BACKGROUND: Pain management following caesarean section still remains a challenge in our environment. Most potent analgesics are either not readily available or expensive. Diclofenac suppository is an NSAID that can b...BACKGROUND: Pain management following caesarean section still remains a challenge in our environment. Most potent analgesics are either not readily available or expensive. Diclofenac suppository is an NSAID that can be used for postoperative analgesia. It is available and affordable. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of combined rectal diclofenac and intramuscular pentazocine with intramuscular pentazocine alone for post operative pain control following lower segment caesarean section. METHODOLOGY: A total of 120 women who met the selection criteria scheduled for caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine were randomized into two equal groups to receive either 75 mg diclofenac suppository 12 hourly for 24 hours or one anusol suppository (the placebo) 12 hourly for 24 hours. Both groups received pentazocine as primary analgesia. RESULT: The primary outcome measure is the proportion of patients with severe pain at 24 hours using the visual analogue rating scale. Secondary outcome measures are the time from surgery to ambulation, Passage of flatus, maternal satisfaction and presence of complications. Statistical analysis was done using spss version 22 and graph pad statistical package. Student T-test was used for continuous variables whereas chi square was used for categorical variables P CONCLUSION: Adjuvant rectal diclofenac is superior to pentazocine alone in the management of pain after caesarean section. Less number of patients had moderate to severe pain at 24 hours post operation. Maternal satisfaction in relation to pain management is better with diclofenac suppository. The levels of complications were comparable in both groups.展开更多
Objectives: Evaluate the bioequivalence (BE) of two oral tablets formulations of diclofenac 150 mg in healthy male subjects under fasting condition. This was a phase I, randomized, open label, balanced, two period, tw...Objectives: Evaluate the bioequivalence (BE) of two oral tablets formulations of diclofenac 150 mg in healthy male subjects under fasting condition. This was a phase I, randomized, open label, balanced, two period, two sequences, single oral dose, crossover, analyst blind study. Methods: Twenty four (24) healthy subjects were randomly assigned to one of two sequences protocol: 150 mg XR of reference formulation (R), diclofenac sodium in the first period or the test formulation (T), diclofenac potassium in the second or vice versa. The plasma concentrations were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters included: maximum plasma concentration (C<sub>max</sub>), area under the plasma concentration—time curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration (AUC<sub>0-t</sub>), and area under the plasma concentration—time from time 0 to infinity (AUC<sub>0-∞</sub>), were evaluated for BE. Results: The results showed that 90% confidence intervals for the test/reference geometric mean ratios (GMR) of C<sub>max</sub> (90.43 - 107.17), AUC<sub>0-t</sub> (93.08 - 116.46) and AUC<sub>0-∞</sub> (92.52 - 117.39) were within the BE (80% - 125%) acceptance range. Conclusions: Two formulations, reference product (R) Voltaren® (diclofenac sodium) of Novartis and test product (T), Diklason Bi (diclofenac potassium) of Laboratorios Leti S.A.V., with a single dose of 150 mg XR, under fasting conditions were bioequivalent. No severe, serious or unexpected adverse events (AEs) were reported in this study.展开更多
Background: Oral aphthosis has a negative impact on oral health. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of gel formulation including diclofenac and propolis in the treatment of oral ulcers. Methods: Participants...Background: Oral aphthosis has a negative impact on oral health. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of gel formulation including diclofenac and propolis in the treatment of oral ulcers. Methods: Participants included 100 normal individuals with aphthous, excluding those having allergies to any ingredient in the diclofenac formulation. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: one group received treatment with a combination of diclofenac potassium 3% (10 mg/g, 60 g) and propolis 5% gel (Group II), and the other group received a placebo (Group 1). The patient was evaluated using standard digital photographs and chronic oral mucosal questionnaires on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after healing. Utilizing the Mann-Whitney U test, the two groups were compared. Each group’s changes were examined using Friedman’s test. Results: There was a statistically dramatic change over time in Group II. After one day, the median total score dropped statistically significantly, and from one to three days with effect size (d) 2.485, Group II demonstrated 48% complete healing and 52% partial healing, while Group I demonstrated 4% partial healing and 96% no change. Effect size (V): 0.995. Conclusions: The combination of diclofenac and propolis provided instant relief and an affordable new regimen for treating oral aphthosis.展开更多
Background: Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease associated with pain, inflammation, stiffness and synovial effusion, with progressive functional limitation, compromising quality of life. It progressively leads to loss...Background: Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease associated with pain, inflammation, stiffness and synovial effusion, with progressive functional limitation, compromising quality of life. It progressively leads to loss or decrease in joint function. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy seeks symptomatic management, complicated by a lack of adherence. After acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac are the most widely used medications. Objectives: The primary objective compared the analgesic effect of diclofenac 150 mg once daily vs. 50 mg three times daily in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The secondary objective assessed changes in quality of life. Method: One group received diclofenac 150 mg OD with placebo TTD. Another group received placebo OD and 50 mg active diclofenac (reference) TTD, both for 30 days. The evaluation of pain was carried out by a visual analog scale (VAS), at the beginning, 2, 3, 4, 15 and 30 days, quality of life (the WOMAC scale) and adverse effects, at 15 and 30 days. Results: Pain decreased significantly on days 15 and 30, compared to day 0, in both groups, without differences between groups. The total results in the WOMAC scale showed a very marked improvement at 15 and 30 days, without differences between groups. The most frequent adverse effects were constipation 6% in the reference group, and gastric discomfort 30.3% in the reference group vs 28.1%, in the Test group. Conclusions: Prolonged-release diclofenac 150 mg OD is as effective as diclofenac 50 mg TID for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis.展开更多
Background: In developing countries, postpartum hemorrhage is responsible for 30% of maternal deaths. Although the World Health Organization recommends the use of oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, ...Background: In developing countries, postpartum hemorrhage is responsible for 30% of maternal deaths. Although the World Health Organization recommends the use of oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, the use of misoprostol is increasingly common. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of postpartum hemorrhage in parturients delivering at Saint-Vincent Hospital and to compare the effectiveness of misoprostol use versus oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Material and Methods: We conducted a comparative longitudinal study at the Saint Vincent Hospital comparing 10 units of intramuscular oxytocin with 600 micrograms of sublingual misoprostol. The study was conducted from 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2019, a period of 3 years. The study population consisted of 2161 consenting women. Of these, 1289 received 10 IU of intramuscular oxytocin and 872 received 600 micrograms of misoprostol. The collected data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2013 and analysed using SPSS version 21 software. Results: The frequency of administration of Misoprostol and oxytocin in parturients was 40.4% and 59.6% respectively in this study. One hundred and fourteen cases of postpartum hemorrhage (114/2161 or 5.3%) were noted among the parturients. The average age of parturients who received oxytocin was 24.36 ± 4.45 years vs 24.63 ± 5.11 years among parturients who received Misoprostol;(p = 0.190). The mean parity was 2.52 ± 1.46 vs 2.66 ± 1.44;(p = 0.020). We noted a high proportion (78.3%) of postpartum hemorrhage from the oxytocin group vs. 21.7% from the Misoprostol group (OR 2.5-fold), with a statistically significant difference (p 0.001). We noted high proportions of uterine atony (92.3%) from the oxytocin group vs 7.7% from the Misoprostol group (p = 0.004). Uterine atony was the actual factor associated with postpartum hemorrhage (OR = 10.0895% CI: 1.78 - 57.10;p = 0.009). Conclusion: Misoprostol 600 Microgram administered sublingually immediately after neonatal expulsion and before delivery was 2.5 times more effective than oxytocin 10 IU/IM. Misoprostol is therefore a good alternative to oxytocin and offers more advantages in management, use and outcome than oxytocin.展开更多
Background Actinic keratosis is the most prevalent premalignant skin disorder in the white population. Current guidelines provide no clear recommendations about preferred treatments. Methods The parameters;effectivene...Background Actinic keratosis is the most prevalent premalignant skin disorder in the white population. Current guidelines provide no clear recommendations about preferred treatments. Methods The parameters;effectiveness, treatment duration, recurrence, side effects and cost of treatment were investigated for three frequently used topical therapies which were then compared with a most recent developed topical therapy. Published clinical data obtained from the literature was used to compare these parameters for 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod and diclofenac and relate them with the newly developed Curaderm. Results A wide variation in the concentrations of the active anti-keratotic ingredients, application frequency, duration of treatment, recurrence rates and cost of treatment exist between the different topical therapies. The efficacy rates and side effects were less variable. Overall, Curaderm is the most suitable treatment for actinic keratosis. Clinical evidence is presented illustrating the effects of Curaderm on field-directed treatments and solitary treatments of actinic keratoses. Conclusions Current medical guidelines do not provide clear recommendations on which treatment approach for actinic keratosis is preferred. Direct head-to-head comparison between treatments with emphasis on efficacy, safety, treatment duration, compliance, convenience, cosmetic outcome, patient acceptance and cost should be available to the patient, the practising physician, healthcare system and should assist in therapeutic treatment guidelines and policymaking. Given the very favourable profiles of these parameters with Curaderm when compared with other home-based treatments, it should be considered that Curaderm is first-in-line.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the potential synergistic activity of diclofenac with piperine and D-limonene in inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer MCF-7 cells.Methods:Molecular docking study was condu...Objective:To investigate the potential synergistic activity of diclofenac with piperine and D-limonene in inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer MCF-7 cells.Methods:Molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity of diclofenac with piperine and D-limonene against p53,Bax,and Bcl-2.The MTT assay was used to determine IC50,and the Chou-Talay method was used to determine the synergistic concentration of the combination treatment of diclofenac plus piperine and diclofenac plus D-limonene.Apoptosis detection,cell cycle arrest,reactive oxygen species production,and mitochondrial membrane potential were also investigated.Results:Diclofenac,piperine,and D-limonene showed potent binding affinity for p53,Bax,and Bcl-2.Diclofenac plus piperine and diclofenac plus D-limonene enhanced the formation of reactive oxygen species,which also had an effect on the mitochondrial membrane’s integrity and caused DNA fragmentation.Diclofenac plus piperine and diclofenac plus D-limonene arrested the cells in the sub-G0phase while drastically lowering the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase.Furthermore,the elevated apoptosis in the combined therapy was confirmed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining.Conclusions:The combined therapy prominently enhanced the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on MCF-7 cells compared with treatment with diclofenac,piperine,and D-limonene alone.展开更多
Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal death in sub-Saharan Africa. In developing countries, PPH is responsible for about 30% of maternal deaths. The main causes of PPH are uterine aton...Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal death in sub-Saharan Africa. In developing countries, PPH is responsible for about 30% of maternal deaths. The main causes of PPH are uterine atony, placental implantation anomalies and coagulation disorders. Acting on the causes of post-partum haemorrhage would significantly reduce maternal mortality. To prevent PPH, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of uterotonics as a preventive measure. Although parenteral Oxytocin is recommended as the first line Oxytocic for the prevention of PPH, the use of misoprostol is increasingly used in gynaecology and obstetrics, not only for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, but also for many other obstetric indications. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and level of use of misoprostol by healthcare providers in the gynaecology and maternity departments of South Kivu in the practice of gynaecology and obstetrics. Materials and methods We conducted a descriptive study from January 03 up to February 04, 2023. The study of population was made up of healthcare workers in South Kivu. A questionnaire containing questions relating to socio-demographic informations and knowledge of misoprostol was prepared and encoded in the kobo collect software. To access the questionnaire, it was compulsory to read the research protocol and give consent by ticking the “yes” button. All those who ticked “no” were denied access to the questionnaire. The link was sent, with a request to take part in the survey, to groups in the social networks of doctors and midwives in South Kivu. For areas not covered by the internet, a printed format was distributed and then encoded by data entry operators. For the paper format, respondents were also asked to indicate their consent by ticking the “yes” box. All the encoded data was automatically compiled on the server and then analysed and interpreted by the research team. Results: Nearly all (95.8%) healthcare workers in South Kivu knew about Misoprostol, and only 4.2% did not. The majority (90.1%) of healthcare workers had already used Misoprostol. Providers were aware of the obstetrical indications for Misoprostol, but in most cases, they did not know the dosage recommended by FIGO. For the prevention of post-Partum haemorrhage, only 39.9% use the correct dosage, 42.7% for the treatment of incomplete miscarriage and 49.3% for the treatment of post-Partum haemorrhage. 10% to 21% of providers know the indications of misoprostol but have no idea about dosage. Providers were aware of all routes of administration, but in most cases, they prescribed Misoprostol via the sublingual route (84.5%). The side effects observed by the providers were those already observed in other studies.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND: Pain management following caesarean section still remains a challenge in our environment. Most potent analgesics are either not readily available or expensive. Diclofenac suppository is an NSAID that can be used for postoperative analgesia. It is available and affordable. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of combined rectal diclofenac and intramuscular pentazocine with intramuscular pentazocine alone for post operative pain control following lower segment caesarean section. METHODOLOGY: A total of 120 women who met the selection criteria scheduled for caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine were randomized into two equal groups to receive either 75 mg diclofenac suppository 12 hourly for 24 hours or one anusol suppository (the placebo) 12 hourly for 24 hours. Both groups received pentazocine as primary analgesia. RESULT: The primary outcome measure is the proportion of patients with severe pain at 24 hours using the visual analogue rating scale. Secondary outcome measures are the time from surgery to ambulation, Passage of flatus, maternal satisfaction and presence of complications. Statistical analysis was done using spss version 22 and graph pad statistical package. Student T-test was used for continuous variables whereas chi square was used for categorical variables P CONCLUSION: Adjuvant rectal diclofenac is superior to pentazocine alone in the management of pain after caesarean section. Less number of patients had moderate to severe pain at 24 hours post operation. Maternal satisfaction in relation to pain management is better with diclofenac suppository. The levels of complications were comparable in both groups.
文摘Objectives: Evaluate the bioequivalence (BE) of two oral tablets formulations of diclofenac 150 mg in healthy male subjects under fasting condition. This was a phase I, randomized, open label, balanced, two period, two sequences, single oral dose, crossover, analyst blind study. Methods: Twenty four (24) healthy subjects were randomly assigned to one of two sequences protocol: 150 mg XR of reference formulation (R), diclofenac sodium in the first period or the test formulation (T), diclofenac potassium in the second or vice versa. The plasma concentrations were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters included: maximum plasma concentration (C<sub>max</sub>), area under the plasma concentration—time curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration (AUC<sub>0-t</sub>), and area under the plasma concentration—time from time 0 to infinity (AUC<sub>0-∞</sub>), were evaluated for BE. Results: The results showed that 90% confidence intervals for the test/reference geometric mean ratios (GMR) of C<sub>max</sub> (90.43 - 107.17), AUC<sub>0-t</sub> (93.08 - 116.46) and AUC<sub>0-∞</sub> (92.52 - 117.39) were within the BE (80% - 125%) acceptance range. Conclusions: Two formulations, reference product (R) Voltaren® (diclofenac sodium) of Novartis and test product (T), Diklason Bi (diclofenac potassium) of Laboratorios Leti S.A.V., with a single dose of 150 mg XR, under fasting conditions were bioequivalent. No severe, serious or unexpected adverse events (AEs) were reported in this study.
文摘Background: Oral aphthosis has a negative impact on oral health. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of gel formulation including diclofenac and propolis in the treatment of oral ulcers. Methods: Participants included 100 normal individuals with aphthous, excluding those having allergies to any ingredient in the diclofenac formulation. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: one group received treatment with a combination of diclofenac potassium 3% (10 mg/g, 60 g) and propolis 5% gel (Group II), and the other group received a placebo (Group 1). The patient was evaluated using standard digital photographs and chronic oral mucosal questionnaires on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after healing. Utilizing the Mann-Whitney U test, the two groups were compared. Each group’s changes were examined using Friedman’s test. Results: There was a statistically dramatic change over time in Group II. After one day, the median total score dropped statistically significantly, and from one to three days with effect size (d) 2.485, Group II demonstrated 48% complete healing and 52% partial healing, while Group I demonstrated 4% partial healing and 96% no change. Effect size (V): 0.995. Conclusions: The combination of diclofenac and propolis provided instant relief and an affordable new regimen for treating oral aphthosis.
文摘Background: Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease associated with pain, inflammation, stiffness and synovial effusion, with progressive functional limitation, compromising quality of life. It progressively leads to loss or decrease in joint function. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy seeks symptomatic management, complicated by a lack of adherence. After acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac are the most widely used medications. Objectives: The primary objective compared the analgesic effect of diclofenac 150 mg once daily vs. 50 mg three times daily in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The secondary objective assessed changes in quality of life. Method: One group received diclofenac 150 mg OD with placebo TTD. Another group received placebo OD and 50 mg active diclofenac (reference) TTD, both for 30 days. The evaluation of pain was carried out by a visual analog scale (VAS), at the beginning, 2, 3, 4, 15 and 30 days, quality of life (the WOMAC scale) and adverse effects, at 15 and 30 days. Results: Pain decreased significantly on days 15 and 30, compared to day 0, in both groups, without differences between groups. The total results in the WOMAC scale showed a very marked improvement at 15 and 30 days, without differences between groups. The most frequent adverse effects were constipation 6% in the reference group, and gastric discomfort 30.3% in the reference group vs 28.1%, in the Test group. Conclusions: Prolonged-release diclofenac 150 mg OD is as effective as diclofenac 50 mg TID for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis.
文摘Background: In developing countries, postpartum hemorrhage is responsible for 30% of maternal deaths. Although the World Health Organization recommends the use of oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, the use of misoprostol is increasingly common. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of postpartum hemorrhage in parturients delivering at Saint-Vincent Hospital and to compare the effectiveness of misoprostol use versus oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Material and Methods: We conducted a comparative longitudinal study at the Saint Vincent Hospital comparing 10 units of intramuscular oxytocin with 600 micrograms of sublingual misoprostol. The study was conducted from 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2019, a period of 3 years. The study population consisted of 2161 consenting women. Of these, 1289 received 10 IU of intramuscular oxytocin and 872 received 600 micrograms of misoprostol. The collected data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2013 and analysed using SPSS version 21 software. Results: The frequency of administration of Misoprostol and oxytocin in parturients was 40.4% and 59.6% respectively in this study. One hundred and fourteen cases of postpartum hemorrhage (114/2161 or 5.3%) were noted among the parturients. The average age of parturients who received oxytocin was 24.36 ± 4.45 years vs 24.63 ± 5.11 years among parturients who received Misoprostol;(p = 0.190). The mean parity was 2.52 ± 1.46 vs 2.66 ± 1.44;(p = 0.020). We noted a high proportion (78.3%) of postpartum hemorrhage from the oxytocin group vs. 21.7% from the Misoprostol group (OR 2.5-fold), with a statistically significant difference (p 0.001). We noted high proportions of uterine atony (92.3%) from the oxytocin group vs 7.7% from the Misoprostol group (p = 0.004). Uterine atony was the actual factor associated with postpartum hemorrhage (OR = 10.0895% CI: 1.78 - 57.10;p = 0.009). Conclusion: Misoprostol 600 Microgram administered sublingually immediately after neonatal expulsion and before delivery was 2.5 times more effective than oxytocin 10 IU/IM. Misoprostol is therefore a good alternative to oxytocin and offers more advantages in management, use and outcome than oxytocin.
文摘Background Actinic keratosis is the most prevalent premalignant skin disorder in the white population. Current guidelines provide no clear recommendations about preferred treatments. Methods The parameters;effectiveness, treatment duration, recurrence, side effects and cost of treatment were investigated for three frequently used topical therapies which were then compared with a most recent developed topical therapy. Published clinical data obtained from the literature was used to compare these parameters for 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod and diclofenac and relate them with the newly developed Curaderm. Results A wide variation in the concentrations of the active anti-keratotic ingredients, application frequency, duration of treatment, recurrence rates and cost of treatment exist between the different topical therapies. The efficacy rates and side effects were less variable. Overall, Curaderm is the most suitable treatment for actinic keratosis. Clinical evidence is presented illustrating the effects of Curaderm on field-directed treatments and solitary treatments of actinic keratoses. Conclusions Current medical guidelines do not provide clear recommendations on which treatment approach for actinic keratosis is preferred. Direct head-to-head comparison between treatments with emphasis on efficacy, safety, treatment duration, compliance, convenience, cosmetic outcome, patient acceptance and cost should be available to the patient, the practising physician, healthcare system and should assist in therapeutic treatment guidelines and policymaking. Given the very favourable profiles of these parameters with Curaderm when compared with other home-based treatments, it should be considered that Curaderm is first-in-line.
文摘Objective:To investigate the potential synergistic activity of diclofenac with piperine and D-limonene in inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer MCF-7 cells.Methods:Molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity of diclofenac with piperine and D-limonene against p53,Bax,and Bcl-2.The MTT assay was used to determine IC50,and the Chou-Talay method was used to determine the synergistic concentration of the combination treatment of diclofenac plus piperine and diclofenac plus D-limonene.Apoptosis detection,cell cycle arrest,reactive oxygen species production,and mitochondrial membrane potential were also investigated.Results:Diclofenac,piperine,and D-limonene showed potent binding affinity for p53,Bax,and Bcl-2.Diclofenac plus piperine and diclofenac plus D-limonene enhanced the formation of reactive oxygen species,which also had an effect on the mitochondrial membrane’s integrity and caused DNA fragmentation.Diclofenac plus piperine and diclofenac plus D-limonene arrested the cells in the sub-G0phase while drastically lowering the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase.Furthermore,the elevated apoptosis in the combined therapy was confirmed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining.Conclusions:The combined therapy prominently enhanced the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on MCF-7 cells compared with treatment with diclofenac,piperine,and D-limonene alone.
文摘Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal death in sub-Saharan Africa. In developing countries, PPH is responsible for about 30% of maternal deaths. The main causes of PPH are uterine atony, placental implantation anomalies and coagulation disorders. Acting on the causes of post-partum haemorrhage would significantly reduce maternal mortality. To prevent PPH, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of uterotonics as a preventive measure. Although parenteral Oxytocin is recommended as the first line Oxytocic for the prevention of PPH, the use of misoprostol is increasingly used in gynaecology and obstetrics, not only for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, but also for many other obstetric indications. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and level of use of misoprostol by healthcare providers in the gynaecology and maternity departments of South Kivu in the practice of gynaecology and obstetrics. Materials and methods We conducted a descriptive study from January 03 up to February 04, 2023. The study of population was made up of healthcare workers in South Kivu. A questionnaire containing questions relating to socio-demographic informations and knowledge of misoprostol was prepared and encoded in the kobo collect software. To access the questionnaire, it was compulsory to read the research protocol and give consent by ticking the “yes” button. All those who ticked “no” were denied access to the questionnaire. The link was sent, with a request to take part in the survey, to groups in the social networks of doctors and midwives in South Kivu. For areas not covered by the internet, a printed format was distributed and then encoded by data entry operators. For the paper format, respondents were also asked to indicate their consent by ticking the “yes” box. All the encoded data was automatically compiled on the server and then analysed and interpreted by the research team. Results: Nearly all (95.8%) healthcare workers in South Kivu knew about Misoprostol, and only 4.2% did not. The majority (90.1%) of healthcare workers had already used Misoprostol. Providers were aware of the obstetrical indications for Misoprostol, but in most cases, they did not know the dosage recommended by FIGO. For the prevention of post-Partum haemorrhage, only 39.9% use the correct dosage, 42.7% for the treatment of incomplete miscarriage and 49.3% for the treatment of post-Partum haemorrhage. 10% to 21% of providers know the indications of misoprostol but have no idea about dosage. Providers were aware of all routes of administration, but in most cases, they prescribed Misoprostol via the sublingual route (84.5%). The side effects observed by the providers were those already observed in other studies.
