Optimization of a diagnostic platform for oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) measurement in human plasma.

Objectives: Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) measurement can demonstrate the extent of oxidative stress in patients with severe illness and/or injury. A novel ORP diagnostic platform using disposable sensors (RedoxSYS) has been validated by comparison to mass spectrometry, but the optimal methods of sample handling for best performance of the device have not been described.

Methods: We sought to optimize ORP measurement in human plasma under controlled conditions.

Women's choice for Down's screening--a comparative experience in three district general hospitals.

Objectives: To look at women's knowledge and understanding of Down's syndrome screening at our hospital and compare the uptake of screening with two other local hospitals in the same trust.

Study Design: All women attending for their anomaly scan at 20 weeks in the three district general hospitals were given an anonymised questionnaire asking whether they had accepted Down's screening and if not, the reason for their non-acceptance. The study was continued for 6 months and then the results were analysed by an independent team.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and epilepsy--a gynaecological perspective.

The prevalence of polycystic ovaries (PCO) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the general population is approximately 20 and 10%, respectively, and published studies suggest a similar prevalence in women with epilepsy. These data do not suggest that epilepsy is associated with a higher prevalence of the condition, and it would appear that the background prevalence of PCO and PCOS is the same as in the general population.

Epilepsy and women's issues: an update.

Although the fundamentals of epilepsy are similar for both males and females, the clinical management of epilepsy in women should take into consideration a variety of factors including: social and cultural issues, age, relationships, diagnosis and characterization, female specific syndromes, the influence of female hormones, hormonal contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy, the cosmetic side effects of epilepsy treatment, fertility, pregnancy and child care. Regarding the issue of reproduction, there are several misconceptions in relation to fertility in women with epilepsy. In general, women with epilepsy do not have a markedly reduced fertility compared with those without.