Effects of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc levels on the male reproductive function.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of heavy metals on measures of male fertility. One hundred and two infertile men with occupational exposure and thirty fertile men were included in this study. Blood and urinary levels of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Semen parameters and a motile sperm organelle morphology examination were also performed. Measures of hormonal levels, oxidation-reduction potential, DNA fragmentation index and chromatin condensation were assessed for all participants. Heavy metals levels, oxidative stress and DNA quality were significantly higher in the infertile group compared to controls. FSH and testosterone levels were lower in the infertile group. A urinary cadmium level was positively associated with abnormal sperm morphology (r = .225, p < .05). Normal morphology was inversely correlated with the duration of the exposure (r = -.227, p = .022). The blood lead level was positively related to the level of testosterone (r = .223, p = .031). Cadmium and lead blood levels were positively correlated with the level of chromatin decondensation (r = .528, p < .001; r = .280, p = .017). Our study showed that occupational exposure to heavy metals is very harmful to reproductive health. DNA quality and oxidative stress investigations must be recommended for reprotoxic exposed patients prior to in vitro fertilisation treatment.

Evaluation of ovarian reserve before and after chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Progress in oncology has improved patient survival. However, cancer chemotherapy can be gonadotoxic and affect their fertility. Recourse to fertility preservation before starting these treatments is therefore necessary in order to allow a better life quality after survival. The aim of this work was to study the impact of chemotherapy on ovarian reserve by AMH measurement. METHODS: This is a descriptive and longitudinal study from 2015 to 2018 carried out at Aziza Othmana hospital ART center in Tunis on patient aged less than 41 years who were candidates for fertility preservation. Patients included had AMH measurement prior to cancer treatment. We called them back to follow up the AMH level after chemotherapy. The AMH assay was performed by electrochemilumiescence technique. At the end, only 66 patients met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The most frequent pathologies were Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer. The mean age of patients was 26.7 ± 6.8. The most used chemotherapy protocols were BEACOPP, ABVD or the combination of both in lymphoma and FEC + TXT for breast cancer treatment. A significant difference between AMH before and after chemotherapy was found for BEACOPP and FEC + TXT protocols (p < 10 3). The patient's age was correlated with the AMH decrease after chemotherapy (r = 0.577, p < 10 3). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the high risk gonadotoxicity protocols were BEACOPP for lymphoma treatment and FEC + TXT for breast cancer treatment. However, studies with a larger sample and more time extended monitoring are necessary for a better gonadotoxicity understanding of the cancer treatments available today.

Y chromosome microdeletions screening in Tunisian infertile men.

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities and microdeletions on the Y chromosome in Tunisian infertile men with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia. In cases of azoospermia, we aimed also to correlate histological results after negative testicular sperm extraction with the type of Y chromosome microdeletion. 84 infertile patients and 52 controls were screened for karyotypic abnormalities using G-banding and Yq chromosome microdeletions using multiplex PCR. 7 infertile males (8.3%) carried chromosomal abnormalities and 8 (9.5%) presented Y chromosome microdeletions. The frequency of chromosome abnormalities in azoospermic patients was 11.1% vs 3.3% in the severe oligozoospermic group. Klinefelter syndrome was the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities in 85.7% of cases. Only one patient had a 46,X,del Y/45,X karyotype. The frequency of microdeletions was 11.1% in the azoospermic group and 6.7% in the severe oligozoospermic group. Six out of 84 (7.14%) of the infertile patients had microdeletions in the AZFc region, one azoospermic male had microdeletion in the AZFbc regions and one in the AZFb region, no deletions in the AZFa region. Among the 6 azoospermic patients with microdeletions: 4 had Sertoly cell only syndrome (SCOS) and 2 had maturation arrest (MA). Genetic abnormalities in infertile Tunisian patients are similar to those reported in other countries. The knowledge of the existence of genetic abnormalities and microdeletions is useful to provide a correct diagnosis and it allows the clinician to refer the patient to adequate assisted reproduction technique and examine the value of testicular biopsy pertinence.

Perurethral transvesical route for oocytes retrieval: an old technique for a new indication in oncofertility.

We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of the peruretheral transvesical oocyte retrieval in oncofertility. We conducted a retrospective comparative study in our assisted reproductive technologies center. STUDY GROUP: 28 pubertal young women affected by malignancies, referred for fertility preservation and refusing transvaginal (TV) procedure. CONTROL GROUP: 28 infertile patients, aged less than 25 years, who have undergone in vitro fertilization with TV oocyte retrieval. The ovarian stimulation was significantly longer on the study group. There was no difference between the two groups regarding mean number of collected metaphase II oocytes. One patient of the study group had a transient dysuria. These preliminary data suggest that, in oncofertility, peruretheral transvesical oocyte retrieval is an alternative when the TV route is refused or not feasible.

Laparoscopic double sacrocolpopexy : a failure for the posterior compartment?

AIM: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy using an anterior and a posterior prolen mesh, for the cure of genital prolapse. STUDY METHODS: This is a consecutive five year prospective observational study in which 80 patients presented with at least a Stage 2 apical prolapsed (Baden and Walker), with an anterior or a posterior vaginal wall prolapse, who underwent a double sacrocolpopexy. Two prolen prosthesis (Pro-swing® - Textile Hi-Tec™, Fr) were used for this technique. Pre- and post-operative data referring to prolapse quantitation (Baden and Walker classification), scores of quality of life and sexuality (French equivalent of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ) and Pelvic organ prolapse-urinary Incontinence-Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) were compared. Peri and postoperative complications constituted the secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: At 2 years after surgery, all patients were accessible for evaluation. For these patients, the anatomical success rates (Stage 0 or 1) on the apical, anterior or posterior compartments were respectively 100%, 97.5% and 89.3%. On the functional level, all the scores of quality of life and sexuality were significantly improved except anorectal scores CRADI and CRAIQ. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that PFC is an effective technique for the treatment of the urogenital prolapsed. On the anatomical levelresults are less good for the posterior compartment. On the functional level, our results do not plead in favour of an improvement of anorectal disorders.

Extensive Thrombosis of the Inferior Vena Cava and Left Renal Vein in a Neonate.

Antenatal renal vein thrombosis is a rarely described diagnostic finding, with variable consequences on kidney function. We present the case of an affected fetus, born at 35-week gestation, with intrauterine oligohydramnios and two small kidneys. A renal ultrasound carried out after birth confirmed the presence of prenatal abnormalities. Renal vein thrombosis was not diagnosed at the time. The baby died 20 days later of kidney failure, metabolic acidosis, and polypnea with severe hypotrophy. Autopsy revealed atrophied kidneys and adrenal glands. The vena cava had thrombosis occupying most of its length. The right renal vein was normal, while the left renal vein was threadlike and not permeable. Histologically, there was necrosis of the left adrenal gland with asymmetrical bilateral renal impairment and signs of ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions. A review of thrombophilia was carried out and a heterozygous mutation in Factor V was found in both the mother and the child.

Seminal vesicle agenesis: An uncommon cause of azoospermia.

Seminal vesicle malformations are a rare cause of obstructive azoospermia, often associated with other internal genitalia and upper urinary tract birth defects. We report 5 new cases of seminal vesicle agenesis in men presenting with hypospermia and azoospermia. Imaging showed seminal vesicle unilateral agenesis in all patients. The remaining seminal vesicle was hypoplastic in 3 cases, dilated in 1 case and with abnormally thick content in another case. Vas deferens agenesis was observed unilaterally in 2 patients and bilaterally in 2 other patients. No renal malformations were detected. Genetic study showed in all cases a 46 XY karyotype without any microdeletions. A single heterozygous cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene mutation was diagnosed in 1 man, but not found in his partner. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection using sperm from a testicular biopsy was performed in 3 couples, without success.

[Short vs long agonist protocols in poor responders undergoing IVF]. / Résultats de I'ICSI chex les mauvaises répondeuses : protocole court vs protocole long.

AIM: Compare among poor responders: stimulation results, laboratory parameters and the final IVF results by assessing 2 different stimulation protocols: the long agonist protocol and the short agonist protocol. METHODS: An analytical retrospective study carried out over of period of 2 years: January 2006 and December 2007. During this period, a total of 1192 IVF cycles of ICSI type were performed in 892 patients. INCLUSION CRITERIA: short agonist or antagonist stimulated patients protocols and presenting two of the three following criteria: 1- Patients aged more than 38 years with an FSH plasmatic rate on the 3rd day of the cycle 9.5 UI/ml. 2- Antral follicle count (AFC) 5 for both ovaries. 3- Failure of anterior ovary stimulation: abandonment of cycle or 3 oocytes at data collection in a previous cycle. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: PCOS or single ovary. RESULTS: 65 patients, undergoing 92 attempts of ICSI cycles have been included in this study. Long agonist protocol was performed in 48 cases and Short agonist protocol was performed in 44 cycles. Both groups were comparable as to age (40,09 ± 6, 59 vs 41, 04 ± 1,71 years; NS), BMI (25,2±3,92 vs 25,35±4,09 Kgm-2 ; NS), infertility type (primary 41% vs 59%;NS ; ou secondary 58% vs 40,9% ; NS), FSH (9,98±2,42 vs 10,01±2,75 ; NS) and antral follicle count on day 3 (4,13±1,12 vs 3,8±1,16 FA ; NS). The estradiol rate, dosed on the onset day was significantly higher in the short protocol group (1534,27±1034,34 vs 1133,31±1053,58 pg/ml; p=0.034). However, the consumed quantity of gonadotrophins was lower in the short protocol group (1550±235,45 vs 1725,55±450,35 UI, p=0.01). A total of 13 cycles was stopped: 9 times for the long protocol (18.75 %) and 4 times for the short protocol (9.09 %) with statistically significant difference. The number of collected oocytes was significantly higher in the short protocol (7,64±3,70 vs 4,55±2,01, P<0.001). We significantly obtained more embryos in the short protocol (4,31±2,9 vs 2,16±2,2 embryos ; p<0,001). With higher number of grade 1 embryos (2,61 vs 1,14 embryons; p<0.001).The results in terms of pregnancy and living births show no significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The short protocol is more suited to the profile of ovarian poor responders. The long protocol standard has no place in poor responders. However, the long micro dose protocol and the long degressed micro dose protocol yield results at least equivalent to the short protocol.

3-year results of transvaginal cystocele repair with transobturator four-arm mesh: A prospective study of 105 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of transobturator four-arm mesh for treating cystoceles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 105 patients had a cystocele corrected between January 2004 and December 2008. All patients had a symptomatic cystocele of stage ⩾2 according to the Baden-Walker halfway stratification. We used only the transobturator four-arm mesh kit (Surgimesh®, Aspide Medical, France). All surgical procedures were carried out by the same experienced surgeon. The patients' characteristics and surgical variables were recorded prospectively. The anatomical outcome, as measured by a physical examination and postoperative stratification of prolapse, and functional outcome, as assessed by a questionnaire derived from the French equivalents of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Urinary Incontinence-Sexual Questionnaire, were considered as the primary outcome measures. Peri- and postoperative complications constituted the secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: At 36 months after surgery the anatomical success rate (stage 0 or 1) was 93%. On a functional level, all the scores of quality of life and sexuality were improved. The overall satisfaction score (visual analogue scale) was 71.4%. There were no perioperative adverse events. Mesh erosion was reported in 7.6% and mesh retraction in 5.7% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: If the guidelines and precautions are followed, vaginal prosthetic surgery for genitourinary prolapse has shown long-term benefits. It provides excellent results both anatomically and functionally. However, complications are not negligible and some are specific to prosthetic surgery.

[The laparoscopic Vecchietti technique for vaginal agenesis]. / La technique de vecchietti par laparoscopie pour agénésie vaginale.

AIM: To evaluate feasibility and surgical long term, anatomic and functional results of the laparoscopic Vecchietti procedure to treat women with vaginal agenesis. METHODS: We reported six cases of patients with a Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. The surgical procedure was the same for all patients. The results have been evaluated on the operative time, the intra and postoperative complications, the antalgic drugs consumption, the transit recovery, the hospital stay, the neovagina length, and the post operative sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 77.5 minutes. The mean paracetamol consumption was: 9.8 g. The mean transit recovery, and hospital stay were: 2 days, 9.8 days, respectively. No intra or postoperative complication occurred. The mean neovagina length evaluated at one year follow-up visit was 7.5 cm. Five patients have regular sexual activity. Three of them reported sexual satisfaction and showed having orgasm (clitoral: 3 cases, clitoral and vaginal: 2 cases). The 2 remaining patients reported dyspareunia. The global satisfaction index was of 71.6%. CONCLUSION: This surgical technique appeared to be safe, effective and reproducible. It allowed to obtain a neovagina with enough length and have encouraging results on sexual functioning Laparoscopy reduces the psychological and aesthetic consequences of surgery, especially for these young patients already distressed by their malformation.

[Diagnostic hysteroscopy before the first in vitro fertilization. For whom?]. / Hystéroscopie diagnostique avant la 1ère Fécondation In Vitro. Pour Qui ?

BACKGROUND: For some teams, hysteroscopy, should be performed before each IVF attempt to maximize the chances of implantation because of the high cost, the investment in time and the psychological impact of each IVF cycle, but answer to the question of the systematic practice of hysteroscopy prior to IVF is far from settled. AIM: Assess the benefits of conducting a routine hysteroscopy before the first IVF / ICSI and to identify subgroups in whom this examination provides a real benefit. METHODS: This is a comparative retrospective study about 334 patients, included in an IVF program with micro-injection, in the center of ART of Aziza Othmana hospital of Tunis, for a period of one year. The results of ICSI in patients with a first attempt at IVF / ICSI were compared according to the realization (HSC +) or not (HSC-) of a diagnostic hysteroscopy prior to the first IVF attempt. results : The implantation rate in our series was 21.62%. We got a pregnancy in 128 cases, that is a pregnancy rate per transfer of 38.32%. The rate of live births was 29.34%, including 94.89% deliveries to terms with living fetus. We found no significant difference between groups "HSC +" and "HSC -" in terms of pregnancy rates of biological or clinical pregnancy rate or in terms of live births. But, in patients aged 40 and over, we found improved results of IVF in a meaningful way in the group "+ HSC". CONCLUSION: Our study finds no benefit in terms of outcomes of IVF/ ICSI to the completion of hysteroscopy in a systematic way, despite a high incidence of abnormalities detected by intra-cavity examination. The benefit of routine hysteroscopy is significant only in women 40 and older.

[Cost of medical treatment with methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy. Study comparing medical treatment versus laparoscopy. Experience of Aziza Othmana Hospital]. / Coût du traitement médical par méthotrexate de la grossesse extra utérine. Etude comparative traitement médical versus traitement coeliochirurgical. Expérience de l'Hôpital Aziza Othmana.

BACKGROUND: The ectopic pregnancy can be treated surgically (conservative or radical) or medically. Currently, the choice between medical and surgical treatment is a critical issue. One of the parameters of this choice is the total cost of management. AIM: To compare the cost of the management of ectopic pregnancy by medical treatment (methotrexate, MTX) and coeliochirurgicaux. METHODS: This is a prospective, comparative, nonrandomized,unicentric study, on 39 patients who have ectopic pregnancies treated with MTX versus 16 patients treated by laparoscopic surgery with conservative treatment. This study was collected at the service of Obstetrics and Gynecology Reproductive Medicine Aziza Othmana Hospital (Tunis) for a period of two years. RESULTS: The average cost of hospital stay per patient was 549.38 dt for the MTX group against 268.39 dt for laparoscopic surgery group (p <0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In terms of overall absenteeism, there is no statistically significant difference (16.43 vs 17.5 days). CONCLUSION: The initial treatment with MTX costs more cost than the conservative laparoscopic treatment and this is mainly due to the long period of hospitalization.

Endometrial adenocarcinoma in a 27-year-old woman.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial adenocarcinoma usually occurs after menopause, but in 2%-14% of cases, it occurs in young patients (less than 40 years of age) who are eager to preserve their fertility. Its treatment includes hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy, and, in some cases, radiation therapy. AIM: To describe a case of endometrial adenocarcinoma occurring in a young woman and to undertake a literature review of risk factors and therapeutic options proposed for young women wishing to preserve their fertility. CASE: We report a case of endometrial cancer in a 27-year-old woman treated for resistant menorrhagia and cared for in our department as well as in the Salah Azaiez Institute. CONCLUSION: Endometrial adenocarcinoma rarely occurs in young women. In such cases, other therapeutic options can be proposed: progesterone therapy and LH-RH (Luteinzing-Hormone-Releasing-Hormone) agonists therapy in order to preserve fertility in younger patients.

Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma of the uterus associated with endosalpingiosis.

Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma (CDL) may create a diagnostic challenge. A 47-year-old woman underwent laparotomy for a large pelvic mass associated to vaginal bleeding. During operation, a bulky deep red mass protruding from the uterus and projecting into the pelvic cavity was discovered. Allowing to sarcoma- like appearance, a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed with removal of the pelvic tumor extension. The diagnosis of cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma of the uterus associated with endosalpingiosis was performed. To the best of our knowledge, this association has never been encountered in the English literature.

[Increased risk of early pregnancy loss and lower live birth rate with GNRH antagonist vs. long GNRH agonist protocol in PCOS women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation]. / Augmentation du taux de fausses couches spontanees precoces et diminution du taux de naissances vivantes avec le protocole antagoniste de la GNRH versus agoniste long chez les patientes porteuses d'un syndrome des ovaires polykystiques.

AIM: to compare standard long GnRH agonist protocol (Triptorelin) and GnRH antagonist regimens (Cetrorelix) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for ICSI cycles. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. 106 PCOS patients undergoing COS for ICSI with long GnRH agonist protocol (Triptorelin) were matched with age and BMI to 106 PCOS patients undergoing COS for ICSI with GnRH antagonist (Cetrorelix) during the same period. Ovarian stimulation with recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) was used in the two groups. Oral contraceptive pill pretreatment was used in all patients undergoing ovarian stimulation using GnRH antagonists. ICSI was performed for male infertility in all cases. The main outcome measures evaluated were: cancellation of the cycles, number of aspirated follicles, oocyte maturity, fertilization rate, Embryo quality, pregnancy and implantation rates, clinical abortion rate, multiple pregnancy rate and the live birth rate rate. Kchi2 test and t Student test were used for differences between normo-ovulatory and PCOS patients and the limit of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in term of cancellation rate (2.8% vs 1.8%; NS). Duration of gonadotrophin stimulation (9.7 +/- 0.7 vs. 11.2 +/- 1.9 days; p < 0.001) and gonadotrophin consumption (2209.0 +/- 548.3 vs. 1411.1 +/- 217.9 UI: p < 0.001) were significantly decreased with GnRH antagonist. The mean oestradiol level on the triggering day was significantly higher in the agonist group (3347.85 +/- 99 vs. 2354.45 +/- 839; p < 0.001 ).A fall in LH level of > or = 50% from stimulation day 8 (S8) to S1 was observed in GnRH antagonist group. Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was significantly decreased with GnRH antagonist (1.8% vs 10.7%; p = 0.01). The mean number of retrival oocytes (15.9 +/- 5.9 vs. 17.3 +/- 8.3; ns) and the mean number of mature oocytes (11.43 +/- 4.2 vs. 11.91 6.4; ns) were similar in the two groups, fertilization rate (73.3% vs 75.8%; NS), mean number of grade 1 and 2 embryos (6.3 +/- 2.7 vs. 6.9 +/- 3.9; NS), mean number of transferred embryos (1.9 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.7; NS), implantation rate (13.3% vs. 18.45%; ns) and clinical pregnancy rate per transfer (28.6% vs 31.1% ; NS) did not differ statistically in the two groups. Twin and triplet pregnancies rates were also similar in the two groups (7.1% vs. 9.3%; NS) and (3.5% vs. 3.1%; NS) respectively. Live birth rate (12.2% vs. 20.7%; p < 0.001) was significantly lower in GnRH antagonist group and miscarrage rate was significantly higher in this same group (42.8% vs. 18.7%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: GnRH antagonist protocol is a short and simple protocol with a significant reduction in incidence of OHSS and amount of gonadotrophins. However, GnRH antagonist protocol provides a lower live birth rate and an increased risk of early pregnancy loss compared to the GnRH agonist long protocol. Further studies are necessary for more solid conclusions.

[Use of GnRh antagonist (Cetrorelix) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with polycystic ovary disease]. / Utilisation des antagonistes de la GnRH (Cetrorelix) dans la stimulation plurifolliculaire chez les patientes porteuses d'une dystrophie ovarienne micropolykystique.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the results of the use of GnRH antagonist (GnRH ant) cetrorelix and GnRH analog (GnRH a) in two matched groups of OPK ICSI patients in a retrospective matched pair analysis. METHODS: patients (n = 201 ) were stimulated with recombinant FSH (rFSH). In group A (n = 98), a dose of 3 mg of Cetrorelix was administered when follicles reached a diameter of > 14 mm. Patients in group B (n = 103) were first desensitized with GnRHa triptorelin long protocol. RESULTS: The mean lenth of stimulation, and the dose of FSH required per patient were significantly higher in group B: (11.2 +/- 1.9j vs 9.7 +/- 0.7j p < 0.001) and (2209.0 +/- 548.3 vs 1411.1 +/- 217.9: p < 0.001) respectively. The mean E2 level on day of hCG administration was significantly higher in the patients of group B (3347.85 +/- 99 vs 2354.45 +/- 839: p < 0.001), however, a progressive increase in serum E2 concentration during the cycle were noted in both groups. A median of 15.9 +/- 5.9 and 17.3 +/- 8.3, (p = 0.159) retrieved oocytes per patients was obtained respectively in group A and B. The median of mature oocytes per patient were similar in both groups (11.43 +/- 4.2 in group A vs 11.9 +/- 6.4 in group B: p = 0.526). Pregnancy rate were better in group B (31.1 vs 28.6% p = 0.69). No severe ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS) occurred in group A vs 3 cases in group B. CONCLUSION: GnRHant and GnRHa provide comparable results in OPK patient, while GnRHant allows a higher flexibility in treatment, a lower dose of FSH required and a shorter period of stimulation.