The homeless pregnant woman.

Women who are pregnant and homeless constitute a unique group at significant risk of adverse foetal and maternal outcomes. Despite this heightened risk profile, social housing support to this group of women is less than satisfactory. Concerted effort and more collaborative working is needed by all who provide social, and healthcare services to homeless pregnant women, to improve the lot of these women.

Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy: The role of parenteral iron.

Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality remain major challenges in the delivery of safe maternity care worldwide. Anaemia in pregnancy is an important contributor to this dismal picture, especially where blood transfusion services are poorly developed. An early diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy using the new generation dextran-free parenteral iron preparations can save lives and reduce morbidity in selected pregnancies.

Pregnancy outcome in women with autosomal dominant hypocalcaemic hypercalciuric nephrocalcinosis.

Autosomal dominant hypocalcaemic hypercalciuric nephrocalcinosis is an extremely rare clinical condition caused by an activating mutation of calcium-sensing receptor. Patients presenting with this condition are generally asymptomatic of hypocalcaemia inspite of significant lower serum calcium levels. Attempts at administering vitamin D to correct their hypocalcaemia tend to result in hypercalciuria with its attendant complications of nephrocalcinosis and renal impairment.

Body piercing: a growing problem for clinicians.

Until recently body piercing was mainly confined to the ears and/or nose. In the last few years there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of body piercing which, in some instances, has had serious health consequences. This industry has the potential to significantly damage or interfere with health care.

Compensation for failed sterilization.

Two recent Court of Appeal decisions have modified the hitherto settled rules governing the compensation payable following failed and negligently performed sterilization. Compensation is now possible other than for the pain and suffering of the pregnancy where the child or mother is disabled.