METHODS: We conducted a multicentre randomised controlled study of 420 patients from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2017 to evaluate the use of DBC in IOL in an Asian population looking at the adverse effects in the first 12 h after insertion. Women were assigned randomly to cervical ripening with either a DBC or a prostaglandin pessary. The adverse events in the 12 h after DBC or first prostaglandin inserted, the efficacy of a DBC to a prostaglandin in labour induction and maternal satisfaction were evaluated.
RESULTS: There were significantly less women with uterine hyperstimulation in the DBC (2 vs 24, p ≤ 0.0001) compared to the prostaglandin group. There were no women with uterine hyperstimulation and non-reassuring foetal status in the DBC while there were 5 women with uterine hyperstimulation and foetal distress in the prostaglandin group. Use of entonox was significantly less in the DBC group (p = 0.009). There were no significant differences in both groups in caesarean section, vaginal deliveries and time to delivery, although significant less time was needed to achieve cervical os dilation more than 4 cm in the DBC group (p ≤ 0.0001). Neonatal birth outcomes were similar. Women's pain scores were similar for both methods. 80.1% of women allocated the DBC and 76.8% of women allocated the PGE were keen to recommend their method of induction.
CONCLUSION: Double balloon catheter remains a good alternative method for inducing women in view of a good safety profile with low risk of hyperstimulation and high maternal satisfaction.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02620215.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 young men (20 - 40 years) who were sedentary, achieving less than 5,000 steps/day in casual walking with 2 or more cardiovascular risk factors were recruited in Institute of Vocational Skills for Youth (IKBN Hulu Langat). Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (n=34; no change in walking) and pedometer group (PG) (n=36; minimum target: 8,000 steps/day). All parameter was measured at baseline, at 6 weeks and after 12 weeks.
RESULTS: At post intervention, the CG step counts were similar (4983 ± 366vs 5697 ± 407steps/day). The PG significant increased step count from 4996 ± 805 to 10,128 ±511 steps/day (p<0.001). The PG showed significant improvement in anthropometric variables and lipid (time and group effect p<0.001). After intervention, CRP, IL-6 and TNF- α were significantly reduced for time and group effect (p<0.001). However, no changes were seen in CG.
CONCLUSION: The pedometer-based walking programme improved health status in terms of improving inflammation and arterial stiffness.