OBJECTIVE To study the putative shift of a Th1 to a Th2 immune response in pregnancy and its reversal post partum in healthy women and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were examined by FACS analysis for the expression of activation markers CD25 and HLA-DR and chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CCR4 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in four healthy w...

BACKGROUND Corpus luteum (CL) regression is known to occur as two parts; functional regression when steroidogenesis declines and structural regression when apoptosis is induced. Previous studies suggest this process occurs by the production of luteolytic factors, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). METHODS We examined TNF-alpha, TNF-alpha receptors (TNFR1 and 2) and steroidogeni...

Post-partum haemorrhage is defined as being "excessive bleeding from any part of the genital tract after the birth of a child." Some authorities make a hair-splitting definition and describe intra-partum haemorrhage when excessive bleeding occurs before the placenta has been delivered, and confine the term post-partum haemorrhage to excessive bleeding after the completion of the third stage of ...

BACKGROUND Preconception, prenatal and postnatal care forms a continuum. Family planning is one of the important aspects of the spectrum. Contraceptive options are available but the uptake has been poor. Ante natal clinic attendees represent a major target population for well designed /appropriate post partum contraceptive counseling and care. OBJECTIVES The study examined the sociodemographi...

BACKGROUND HIV rapid tests (RT) play an important role in tackling the HIV pandemic in South Africa. Third generation RT that detect HIV antibodies are currently used to diagnose HIV infection at the point of care. Determine Combo (DC) is the first fourth generation RT that detects both p24 antigen (p24Ag) and HIV antibodies (Ab), theoretically reducing the window period and increasing detectio...

Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease that affects people of all ages. Young adults who have lost their immunity to pertussis are the major source of infection in infants. Given the steady increase of pertussis cases, new prevention strategies are required. Objective. To assess pertussis seroprevalence in adult blood donors, post-partum women, and umbilical cords. Metod. Measurement of tot...

Levels of progesterone were determined by competitive protein-binding techniques and oestrogens by radio-ligand binding techniques in the uterine and peripheral plasma of parturient ewes. Uterine progesterone levels began a continuous decline 4 to 5 days ante partum whereas jugular levels only declined 1 or 2 days ante partum. Peripheral plasma progesterone levels were significantly elevated in

The following case of a young mother presenting with post-partum pulmonary oedema, highlights a singular and life-threatening complication of a common condition (thyrotoxicosis). While thyrotoxic heart disease is well described, thyrotoxic storm in the post-partum period associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive cardiac failure and ventricular fibrillation is exceptional.