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Biomedical subjects

D M Potts

Publications and source records attributed to D M Potts.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Contraceptive delivery in the developing world.

A strong demand for family planning exists in most developing countries and family size is falling rapidly in many of them. Effective family planning programmes offer a world-wide range of choices (including voluntary sterilisation and abortion) through a variety of distribution channels. Universal access to voluntary family planning can be achieved easily and cheaply by the turn of the century, but only if conservative medical policies are overcome and funding is greatly expanded. The international community faces a genuine choice: if it responds to current opportunities the global population will stabilize at approximately 10 billion or fewer; if it fails, population may grow to 14 billion or more. The difference between these two projections (approximately equal to the present world population of 5.4 billion) may well determine the future of the planet.

Contraception

Accidental burn deaths to Egyptian women of reproductive age.

Among women of reproductive age in Menoufia, Egypt, deaths from burns constitute a major public health problem. Burns account for 9 per cent of the deaths occurring to women aged 15-49, and were the third cause of death (after disease of the circulatory system and complications of pregnancy and childbirth). Nearly two-thirds of the burns were caused by kerosene cooking stoves. The data were obtained from a population-based survey of all deaths to women of reproductive age. There were 1691 deaths from all causes during the 3 years of the study, 152 of these were due to burns. Information on the cause of death was gathered from interviews with surviving family members; interviews were reviewed by physicians and a cause of death established. Although hospital-based studies provide valuable information for the management of burn injuries presenting for treatment, establishing rates of injury, comparing the incidence in one population group relative to another, or comparing the incidence of burns relative to other forms of injury requires a population-based study.

Accidents, Home

An evaluation of the TCu 380Ag and the Multiload Cu375.

The TCu 380Ag (Outokumpu Oy, Pori, Finland) and the Multiload Cu375 (Multilan, Organon, Oss, The Netherlands) were evaluated in 1477 women in a multicenter clinical trial. The intrauterine devices showed similar, low-event rates. Cumulative life-table pregnancy rates were less than 1.0, and continuation rates were approximately 90 per 100 women at 1 year after insertion. The risk of subsequent hospitalization or pelvic infection was low.

Adult

Postpartum insertion of modified intrauterine devices.

The immediate postpartum insertion of standard intrauterine devices (IUDs) and those specially modified for postpartum use was evaluated in a multicenter clinical trial. The immediate postpartum insertion of IUDs was not associated with any increased risk of perforation or infection, although expulsion rates were higher than with interval insertions. The expulsion rate varied widely between centers using similar devices, suggesting that training in insertion is essential. Postpartum IUD insertions can be a practical contraceptive option for patients and providers of medical services.

Adult

Propranolol as a novel, effective spermicide: preliminary findings.

The efficacy and tolerability of 80 mg propranolol tablets as a vaginal contraceptive were studied in 198 fertile women for 11 months. The calculated one year life table pregnancy rate was 3.4/100 women and the Pearl index was 3.9/100 women years. No major adverse effects were encountered. The findings suggested that propranolol is an effective vaginal contraceptive whose failure rate compares favourably with that of other methods of contraception. Further study of propranolol and similar compounds is warranted.

Adolescent

Abortion.

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Abortion, Illegal

Acceptability of an oral contraceptive that reduces the frequency of menstruation: the tri-cycle pill regimen.

The frequency of menstruation was reduced to once every three months in 196 women by the continuous administration of the oral contraceptive pill, Minilyn, for 84 days (tri-cycle regimen). No pregnancies occurred. One hundred and sixty-one women (82%) welcomed the reduction in the number of periods with the associated freedom from menstrual and premenstrual symptoms, and many found the tri-cycle regimen easier to follow. Weight gain of more than 2 kg, irregular cycle control, especially in the first three months, breast tenderness, and headaches were the main side effects. Menstrual loss was unchanged or reduced in all but seven women. The doctors and nurses on the clinic staff were less enthusiastic about this regimen than the volunteers themselves.

Adolescent