Serum visfatin levels in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and matched controls

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to compare the circulating levels of visfatin between women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and those without PCOS and to assess the correlations between visfatin levels and various parameters. METHODS: This case-control study recruited 74 PCOS patients and 74 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Serum visfatin levels were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Women with PCOS were divided into 2 subgroups based on the presence of clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism. The possible differences in serum visfatin levels between the hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic groups were also assessed. RESULTS: Visfatin levels in PCOS patients were similar to those in the controls. However, hyperandrogenic patients had significantly higher mean serum visfatin levels than those in non-hyperandrogenic patients (3.87 ng/mL; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 3.09–4.85 in hyperandrogenic group vs. 2.69 ng/mL; 95% CIs, 2.06–3.52 in non-hyperandrogenic group; P=0.038). In women with PCOS, visfatin levels positively correlated with BMI (r=0.23; P=0.047) and the log free androgen index (FAI) (r=0.27; P=0.021) and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (r=−0.37; P=0.025). Except for HDL cholesterol levels, these correlations were also observed in controls. CONCLUSION: Visfatin levels in PCOS patients were similar to those in the controls. However, hyperandrogenic patients showed significantly higher serum visfatin levels than those of non-hyperandrogenic patients, and visfatin had a positive linear correlation with FAI in both PCOS patients and controls.

An effective method for improving outcomes in patients with a fertilization defect / 대한생식의학회지

The effect of artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with a calcium ionophore on intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) was examined in patients with histories of repeated failed implantation attempts. Four singleton pregnancies and one twin pregnancy were obtained after embryos transfer (5/14, 35.7%). Therefore, AOA combined with IMSI can be considered an option for cycles with a fertilization defect and recurrent implantation failures.

Vitamin D deficiency in women with polycystic ovary syndrome / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To investigate: the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Korean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the relationship between vitamin D status and clinical or metabolic features in this group. METHODS: We recruited 38 women with PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria. A total of 109 premenopausal control women were matched with patients based on age and body mass index. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations less than 20 ng/mL were classified as frank vitamin D deficiency. Since vitamin D may play a significant role in metabolic disturbances in women with PCOS, correlations between clinical or metabolic parameters and vitamin D status were analyzed separately in patients and controls. RESULTS: Women with PCOS showed no differences in the level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (19.6+/-6.6 ng/mL in patients vs. 20.1+/-7.4 ng/mL in controls, respectively, p=0.696) or prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (57.9% in patients vs. 56.5% in controls, respectively, p=0.880). In addition, we did not find any correlations between serum vitamin D level and clinical or metabolic profiles in either PCOS patients or controls. CONCLUSION: Our study found no differences in the absolute level of serum vitamin D between PCOS patients and matched controls. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was equally common among both patients and controls. Additionally, we did not find any correlations between serum vitamin D level and clinical or metabolic profiles, suggesting that the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of PCOS is not yet clear.

Effects of insulin-sensitizing agents and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of insulin sensitizing agents on hormonal and metabolic parameters as well as menstrual patterns in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-three patients with PCOS were included. Metformin was administered to patients at 1,500 mg or 1,700 mg daily for 3 months. If the patients had no improvement of the menstrual cycle or metformin-related adverse effects developed, the patients changed medication to a daily dose of either 15 mg pioglitazone or up to 45 mg. Then resumption of a regular menstrual cycle or recovery of ovulation was evaluated. Hormonal and metabolic profiles were compared between the response and non-response group to insulin sensitizing agents. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients with PCOS were treated with metformin for 3 months. Forty-eight patients (45.7%) showed improvement of menstrual cycle regularity after 3 months of metformin use, whereas 57 patients (54.3%) had no change. The mean free testosterone measured after 3 months of treatment was significantly lower in metformin responders than in non-responders. The other parameters did not differ between the groups. Of the 23 patients who used pioglitazone for 3 to 6 months, 19 patients (82.6%) showed improvement in their menstrual cycles. CONCLUSION: Metformin treatment seems to be effective for the improvement of menstrual cyclicity irrespective of insulin resistance in women with PCOS. When metformin related adverse effect occurred, pioglitazone would be effective for aiding the resumption of the menstrual cycle.

Carotid intima-media thickness in mainly non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and age-matched controls

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic disturbances are well-recognized clinical features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been widely used as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CIMT in women with PCOS has been investigated in many studies, but there has been only one report in the Korean population. The aim of the present study was to compare the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in young untreated Korean women with PCOS and age-matched controls, specifically by measuring their CIMT. METHODS: CIMT was measured by one radiologist in 56 PCOS patients and 56 controls. To compare the CIMT according to PCOS phenotypes, women with PCOS were divided into two subgroups according to the presence of hyperandrogenism. RESULTS: Although PCOS patients were more obese and had higher blood pressure and insulin resistance index than the age-matched controls, the CIMT was not different between the two groups (0.49 +/- 0.09 mm in PCOS patients vs. 0.50 +/- 0.11 mm in controls, respectively, p = 0.562). When the CIMT in the control group was compared with hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic PCOS groups, also no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Despite the significant differences in some vascular risk factors between women with PCOS and controls, PCOS patients did not have a significantly higher CIMT (even in the hyperandrogenic subgroups). Although our study did not show the increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in PCOS patients, the role of CIMT continues to be investigated considering the importance of screening and monitoring CVD risk factors in women with PCOS.

In vitro maturation: Clinical applications / 대한생식의학회지

Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is an assisted reproductive technology in which oocytes are retrieved from the antral follicles of unstimulated or minimally stimulated ovaries. IVM of human oocytes has emerged as a promising procedure. This new technology has advantages over controlled ovarian stimulation such as reduction of costs, simplicity, and elimination of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. By elimination or reduction of gonadotropin stimulation, IVM offers eligible infertile couples a safe and convenient form of treatment, and IVM outcomes are currently comparable in safety and efficacy to those of conventional in vitro fertilization. IVM has been applied mainly in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome or ultrasound-only polycystic ovaries, but with time, the indications for IVM have expanded to other uncommon situations such as fertility preservation, as well as to normal responders. In this review, the current clinical experiences with IVM will be described.

Clinical Outcome of Elective Single Embryo Transfer Compared to Elective Double Embryo Transfer Performed at the Cleavage Stage / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare the clinical outcome of elective single embryo transfer (eSET) performed at the cleavage stage to that of elective double embryo transfer (eDET). METHODS: Of the women less than 36 years old who visited Daegu Maria from January 2008 to April 2009, the only women (n=330) with more than 8 mm of endometrial thickness and at least one good quality embryo, who were treated with GnRH agonist long protocol, were included in this study. After information about complications that can arise by multiple embryo transfer, either eSET or eDET was conducted by their request (167 and 163, respectively). RESULTS: The implantation rate of eSET group was significantly higher than that of eDET group (53.9% vs. 40.2%, p<0.01). The twin pregnancy rate of eSET group was significantly lower than that of eDET group (1.1% vs. 32.3%, p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences between two groups in the clinical pregnancy (53.3% vs. 60.7%, p=0.172), ongoing pregnancy (47.3% vs. 54.6%, p=0.185) and live birth rates (44.9% vs. 50.9%, p=0.275). The number of the surplus embryos which developed to the blastocyst stage and cryopreserved at that stage was significantly higher in eSET group than that of eDET group (3.2+/-2.6 vs. 2.1+/-2.4, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that eSET should reduce significantly the multiple baby pregnancy without decreasing the whole pregnancy rate in women with less than 36 years old.

Mixed Large Cell Neuroendocrine Tumor and Adenocarcinoma of the Ovary / 대한산부인과학회지

Neuroendocrine tumor is a very heterogenous group arising from the neuroendocrine cells. Especially, large cell neuroendocrine tumor of the ovary is a extremely rare aggressive neoplasm, characteristically arising in association with a surface epithelial tumor. This report describes a mixed type of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the ovary. A 63-year old woman presented with abdominal distension and discomfort underwent staging laparotomy under the impression of ovarian cancer. The operation revealed an small ovarian mass with invasion of multiple region in peritoneal cavity by the tumor. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis confirmed the neuroendocrine nature of the tumor. The adenocarcinoma in this case is mixture of mucinous and endometrioid type. A diagnosis of stage IIIc mixed large cell neuroendocrine tumor and adenocarcinoma of the ovary was rendered. She is subsequently being treated with Paclitaxel and Carboplatin combination chemotherapy.

Perinatal Outcomes of Triplet Pregnancies / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perinatal outcomes and maternal complications associated with triplet pregnancies. METHODS: Medical records of consecutive triplet pregnancies delivered in ( )( )Hospital from 1997 to 2005 were reviewed for maternal and neonatal outcomes. Pregnancies associated with lethal congenital anomalies or the case that being delivered before 20 weeks of gestation were excluded. Neonatal outcomes included respiratory distress syndrome, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage and low Apgar scores, congenital anomaly and so on. Maternal outcomes included preeclampsia, preterm delivery, anemia and blood transfusion and so on. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at delivery was 31.5+/-4.1 weeks, and the mean birth weight for triplets was 1,654.4+/-578.1 g. 31 of total 39 neonates (79.5%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, and 9 neonates (23.1%) received mechanical ventilator care as well. Neonatal death occurred in 6 of 39 neonates (15.4%). Congenital anomaly was seen in 3 of 39 neonates (7.7%). Hyperbilirubinemia developed in 16 of 39 neonates (44.4%). Respiratory distress syndrome developed in 3 of 39 neonates (7.7%). The most common maternal complication was preterm labor (76.9%), followed by anemia (46.1%), preterm premature rupture of membrane (30.8%) and blood transfusion (7.7%). Five patients (5/13, 38.5%) received tocolytic therapy. CONCLUSION: The main cause of neonatal death in triplet pregnancies is the respiratory distress syndrome in extreme preterm delivery. The most common neonatal morbidities are hyperbilirubinemia and apnea of prematurity. There is no difference in neonatal outcomes according to birth order. The most common maternal complications are preterm delivery and anemia. The adverse outcomes of triplet pregnancies are mainly due to preterm delivery.

Perinatal Outcomes of Triplet Pregnancies / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perinatal outcomes and maternal complications associated with triplet pregnancies. METHODS: Medical records of consecutive triplet pregnancies delivered in ( )( )Hospital from 1997 to 2005 were reviewed for maternal and neonatal outcomes. Pregnancies associated with lethal congenital anomalies or the case that being delivered before 20 weeks of gestation were excluded. Neonatal outcomes included respiratory distress syndrome, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage and low Apgar scores, congenital anomaly and so on. Maternal outcomes included preeclampsia, preterm delivery, anemia and blood transfusion and so on. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at delivery was 31.5+/-4.1 weeks, and the mean birth weight for triplets was 1,654.4+/-578.1 g. 31 of total 39 neonates (79.5%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, and 9 neonates (23.1%) received mechanical ventilator care as well. Neonatal death occurred in 6 of 39 neonates (15.4%). Congenital anomaly was seen in 3 of 39 neonates (7.7%). Hyperbilirubinemia developed in 16 of 39 neonates (44.4%). Respiratory distress syndrome developed in 3 of 39 neonates (7.7%). The most common maternal complication was preterm labor (76.9%), followed by anemia (46.1%), preterm premature rupture of membrane (30.8%) and blood transfusion (7.7%). Five patients (5/13, 38.5%) received tocolytic therapy. CONCLUSION: The main cause of neonatal death in triplet pregnancies is the respiratory distress syndrome in extreme preterm delivery. The most common neonatal morbidities are hyperbilirubinemia and apnea of prematurity. There is no difference in neonatal outcomes according to birth order. The most common maternal complications are preterm delivery and anemia. The adverse outcomes of triplet pregnancies are mainly due to preterm delivery.

Faculties in Korean Medical Schools: Their Specialties and Inbreeding / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: This article is prepared in order to know how many professors are in our medical colleges according to their specialties and how is the "inbreeding", or status of employment to the college where he/she graduated. METHODS: Based on [Current Educational Status of Medical Schools] put out by the Korean Council of Deans of Medical College, in May 2002, we had 7, 867 professors in 41 medical schools. RESULTS: Among them, 7, 280 (92.5%) were medical doctors (MD). There had been 1, 063 new professors since May 1998. The biggest one has 808 and the smallest has 46 professors. Although there was a small increase in the number of professors in most specialties, dermatology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, ENT, and psychiatry showed a small decrease. This is because many doctors in these specialties had opened private clinics after the 2002 Dispute on Health Insurance System. The MD faculties at 8 medical schools, which were established before 1965, were comprised of 83.8% of their own graduates, while those at 14 medical schools (established between 1965 - 1982) had 37.3% of their own graduates. CONCLUSION: This "inbreeding" of faculty members was prominent in older schools though this tendency could also be seen in younger schools. Early exposure to and communication with other institutes or facilitates the reduction of the "inbreeding" phenomenon.