Early postabortion recovery of Neospora-infected lactating dairy cows

This study was designed to assess the reproductive performance of Neospora caninum–infected dairy cows (Bos taurus) after abortion. The population examined was composed of 92 aborting cows subsequently subjected to at least one artificial insemination (AI) attempt. Of these animals, 68 were N. caninum seropositive and 24 were seronegative. Only animals producing at least 25 kg milk at the estrus after abortion were inseminated. Normal uterine involution was verified at first AI after abortion in cows showing estrous signs within 30 d of abortion. Of the 92 aborting cows, 73 (79.3%) became pregnant after abortion: 57 (83.8%) and 16 (66.7%) of the N. caninum seropositive and seronegative cows, respectively. The factors days of gestation and lactation number at abortion failed to differ between the two Neospora serostatus groups, based on Student's t-test or Kruskal-Wallis tests, respectively. The interval from abortion to first AI, the number of AIs necessary for an animal to become pregnant, and the interval from abortion to next pregnancy in cows becoming pregnant were lower for the N. caninum–seropositive than for the N. caninum–seronegative cows (P < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis indicated no significant effects of herd, lactation number, days of gestation at abortion, and the interval from abortion to AI on the likelihood of pregnancy at first AI after abortion. Based on the odds ratio, Neospora-seropositive cows were 6.22 times more likely to become pregnant at first AI after abortion compared with their seronegative partners. Fifty-three of the Neospora-seropositive cows (78%) were inseminated within 30 d after abortion and 26 (49%) became pregnant, whereas only one seronegative cow (4.2%) was ready for insemination within this 30-d period and remained open after first AI. These results indicate that Neospora-infected cows suffering abortion can be inseminated with a likelihood of high fertility within the first month of abortion. We recommend checking that uterine involution is normal early after abortion in N. caninum–seropositive cows.     

The use of induced abortion as a contraceptive: the case of Mongolia

After the onset of liberlization of the Mongolian economy in 1989, the laws governing abortion were relaxed. Furthermore, the availability and use of modern contraceptives also started to improve. The Demographic Survey of Mongolia, conducted during June-July 1996, collected information on different aspects of abortion. This paper presents the results on the prevalence of induced abortion and other related issues. It was found that in the absence of adequate knowledge and availability of modern contraceptives in Mongolia. the prevalence of induced abortion was relatively high. About 24% of women undergoing abortion were using it as a contraceptive because they thought it to be a safe method of contraception. Though the abortion rules stipulate counselling on the use of modern contraceptives just after an abortion, only 60% of women undergoing an abortion were given such counselling.     

The intravaginal application of misoprostol improves induction of abortion with aglepristone

The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and endocrinological effects of four different treatments for the induction of abortion in bitches. For this purpose, 28 pregnant bitches between days 25 and 35 of gestation, were randomly assigned to four groups. In group I (n = 7), only aglepristone (AGL, 10mg/kg bw, two injections 24 h apart, s.c.) was administered. In group II (n = 7), AGL (as in group I), cabergolin (CAB, 5 μg/kg, daily p.o., until completion of abortion) and misoprostol (MIS, 200 μg for bitches with ≤ 20 kg bw, 400 μg for bitches with > 20 kg bw, daily intravaginally, until completion of abortion) were administered. In group III (n = 7), AGL (as in group I) and MIS (as in group II) were administered. In group IV (n = 7) AGL, (as in group I) and cloprostenol (CLO, 1μg/kg bw, s.c., two injections 24 h apart with the AGL injections) were combined. In all groups, bitches were examined daily, clinically and ultrasonographically to monitor resorptions/abortions. To measure serum progesterone (P4) and total estrogen (TE) concentrations, blood samples were collected in all groups immediately after the first AGL administration and every other day until completion of abortion. No statistical differences were found between groups concerning the duration until completion of abortion following treatment (n.s.); however, in Group III, 6 d after the start of treatment all pregnancies were terminated whereas in Group I, II and IV, only 57.1% (4/7), 85.7 % (6/7) and 42.8 % (3/7) of pregnancies were terminated. In the latter groups, all pregnancies were terminated between days 8 and 10 after the start of treatment. In Group IV, P4 concentrations on days two and one before the beginning of abortion and the day the abortion started was significantly lower than in the other groups (P < 0.01). No statistical differences were found between groups for TE concentrations (P > 0.05). In Groups I, II and III, no severe side effects occurred. Severe vomiting after each treatment and until the end of abortion was observed in Group IV only. In conclusion, only when a combination of AGL and MIS was used abortion was completed within 6 d in all bitches whereas the additional use of CAB did not improve the treatment.     

Abortifacient and endocrine effects of metergoline in beagle bitches during the second half of gestation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the abortifacient effects of high doses of metergoline when administered to pregnant beagle bitches during the second half of gestation and to define the endocrine effects of this treatment as represented by plasma progesterone and estradiol concentrations. Previously, metergoline had been shown to be incompletely luteolytic and induced abortion in only one of eight pregnant bitches when 0.4-0.5 mg/kg were administered twice daily for 5 days from Days 18 to 20 of diestrus. Nine pregnancies in six beagle bitches were used for the present study. Three bitches were treated in each of two consecutive pregnant cycles. Metergoline was administered at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg per os twice daily, starting on Day 28 after the cytological onset of diestrus. Abortion was induced in eight of the nine treated pregnancies and started after 3-23 days of treatment (mean 12.5 days, S.D. 6.4 days). The abortions were completed within 0.5-8 days (mean 2.2 days, S.D. 2.7 days). There were no side effects associated with metergoline treatment and none of the abortions was associated with complications that required intervention. In the single bitch that did not abort, an ovarian granulosa cell tumor was discovered when the single fetus had to be removed surgically at term. Plasma progesterone concentrations declined after the start of metergoline administration in all pregnancies but levels below 4.8 nmol/l were required for successful abortions. Plasma estradiol concentrations showed a tendency to decline and fluctuate concurrently with the plasma progesterone levels. However, suppression of plasma estradiol concentrations by metergoline was not as complete as the suppression of progesterone and did not seem a prerequisite for abortion. The hormone profiles and treatment period required for abortion tended to be similar for both cycles of the three bitches that were treated during two consecutive pregnancies. This suggests a bitch effect on the factors that determine the efficacy of metergoline to induce abortion. The large variation and length of the treatment period that was required until abortion commenced was probably related to the relatively early start of treatment compared to other studies. The results of this investigation suggest that, similar to other prolactin suppressing ergot derivatives, metergoline causes complete luteolysis and can be used to reliably induce abortion only during the last 3 weeks of gestation.     

Therapeutic abortion and its psychological implications: the Canadian experience.

Approximately 9 months after a legal therapeutic abortion, 188 Canadian women were interviewed. One half were single and the rest were married, separated or divorced. They were matched closely for a number of demographic variables with control women who had not had abortions. Neurotic disturbance in several areas of personality functioning was assessed from questionnaire responses. Out of 27 psychological scales, differences between the abortion and control groups were found on only 3: in general, women who had had abortions were more rebellious than control women, abortion tended to be associated with somewhat greater depression in married women, and single women who had had abortions scored higher on the shallow-affect scale. However, all the personality scores were well within the normal range. Perceived social support was strongly associated with favourable psychological reactions after abortion. Use of contraceptives improved greatly after the abortion, when over 90% of women reported using contraceptives regularly.     

Effects of legal termination on subsequent pregnancy.

Two hundred and eleven patients who had undergone vaginal termination and were pregnant again were investigated; 43-2% had become pregnant within one year of termination. The overall fetal loss in the 211 patients was 17-5% compared with 7-5% in a group matched for parity but consisting of patients who were pregnant after a spontaneous abortion. Altogether 4-3% of pregnancies after legal abortion ended as first trimester abortions, 8-5% as second trimester abortions, and 13-7% in premature delivery. Among 11 women whose cervices had been lacerated at the time of legal termination the fetal loss in subsequent pregnancy was 45-5%, and only one pregnancy went beyond 36 weeks. Routine Shirodkar suture may be beneficial when the cervix is known to have been damaged at legal abortion. Several patients had asked that their general practitioner should not be told of their termination, and such patients may not admit their termination during a subsequent pregnancy, which could thus be jeopardised. No evidence was found to suggest that infants of patients with a history of legal termination are small for dates.     

Midtrimester abortion induced by serial intravaginal administration of prostaglandin E2 suppositories in conjunction with a contraceptive diaphragm.

Midtrimester abortion was successfully induced in 68 of 69 patients with serial intravaginal administration of prostaglandin E2 suppositories behind a contraceptive diaphragm. The mean abortion time for the successful inductions was 13.07 hours; multiparous patients aborted somewhat faster, mean 12.72 hours, as compared to nulliparous patients, mean 14.22 hours. In 36 patients the PGE2 suppositories were placed behind an intact diaphragm and the mean abortion time was 14.89 hours. In 33 patients the PGE2 suppositories were placed behind a diaphragm modified by having an opening incised in the center, the mean time in these patients was 11.96 hours. Of the 68 successful abortions 59% of the patients aborted in 12 hours or less and 88% aborted within 24 hours. The most frequently encountered side effect was temperature elevation of 2 degrees F or higher which occurred in 68% of the patients. Temperatures returned to normal levels within 4 to 6 hours after the last adminstration of PGE2. Gastrointestinal side effects occurred in 45% of patients, but these side effects were well tolerated and did not require termination of drug administration in any of the patients. Intravaginal administration of PGE2 suppositories is a very effective abortifacient technque during the midtrimester, however the use of PGE2 in conjunction with a diaphragm did not appreciabley improve the technique although the amount of drug administered and the incidence of side effects was somewhat lower than when the PGE2 suppositories are used alone. If a diaphragm is to be used, a modified diaphragm is indicated since it simplifies the clinical management of the abortion, eases administration of the suppositories and permits a more accurate estimation of cervical changes, vaginal bleeding and abortion.     

Induced abortion in Sri Lanka: who goes to providers for pregnancy termination?

The sociodemographic characteristics of abortion seekers and the reasons they give for procuring termination were studied in 356 clients selected from two abortion clinics in the city of Colombo. Nearly 80% were Buddhists and about 10% were Christians. Almost all had some formal education but only 20% were employed outside the home. Over 95% were currently married and at the peak of their childbearing age. More than one-half were aged 30 years or over, while adolescents only constituted about 3%. Fourteen per cent were nulliparous and about two-thirds had one or two living children at the time of obtaining the abortion. A significantly high proportion also had a very young child. In total, the 356 women had had 1130 pregnancies, and the mean rate of abortion was 42 per 100 pregnancies. Over one-quarter had had more than one abortion and about 10% had had three or more. Almost all abortions were performed within the first trimester with a mean gestation period of 6 weeks. About one-third of the clients were using some method of contraception at the time they became pregnant. The most common reasons cited for the present abortion were 'pregnancy too soon after previous delivery', 'no more children desired' or 'curtailment of opportunity for foreign employment'. Unmarried women constitute a special group of abortion seekers who have different needs and behave differently from married women. Their needs are not currently being met by reproductive health programmes in Sri Lanka, and it is important that they should be given special attention in the future. An interesting finding is that a significant minority of the abortion seekers answered negatively to the question regarding providing medical facilities for abortions without difficulty. This underscores the ambivalence many people have to abortion.     

早期妊娠妇女人工流产的因素调查

目的：了解早期妊娠行人工流产妇女的人群特征,探讨导致妇女人工流产的相关因素,为减少非意愿妊娠提供干预依据。方法：采用整群抽样方法,对丰台区四家二级医院计划生育门诊同期行人工流产的妇女进行问卷调查。结果：共回收调查问卷4381份。调查对象中,平均年龄26岁（16．54岁）,本市户籍占26．8％,外地户籍73．2％;已婚65．33％,未婚34．67％;文化程度初、高中占62．5％;职业列前三位的分别是服务员23．5％、公司职员18．2％、个体工商户10．5％;重复流产为37-3％。非意愿妊娠占83．24％,,非意愿妊娠的原因,39．53％是未避孕,43．71％为避孕失败,而避孕失败的原因中又以避孕套避孕失败居首;意愿妊娠占Ⅲ6．7鹞％,最终选择终止妊娠的原因分别为个人工作因素、情感因素及优生考虑。结论i为降低l妇女非意愿妊娠及重复流产率,对育龄妇女,尤其是流动、未婚人群,需广泛开展性健康教育及避孕方式知情选择,加强避孕知识以及人工流产危害的宣教,指导避孕方法的正确使用,同时,各级医院亟待开展流产后服务。     

Flower and fruit abortion in sweet pepper in relation to source and sink strength

Source strength (assimilate supply) and sink strength (assimilate demand) of the plant were varied in different ways to investigate to what extent flower/fruit abortion in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is determined by the availability of assimilates. Source strength was varied by changing the light level, plant density, and leaf pruning. Sink strength was varied by changing the temperature and the number and position of earlier formed fruits. Shading as well as heating for short periods showed that flowers/fruits were the most susceptible to abortion during the first week after anthesis. The different experiments where source strength was varied all showed that when source strength decreased, the rate of abortion increased linearly, whether source strength was decreased by shading, high plant density, or leaf pruning. That flower and fruit abortion not only depends on the source strength but also on the sink strength of competing organs is shown by varying the number or the position of earlier formed fruits. With the same source strength, the rate of abortion showed a close relationship with the growth rate of the earlier formed competing fruits, suggesting that the induction of abortion by earlier formed fruits is due to their sink strength. Most of the variation in abortion could be related to differences in vegetative growth rate, the latter being an indicator of the source-sink ratio. However, with the same vegetative growth rate, the rate of abortion was lower for the leaf pruning treatments where no competing fruits were retained than for the fruit load treatments. This indicates that although most of the variation in abortion can be related to the source and sink strength of the plant, some effects of competing fruits can only be explained by a combination of competition and dominance.     

Neospora caninum infection does not affect early pregnancy in dairy cattle

This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between Neospora caninum infection prior to pregnancy, as determined through maternal serology, and the subsequent occurrence of abortion in dairy cattle. Special emphasis was placed on pregnancy losses in the first trimester of pregnancy. Neospora caninum antibodies were analyzed by commercial ELISA in 2773 pregnant animals (2022 parous cows and 751 heifers) from six herds. The mean seroprevalence of antibodies to N. caninum in the herds was 15.1% (n = 419). From gestation Day 34 to the 90th day of pregnancy, there were 183 abortions (6.6% of all pregnancies) (23 in Neospora positive animals). After 90 days of pregnancy, the number of abortions was 146 (5.3%); 126 occurring during the second and 20 during the third trimester of pregnancy (105 in Neospora positive animals). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed on data from each animal using abortion before or after 90 days of pregnancy as the dependent variable, and Neospora positivity, herd, pregnancy season, and parity (parous or nonparous) as independent factors. No significant effects of Neospora positivity and herd were found on the abortion rate before 90 days of pregnancy. Based on the odds ratio, the abortion rate was 4 times higher (P < 0.0001) in animals that became pregnant in the warm than in the cool period, and 3.7 times higher (P < 0.0001) in parous than in nonparous animals. Neospora positivity was the only variable included in the logistic regression model for abortions occurring after 90 days of pregnancy. Seropositivity in an animal increased the probability of abortion by an odds ratio of 18.9 (P < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval 12.9-27.8). Season, parity, and herd showed no effect. The results of the present study suggest that chronic N. caninum infection prior to pregnancy appears not to affect the early fetal period, but does have a significant abortive effect after 90 days of gestation.     

Reproductive performance of swine females re-serviced after return to estrus or abortion

The objective of this study was to analyze reproductive performance in swine females re-serviced after return to estrus or abortion in comparison with females in first service (gilts or weaned females). Records used were obtained from four commercial sow herds in Brazil including 24,194 mating records from PigCHAMP research database. Three mating categories (first service in gilts or weaned sows, re-serviced after return to estrus and re-serviced after abortion) were considered for the analysis. The farrowing rate (FR) was less and return to estrus (RER), abortion rate (ABR) and total born (TB) were greater in the category re-serviced after return to estrus compared to first service category (P<0.05). The category re-serviced after abortion only differed from the first service category by a greater ABR (P<0.05). In gilts and PO2-5 females re-serviced after a return to estrus, the FR was less (72.0% and 83.2%) and RER was greater (22.3% and 12.5%) compared to first service PO2-5 sows (92.7% and 5.3%; P<0.05). A re-service after a return to estrus did not affect TB in PO > or =2 females (P>0.05) but resulted in less TB in gilts and greater TB in primiparous sows (P<0.05). In females re-serviced after a return to estrus the performance was similar (P>0.05) between the two intervals considered as regular return to estrus (18-24 days and 36-48 days). Among the intervals considered as irregular return to estrus, greater FR was observed in intermediate (25-35 days) than in early (11-17 days) or late (>48 days) intervals. The re-service after a return to estrus results in an impaired farrowing rate, with a greater impact on gilts than at older parities. Females re-serviced after abortion are more predisposed to the recurrence of this reproductive failure.     

Follow-up of 50 adolescent girls 2 years after abortion.

Thirty-eight adolescents who underwent an abortion were studied by questionnaire and interview with a psychiatrist and a social worker 2 years after the abortion. Most did not regret their abortion and considered it a positive experience. Most said they would not have another abortion, although adoption was unanimously rejected as a choice for the pregnant teenager. Relations with their parents were generally good and the families were supportive in the decision-making process and in the postabortion period. The girl''s father had been absent because of death or separation in 37% of instances. A lengthy relationship with the putative father before the abortion was common, but 37% of the relationships were not able to withstand the pregnancy-abortion crisis. The proportion using contraceptives before the abortion was 2%, and 2 years after the abortion, 84%.     

Suicides after pregnancy in Finland, 1987-94: register linkage study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine rates of suicide associated with pregnancy by the type of pregnancy. DESIGN: Register linkage study. Information on suicides in women of reproductive age was linked with the Finnish birth, abortion, and hospital discharge registers to find out how many women who committed suicide had had a completed pregnancy during her last year of life. SETTING: Nationwide data from Finland. SUBJECTS: Women who committed suicide in 1987-94. RESULTS: There were 73 suicides associated with pregnancy, representing 5.4% of all suicides in women in this age group. The mean annual suicide rate was 11.3 per 100,000. The suicide rate associated with birth was significantly lower (5.9) and the rates associated with miscarriage (18.1) and induced abortion (34.7) were significantly higher than in the population. The risk associated with birth was higher among teenagers and that associated with abortion was increased in all age groups. Women who had committed a suicide tended to come from lower social classes and were more likely to be unmarried than other women who had had a completed pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of suicide after an induced abortion indicates either common risk factors for both or harmful effects of induced abortion on mental health.     

Rhesus Isoimmunization after Abortion

Out of 177 Rh(D)-negative patients studied, 96 were successfully followed-up after spontaneous or therapeutic abortion. Rh antibodies were detected by the indirect Coombs test in two patients and by an enzyme technique only in a further seven, an overall incidence of 9·4%.The prophylactic use of anti-D immunoglobulin is now recommended for Rh-negative non-immunized patients undergoing abortion, but the dose could be less than 75 μg. The Kleihauer test was of no value in predicting the risk of isoimmunization.     

Midtrimester abortion induced by serial intravaginal administration of prostaglandin E2 suppositories in conjunction with a contraceptive diaphragm

Midtrimester abortion was successfully induced in 68 of 69 patients with serial intravaginal administration of prostaglandin E₂ suppositories behind a contraceptive diaphragm. The mean abortion time for the successful inductions was 13.07 hours; multiparous patients aborted somewhat faster, mean 12.72 hours, as compared to nulliparous patients, mean 14.22 hours. In 36 patients the PGE₂ suppositories were placed behind an intact diaphragm and the mean abortion time was 14.89 hours. In 33 patients the PGE₂ suppositories were placed behind a diaphragm modified by having an opening incised in the center, the mean time in these patients was 11.96 hours. Of the 68 successful abortions 59% of the patients aborted in 12 hours or less and 88% aborted within 24 hours. The most frequently encountered side effect was temperature elevation of 2° F or higher which occurred in 68% of the patients. Temperatures returned to normal levels within 4 to 6 hours after the last administration of PGE₂. Gastrointestinal side effects occurred in 45% of patients, but these side effects were well tolerated and did not require termination of drug administration in any of the patients. Intravaginal administration of PGE₂ suppositories is a very effective abortifacient technique during the midtrimester, however the use of PGE₂ in conjunction with a diaphrgam did not appreciabley improve the technique although the amount of drug administered and the incidence of side effects was somewhat lower than when the PGE₂ suppositories are used alone. If a diaphragm is to be used, a modified diaphragm is indicated since it simplifies the clinical management of the abortion, eases administration of the suppositories and permits a more accurate estimation of cervical changes, vaginal bleeding and abortion.     

Medical and socio-demographic implications of abortion at Felix Bulnes Hospital in Santiago (author's transl)]

602 patients were admitted for treatment of incomplete abortion (including inevitable or threatened abortion) from May 1 to October 31, 1974, at Felix Bulnes Hospital in Santiago Chile. Routine treatment included dilation and curettage in 88.7% of the cases, with a mean hospitalization time of 2.5 nights. Complications in 14.6% included fever, pelvic infection, and blood loss requiring transfusion. 78.4% had used no form of contraception in the month previous to conception, but 68.9% of those who returned for a follow-up (only 37.7%) were using effective contraceptives. The study indicates: 1) the cost of abortion is high in terms of risk of complications and hospital time; 2) infection associated with abortions outside the hospital is high; and 3) acceptance of contraception after abortion is not high enough to deter repetition of abortion.     

The challenges of offering public second trimester abortion services in South Africa: health care providers' perspectives

Around 25% of abortions in South Africa are performed in the second trimester. This study aimed to better understand what doctors, nurses and hospital managers involved in second trimester abortion care thought about these services and how they could be improved. Nineteen in-depth interviews with abortion-related service providers and managers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, were undertaken. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Participants expressed resistance to the dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure, as this required more active provider involvement. Medical abortion was preferred as it required less provider involvement in the abortion process. A shortage of providers willing to perform D&E resulted in most public sector services being outsourced to private sector doctors. Respondents noted an increased demand for services and a concomitant lack of infrastructure, physical space and personnel to respond to these demands, sometimes resulting in fragmented or poor quality care. At medical induction sites, most thought introducing the combined mifepristone-misoprostol regimen would improve service capacity, although they were concerned about cost. Improving contraceptive services was also seen as a much-needed intervention to improve care and prevent abortion. Ongoing training, including values clarification, as well as emotional support and team-building for providers are needed to ensure sustainable, high-quality second trimester abortion services.     

Systemic availability and abortion-inducing effects of nocloprost after intravenous, subcutaneous and intragastric administration to pregnant guinea pigs

Nocloprost was administered to 3 groups of 4 pregnant guinea pigs intravenously and subcutaneously in a dose of 30 micrograms/kg and intragastrically in a dose of 100 micrograms/kg. Plasma nocloprost levels were measured at defined times up to 24 h p. adm. with a specific radioimmunoassay and induction of abortion monitored simultaneously. In one animal per group uterus pressure was recorded continuously up to 8 hours p.adm. Animals were sacrificed 7 days p.adm. and the number and state of fetuses in utero evaluated. Systemic availability of unchanged drug was 100% after intravenous (AUCi.v. = 8.6 +/- 2.0 ng h/ml) and subcutaneous (AUCs.c. = 11.5 +/- 1.2 ng h/ml) administration and approximately 30% after intragastric administration (AUCi.g. = 8.9 +/- 2.0 ng h/ml). The incidence of abortion after intragastric administration corresponded to that after subcutaneous administration. After intravenous injection the abortion rate was somewhat less, indicating that equal AUC-values do not necessarily indicate identical pharmacological effects.