Awareness of the Termination of Pregnancy Act of the Laws of Zambia among Women of Reproductive Age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District Zambia

Background: Termination of pregnancy (TOP) in Zambia is guided by the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act of 1972 and as amended in 1994 of the laws of Zambia. However, despite provision of Comprehensive abortion care services with the liberal law, statistics at Kanyama First Level Hospital in relation to unsafe illegal abortions are alarming. This study sought to understand the Awareness on the TOP Act of the laws of Zambia among women of reproductive age 15 - 49 years at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. Purpose of the Study: To assess awareness on the TOP Act among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A convergent parallel mixed method design was conducted using both survey and in-depth interviews among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. The study surveyed 370 randomly sampled women aged 15 to 49 years old while the in-depth interviews included eight women purposively sampled from the survey population. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data thematic analysis was used. Results: The study found that 37% of the participants were aware of the TOP Act while 63.8% viewed legalization of abortion for any reason as wrong. The study results also showed that widowed women were 8 times more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to single women (AOR: 8.262;95% CI: 1.105, 61.778). Women in business were significantly more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to those who reported having no occupation. (AOR: 2.61;95% CI: 1.246, 5.499). Limited access to information, the social stigma attached to abortion, health care providers’ attitudes, cultural norms, values and religious beliefs, restrictive legal requirements, and absence of a supportive network were some of the barriers affecting awareness and utilization of available safe abortion care services. Conclusions: The research findings concluded that a significant lack of awareness among women of reproductive age regarding the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act. The majority of respondents held the view that abortion should only be legalized for medical reasons. Furthermore, there was a notable gap in knowledge concerning the penal code’s provisions on abortion.

Cardiovascular complications following medical termination of pregnancy: An updated review

BACKGROUND Around 1 million cases of medical termination of pregnancy(MTP)take place yearly in the United States of America with around 2 percent of this population developing complications.The cardiovascular(CVD)complications occurring post MTP or after stillbirth is not very well described.AIM To help the reader better understand,prepare,and manage these complications by reviewing various cardiac comorbidities seen after MTP.METHODS We performed a literature search in PubMed,Medline,RCA,and google scholar,using the search terms“abortions”or“medical/legal termination of pregnancy”and“cardiac complications”or“cardiovascular complications”.RESULTS The most common complications described in the literature following MTP were infective endocarditis(IE)(n=16),takotsubo cardiomyopathy(TTC)(n=7),arrhythmias(n=5),and sudden coronary artery dissection(SCAD)(n=4).The most common valve involved in IE was the tricuspid valve in 69%(n=10).The most observed causative organism was group B Streptococcus in 81%(n=12).The most common type of TTC was apical type in 57%(n=4).Out of five patients de veloping arrhythmia,bradycardia was the most common and was seen in 60%(3/5)of the patients.All four cases of SCAD-P type presented as acute coronary syndrome 10-14 d post termination of pregnancy with predominant involvement of the right coronary artery.Mortality was only reported following IE in 6.25%.Clinical recovery was reported consistently after optimal medical management following all these complications.CONCLUSION In conclusion,the occurrence of CVD complications following pregnancy termination is infrequently documented in the existing literature.In this review,the most common CVD complication following MTP was noted to be IE and TTC.

Effect of Low Dose of Mifeprostone in Capsules combined with Misoprostol on Termination of Early Pregnancy

ve In this double-blind randomized trial, we compare the effect of 75 mg mifeprostone in capsules on termination of early pregnancy was compared with that of 150 mg in tablets combined with misoprostol.

Effect of Contragestazolin(L14105) on Pregnancy Termination in Rodents

Contragestazolin (L14105) belongs to the class of 2 phenyl triazole isoquinolines. When given subcutaneously, intramuscularly or orally showed potential pregnancy terminating activity in mice, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs, but the dialy doses of oral administration needed were 7.1, 6.3 and 47.6 times (for mouse, rat and hamster) greater than those needed parenterally. L14105 had low affinity to rat uterine progesterone receptor. When cultured human decidual cells were exposed to L14105 0.077～0.155 mmol/L for 24～48 h, the cells' viability markedly dropped and structural changes occurred in comparison with controls. Histological examination of conceptuses of rats showed edema, degeneration, necrosis and atrophy or disappearance of decidual cells nuclei and absorption of embryos after the sc administration of L14105 5 mg/kg for 24～48 h. L14105 stimulated the contractile force of uterine smooth muscle in vivo or in vitro. Conclusion: L14105 shows a very high pregnancy terminating activity. Multiple oral administration is also effective. The mode of action of contragestation is related to damage of decidual cells and stimulation of uterine contractility.

Clinical Pharmacodynamics of Mifepristone（RU486） for Termination of Early－Pregnancy

Twenty-four healthy female volunteers with amenorrhea for seven weeks or less.asking for legal termination of pregnancy were recruited and divided into 4 groups (6 each). The subjects were orally administered with RU486 of 50mg (Group Ⅰ). 50mg Q12hx 6 (GrouP Ⅱ),200mg(GrouP Ⅲ)or 600mg(Group Ⅳ).Vacuum aspiration(GrouP Ⅰ)or Methyl Carprost Suppository(PGOS 1.0mg)(GrouP Ⅱ-Ⅳ)was given 72h after the firsl dose followed by a 6--hour medl'cal survel'llance.Blood samples were collected on day 1-6,8,15,43 to measure the serum levels of β-hCG,E2,P,PRL,ACTH, Cortisol,T3,T4 and TSH in each subject.The results showed that no significant dose-effect relationship was observed in terms of clinical efficacy,vaginal bleeding or side effects.All four groups shared the same tendency of changes in serum levels of β-hCG,E2 and P.β-hCG levels increased by 50-100% (P<0.01)24h prior to treatment,and continued ic ipcrease following lreatment until the sac expulsion.EZ levels l'n each group reinal'ned higher than pre-treatment values with the gradual decline in P levels.β-hCG,E2 and P decreased drastically after abortion,levels of β-hCG,E2,P on day 5 were only 35-60% (P<0.01),32-46%(P<0.01)and 30-56%(P<0.01)of those on day 4 respectively.The mean PRL levels on day 2-4 in each group increased obviously but declined gradually following the sac ex.pulsion.During treatment,the respective cortisol levels increased dramatically,the average levels ofcortisol on day 2-4 were 30-40%(P<0.05) l'n GrouP Ⅰ-Ⅲ and 60%(P< 0.01) in Group Ⅳ higher as compared with day 1 values, while decreased rapidly af ter termination of pregnancy as indicated that cortisol levels on day 5 were only 67-81%(P<0.05) of those on day 4.The changes in ACTH,T3,T4,TSH levels were of no statistic sigulAance(P>0.05).This study indicated that RU486 has no dose-effect relationship when used for interruption of early pregnancy and its main action site seems neither in ovary nor in villi.It has some effects on pituitary-adrenal axis,especially in large dosage,however,it has no obvious impact on pituilary-thyroid axis.It seems that the changes in PRL serum levels were directly due to the drug itsed ifs clinical significance should be further studied.

Synthesis and Pregnancy Terminating Activity of 2-Aryl imidazo [2,1-a] isoquinolines

Two 2-aryl imidazo [2,1-a] isoquinolines were synthesized and tested for pregnancy terminating activities. Both of them are new compounds and their structures were confirmed by IR, (HNMR)-H-1, MS and elemental analysis. They both showed high activities in NIH mice.

Medical Interruption of Pregnancy in the Second Trimester at the Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF): About 25 Cases

Introduction: Medical termination of pregnancy is a therapy that considerably reduces the number of obstetrical complications that can lead to maternal death and the number of births of children with diseases or malformations that are incompatible with life. Objective: To study the practice of medical termination of pregnancy at the Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF). Methodology: This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted at the Principal Clinic of the Togolese Association of Family Well-Being Planning Center (ATBEF) covering the period from May 1st, 2012 to April 30th, 2021, i.e. a period of 9 years. All patients who underwent a medical termination of pregnancy during the study period and whose term of pregnancy was <28 weeks of amenorrhea were included in this study. Information was collected on a survey sheet from the patients’ clinical records, admission and hospitalisation registers, referral forms and operative report registers. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel, World and epi-info 7.2.2. The main variables studied were hospital frequency, diagnostic means, main indications, means of evacuation and maternal prognosis. Result: 25 patients were identified and represented 0.5% of deliveries. Fetal, maternal and obstetric causes were the main indications for medical termination of pregnancy in respectively 28%, 20% and 52%. Obstetrical ultrasound was performed in 100% of patients. These ultrasounds allowed us to determine fetal vitality and to find some fetal malformations (28%) and some anomalies in the fetal appendages (48%). Clinical examination alone was used to diagnose 24% of indications. In 68% of cases, the clinical examination and ultrasound were used to establish the indication. The most commonly used evacuation technique was medication in 88% of cases. Caesarean section was chosen for urgent cases in 12%. Uterine haemorrhage and post-abortion endometritis were the main complications. Conclusion: Medical termination of pregnancy is a delicate subject requiring multidisciplinary management. This series has allowed us to highlight our singularities, and will allow us to improve the management of our patients, in the prevention of haemorrhage and other complications.

Evaluation on the Influence of the Timing of Twin Pregnancy Termi­nation on the Outcome of Mother and Infants

Objective:Objective:To observe the maternal and infant outcomes of pregnant women with twins terminating their pregnancy at different timings.Methods:Among the twin pregnant women admitted to our hospital from August 2019 to August 2020,50 primiparous women who opted to terminate their pregnancies at 5 different timings of“34--34^(+6) weeks”,“35--35^(+6) weeks”,“36--36^(+6) weeks”,“37--37^(+6) weeks”,“38--38^(+6) weeks”were selected as the research subjects.According to the timing of pregnancy termination,they were divided into 5 groups,each with 10 cases of pregnant women,and the impact of the timing of pregnancy termination on the outcome of the mothers and infants were compared.Results:The“37--37^(+6) weeks”group had the largest amount of postpartum hemorrhage,and the difference in Hb level before and after delivery was the largest.With the increase in gestational week,the weight of both large and small fetuses increased.In terms of neonatal diseases,the comparison between“34--34^(+6) weeks”,“35--35^(+6) weeks”,“36--36^(+6) weeks”and“37--37^(+6) weeks”,“38--38^(+6) weeks”,P<0.05,the comparison between“37--37^(+6) weeks”and“38--38^(+6) weeks”,P>0.05.Conclusions:The extension of the gestational week of twin pregnancies has no effect on postpartum hemorrhage,but it can improve the outcome of infants.

Clinical Analyses of 66 Cases of Mid-trimester Pregnancy Termination in Women with Prior Cesarean

Background：The rate of cesarean delivery has significantly increased in China in the last decade.Women with prior cesarean history tend to have a higher risk of uterine rupture during termination of the pregnancy in mid-trimester than those without such a history.The aim of our study was to evaluate the influences of the potential risk factors on uterine rupture in women with prior cesarean.Methods：We conducted this retrospective study of women with prior cesarean section,who underwent mid-trimester pregnancy termination between January 2006 and December 2013 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital.The protocol was oral administration ofmifepristone and misoprostol for the patients with the gestational ages below 16 weeks or intra-amniotic injection of ethacridine lactate （EL） for those with at least 16 weeks of gestational ages.The thickness of the lower uterine segment （LUS） was measured before the termination of pregnancy.Logistic regression was used to study the risk factors of uterine rupture.Results：The total rate of successful abortion was 93.9％ （62/66）.Four patients failed in induction,and one of them received curettage,whereas the other three experienced uterine rupture （4.5％）.The successful rates of abortion were 85.7％ （30/35） for women treated with mifepristone-misoprostol and 86.1％ （31/36） for those treated with EL.There was a significant difference in the mean LUS thickness between the uterine rupture group （3.0 ± 2.0 mm） and the nonrupture group （7.0 ± 3.0 mm） （P ＜ 0.05）.The LUS thickness of＜3 mm was associated with uterine rupture during mid-trimester pregnancy termination in women with prior cesarean （odds ratio,94.0; 95％ confidence interval 4.2-2106.1） after adjusted maternal age,gestational age,interdelivery interval and prior cesarean section.Severe bleeding that required transfusion occurred in one case （1.5％）.Conclusions：Both the mifepristone-misoprostol and the EL regimens were effective and safe for the termination of mid-trimester pregnancy in women with prior cesarean.A thinner LUS is associated with a relatively high risk of uterine rupture.

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.

Cesarean Scar Pregnancy with Iniencephaly and Progression to Placenta Accreta Due to Early Management Rejection

To editor:Cesarean scar pregnancy(CSP)is a rare pathology,with an increasingly clear association with morbidly adherent placenta(MAP).1 Although the most recommended treatment is pregnancy termination by cesarean section and scar resection shortly after diagnosis.2 The final decision regarding management depends on the patient's choice,medical advice,the fertility desire,and the social,religious and emotional background that should also be taken into account.

Incidence of congenital heart disease in Beijing, China

Background The incidence of congenital heart disease has been studied in developed countries for many years, but rarely in the mainland of China. Fetal echocardiographic screening for congenital heart disease was first performed in Beijing in the early 2000s, but the impact was not clear. The current study was undertaken to determine the incidence of congenital heart disease in Beijing, China and to estimate the impact of fetal echocardiography on the incidence of liveborn congenital heart disease.Methods The study involved all infants with congenital heart disease among the 84 062 total births in Beijing during the period of January 1 and December 31, 2007. An echocardiographic examination was performed on every baby suspected to have congenital heart disease, prenatally or/and postnatally.Results A total of 686 infants were shown to have congenital heart disease among 84 062 total births. The overall incidence was 8.2/1000 total births. Mothers of 128 of 151 babies diagnosed prenatally were chosen to terminate the pregnancy. Two of the 151 infants died in utero. A specific lesion was identified for each infant and the frequencies of lesions were determined for each class of infants （total births, stillbirths and live births）. The incidence of congenital heart disease in stillbirths and live births was 168.8/1000 and 6.7/1000, respectively. The difference between the incidence of total birth and the incidence of live birth was statistically significant （P 〈0.001）. Conclusions The incidence of liveborn congenital heart disease in Beijing is within the range reported in developed countries. Fetal echocardiography reduce significantly the incidence of liveborn congenital heart disease.