Biochemical Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women with Hormone Replacement Therapy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the patterns of biochemical bone markers, such as urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX), and serum osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline pbosphatase (BSAP) in postmenopansal women with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Materials and METHOD: From July 1997 to January 1998, total 239 postmenopausal women were emolled in the present study, and 198 healthy premenopausal women with regular menstruation were served as control. The postmenopausal women were pouped into the HRT group and the non-HRT group. The women in the HRT poup have received estrogen with continuous or cyclic progestin therapy far more tban 6 months. The biochemical bone markers of all women were assayed. Results were analysed with Students t-test. RESULTS: The urinary DPD of the non-HRT group was sigaificantly higher than both the HRT poup and the premenopausal group(5.51 +/- 2.47 vs. 3.36 +/- 1.02 and 4.01 +/- 3.86 nM/mM, p < 0.05, repectively). The urinary NTX of the non-HRT group was also higher in comparison to the HRT group and the premenopausal group(48.71 +/- 11.54 vs. 33.70 +/- 17.43 and 33.70 +/- 17.43 nM BCE/mmol, p < 0.05, repectively). However, there were no significant differences in the concentrations of serum BSAP and OC among the three poups. CONCLUSION: The urinary DPD and NTX were more sensitive indicators of bone metabolism tban serum BSAP and OC in postmenopausal women undergoing HRT.

Clinical Usefulness of Basal FSH as a Prognostic Factor in Patients undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To determine if basal serom follicle stimulating harmone (FSH) level could be a prognostic factor of the clinical outcome in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the couples with male factor infertility. Materials and METHOD: From December 1995 to March 1998, total 118 patients with male factor infertility were included in this study. Patients were allocated to the low basal FSH group (>8.5 mIU/ml) and the high basal FSH group (>8.5 mlU/ml). The basal levels of FSH were measured in the 3rd day of menstrual cycle preceding ovarian stimulation cycle in total IVF cycles by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, Fishers exact test, and x2 test as appropriate. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The total dose of exogeneous gonadotropin required in the patients of the high basal FSH group was significantly higher than that of the patients with the low basal FSH poup (p < 0.05). The numbers of retrieved oocytes, oocytes with grade I, II, fertilized oocytes, cleaved oocytes, embryos with grade I, II, and transferred embryos were significantly higher in the low basal FSH group (p < 0.05), The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle in the low basal FSH gmup (15.7%) seemed to be higher than that in the high basal FSH poup (3.4%) (p 0.08), however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the basal FSH levels could be predictive of pregnancy outcome and the results of ovarian stimulation in IVF-ET using ICSL.

The Effects of Somatostatin Analogue on Ovarian Response to Ovulation Induction in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the somatostatin analogue, octreotide, given concunently with human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) affects ovarian response, ovulation induction outcome, and serum levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in infertile patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) resistant to clomiphene citrate (CC). METHODS: From August 1996 to June 1998, 42 infertile patients with PCOS urresponsive to CC were enrolled in the present study. Women who had other infertility factors were excluded from this study. Patients were randomly allocated either to combined HMG and octreotide treatment (treatment group) (n=21) or HMG alone (control group) (n=21). In the treatment group, 100 micrograms of octreotide were administered daily concomitantly with HMG from the 3rd day of menstrual cycle to the preceding day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection. RESULTS: Patient's characteristics were comparable in both groups. One cycle in the control group was abandoned because of excessive follicular development. However, none of the cycles in the treatment group was abandoned. There were no differences in the number of HMG ampules required and the duration of HMG administration between the two groups. The number of follicles > 14mm diameter on the day of HCG injection was significantly less in the treatment group than that in the control group (p<0.01). The serum estradiol level on the day of HCG injection was also significantly lower in the treatment group, with 1391.0 +/- 695.5 pg/ml compared with 2217.5 +/- 811.6pg/ml in the control group (p<0.001). The incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome seemed to be lower in the treatment group, but the difference did not achieve significance (4.9% vs 23.8%). There were no differences in the clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and multiple pregnancy rate between the two groups. Although serum GH levels were comparable between the two groups, serum IGF-1 level on the day of HCG injection was significantly higher in the treatment gmup than that in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the combined octreotide and HMG treatment could improve hormonal milieu and folliculogenesis compared to HMG alone, and therefore may be effective in ovulation induction for patients with PCOS resistant to CC.

In Vitro Culture of Nontransformed Cell Lines Derived from Rat Endometrial Epithelium and Stroma / 대한불임학회지

Since the blastocyst is broken and spreads out on a flat plastic culture dish (two dimensional culture) during in vitro development, it has been difficult to study the implantation process. It also has been difficult to analyse the interactions between endometrial epithelial and stromal cells because of the lack of a long-term in vitro model which can stimulate in vivo characteristics, as these cells eventually fail to proliferate or cease to express differentiated functions. Recently nontransformed cell lines, CUE-P and CUS-V2, derived from rat endometrial epithelium and stroma were reported. In this study, morphology of CUE-P and CUS-V2 was examined and oxytocin gene expression by CUE-P cells was demonstrated by RT-PCR. The CUE-P cells have a cuboidal morphology and CUS-V2 cells resemble fibroblast and exhibit a spindle-like morphology. In RT-PCR, same size of PCR products of oxytocin gene at hypothalamus, uterus and CUE-P cells were demonstrated. These results showed three dimensional culture system could be made by using the new cell lines.

A Case of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia that Occurred Following In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is caused by a failure of fusion of the muscular diaphragm and results in herniation of abdominal viscera into the thorax, It occurs in appoximately 1 in 2,200 to 5,000 live births, and most cases are probably multifactorial, but they can be also associated with chromosomal abenation. Due to the improvement of sonography, it can be diagnosed more accurately. However, the mortality associated with CDH is extremely high. It is well known that the incidence of congenital anomaly in infants after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is not increased copared with that of general population, and CDH that occurred following IVF-ET has not been reported. A case of CDH that occurred following IVF-ET is presented with brief review of literatures.

Clinical Usefulness of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection of 1-day-old Unfertilized Oocyte during IVF-ET / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for totally unfertilized oocytes by the conventional insemination during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) METHODS: From March 1996 to April 1998, 15 couples who experienced total fertilization failure after conventional IVF without severe male factor infertility in semen analysis were evaluated. Fertilization were assessed by the presence of 2 pronucleus (PN) after 14-16 hours of conventional insemination. All unfertilized oocytes were reinseminated by ICSI and checked for signs of fertilization between 6-10 hours after ICSI. The embryos with fertilization and development were transferred to the uterine cavity and the outcome was analyzed. RESULTS: Total numbers of unfertilized oocytes were 120, and total numbers of oocytes injected on day 1 using ICSI were 102. Total numbers of oocytes with normal fertilization after ICSI were 74 and mean fertilization rate of 71.1 +/- 24.0% was obtained. The numbers of embryos transferred was 3.6 +/- 1.7. The biochemical pregnancy rate was 13.3% (2/15) and the clinical pregnancy rate was 6.7% (1/15) per cycle. CONCLUSION: ICSI to totally unfertilized oocytes by conventional insemination technique during IVF-ET on the next day of oocyte retrieval seems to be a relatively successful mean and afford a chance of pregnancy to the infertile couples whom the ET could not perfomed to because of total fertilization failure."

Comparison with Ejaculated and Testicular Spermatozoa in Combination with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Men with Totally Immotile Spermatozoa / 대한산부인과학회잡지

With the advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the fertiliution and pregnancy have been reported even in complete asthenozoospermia. However, the results of ICSI in men with totally immotile sperm was still disappointing. The reasons for the total lack of sperm movement are not yet determined. The immotility of ejaculated spermatozoa is probably caused by sperm degeneration during epididymal transport, therefore higher viable spermatozoa can be obtained by testicular sperm recovery in some cases with low viability and total lack of movement of ejaculated spermatozoa. Recourse to testicular spermatozoa for ICSI is thus an alternative treatment possibility in this kind of pathology. This clinical study was performed to investigate the efficacy of ICSI employing testicular and ejaculated spermatozoa. From December 1995 to March 1998, 35 couples with totally immotile spermatozoa were included in the study. In 14 patients, the ejaculated spermatozoa were used whereas in 21 patients the spermatozoa were recovered from the testis. There were no significant differences in the fertilization and cleavage rates between the testicular sperm group with 62.6%, 52.7% and the ejaculated sperm group with 56.1%, 74.3%. Two pregnancies were achieved, one in the testicular spnm poup and the other in the ejaculated group. A healthy child was delivered at term in the ejaculated sperm group, but a clinical abortion occurred in a pregnancy in the testicular sperm group. In conclusion, it was suggested that ICSI using ejaculated sperm might be a primary treatment in cases with totally immotile spermatozoa and, if failed, testicular sperm could be used as an alternative mode of heatment.

Clinical Results of Transvaginal Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction According to the Gestational Period / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pregnancy outcomes of transvaginal multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) according to the gestational period when the procedure was performed METHODS: From January l995 to February 1998, total 27 patients with multiple pregnancy were included in this study. The patients were grouped to early MFPR group (8 weeks, n=ll) according to the gestational age that MFPRs were performed. All MFPRs were performed by transvaginal sonography-guided fetal aspiration or mechanical trauma. The complete pregnancy loss rate before 24 weeks of gestation, spontaneous loss of embryo, procedure-related complication, gestational age at delivery, and pregnancy complication were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis of data was performed using Students t-test and Fishers exact test as appropriate. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the complete pregnancy loss rate between the early MFPR group (6.3%) and the delayed MFPR group (27.3%). The incidence of partial spontaneous loss of embryo in the two groups were not differed significantly (6.3% vs. 18.2%). The procedure-related complication of the delayed MFPR group (36.4%) seemed to be higher than that of the early MFPR group (6.3%), however there was no statistical difference (p=0, 07). Especially, all 3 patients in whom the MFPR was performed after 10 weeks suffered from the procedure-related complication. The mean gestational age at delivery of the two groups were not differed significantly (36.3+2.8 weeks vs. 37.0+1.3 weeks). There was also no significant difference in the mean birth weights of the two groups (2378.8+563.7 gm vs. 2427.1+436.2 gm). CONCLUSION: Although there was no statistically significant difference, the early transvaginal MFPR might be a safe and useful method without significant adverse complications compared to the delayed MFPR.

A Stimulated Acrosome Reaction Test as a Prognostic Factor in In Vitro Fertilization / 대한불임학회지

It is well known that the clinical test for responsibility of accurate fertilization capacity in male partners is very important to diagnose and treat the infertility. However, it has been reported that the traditional semen analysis cannot accurately predict fertilization and pregnancy potential. The present study was performed to evaluate the acrosomal reaction to ionophore challenge (ARIC) test as a prognostic indicator for fertilization of sperm and oocyte in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program. From March 1996 to Februry 1997, 30 couples undergoing IVF program were allocated to this study group. All female partners in the study group were 35 years old or less and their serum level of basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) were normal. All the male partners have normal parameters of semen analysis. The ARIC tests were performed on the day of ovum pick up and in vitro insemination in all the male partners. The controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) using luteal long protocol of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist was used in all couples for IVF-ET. The acrosomal reaction with 10microliter of 10% DMSO was induced spontaneously in 10.1+/-9.8%, and acrosomal reaction with calcium ionophore A 23187 was induced in 27.4+/-18.1%, and the ARIC value was 17.4+/-16.2%. There were no significant correlation between the ARIC value and the fertilization rate (r2=0.044, p=0.268). There were also no significant correlation between the ARIC value and the percentage of the grade I, II embryos (r2=0.046, p=0.261). On the basis of above results, it was suggested that ARIC test might not be a useful prognostic indicator for fertilization in IVF-ET in male partners with normal parameters of conventional semen analysis. We guessed that IVF-ET could be performed to the patients primarily without universal appilcation of ARIC test to all male partenrs, and if fertilization failure occurs, the microassisted fertilization (MAF) such as intracytoplsmic sperm injection (ICSI) might be used as an alternative mode of treatment with acceptable success rate.

Change of Biochemical Bone Markers in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women according to their Menopausal Period / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Changes of bone turnover with aging are responsible for bone loss and play a major role in osteoporosis. Among the early postmenopausal women, as are known by previous study, there are about 35% ""fast bone losers and bone turnover is more uncoupled in osteoporotic group than in normal control. So, early detection of such fast losers"" and women who have high turnover rate is important to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and spontaneous fracture. Dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DEXA), however, cannot reflect current bone loss because changes in bone mineral density (BMD) are only seen after 1 or more years of bone densities declining. In this study, we have measured a battery of new sensitive and specific markers of bone turnover which reflect current bone loss. To investigate the changing pattern of those markers, 674 healthy women including 451 postmenopausal women were classified, according to their menopausal period (less than 5 years, 5-10 years, more than 10 years). Bone formation was assessed by serum osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) and bone resorption by the urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline (DPD), cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX). All Biochemical markers, except OC, significantly increased after menopause (p < 0.05). NTX and BSAP remained elevated after 10 years of menopause. These data indicated that the overall rates of both bone formation and bone tesorption increased after menopause and remained high in elderly women.

Immunohistochemical Study for Expression of p53, bcl-2 and Bax in Uterine Sarcoma / 대한부인종양콜포스코피학회잡지

Uterine sarcomas are rare tumors with unpredictable prognosis, comprising about 3% of uterine cancers. Little is known of epidemiologic risk factors and similarly, little work has been performed assessing molecular alterations in sarcomas. Proteins encoded by p53, bcl-2 and bax genes are important regulators of programed cell death, hence apoptosis. Alterations in the expression of these apoptosis-related genes can contribute to the development of most of human cancers, as well as possibly influence the prognosis of the cancer patients. Using antibodies specific for the p53, bcl-2 and bax proteins in combination with immunohistochemical methods, we examined for the first time the expression of these genes in 19 cases of uterine sarcoma, managed at Asan Medical Center between June, 1989 and December, 1996, including 13 leiomyosarcomas, 4 endodermal stromal sarcomas and 2 malignant mixed mullerian tumors. Twelve patients had stage I disease and 7 stage III, and 9 patients had tumors with mitoses less than 10 per 10 HPF, and the others had those with mitoses equal to or more than 10 per 10 HPF. The results were evaluated by semiquantitative analysis as non-(0%), low(1~25%), moderate(26~75%) and high expressors(>76%), and the latter two were defined as tumors with overexpression. The immunoreactivity of bcl-2 and bax appeared in the cytoplasm, while that of p53 was localized solely in the nuclei. p53 immunostaining revealed 4 non-expressors, 7 low, 3 moderate and 5 high expressors, showing 42.1% rate of overexpression. Immunostaining of bcl-2 showed 13 non-expressors, 2 low, 1 moderate and 3 high expressors, resulting 21.1% rate of overexpression and that of bax showed 1 non-expressors, 4 low, 6 moderate and 8 high expressors, resulting 73.7% rate of overexpression. We could not find any significant correlation among the degrees of the expressions of these three proteins. The overexpression of these three proteins did not show any significant association with stage of disease or mitotic count of tumor. In conclusion, although apoptosis-related factors such as p53, bcl-2 and bax are strongly suggested to play a certain role in tumorigenesis of uterine sarcoma, the correlation among them and prognostic implications need further investigation.

Antenatal Sonographic Diagnosis of the Amniotic Band Syndrome / 대한주산의학회잡지

The amniotic band syndrome is a collection of fetal malformations caused by fibrous bands that appear to entangle or entrap various parts of fetus in utero, leading to deformation, malformation, or disruption involving the limbs, craniofacial region and trunk. The incidence of this syndrome is relatively rare. This syndrome often shows irreversible serious outcome. So, early diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome is important. Ultrasonography enables us to detect the amniotic band syndrome prenatally. In the second and third trimester of the pregnancy, it is relatively easy to detect major anomalies of amniotic band syndrome by its characteristic features, including amputation and/or constriction of the extremities, facial clefts, asymmetric encephaloceles and gastroschisis. Five cases of amniotic band syndrome which have been diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography are discussed. The diagnosis was based on sonographic visualization of amniotic band and associated fetal deformation, malformations or disruption known to characterize the amniotic band syndrome.

Tumor implantation along abdominal trocar site after pelviscopic removal of malignant ovarian tumor: a case report

The application of pelviscopic surgery for the management of ovarian tumors has increased dramatically in the last few years. Of particular concern is the pelviscopic excision of malignant ovarian tumors. One of the important potential problems with this approach is disseminating malignant cells to peritoneal surface. The aim of this report is to draw attention to the possibility of the occurrence of a tumor implantation at the pelviscopic port site in patients with malignant ovarian tumors. A case is presented here in which a localized tumor implant occurred in the abdominal trocar site after pelviscopic removal of ovarian mass subsequently found to be squamous cell carcinoma arising in mature cystic teratoma with brief review of literatures.