Induced abortions, contraceptive practices, and tobacco smoking as risk factors for ectopic pregnancy in Athens, Greece

Article Abstract:

During a normal pregnancy, the fertilized ovum becomes implanted in the uterus. However, when the ovum becomes implanted in a region outside of the uterus, such as the abdominal cavity or fallopian tubes, the pregnancy is called ectopic. In the US, ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death during the first trimester of pregnancy. Previous studies have reported that the risk for ectopic pregnancy increases with advancing age, history of pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted disease, pelvic operations, and the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD). Miscarriages and oral contraceptives do not appear to be related to ectopic pregnancies. A previous study performed in Greece, at a time when abortions were illegal, indicated that induced abortions were associated with a 10-fold risk for subsequent ectopic pregnancy. Since the time of this study, abortions have become legal in Greece and the methods used have improved significantly. Therefore, the effect of induced abortion on the risk of later having an ectopic pregnancy was determined, along with other associated risk factors, in 70 women between 1986 and 1987. The results indicated that women who had one or more induced abortions had a 1.87 increased risk for having an ectopic pregnancy compared with women who had not had an induced abortion. The increased risk was 1.71 when marital status was accounted for, which might have been a selection factor. The use of IUCDs was associated with a four-fold increase in the risk for ectopic pregnancy, and this risk increased with the duration of use. Also, tobacco smoking was associated with a two-fold increase in the risk for ectopic pregnancy. It is concluded that legalized induced abortions in Greece do not significantly increase the risk for ectopic pregnancy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Greece, Complications and side effects, Pregnancy, Ectopic, Ectopic pregnancy, Abortion

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A case-control study of the relationship between smoking, diet, and gall bladder disease

Article Abstract:

There is limited knowledge about the frequency and causes of gallbladder disease. Studies show that the formation of gallstones is more prevalent among women and persons of industrialized countries. In addition, there is growing evidence that the female hormone estrogen may be involved in gallstone formation. Factors that may influence the risk of developing gallstones include smoking, alcohol consumption, the use of thiazide drugs, and diet. The demographic, reproductive, smoking, and dietary characteristics were assessed for 84 women with gallbladder disease confirmed by X-ray and 171 women without gallbladder disease. These women were patients at a trauma hospital in Athens, Greece. Cigarette smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages were less frequent among patients with gallbladder disease as compared to patients without gallbladder disease. In addition, patients with gallbladder disease consumed fewer sugars, pulses (legumes), nuts, beans, fish, and dairy products, but frequently consumed cereals, potatoes, fruits, meats, fats and oils, and coffee/tea. After statistical analysis of the results, patients with gallbladder disease were shown to be frequent consumers of potatoes and cereal-type foods, but were less likely to consume vegetables and alcoholic beverages or to have a smoking habit. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Causes of, Smoking, Gallstones, Gallbladder diseases, Diet, Diet in disease

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Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and survival in a Greek population

Article Abstract:

Eating the so-called Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of death from heart disease and cancer, according to a study of 22,043 residents of Greece. The traditional Mediterranean diet emphasizes vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, and cereals and minimizes meat and poultry. Greek residents who followed this diet most closely had a 30% lower risk of death from coronary heart disease and cancer.

Prevention, Coronary heart disease, Cancer, Cancer prevention, Nutritional aspects, Mediterranean diet

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