BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue with profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. Despite legislative measures in the Philippines, there is limited research on the profile of IPV survivors consulting specialized healthcare units.

This study aimed to describe the profile of female survivors of IPV consulting at the Philippine General Hospital Women’s Desk (PGH-WD), focusing on sociodemographic, psychological, relationship, community, and partner factors as contributors to their risk of experiencing IPV.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze data from IPV survivors who consulted the PGH-WD between January 2022 and December 2023. Data collection involved a chart review of eligible cases, guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria required that participants be female survivors of IPV aged 19 years and above, with consultations specifically related to IPV. Exclusion criteria included male survivors, non-Filipino nationals, individuals not residing in the Philippines, and charts missing key components. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic, psychological, relationship, community, and partner-related factors. Survivors were categorized into low-, moderate-, or high-risk groups based on the number of identified risk factors.

A total of 518 charts were reviewed, of which 106 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Survivors’ ages ranged from 19 to 74 years, with 46 (43.4%) aged 19–34. Most survivors belonged to lower socioeconomic strata, with 61 (57.5%) categorized as poor. Psychological distress was common, with 24 (22.6%) reporting depression and 22 (20.8%) having attempted suicide. Relationship factors included dissatisfaction in 91 cases (85.9%) and prior abuse by partners in 88 (83.0%). Community factors showed that 104 survivors (98.1%) were aware of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (Anti-VAWC) law, and 101 (95.5%) reported having social support networks. Partner-related factors were less frequently reported, with 3 survivors (2.8%) indicating perpetrator substance use and 2 (1.9%) reporting histories of childhood abuse. Risk profiling categorized survivors into low-risk (39/106, 36.8%), moderate-risk (39/106, 36.8%), and high-risk (28/106, 26.4%) groups based on the number of identified risk factors.

This study provided a detailed profile of female IPV survivors consulting at the PGH-WD. Survivors were predominantly younger women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, with high rates of psychological distress, relationship dissatisfaction, and histories of prior partner abuse. Community factors, including strong social support networks and awareness of the Anti-VAWC law, were identified as potential protective mechanisms post-IPV.

INTRODUCTION

Adolescent pregnancy is enduringly perceived as posing a considerable social threat in the Philippines. Recent data from the Commission on Population and Development shows that over 40,000 births annually are from adolescent mothers aged 10 to 14 years, with many of these early pregnancies potentially linked to rape, forced sex, and abuse. Most studies in the past focus on causes and prevention. Limited research explores the lived experiences of early adolescent mothers, especially in the context of unwanted pregnancies.

This study was conducted to determine the lived experiences of unwanted pregnancy among early adolescents age 12 to 15 years old in Zamboanga City.

The study employed an Interpretative Phenomenological Study Design which involved understanding how the adolescents make sense of events, emotions, and interactions in their experiences. Ten (10) adolescent girls with experience of unwanted pregnancy were interviewed.

Analysis of transcripts generated three superordinate themes: (1) Living in the challenges of the present, (2) Facing the future with resilience, (3) Escaping the past. After identifying similarities across cases, two cross-case themes were generated: (1) Dysfunctional family background as a contributor to early pregnancy, and (2) The importance of relying on significant others for support.

The study revealed that unwanted pregnancies were influenced by dysfunctional family environments, socioeconomic challenges, and, in some cases, sexual exploitation. The participants faced emotional distress, financial instability, and social stigma, with support from family playing a critical role in the coping process. Despite the initial adversity, participants demonstrated resilience, finding ways to endure, adapt, and thrive.

Generally, this study explores the transformation of body image among former collegiate athletes in Metro Manila. Through qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology, the study found out diverse experiences of former female athletes with their body image. A salient theme that was elicited from the study was how changes in daily routines significantly impacted their perceptions. External factors like comments from family, peers, and society also played a major role. The cultural norms of both athletics and Philippine society influenced how these women internalized their body image. Many still associate ideal bodies with athletic terms like "muscular" or "visible abs." Coping mechanisms varied, but most leaned towards positive strategies like seeking support to counter the negative influences.

Epithelioid sarcoma is an uncommon mesenchymal malignancy which represents less than 1% of all sarcomas. Rarer still are reports of this tumor initially presenting in the vulva. We report a case of vulvar proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma.

A 52-year-old had a 5-month history of slowly growing papule on the right labia majora. Excision of the mass revealed a tumor composed of large polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. An immunohistochemistry panel revealed cytokeratin AE1/AE3 positivity only. She underwent radical vulvectomy with bilateral groin node dissection. The specimen revealed a cream tan, firm, fairly defined mass at the right vulva. Microscopic examination showed a sheet-like growth pattern of large pleomorphic epithelioid cells with large vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli. The tumor showed loss of INI1 nuclear expression and absence of CD34 staining. EMA was positive. The case was signed out as proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma of the right vulva. Two months post-operatively, the patient was given concurrent chemotherapy with 5 cycles of cisplatin 40 mg/m2 and 6600 centigray vulvar intensity-modulated radiotherapy. She had no evidence of disease for five months until repeat workup showed tumor recurrence in the perineum. She was subsequently given 6 cycles of gemcitabine 900 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 900 mg/m2 with docetaxel 100 mg/m2. Two months after, repeat workup showed persistent progressive disease in the vulva. She was subsequently given 4 cycles of doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 and is for repeat workup.

The immunohistomorphologic features of this tumor, in addition to its unusual location, present a diagnostic challenge. Clues to the diagnosis include an initial presentation as a soft tissue mass and microscopic features showing the presence of epithelioid to spindle cytomorphology with an infiltrative growth pattern. Immunohistochemistry studies revealing the loss of INI1 nuclear expression and expression of epithelial markers would ultimately establish the diagnosis of this rare clinical entity.

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the salivary gland is a rare neoplasm, accounting for only less than 1% of malignancies arising from the salivary gland. It is molecularly defined by the expression of the EWSR-ATF1 fusion oncogene. To date, there has been no previous studies published yet in the Philippines regarding the existence of this tumor. In this paper, we present a case of a 70-year-old elderly female who had a 10-year history of a gradually enlarging left lateral neck mass. Histopathologic examination showed a tumor arranged of cords, nests, and trabeculae of monomorphic round cells with abundant clear to lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm surrounded by thick hyalinized collagen bundles. Immunohistochemistry and molecular studies were done which revealed a positive p63 staining, negative SMA and S100, and an EWSR1 rearrangement in Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), thus, confirming the diagnosis.

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecologic endocrine disorder affecting between 2.2% and 26% of the population. It is typically characterized by hirsutism and signs of ovulatory dysfunction. Hirsutism is defined as the presence of excess body or facial terminal hair growth in females, following a male-like pattern. It is diagnosed using visual assessment methods, such as the modified Ferriman–Gallwey (mFG) scoring system, and biochemical tests, including measurements of total testosterone (tT) and the free androgen index (FAI).

The general objective of the study is to identify the correlation of visual scoring with the biochemical evaluation of hirsutism. Specific objectives include (1) to describe the visual and biochemical scores of hirsutism in PCOS patients and (2) to determine a cutoff score for the visual scoring of hirsutism among Filipinos.

This is a cross-sectional study done in a tertiary hospital. Ethical approval was obtained for this study. Patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and OB score were noted. Visual scoring for hirsutism using the mFG scoring system was performed. Blood extraction was done for testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin tests. FAI was then computed and correlated with the mFG scores.

A total of 52 patients were identified. A positive correlation is noted between the mFG with testosterone and FAI. A positive correlation was also noted between the BMI with testosterone and FAI. An mFG value of >4 is an acceptable cutoff for Filipinos.

The study showed as the mFG score increases, FAI and tT levels also increase. It was also noted that as BMI increases, the FAI and tT levels are also expected to increase. It can also be concluded that a lower mFG cutoff value, >4, is applicable for Filipinos.

Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with a normal 46, XX karyotype. It affects approximately 1 in 4500–5000 female live births and ranks as the second-most common cause of primary amenorrhea. This case report describes a 28-year-old nulligravid woman who presented with primary amenorrhea, difficulties during sexual intercourse manifesting as pain and resistance, and an incidental finding of a right ovarian new growth. Physical examination revealed normal secondary sexual characteristics and a blind-ending vagina measuring 5 cm in depth. Transvaginal ultrasound confirmed the presence of a transverse vaginal septum with hematocolpos, an infantile uterus with endometrium and cervix, a right ovarian new growth, and a normal left ovary. Both kidneys appeared normal, and hormonal assays were within normal limits. Karyotype analysis confirmed a genotype of 46, XX, indicating a normal chromosomal complement for a female without any detectable structural or numerical chromosomal abnormalities, consistent with typical female development. She subsequently underwent ultrasound-guided excision of the transverse vaginal septum combined with laparoscopic oophorocystectomy. Intraoperatively, findings included a normal left ovary, a right ovarian new growth, absence of fallopian tubes, and an infantile uterus. Histological analysis confirmed a serous cystadenoma in the right ovary. Karyotype analysis confirmed a genotype of 46, XX. The index case was diagnosed with MRKH type II (atypical), characterized by the absence of fallopian tubes and a right ovarian new growth without associated renal, skeletal, or cardiac anomalies.

Endometriosis is defined as the presence and growth of the glands and stroma of the lining of the uterus in an aberrant or heterotopic location. The cause of endometriosis is uncertain and involves many mechanisms including retrograde menstruation, vascular dissemination, metaplasia, immunologic, and hormonal influences to name a few. Primary umbilical endometriosis is a rare disorder defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue within the umbilicus. It commonly presents with catamenial pain and bleeding from an umbilical nodule. It is a rare condition and treatment has not been standardized yet due to the limited number of cases. Surgical management is the treatment of choice to avoid local recurrence while hormone therapy may be used preoperatively for symptomatic relief. This paper reports a series of recently observed cases of primary umbilical endometriosis with main aim of discussing the different approaches in the management of this rare condition.

RATIONALE

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in fair-skinned populations. Overall, strategies focus on modifiable risk factors such as reducing ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure through physical, topical or systemic protection. Currently, data on knowledge, attitude and practices of Filipino patients on UV index in relation to sun protection is unavailable.

The objective of this study is to improve sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

The study will be conducted among patients at the outpatient department of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Department of Dermatology, after UV index education. Patients who will be included are aged 18 to 65 years old, belonging to both sexes and able to understand English or Filipino. The exclusion criteria includes children, elderly greater than the age of 65, prisoners, mentally handicapped or those with incurable diseases.

3 weeks 

The outcome is the improvement in sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

INTRODUCTION

Administration of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation is recommended to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to decrease the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, intra-ventricular hemorrhage and neonatal death. However, it may worsen glycemic profile primarily in those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

To determine the effects of ACS on maternal glycemia in Filipino women with GDM and to analyze the factors associated with insulin use or increased insulin requirement.

A retrospective study of the medical records of Filipino women with GDM who were admitted and received ACS treatment (betamethasone) between 24- and 36-weeks age of gestation (AOG) for fetal lung maturity from 2017-2019. Clinical characteristics (age, parity, completed ACS dose, AOG at ACS administration and mode of delivery) and glycemic control were retrieved and compared before and after ACS treatment. Data collection began the day or on the day before steroids were given and continued until discharge or delivery.

Included were 42 pregnant women with GDM. Of these, 28 women with GDM were treated by diet alone (Group A) while 14 women with GDM were started on insulin in addition to diet (Group B). After betamethasone therapy was initiated, only three (Group A1; n=3/28) patients had good glycemic control with diet alone and the rest were given insulin treatment (Group A2; n=25/28). In this subpopulation of Group A2, insulin requirement within 24 hours after ACS was at 0.3 units per kg of body weight. There was a steady increase with maximum requirement observed on day 4 and decreased thereafter to 0.33 units per kg of body weight on day 5. For GDM women in Group B, only three maintained their insulin dose (Group B1; n=3/14) while 11 (Group B2; n=11/14) women with GDM previously on insulin, required further increase in insulin from day 1-2 reaching 140% increase in insulin dose on day 2. Thereafter, there was a gradual decrease of insulin dose almost returning to initial dose on day 5.

Insulin initiation was observed among GDM diet-controlled mothers (Group A) who were given ACS therapy at ≥31 weeks age of gestation. Age, parity, family history of diabetes and mode of delivery did not have significant effects on insulin use nor increased insulin requirement. Fasting capillary glucose (FCG) and one-hour post-prandial capillary glucose (PPCG) were elevated within 24 hours after administration of corticosteroid (betamethasone) in 60%-70% of our population. The FCG values remained elevated on day 2-3 in about 70% of patients. While the first hour PPCG was elevated in 85% of patients on day 2 and remained elevated in 70% of women on day 3-4, it reached 53% on day 5. Insulin requirement among Group B2 reached to 140% increase in insulin dose on day 2 followed by a gradual decrease of insulin dose almost returning to initial dose on day 5.

ACS administration caused maternal hyperglycemia in Filipino women with GDM during the first 24 hours and lasting up to five days. Both fasting glucose and post-prandial glucose were elevated, hence intensified monitoring of maternal glucose levels and temporary addition or increase of insulin doses may be necessary. The timing (≥31 weeks AOG) of administration of ACS on GDM women was associated with subsequent insulin initiation but only on patients initially controlled on diet alone.