Oestriol treatment of urinary discomforts in elderly women

134 neonates.

Where maternal age was

anomalies such as

above 40 years, the incidence of a group of

pyloric stenosis, cleft lip, cleft palate, hydrocephaly,

multiple anomalies and hypospadies was about two to three times higher than that in all age groups. Furthermore, the incidence of atria1 septum defect polysyndactyly appeared to

be

(ASD) and

over 20 times higher than that in all age groups

where maternal age was in excess of 45 years.

69

OESTRIOL TREATMENT OF URINARY DISCOMFORTS IN ELDERLY WOMEN

A.

Jamfelt-Samsioe, A.

Brandberg, S-M. Samuelsson, J.

Ursing and G.

Samsioe - Goteborg, Sweden

Endogenous production of oestrogens is very low after since the menopause. The

incidence of

10 years have elapsed

atrophic conditions of the vagina and

distal urinary tract increases at around the

same time, rendering the mucosa

susceptible to infections. The protective flora of the fertile years is lost.

Atrophy commonly leads to

various signs and symptoms such as urge and mixed

incontinence as well as bacteriuria.

Since urinary incontinence is a major cause of

long-term hospitalization,any

attempt to reduce urinary discomfort&is highly justified.

Sixty-six women (age range 78-99 years) in two hospitals were given oestriol 2 mg daily per OS

for one month, followed by

comparison with

the preceding 6

1

mg

daily for

5

months. In

months, incontinence problems were diminished

and the use of antibiotics for the treatment of urinary infections was reduced. There was

also a

rapid regrowth of

markedly

lactobacilli in the vagina. No

alterations were seen in serum electrolytes, creatinine, body weight or

blood

pressure.

The

use

of

oestriol

non-catheterizedpatients and advocated.

reduces urinary discomforts and its widespread use

in

bacteriuria in

elderly women could be