Introduction: Endometriosis is a common, often-debilitating disease, affecting women of reproductive age. Pain is a common symptom of the disease and is commonly treated by surgery, medical therapy, or a combination of the two. This study aimed to evaluate the rates of ongoing pain post laparoscopic excision and the risk factors for ongoing pain symptoms. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the medical records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis in a large tertiary healthcare service in Australia between January 2009 and September 2016. Results were analyzed using SPSS statistics version 11. Results: A total of 972 patients met the inclusion criteria; of these, 398 had follow-up at our hospital network and were included in the final analysis. The median age was 34.5 years, 69.6% were of Caucasian ethnicity, and the median body mass index was 25.9; 70.6% of our patients reported decreased pain after surgery. Patients who suffered from chronic pain were twice as likely to experience ongoing pain, while patients with stage 3–4 endometriosis were found to have 65% reduced odds of pain at follow-up (95% confidence interval = 0.22–0.61, p < 0.001). In univariate analysis of non-Caucasian patients, those who had a specialist endometriosis surgeon perform the surgery had significantly higher incidence of symptom improvement (58% reduced odds of recurrent pain and 40% reduced odds, p < 0.05, accordingly). Conclusion: The prevalence and severity of pain associated with endometriosis mandates a thorough understanding of the effectiveness of current management. Our article highlights the utility of laparoscopic surgery in treating endometriosis-associated pain.
Background: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women has major health implications for both mother and child.Aim: Our aim is to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to determine if screening for vitamin D deficiency amongst our population is warranted.
Materials and Methods:This is an analysis of the vitamin D levels in pregnant women at Westmead Hospital. Vitamin D levels were categorised as, severe deficiency <12.5 nmol/L, moderate deficiency 12.5-24.9 nmol/L, mild deficiency 25-50 nmol/L, and sufficient > 50 nmol/L.
Results:Mild vitamin D deficiency was found in 38.3% of women, 6.5% had moderate deficiency, and 1.5% were severely deficient. The values of serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D among women of Indian descent were significantly less than women from any other country (P <0.003).
Discussion:Our study population reflects the varied ethnic composition of pregnant women. This study has identified at risk population, and highlighted the severity of vitamin D deficiency, which has led to the establishment of a hospital protocol for screening antenatal women.
Materials and MethodsThis is a cross-sectional analysis of the serum 25(OH)D levels
Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnant Women at a Tertiary Hospital in Western Sydney
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