Role of fetal sex in the outcome of antenatal glucocorticoid treatment to prevent respiratory distress syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal glucocorticoid (AGC) therapy has been associated with a decrease in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). While preterm males remain at greater risk of RDS than females, the role of fetal sex in AGC response is not well known. OBJECTIVES: To review the available evidence regarding the effect of fetal sex in the prevention of RDS using AGC. METHOD: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to compare the effect of AGC in male and female infants with regard to the rates of RDS, intra-ventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grades III and IV, and neonatal mortality. Random effects with 95% confidence intervals were assessed in both groups and relative risks were compared using mixed regression. RESULTS: From 248 potentially eligible articles, we included eight in the analysis for a total of 1109 male and 968 female infants. Both male and female infants had a significant decrease in the risks, but no difference between the sexes was observed in terms of reduction in RDS (RR 0.50; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.77 for males, and RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.75 for females, P = 0.99), reduction in IVH (P = 0.98), and reduction in neonatal mortality (P = 0.43). In a sub-analysis, use of betamethasone was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of RDS in males (RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.57) but dexamethasone was not (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.57 to 1.07). Conversely, dexamethasone use was significantly helpful in females (RR 0.51; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.81) but betamethasone was not (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.38 to 1.00). CONCLUSION: The effect of AGC for prevention of RDS is similar in females and males. However, futures studies should investigate the type of AGC according to fetal/neonatal sex.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following the sole administration of injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (triptorelin) for the pituitary down-regulation and in vitro fertilization treatment: report of two cases.

This report is to illustrate two cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following the sole administration of injectable mid-luteal gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (triptorelin) for pituitary down-regulation. Both women underwent egg retrieval, and despite the transfer of good quality embryos, no pregnancy was achieved. The possible mechanism and management of the condition were discussed.

Dietary intervention versus metformin to improve the reproductive outcome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical results and reproductive outcome in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) following dietary intervention or treatment with metformin. METHODS: Forty-six patients with PCOS were studied prospectively in Prince Rashed Hospital, Irbid, Jordan, between January 2003 and April 2005. The women were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n=24) was prescribed with 1200-1400 kcal/day diet (25% proteins, 25% fat, and 50% carbohydrates plus 25-30 gm of fiber per week). Group 2 (n=22) was assigned to take 850 mg of metformin twice in a continuous manner. Both treatments continued for 6 months. Clinical and biochemical data, before and after both treatments along with the reproductive outcome were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of age, body mass index (BMI) and duration of infertility. Both groups had a significant improvement after treatment in the menstrual cyclicity (66.7% and 68.2% versus 12.5% and 18.2%) and significant reduction in BMI (mean of 27.4 and 27.8 versus 32.2 and 31.9), luteinizing hormone levels (7.9+/-1.7 and 6.9+/-1.8 versus 11.8+/-2.2 and 11.5+/-1.8), and androgen (testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) concentration. The clinical, biochemical, and reproductive outcome including menstrual cycle pattern, ovulation, and pregnancy rates were similar in both groups after treatment. CONCLUSION: Amelioration of hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenemia with dietary intervention or metformin treatment improves significantly the clinical features and reproductive function in overweight PCOS women.

Regional clinical practice patterns in reproductive endocrinology: a collaborative transnational pilot survey of in vitro fertilization programs in the Middle East.

BACKGROUND: This research describes current clinical and demographic features sampled from reproductive endocrinology programs currently offering in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the Middle East. METHODS: Clinic leadership provided data via questionnaire on patient demographics, demand for IVF services, annual cycle volume, indications for IVF, number of embryos transferred, twinning frequency, local regulations governing range of available adjunct therapies, time interval between initial enrollment and beginning IVF as well as information about other aspects of IVF at each center. RESULTS: Data were received from representative IVF clinics (n = 13) in Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Mean (+/- SD) age of respondents was 47.8 +/- 8 yrs, with average tenure at their facility of 11.2 +/- 6 yrs. Estimated total number of IVF programs in each nation responding ranged from 1 to 91. All respondents reported individual participation in accredited CME activity within 24 months. 76.9% performed embryo transfers personally; blastocyst transfer was available at 84.6% of centers. PGD was offered at all sites. In this population, male factor infertility accounted for most IVF consultations and the majority (59.1%) of female IVF patients were < 35 yrs of age. Prevalence of smoking among female IVF patients was 7.2%. Average number of embryos transferred was 2.4 (+/- 0.4) for patients at age < 35 yrs, and 2.9 (+/- 0.8) at age > 41 yrs. For these age categories, twinning (any type) was observed in 22.6 (+/- 10.8)% and 13.7 (+/- 10.4)%, respectively. In 2005, the average number of IVF cycles completed at study sites was 1194 (range 363-3500) and 1266 (range 263-4000) in 2006. Frozen embryo transfers accounted for 17.2% of cycles at these centers in 2005. Average interval between initial enrollment and IVF cycle start was 8 weeks (range 0.3-3.5 months). CONCLUSION: This sampling of diverse IVF clinics in the Middle East, believed to be the first of its kind, identified several common factors. Government registry or oversight of clinical IVF practice was limited or nonexistent in most countries, yet number of embryos transferred was nevertheless fairly uniform. Sophisticated reproductive health services in this region are associated with minimal delay (often < 8 weeks) from initial presentation to IVF cycle start. Most Middle East nations do not maintain a comprehensive IVF database, and there is no independent agency to collect transnational data on IVF clinics. Our pilot study demonstrates that IVF programs in the Middle East could contribute voluntarily to collaborative network efforts to share clinical data, improve quality of care, and increase patient access to reproductive services in the region.

Sonographic spectrum of scrotal abnormalities in infertile men.

PURPOSE: To use sonography to detect scrotal abnormalities in infertile men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred thirty-four infertile men, including 176 oligospermic (sperm count < 10 x 10(6)/ml), 58 azoospermic, and 150 normospermic men (control group) were evaluated prospectively for the presence of intra- and extratesticular abnormalities using high-frequency transducers and color Doppler imaging. Medical and surgical history, testicular volume, semen parameters, and hormonal levels were recorded. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in the prevalence of abnormal scrotal findings detected with sonography was observed in the study group compared with controls. These included varicocele in 35.5% versus 16% (p < 0.01), hydrocele in 16.7% versus 8.7% (p < 0.05), testicular microlithiasis in 9.8% versus 2% (p < 0.01), epididymal enlargement in 9% versus 2.6% (p < 0.05), and epididymal cyst in 7.7% versus 2% (p < 0.05). Testicular tumor was not seen in either group. A statistically significant decrease in testicular volume, sperm concentration, normal morphology, and forward motility of the sperm was noted in the study group compared with controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The various intra- and extratesticular abnormalities were demonstrated in infertile men. Sonography should be used routinely in the work-up of male infertility.

Acquired and inherited thrombophilia: implication in recurrent IVF and embryo transfer failure.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of undiagnosed thrombophilic factors and its relation to IVF and embryo transfer failure in women who have had three or more previous IVF-embryo transfer cycles. METHODS: The study group comprised of 90 consecutive women with three or more previously failed IVF-embryo transfer cycles (group A). Two control groups were enrolled: group B (n=90) included women who have had successful pregnancy after their first IVF-embryo transfer cycle, and group C (n=100) included women who conceived spontaneously with at least one uneventful pregnancy and no previous history of miscarriage. All women were tested for the presence of inherited [factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation, prothrombin mutation, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation and deficiencies in proteins S and C and antithrombin III] or acquired (lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin) thrombophilic factors. RESULTS: An increase in the incidences of FVL, MTHFR and antiphospholipid antibodies was found in the study group compared with the two control groups. At least one inherited or acquired thrombophilic factor was detected in 68.9% of women with repeated IVF failure compared with 25.6 and 25% in the groups B and C, respectively (P<0.01). Combined thrombophilia (two or more thrombophilic factors) was significantly higher in women who have had repeated IVF failure as compared with the two control groups (35.6 versus 4.4 and 3%) (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Thrombophilia has a significant role in IVF-embryo transfer implantation failure. Women with repeated IVF-embryo transfer failure should be screened for thrombophilia.

Multiple cesarean section. The impact on maternal and fetal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the complications, and to determine maternal and fetal risks in women who undergo 3 or more cesarean sections (CS), compared to those with one or 2 cesarean deliveries. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 2276 CS performed between 1 January 2003 and 31 April 2005. We divided patients into 3 groups: Group 1 = with 1 previous CS (n=1183); Group 2 = 2 previous CS (n=781); and Group 3 = >3 previous CS (n=312). RESULTS: Compared to women with one or 2 cesarean deliveries, women who had >3 CS show significant increase in terms of prolonged operative time, uterine scar dehiscence, uterine rupture, placenta previa, placental adherence, and mild adhesion formation. We found no significant differences between the 3 study groups in terms of injury to surrounding structures, need for blood transfusion, anesthesia complications, hematoma formation, thromboembolism, and incisional hernia. Apgar score >7 at one and 5 minutes, neonatal intensive care unit, multiple pregnancy rate, premature delivery rate and perinatal death rate, all were similar in the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Women with multiple CS (>3) are significantly prone to have uterine scar rupture and abnormal placentation in the subsequent pregnancies compared to those with one or 2 previous cesarean deliveries. Despite that, maternal and neonatal outcome did differ from patients with lower-order cesarean sections.

Gastric volvulus caused by paraesophageal hernia complicating mid-trimester pregnancy.

A 36-year-old woman, who was 19 weeks pregnant presented with epigastric pain and a one-week history of repeated vomiting. Endoscopy revealed twisted stomach. CT scan of the chest showed figure of eight stomach consistent with gastric volvulus. Confirmation of diagnosis was made by laparatomy in which reduction of the oedematous stomach and excision of ischemic omental patch and repair of a huge paraesophageal hernia were performed. Two days after operation, abortion took place. Few days later, rapid deterioration in renal and hepatic function occurred followed by maternal death.

Lactic dehydrogenase as a biochemical marker of adverse pregnancy outcome in severe pre-eclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia is a specific disease of pregnancy with multisystem complications. We conducted this study to examine the relationship between lactic dehydrogenase concentration and the severity of the disease and the occurrence of its complications. MATERIAL/METHODS: One hundred eleven pre-eclamptic women (49 with mild and 62 with severe pre-eclampsia) and 60 healthy normotensive controls were studied prospectively at the King Hussein Medical Center between January and December 2002. Demographic, hemodynamic, and laboratory data were compared among the three groups. The symptoms and complications of severe pre-eclampsia along with fetal outcome were analyzed according to the levels of LDH (<600, 600-800, and >800 IU/l). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the chi-square test were used to compare the results. Differences were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: The incidence of severe pre-eclampsia was 1.3%. Severely pre-eclamptic patients were significantly younger, with low gravidity and parity. On the other hand, they had significantly increased systolic and diastolic pressure and liver enzymes, uric acid, urine albumin, and LDH levels. The symptoms and complications of pre-eclampsia along with perinatal mortality were increased significantly in patients with LDH >800 IU/l compared with those who had lower levels. CONCLUSIONS: Lactic dehydrogenase is a useful biochemical marker that reflects the severity of and the occurrence of complications of pre-eclampsia. Identification of high-risk patients with elevated levels of lactic dehydrogenase, their close monitoring, and prompt, correct management may prevent these complications, with a subsequent decrease in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: how many punctures per ovary are needed to improve the reproductive outcome?

AIM: To evaluate the biochemical, clinical and reproductive results after laparoscopic ovarian drilling that carried out a different number of punctures in the ovaries. METHODS: Sixty-three clomiphene-citrate-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) underwent laparoscopic ovarian drilling using insulated needle cautery. Patients were allocated to two groups: group I (n = 26) had five punctures per ovary, and group II (n = 37) had 10 punctures per ovary. Biochemical and clinical data, before and after the procedure along with the reproductive outcome, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in terms of body mass index, and insulin and glucose levels before and after the procedure between the two groups. Androgen levels and luteinizing hormone concentrations showed a statistically significant decrease after the treatment. The clinical and reproductive outcome, including menses cyclicity, ovulation, and pregnancy rates were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is an effective treatment in clomiphene-citrate-resistant women with PCOS. Five, instead of > or = 10, punctures per ovary are sufficient to ameliorate the hyperandrogenic status in these women, improving their clinical and reproductive outcome.

The effect of metformin plus clomiphene citrate on ovulation and pregnancy rates in clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of metformin in combination with clomiphene citrate, as compared with placebo plus clomiphene citrate, on the ovulation and pregnancy rates in clomiphene citrate-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: This study was carried out at King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan, during the period January 2001 through to July 2001. Twenty-eight clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome women were evaluated prospectively for 6 treatment cycles by receiving metformin, 850mg twice daily throughout the cycle along with 50 mg clomiphene citrate, starting on day 5-9 of the same cycle (N=16), or by taking placebo with clomiphene citrate (N=12). During cycles 2-6, clomiphene citrate was added with increments of 50mg (up to 200 mg/day) for both groups. Progesterone level on day 21 and 28 >5ng/dl was indicative of ovulation. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in the rates of ovulation (68.6% versus 25%, p<0.05) and pregnancy (56.3% versus 16.6%, p<0.05) were observed in the metformin-clomiphene citrate group as compared with the placebo-clomiphene citrate controls. Insignificant increase in the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation was noted in the placebo-clomiphene citrate group. CONCLUSION: Metformin-clomiphene citrate regimen in resistant-clomiphene citrate polycystic ovary syndrome women significantly increases the ovulation and pregnancy rates, and decreases the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Benign mucinous cystadenoma with stromal luteinization during pregnancy: a hormonally responsive tumor and a rare cause of fetal intrauterine growth restriction.

A 32-year-old woman, gravida 4, para 3, had a benign right ovarian mucinous cystadenoma. It was diagnosed 1 month before conception, measured 9 x 7cm, and reached 33 x 24 x 20cm at 38 weeks gestation. Cesarean delivery of a 2250 g normal female infant took place, and the removal of a 6300 g right ovarian cystic mass was also performed. Microscopic and immunohistochemical studies of the cyst wall revealed stromal luteinization and a strong reaction with antiserum to testosterone, estrogen and progesterone.