Endogenous antioxidant defences in plasma and erythrocytes of pregnant women during different trimesters of pregnancy.

Background: To assess the antioxidant capacity of pregnant women in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods: The activities of total superoxide dismutase (total SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione transferase(GST), aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), and the concentrations of glutathione (GSH), were determined in the plasma and red blood cells of non-pregnant (n=20), normal healthy pregnant women during different trimesters of pregnancy (n=90), and pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (n=7).

Results: A 2-fold increase in erythrocyte CAT activity was observed in the pregnant women (p<0.

Effect of single administration of levonorgestrel on the menstrual cycle.

Background: Levonorgestrel (LNG) 1.5 mg administered within 72 h of unprotected coitus is an established method of emergency contraception. Currently, there is some, although incomplete, knowledge about the mechanism of action.

Nevirapine-related adverse events in a patient receiving a fixed-drug combination pill.

Nevirapine associated rash has been well described in the Caucasian population. With increasing access to antiretroviral treatment--especially a fixed dose combination--by people living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries, there is a need to emphasize the lead in doses of nevirapine. We strongly recommend a warning label on the bottle advising patients on the lead-in period and the signs and symptoms of significant rash.

Fertility desires and intentions of HIV-positive patients at a suburban specialist center.

Objectives: To determine the extent of fertility desires and intentions of HIV-positive patients receiving care at a suburban specialist clinic and assess how these may vary by their sociodemographic and health-related factors.

Methods: Questionnaire-based interview of a consecutive sample of HIV-positive men (18-55 years) and HIV-positive women (18-45 years) who presented at the HIV clinic of the Center for Special Studies, Sagamu, Nigeria, between November and December 2004.

Results: 63.