Association between abnormal vaginal flora and cervical length as risk factors for preterm birth.

AIM.: To study the relationship between abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) in the first trimester as a risk factor for shortening cervix length (CL) at second and third trimester, and to assess the combination of these factors in predicting preterm delivery. METHODS.

Change in knowledge of women about cervix cancer, human papilloma virus (HPV) and HPV vaccination due to introduction of HPV vaccines.

Objectives: Test knowledge of HPV, cervix cancer awareness and acceptance of HPV vaccination of women now and a year ago.

Study Design: Questionnaires were filled out by 305 women visiting four gynaecologists of the Regional Hospital Heilig Hart, Tienen, Belgium during two subsequent weeks. Fisher T or Chi(2) were used as statistical methods to compare the data with the survey of 381 women exactly one year before.

Bilateral Mammary Tuberculosis Associated with a Borderline Ovarian Tumor.

BACKGROUND: Mammary tuberculosis is rare in the Western world. It has no defined clinical or imaging features, and has to be differentiated from breast cancer and an abscess. CASE REPORT: We present a case of mammary tuberculosis combined with borderline ovarian cancer.

Knowledge of cervix cancer, human papilloma virus (HPV) and HPV vaccination at the moment of introduction of the vaccine in women in Belgium.

Aim: To test the knowledge of women, attending a gynecology clinic, on HPV, cervix cancer awareness and the knowledge and willingness to use HPV vaccine for themselves or their children.

Setting: Routine gynecological and obstetrical care with ambulatory service in a medium-sized general hospital in a small town in Belgium (Heilig Hart Hospital, Tienen).

Methods: Questionnaire to be filled out by 381 consecutive women while in the attendance room for consultation with one of the four gynecologists.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and prevention of breast cancer.

Animal and 'in vitro' experiences learned that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is capable to protect from breast cancer. Receptors for hCG/luteinizing hormone (LH) are present on human female and male breast cancer cells. hCG decreases proliferation and invasion of breast cancer MCF-7 cells by inhibiting NF-kappa B, AP-1 activation and other genes.

Comparison of two types of dipsticks to measure vaginal pH in clinical practice.

Objectives: To assess the practical use of two dispsticks for measuring vaginal pH with a range 4-7 (Merck and Macherey Nagel in the diagnosis of vaginal infections.

Study Design: Routine gynaecological clinic in the General Hospital H Hart in Tienen and vulvo-vaginitis clinic in the University Hospital Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium. After oral consent was obtained, 101 unselected consecutive women presenting for gynaecologic examination between 15 January 2004 and 15 February 2004 were included in an observational study.