The potentially dangerous substances present in the geographical area where the pregnant woman works must be well known to healthcare professionals, starting with the family doctor, who is in the front line of prevention, and continuing with all the other specialists. Environmental factors, acting individually or cumulatively, have important effects on human reproduction. With all the recognized progress of modern obstetrics, with the wide use of new technologies in diagnosis, but also with the improvement of the therapeutic arsenal, the percentage of premature newborns has remained constant during the last decades. Studies over the past two decades have shown that preconceptional and prenatal exposure to toxic, environmental agents has a profound and lasting effect on reproductive health. We analyzed the literature to find out the current state of knowledge in the field of the influence of pollution on the risk of premature birth. The study of literature (environmental hygiene, ecology, toxicology, occupational medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, etc.) shows clear causal relationships between certain environmental factors and the risk of premature birth, while for several substances the results are inconclusive.
The human endometrium is a highly regenerative organ undergoing over 400 cycles of shedding and regeneration over a woman’s lifetime. This massive regenerative capacity is thought to have a stem cell basis, with human endometrial stromal stem cells having already been extensively studied. Endometrial stem cells can be divided into three categories: endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells, CD140b+CD146+ or SUSD2+ endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs), and side population cells (SPs). Endometrial stem/progenitor cells in the menstruation blood are defined as menstrual stem cells (MenSCs). Due to their abundant sources, excellent proliferation rate, and self-transplantation capabilities, MenSCs are ideal candidates for cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine, inflammation, and immune-related diseases. In this manuscript we review the available literature and outline the characteristics of endometrial stem/progenitor cells, summarizing their roles in immunoregulation, regenerative medicine and endometriosis, through which we provide some novel therapeutic strategies for reproductive and cancerous diseases.
It is estimated that 2% of pregnant women develop gallstones during pregnancy. Symptoms of biliary lithiasis may vary during pregnancy, from a slight added digestive discomfort to biliary colic of varying intensity, acute cholecystitis, or acute pancreatitis. Ultrasonography is the gold standard for diagnosis of sludge and gallstones, being both highly sensitive and specific. Initial management overlaps with the out-of-pregnancy management, initiating conservative, supportive care, as well as an adequate diet. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered a safe intervention in pregnancy, being the second most common surgery after appendicectomy. If open laparoscopy is preferred, the major risk - perforation of the uterus - is avoided. Important complications of gallstones in pregnancy, jaundice and acute pancreatitis can be resolved safely and quickly by cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques, with stone removal, sphincterotomy or stent mounting. After remission of pancreatic symptoms, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed. Recent scientific data and current practice suggest an increase of biliopancreatic emergencies during pregnancy (probably due to rising incidence of obesity, age of gravida, prolonged use of oral combined contraceptives, dyslipidemia, etc.). Surgeons, as well as obstetricians, should be aware of the prompt modern management of these cases.
Vertical mother-to-fetus transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a concern of public health global policies. The transmission rate can be substantially influenced by the good function of the maternal screening programs and by the vaccination of newborns as well. Also, the appropriate treatment of pregnant women and the administration of anti-HBV immunoglobulin immediately after birth come up with the decrease of HBV transmission rate. Acute viral hepatitis during pregnancy constitutes the main cause of jaundice recognized in pregnant women. It has generally a mild course during pregnancy, without significantly influencing the health state of the mother. In the context of immunological adaptation in pregnancy, the condition of the pregnant woman with chronic HBV infection without notable hepatic dysfunction generally has a good evolution. However, there are some possible clinical consequences like hepatic flares and progression of liver disease. The paper presents a review of literature and guideline proposals to prevent vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus and to provide the best possible care for pregnant women with hepatitis B infection.
Vaginitis is the general term for disorders of the vagina caused by infection, inflammation, or changes in the normal vaginal flora, while cervicitis refers to inflammation of the uterine cervix. Symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal discharge, pruritus, odor, and/or discomfort. Women with cervicitis may have presenting symptoms such as purulent or mucopurulent (yellow) vaginal discharge, intermenstrual or postcoital bleeding, dysuria, vulvovaginal irritation and dyspareunia. The initial evaluation typically consists of a medical history, physical examination, microscopy examination of vaginal swab, and cervical tests for sexually transmitted infections. Evaluation of patient risk factors is important and should include a detailed discussion about the sexual history (number of partners, type of sexual activity, condom use, new sex partner, sex partner with a diagnosed sexually transmitted infection, sex partner with concurrent sex partners), vaginal hygiene (douching), and age (< 25). All women with symptoms suggestive of cervicitis or vaginitis undergo a physical examination that includes pelvic and vaginal evaluations. Vaginitis is often the result of the presence of infectious agents. The most common infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, Candida vulvovaginitis and trichomoniasis, account for over 90 percent of the vaginal infections. Cervicitis, typically acquired from sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma, can present with nonspecific vaginal symptoms.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.