Journal/Magazine Articles
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This collection contains original research articles, review articles and case reports published in local and international peer reviewed journals by the staff members of the Faculty of Medicine
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Item Translation and validation of ICIQ-FLUTS for Tamil-speaking women(Springer, 2017) Ekanayake, C.D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Nishad, A.A.; Samaranayake, K.U.; Wijesinghe, P.S.AIMS: Research in to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women in South Asia is hampered by lack of validated tools. Our aim was to validate the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire on Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) from English to Tamil. METHOD: After translation to Tamil, a validation study was carried out among women attending the gynecology clinic at District General Hospital-Mannar. RESULTS: Content validity assessed by the level of missing data was <2%. Construct validity was assessed by the ability of the questionnaire to identify patients with incontinence (n = 45) from controls (n = 93) using the incontinence score [patients = 7.7 standard deviation (SD) = 4.7, controls = 1.4 SD = 2.2, p < 0.001] and those with symptomatic anterior wall prolapse (n = 16) from controls (n = 93) using voiding symptoms score (patients = 4.8 SD = 2.3, controls = 0.3 SD = 0.8, p < 0.001). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's coefficient alpha score [0.80 (0.77-0.81)]. Test-retest reliability assessed by weighted kappa (κ) ranged from 0.73 to 0.87. Patients with incontinence (n = 30, pretreatment incontinence score = 7.9, SD = 4.9 versus posttreatment incontinence score = 3.3, SD = 3.1) and symptomatic anterior wall prolapse (n = 14, preoperative voiding symptoms score = 4.9 SD = 2.5 versus postoperative voiding symptoms score = 0.9 SD = 1.5) showed an improvement with treatment (Wilcoxon matched--pairs signed-rank test p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). An incontinence score ≥ 3 (sensitivity = 86.7%, specificity = 78.4%) and a voiding symptoms score ≥ 3 (sensitivity = 87.5%, specificity = 96.2%) detected any form of incontinence and symptomatic anterior wall prolapse, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tamil translation of ICIQ-FLUTS retained the psychometric properties of the original English questionnaire and will be an invaluable tool to detect LUTS among Tamil-speaking women.Item Validation of the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-vaginal symptoms (ICIQ-VS) in two South- Asian languages(Springer, 2017) Ekanayake, C.D.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Herath, R.P.; Perera, H.S.; Patabendige, M.; Wijesinghe, P.S.INTRODUCTION: The multifaceted nature of pelvic floor disorders means that a systematic evaluation is required for optimal treatment outcome. It is also generally acknowledged that a valid tool is necessary to objectively assess symptoms reported by affected women. METHODS: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) questionnaire was translated to Sinhala and Tamil and a validation study carried out among women attending gynecology clinics at North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, and the district general hospitals Mannar and Vavuniya. RESULTS: Content validity was assessed by the level of missing answers, which was < 4% and 2% for each item in Sinhala and Tamil, respectively. Construct validity was assessed by the ability of the questionnaire to differentiate between patients and controls. Both differentiated patients from controls on vaginal symptoms score (VSS) (p < 0.001), sexual symptoms score (SSS) (p < 0.01), and quality of life (QoL) (p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) scores and VSS (Sinhala r s = 0.64, p < 0.001, Tamil r s = 0.65, p < 0.001), and QoL (Sinhala r s = 0.49, p < 0.001, Tamil r s = 0.60, p < 0.001). Internal consistency as assessed using Cronbach's coefficient alpha: 0.78 (0.76-0.78) and 0.83 (0.80-0.84) in Sinhala and Tamil, respectively. Test-retest reliability was assessed by weighted kappa scores (Sinhala 0.58-0.88 and Tamil 0.76-0.90). Both questionnaires were sensitive to change and showed that VSS and QoL improved following surgery (Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The validated Sinhala and Tamil translations of ICIQ-VS will be useful for assessing vaginal and sexual symptoms among women speaking Sinhala and Tamil.Item Factors associated with nonresponse to ovulation induction using letrozole among women with World Health Organization group II anovulation(Medknow Publications, 2015) Palihawadana, T.S.; Wijesinghe, P.S.; Seneviratne, H.R.CONTEXT: Letrozole, a third generation aromatase inhibitor is gaining importance in ovulation induction. Some prefer to use it as a second line agent in women who fail to respond to clomifene citrate. However, our knowledge about the predictors of response to letrozole is limited. AIMS: The study was aimed at identifying the factors associated with letrozole resistance among women with World Health Organization (WHO) group II anovulation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Study was conducted at the infertility clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. A case–control study design was used and included 50 subjects with WHO group II anovulation (25 clomifene responsive and 25 clomifene resistant). After a treatment cycle of letrozole, the factors were compared between the subjects who responded and those who failed to respond to treatment. RESULTS: Ovulation was achieved in 76% (n = 19) of subjects who had responded to clomifene previously and in 24% (n = 6) with clomifene resistance. The factors associated with letrozole resistance included the presence of hirsutism (odds ratio [OR]: 3.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–12.3) and clomifene resistance (OR: 10.03; 95% CI: 2.81–35.7). The early follicular phase mean (standard deviation) luteinizing hormone level was significantly higher among the nonresponders (9.75 [4.78] – 7.28 [2.3]; P = 0.02). Nonresponders showed significantly lower levels of oestradiol on the 5th and 9th days (28.50 [3.39] pg/mL vs. 7.49 [3.62] pg/mL; P = 0.0007 and 142.04 [76.22] pg/mL vs. 28.10 [12.8] pg/mL; P = 0.0001) of the menstrual cycle, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The features associated with resistance to Letrozole at a dose of 2.5 mg show some overlap with those associated with clomifene resistance. However, some features do not show similar association. The effectiveness of letrozole at a dose of 2.5 mg in induction of ovulation among women with clomifene resistance is low and it does not seem to be a suitable treatment at a dose of 2.5 mg for this indication.Item Methylene Blue induced bluish discoloration mimicking cyanosis, at diagnostic laparoscopy(International Publisher of Science, Technology and Medicine, 2014) Herath, R.P.; Warnakulasuriya, T.; de Silva, A.; Wijesinghe, P.S.BACKGROUND: Methylene blue is commonly used to check patency of Fallopian tubes and tracking fistulae. Intraversation of methylene blue is a recognized complication of diagnostic laparoscopy and dye test. Although a case of cyanosis due to methaemoglobinaemia following methylene blue use is a known complication, cyanosis without methaemoglobinaemia is unknown. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31 year old healthy female, being investigated for primary subfertility for 3 years underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy for evaluation of her fallopian tubes under general anaesthesia. Methylene blue 20 ml was injected to see the patency of the tubes. The patient became centrally cyanosed soon after dye ingestion. Her oxygen saturation dropped to 10% whilst her partial pressure of oxygen remained normal. CONCLUSION: Bluish discoloration of the body can occur in the absence of methaemoglobinaemia in patients undergoing laparoscopy following dye ingestion for evaluation of fallopian tubes using methylene blue. Recognizing this complication will help in avoiding unnecessary intervention to the patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31 year old healthy female, being investigated for primary subfertility for 3 years underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy for evaluation of her fallopian tubes under general anaesthesia. Methylene blue 20 ml was injected to see the patency of the tubes. The patient became centrally cyanosed soon after dye ingestion. Her oxygen saturation dropped to 10% whilst her partial pressure of oxygen remained normal.Item Antibiotics supplemented culture media can eliminate non-specific bacteria from human semen during sperm preparation for intra uterine insemination(Medknow Publications, 2014) Dissanayake, D.M.A.B.; Amaranath, K.A.; Perera, R.R.D.P.; Wijesinghe, P.S.RATIONALE: Bacterial flora can be isolated from many semen samples of subfertile males. Bacteriospermia can compromise the outcome of intra uterine insemination (IUI) by contaminating thepost-processed sperm sample. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to determine the efficacy of penicillin and streptomycin in eliminating the bacteria from semen samples in the sperm processing procedure, and to assess the effects of antibiotics on sperm motility, survivability, and pregnancy rates.DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A prospectively controlled study was carried out using couples undergoing IUI with their informed consent. INTERVENTION: Sperm processing using the swim-up technique in penicillin and streptomycin supplemented culture medium. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Couples were consecutively allocated in two groups for sperm processing (a) Group AB+ (antibiotics supplemented culture medium, n = 33) and (b) Group AB- (antibiotic free culture medium, n = 33). Semen culture was performed before and after sperm processing. Sperm motility was assessed immediately after processing and after 24 h of incubation.RESULTS: Bacterial isolates were found in 20 (60.6%) and 22 (66.1%) of samples before processing in Groups AB+ and AB- respectively. Addition of antibiotics resulted in completely eliminating non-specific bacteria from semen samples without affecting sperm motility. In vitro survival rate of sperm enhanced in AB+ group compared with AB- group (motile sperm after 24 h), 62.21% (standard deviation [SD]: 37.27) versus 41.36% (SD: 30.78), P = 0.012. Pregnancy rate, was comparable between two groups (9% in Group AB+ vs. 6% in Group AB-, P = 0.45). CONCLUSION: Penicillin streptomycin combination could completely eliminate non-specific bacteria from semen samples during sperm processing in this population. The types of antibiotics and dosage used did not seem to have any harmful effects on human sperm.Item Efficacy of two sperm preparation techniques in reducing non-specific bacterial species from human semen(Medknow Publications, 2013) Abeysundara, P.K.; Dissanayake, D.M.A.B.; Wijesinghe, P.S.; Perera, R.R.D.P.; Nishad, A.A.N.CONTEXT: Artificial reproductive techniques using seminal preparations with bacteria may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and its sequalae. AIMS: To assess efficacy of two sperm preparation techniques to clear bacteria and the effect of bacteriospermia on sperm recovery rates. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among males of subfertile couples. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Semen samples were randomly allocated into swim-up method (group S, n = 68) and density gradient method (group D, n = 50) for sperm preparation. Seminal fluid analysis and bacterial cultures were performed in each sample before and after spermpreparation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: McNemar's chi-squared test and independent samples t-test in SPSS version 16.0 were used. RESULTS: Organisms were found in 86 (72.88%) out of 118 samples, before sperm preparation; Streptococcus species (n = 40, 46.51% of which 14 were Group D Streptococcus species), Coagulase negative Staphylococcus species (n = 17, 19.76%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 13, 15.11%), Coliform species (n = 11, 12.79% of which 09 were Escherichia coli) and Corynebacterium species (n = 5, 5.81%). There was a statistically significant reduction of culture positive samples in raw vs. processed samples; in group S, 49 (72.05%) vs. 16 (23.52%) and in group D, 37 (74%) vs. 18 (36%). In group S and D, mean (SD) recovery rates of culture positive vs. culture negative samples were 39.44% (SD-14.02) vs. 44.22% (SD-22.38), P = 0.39 and 52.50% (SD-37.16) vs. 49.58% (SD-40.32), P = 0.82 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both sperm preparation methods significantly reduced bacteria in semen, but total clearance was not achieved. Spermrecovery rate was not affected by bacteriospermia.Item A Qualitative study on patients' perceptions of expectant management of first trimester incomplete miscarriage(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Wijesinghe, P.S.; Herath, R.P.; Abeysundara, I.D.H.P.K.INTRODUCTION Efficacy and safety of expectant management of first trimester miscarriage are well known, though the patients’ perceptions and attitudes are less clear. This study was designed to understand the women’s perception of symptoms, acceptability, fertility wishes and care received. METHODS A qualitative study among 25 women who were allocated to the expectant management arm of a randomised control trial, which compared expectant versus surgical management of incomplete miscarriage, was carried out. Interviews were recorded at the end of two weeks from the initial diagnosis based on five themes, which were transcribed and analysed. RESULTS Out of the 25 interviewed, two had to undergo surgical evacuation due to failed expectant management. Excessive bleeding was the main concern especially for employed women. Ideas and beliefs of family members influenced the women’s experience. Majority preferred expectant management in a possible future event. Many expected to conceive again but preferred to delay a pregnancy even in the absence of any contraindications. Inadequate knowledge of expectant management led to dissatisfaction regarding the care received. CONCLUSIONS Better understanding on the natural course of events in spontaneous miscarriage will help not only the patient but also the relatives in accepting expectant management of first trimester miscarriage and influence their ideas, beliefs and feelings. Improved health education, counselling, and symptomatic relief are important aspects in improving the overall quality of care.Item Aetiology of infertility among females seeking treatment at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Palihawadana, T.S.; Wijesinghe, P.S.; Seneviratne, H.R.OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to describe the proportion of contributory factors of female infertility in a population that sought fertility treatment. Furthermore, the clinical findings and underlying pathologies associated with ovulatory dysfunction were also sought. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the infertility clinic of the North Colombo Teaching Hospital. New clinic attendees were recruited and both partners had a detailed clinical interview. The women underwent a baseline pelvic ultrasound scan, assessment of ovulation and a hormone profile. Tests for tubal patency were carried out when clinically indicated. RESULTS: Ovulatory dysfunction was noted in 53% (n=218). Clinical and investigatory findings associated with ovulatory dysfunction included irregular menstrual cycles, acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism, polycystic ovary syndrome, a LH:FSH ratio of >1, and increased TSH or testosterone levels. Unilateral tubal occlusion was seen in 9.1 % (n=18) while it was bilateral in 1% (n=2). Abnormalities in sexual function were noted in 10.8% (n=56). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormalities in ovulation were common. Clinical findings that could be used to recognise women at risk of ovulatory dysfunction were identified. Abnormalities in sexual function, which are often overlooked in the clinical management of infertility, were seen in over 10% of patients. Tubal factor infertility is rare.Item A Trial of expectant management in incomplete miscarriage(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2011) Wijesinghe, P.S.; Padumadasa, G.S.; Palihawadana, T.S.; Marleen, F.S.INTRODUCTION Incomplete miscarriage is often treated with surgical evacuation in Sri Lanka. Expectant management, which is an alternative treatment, was assessed for efficacy and safety in a local setting. METHODS Randomised clinical trial of two treatment groups of expectant and surgical management with 71 and 69 participants, respectively, was done at the University Gynaecology Unit of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, from December 2007 to July 2009. Women with incomplete miscarriage at a period of amenorrhoea of <14 weeks and retained products of conception of <50mm were included. Expectant management involved in-ward treatment till resolution of heavy bleeding and pain and follow up for two weeks. In surgical treatment, evacuation was undertaken and the patient sent home from hospital after bleeding settled with follow up. The maximum anteroposterior diameter of the endometrial cavity was measured with transvaginal ultrasonography and a diameter <15mm was considered as complete miscarriage. RESULTS Expectant management had a treatment success of 90.1% at one week and 94.4% at two weeks. For surgical treatment this was 95.7%. Infection was noted in one subject from the surgical group and none in the expectant group. Fall in the haemoglobin concentration in the two groups was clinically not significant. The expectantly managed group had a shorter hospital stay than the surgically managed group (1.58 vs 2.57 days, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS Expectant management is an effective and safe alternative to surgical evacuation in management of incomplete miscarriage in the local setting. It relieves the burden on the healthcare provider by shortening the hospital stay and avoiding the need for evacuation of retained products of conception under anaesthesia.Item Management of morbidly adherent placenta(Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2011) Herath, R.P.; Wijesinghe, P.S.Morbidly adherent placenta is a rare complication of human placentation that may threaten maternal life due to massive haemorrhage. Its incidence is increasing due to the rising caesarean section rates worldwide. A high degree of clinical suspicion coupled with ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and cystoscopy helps in antenatal diagnosis. Elective caesarean hysterectomy with a multidisciplinary approach is the conventional treatment for confirmed cases of morbidly adherent placenta. However more conservative fertility saving approaches are also used successfully.