Niger J Clin Pract
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Estimation of fetal weight is important for antenatal and intrapartum management of pregnant women. Sonographic methods are not readily accessible in under-resourced settings, it is therefore necessary to study the accuracy of a clinical method of estimating fetal weight where this limitation (unavailability of ultrasound) exists. ⋯ The ultrasound method is generally a better predictor of the actual birth weight than the clinical method, and thus should be used in estimating the actual birth weight when accessible.
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There are many factors affecting the mortality of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Among these are the patients' age, diagnosis, and concomitant pathology. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether there is an adverse effect of the time between admission to the Emergency Room (ER) and admission to the ICU on the mortality of these patients. ⋯ The waiting times at the ED did not affect the mortality of the ICU patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Maternal and neonatal effects of adding morphine to low-dose bupivacaine for epidural labor analgesia.
Labor is one of the most painful experiences a woman may face during her lifetime. One of the most effective methods used for eliminating this pain is epidural analgesia. The aim of this study to determine the impact of adding morphine to low-dose bupivacaine epidural anesthesia on labor and neonatal outcomes, and maternal side effects. ⋯ We believe that epidural analgesia comprised of a low-dose local anaesthetic and 2 mg morphine provides a painless labor that significantly reducesthe use of local anesthetic without changing the efficiency of the analgesic, ensuring the mother's satisfaction without leading to an adverse effect on the mother or foetus, while mildly (but significantly) shortening the second stage of labor.
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Comparative Study
Epidemiological association between osteoporosis and combined smoking and use of snuff among South African women.
This study sought to explore the epidemiological association between the exclusive use and the combined use of snuff and smoking on the prevalence of osteoporosis in a national population sample of South African women who were 40 years and older. ⋯ Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the combined lifetime use of both snuff and cigarettes may increase the odds of developing osteoporosis among women who are 40 years and older.