant higher cases of >40 weeks at gestational age, obesity > 35 kg/mr, vacuum delivery, pushing stage > 90 min, birth weight > 4 kg, head circumference > 34 cm, fetal length at birth > 50 cm, episiotomy and lower cases of nulliparity in study group compared to control group 16 (66.7%) vs. 13,805 (41.0%), 3 (12.5%) vs. 1448 (4.3%), 3 (12.5%) vs. 1414 (4.2%), 4 (16.7%) vs. 1751 (5.2%), 3 (12.5%) vs. 1751 (5.2%), 12 (50.0%) vs. 15,926 (47.3%), 15 (62.5%) vs. 20,135 (59.8%) and 17 (70.8%) vs. 29,024 (86.2%);(p = 0.027, 0.009, Conclusion: Gestational age > 40 weeks, obesity > 35 kg/mr, pushing stage > 90 min, birth weight > 4 kg, head circumference > 34 cm, fetal length at birth > 50 cm and using of vacuum increase incidence of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears with vaginal delivery however maternal age and nulliparity have no significant role. Finally, episiotomy did not represent as protective factor for perineal damage. .

Comparative Study of Early Neonatal Complications between the First and Second Twin during Twin Vaginal Deliveries at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, and the Yaounde Central Hospital

Introduction: Twin birth is the expulsion of two fetuses and their appendages out of the woman’s reproductive tract. It’s a high-risk delivery because of the high frequency of maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. Few studies exist on the comparative prognoses of twins. Our objective was to compare early neonatal complications in first and second twins. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional prospective study from January 2 to April 30, 2020 (4 months) at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, and the Yaounde Central Hospital. Data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were done in frequencies and percentages, means and standard deviations. Paired-sample student's t-test were used to compare means. McNemar’s Chi-square and Ficher’s exact tests were used to compare proportions. Statistical significance was set at p-values less than 0.05. Results: Of a total of 2183 deliveries during the study period, 43 (1.96%) were twin vaginal deliveries. Among the 43 women, 41 consented to have their newborns participate in the study. Overall, APGAR scores were better for the first twins at the first (p = 0.004) and fifth (p = 0.031) minutes than for the second twins. Although both twins had complications and that there were 4 neonatal deads of the second twin, there was no relationship between studied complications and the rank of the twin (p = 0.310). Conclusion: As the APGAR score seemed to be better for first twins, clinicians should pay more attention during twin births, in order to improve the prognosis of the second twin.

Risk Factors Associated with Unsuccessful Vaginal Birth after One Cesarean (VBAC-1) in Puerto Rico

Background: Cesarean section (CS) has increased steadily over the last decade, with an estimated one-third of women delivering by cesarean section worldwide. Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the demographic and associated factors influencing vaginal birth after one cesarean (VBAC-1) success focusing on variables like pre-pregnancy BMI, diabetes, hypertension, education, and smoking. Study Design and Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 285 cases (81 unsuccessful VBAC-1, 204 successful VBAC-1) from San Juan City Hospital (Puerto Rico) between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. We used odds ratios and model selection comparison to assess the impact of variables on successful VBAC-1, using a significance threshold of 95% CI. Model selection assessed binomial model combinations using a generalized linear approach to identify key risk factors. Results: Unsuccessful VBAC-1 (a repeat cesarean), was associated with diabetes (OR: 0.376, p = 0.086), hypertension (OR: 0.23, p = 0.006), and university-educated women (OR: 1.372, p = 0.711). High school-educated women had an OR of 3.966 (p = 0.105), while overweight women were 0.481 times more likely to have unsuccessful VBAC-1 (p = 0.041). Significant associations were not found with obesity (OR: 0.574, p = 0.122), underweight/normal (OR: 1.01, p = 0.810), or smoking (OR: 1.227, p = 0.990). Conclusion: Results revealed women with higher education levels, hypertension, or diabetes are less likely to have a successful VBAC-1. Understanding the complex interactions affecting these outcomes is aimed at establishing guidelines for healthcare professionals to conduct systematic risk/benefit assessments. This study lays a foundation for evidence-based practices and policies, offering initial insights into VBAC-1 success factors in Puerto Rico.

Postpartum Quality of Life in Primiparous Women after Normal Vaginal Delivery versus Caesarean Section

Background: Studies on either postnatal quality of life in general or studies that compare quality of life in new mothers after different mode of delivery are limited. An investigation on health related quality of life measures in women after different type of delivery showed that women who had vaginal delivery had better health related quality of life compared to those who had caesarean section. However, the best method of delivery, vaginal or caesarean for postpartum quality of life is a difficult question as it is a matter of controversy both from professional’s perspectives and from women’s experience during childbirth. Objective: To compare postpartum quality of life in primiparous women after vaginal delivery versus caesarean section. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salmaniya medical complex in Kingdom of Bahrain. 500 primiparous women who gave birth either vaginally or by cesarean section answered a questionnaire designed to include general information, questions from short form health survey questionnaire (SF-36) and specific questions regarding postnatal related symptoms. Results: Body pain, fatigue, wound pain, headache and backache were significantly higher in cesarean section group as compared to vaginal delivery group (p-value Conclusion: Cesarean delivery has negatively affected the quality of life (QOL) of primiparous women. More studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to examine the effects of cesarean delivery on QOL in both primiparous and multiparas within a shorter period after delivery. .