Cabergoline versus calcium infusion in the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a randomised controlled study.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of calcium infusion versus cabergoline in the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in IVF patients at high risk for OHSS. One hundred and seventy patients who were stimulated using the long luteal GnRH agonist protocol and at high risk for developing OHSS were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to cabergoline group and calcium gluconate group. In cabergoline group, 0.5 mg of cabergoline was administered once daily p.o. for eight days starting on the day of HCG administration. In calcium gluconate group, intravenous calcium gluconate (10%, 10 ml in 200 ml of physiologic saline) was administered daily for four days starting on the day of ovum pickup. Six patients in cabergoline group and eight patients in calcium gluconate group developed moderate OHSS. One patient in each group developed severe OHSS. The incidence of moderate/severe OHSS was comparable between both groups (8.24% vs. 10.59%, p value = .599, OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.269-2.138]). The implantation, clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates were similar in the two groups (16.91% vs. 15.84%, p = .771, 35.29% vs. 32.94%, p = .746, and 30.59% vs. 28.24%, p = .736, respectively). In conclusion, calcium infusion and cabergoline have comparable effectiveness in the prevention of OHSS. Both drugs are well tolerated, cheap and have no adverse effects on the reproductive outcomes of IVF cycle.Clinical trial registration: The trial was registered on clinical trials.gov database [NCT02875587].Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? The effectiveness of cabergoline in the prevention of OHSS in IVF patients at high risk for OHSS is confirmed by overwhelming scientific evidence. Calcium infusion is a novel strategy for prevention of OHSS. Few studies reported the use of calcium infusion in the prevention of OHSS. A retrospective study and a randomised controlled study revealed that calcium infusion reduces the incidence of OHSS. Moreover, a quasi-randomised study revealed that calcium infusion is as effective as cabergoline in the prevention of OHSS.What the results of this study add? Calcium infusion and cabergoline have comparable effectiveness in the prevention of OHSS. Both drugs are well tolerated, cheap and have no adverse effects on the reproductive outcomes of IVF cycle.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Calcium infusion should be used to minimise the incidence of OHSS in IVF patients at high risk for OHSS.

Extended doxycycline treatment versus salpingectomy in the management of patients with hydrosalpinx undergoing IVF-ET.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether the treatment with doxycycline before and after oocyte retrieval is as effective as salpingectomy in minimizing the detrimental effect of hydrosalpinx on the outcomes of IVF-ET. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done for the outcomes of the IVF-ET cycles of patients with hydrosalpinx who underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy prior to IVF cycle (n = 260) or were treated with extended doxycycline treatment during the IVF cycle (n = 45). In doxycycline group, doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) was started 1 week before anticipated oocyte retrieval and was continued for 1 week after oocyte retrieval. In salpingectomy group, the mesosalpinx was coagulated as close as possible to the fallopian tube. RESULTS: The implantation, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly higher in the salpingectomy group (20.87% Vs. 9.91%, P value =0.007, 44.62% Vs. 20%, P value = 0.002, 39.62% Vs. 17.78%, P value = 0.005 and 37.31% Vs. 15.56%, P value = 0.005 respectively). CONCLUSION: Salpingectomy is more effective than extended doxycycline treatment in improving the outcomes of IVF-ET in patients with hydrosalpinx undergoing IVF-ET. Further, larger well designed randomized controlled trials should be conducted to confirm the findings of this study.

Barbed sutures versus conventional sutures for uterine closure at cesarean section; a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this randomized control trial was to compare the operative data and the early postoperative outcomes of cesarean sections in which the uterine incision was closed with a barbed suture (STRATAFIX™ Spiral PDO Knotless Tissue Control Device, SXPD2B405, Ethicon Inc.) with those of cesarean sections in which the uterine incision was closed with a conventional smooth suture (VICRYL™; Ethicon Inc.). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred pregnant patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the Stratafix group or the Vicryl group. The uterine incision was closed by two layers of sutures in both groups. In the Vicryl group, the first layer was continuous and the second layer was interrupted. In the Stratafix group, both layers were continuous. RESULTS: The uterine closure time was significantly lower in the Stratafix group (224 ± 46 versus 343 ± 75 s, p < .001). Operative time was comparable between both groups. Twelve patients in the Vicryl group and two patients in the Stratafix group required additional sutures to achieve hemostasis (p value = .009). The mean blood loss during closure of uterine incision and mean hospital stay were lower in the Stratafix group but these differences failed to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The use of barbed suture for uterine incision closure at cesarean section is associated with shorter uterine closure time and similar early perioperative complications compared with conventional smooth suture. The difference between both groups in the technique of suturing the second layer of the uterine incision may be the cause of the reduction in the uterine closure time and the need for additional sutures to achieve hemostasis during suturing the uterine incision with a barbed suture. Further, well designed randomized controlled trials should be conducted to investigate the association between the type of suture (barbed or conventional smooth) and remote complications of cesarean section (infertility, pelvic pain, abnormal placentation and rupture uterus).

Misoprostol Prior to Diagnostic Office Hysteroscopy in the Subgroup of Patients with No Risk Factors for Cervical Stenosis: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of vaginal misoprostol in minimizing the pain perceived by patients with no risk factors for cervical stenosis (i.e., parous women of reproductive age who have no history of cesarean section or cervical surgery) during diagnostic office hysteroscopy. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with no risk factors for cervical stenosis were randomized to the misoprostol group (n = 50) or the placebo group (n = 50). In the misoprostol group, 2 misoprostol tablets (400 µg) were administered vaginally 12 h before office hysteroscopy. In the placebo group, 2 placebo tablets were administered. The patients rated the intensity of pain perceived during the procedure and at 30 min after the procedure with the use of a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). The hysteroscopists also scored the difficulty of hysteroscope insertion into the uterine cavity with the use of a 100 mm VAS. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between both groups in the VAS pain scores during or at 30 min after the procedure (28.3 ± 13.58 vs. 30.42 ± 15.13 and 11.1 ± 10.23 vs. 13.32 ± 11.12, respectively). The difficulty of hysteroscope insertion into the uterine cavity was comparable between both groups. CONCLUSION: Misoprostol administration prior to diagnostic office hysteroscopy appears to have no beneficial role in the subgroup of patients with no risk factors for cervical stenosis.

Misoprostol versus uterine straightening by bladder distension for pain relief in postmenopausal patients undergoing diagnostic office hysteroscopy: a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of misoprostol with uterine straightening by bladder distension in minimising the pain experienced by postmenopausal patients during diagnostic office hysteroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-six postmenopausal patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the misoprostol group or to the bladder distension group. Patients in the misoprostol group were instructed to insert two misoprostol tablets (400µg) in the vagina 12h before office hysteroscopy. Patients in the bladder distension group were instructed to drink one litre of water and to avoid urination during a period of 2h before office hysteroscopy. The severity of pain experienced by the patients during and at 30min after the procedure was measured using a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The ease of passing the hysteroscope through the cervical canal was assessed by the hysteroscopists using a 100-mm VAS. RESULTS: The passage of the hysteroscope through the cervical canal was easier in the misoprostol group [60.37±15.78 vs. 50.05±19.88, p=0.015]. The mean VAS pain score during the procedure was significantly lower in the misoprostol group [39.47±13.96 vs. 50.18±15.44, p=0.002]. The mean VAS pain score 30min post-procedure was comparable between both groups [11.82±3.71 vs. 12.61±4.06, p=0.379]. CONCLUSION: Vaginal misoprostol is more effective than uterine straightening by bladder distension in relieving the pain experienced by postmenopausal patients during office hysteroscopy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov [NCT02328495]. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02328495.

Barbed Versus Conventional Suture: A Randomized Trial for Suturing the Endometrioma Bed After Laparoscopic Excision of Ovarian Endometrioma.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the unidirectional knotless barbed suture can be used to control bleeding from the endometrioma bed after laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometrioma, and to detect whether the use of the unidirectional barbed suture is associated with shorter suturing time of the endometrioma bed compared with the continuous conventional smooth suture with intracorporeal knot tying. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: Tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Forty patients with unilateral ovarian endometrioma (mean diameter, 3-10 cm) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the barbed suture group or the conventional suture group. INTERVENTIONS: The endometrioma bed was sutured either with unidirectional barbed suture (V-Loc 180; Covidien, Mansfield, MA) or conventional suture (Vicryl; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ). Two layers of continuous sutures were used to control bleeding from the endometrioma bed and to reapproximate the ovarian edges. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The degree of suturing difficulty was evaluated by the surgeons using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 1 (least difficult suturing) to 10 (most difficult suturing). Operating time and suturing time were significantly shorter in the barbed suture group (43.3 ± 10.54 vs 52.8 ± 9.69 minutes; p = .005 and 8.85 ± 2.52 vs 15.7 ± 4.12 minutes; p < .001, respectively). Suturing with barbed suture was less difficult than suturing with conventional suture (3.68 ± 1.37 vs 4.77 ± 1.56; p = .025). Intraoperative blood loss was similar in the 2 groups. No perioperative complications were reported in either group. A nonsignificant decrease in serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels was observed after the operation in the barbed suture group and the conventional suture group (3.04 ± 1.5 vs 2.52 ± 1.31 ng/mL; p = .252 and 2.76 ± 1.48 vs 2.13 ± 1.14 ng/mL; p = .139, respectively). The rate of decline in serum AMH levels after the operation was 18.32% in the barbed suture group and 22.84% in the conventional suture group. CONCLUSION: The unidirectional knotless barbed suture (V-Loc) facilitates suturing of the endometrioma bed after laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometrioma. Compared with conventional smooth suture (Vicryl), the unidirectional barbed suture reduces the time needed to suture the endometrioma bed and the total operating time.

GnRH antagonist rescue protocol combined with cabergoline versus cabergoline alone in the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of antagonist rescue protocol (replacing GnRH agonist with GnRH antagonist and reducing the dose of gonadotropins) combined with cabergoline versus cabergoline alone in the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients pretreated with GnRH agonist long protocol who were at high risk for OHSS. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty six patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the cabergoline group or the antagonist rescue combined with cabergoline group. Both groups received oral cabergoline (0.5 mg/day) for eight days beginning on the day of HCG administration. In the antagonist rescue combined with cabergoline group, when the leading follicle reached 16 mm, GnRH agonist (triptorelin) was replaced with GnRH antagonist (cetrorelix acetate) and the dose of HP-uFSH was reduced to 75 IU/day. HCG (5,000 IU/I.M) was administered when the serum estradiol level dropped below 3500 pg/ml. The study was open label and the outcome assessors (laboratory staff and the doctor who performed oocyte retrieval) were blind to treatment allocation. RESULTS: The incidence of moderate/severe OHSS was significantly lower in the antagonist rescue combined with cabergoline group [5.08 % Vs 13.56 %, P value =0.025, OR = 0.342, 95 % CI, 0.129-0.906]. Four cycles were cancelled in the cabergoline group. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the number of retrieved oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, high quality embryos and fertilization rate. Moreover, the implantation and pregnancy rates were comparable between both groups. CONCLUSION: GnRH antagonist rescue protocol combined with cabergoline is more effective than cabergoline alone in the prevention of OHSS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial.gov ( NCT02461875 ).

Optimal timing of misoprostol administration in nulliparous women undergoing office hysteroscopy: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal timing of vaginal misoprostol administration in nulliparous women undergoing office hysteroscopy. DESIGN: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): One hundred twenty nulliparous patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the long-interval misoprostol group or the short-interval misoprostol group. INTERVENTION(S): In the long-interval misoprostol group, two misoprostol tablets (400 µg) and two placebo tablets were administered vaginally at 12 and 3 hours, respectively, before office hysteroscopy. In the short-interval misoprostol group, two placebo tablets and two misoprostol tablets (400 µg) were administered vaginally 12 and 3 hours, respectively, before office hysteroscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The severity of pain was assessed by the patients with the use of a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). The operators assessed the ease of the passage of the hysteroscope through the cervical canal with the use of a 100-mm VAS as well. RESULT(S): Pain scores during the procedure were significantly lower in the long-interval misoprostol group (37.98 ± 13.13 vs. 51.98 ± 20.68). In contrast, the pain scores 30 minutes after the procedure were similar between the two groups (11.92 ± 7.22 vs. 13.3 ± 6.73). Moreover, the passage of the hysteroscope through the cervical canal was easier in the long-interval misoprostol group (48.9 ± 17.79 vs. 58.28 ± 21.85). CONCLUSION(S): Vaginal misoprostol administration 12 hours before office hysteroscopy was more effective than vaginal misoprostol administration 3 hours before office hysteroscopy in relieving pain experienced by nulliparous patients undergoing office hysteroscopy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02316301.

Diclofenac plus lidocaine gel for pain relief during intrauterine device insertion. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of diclofenac potassium combined with 2% lidocaine gel in reducing the pain of intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. STUDY DESIGN: We randomized 90 parous women requesting copper T380A IUD insertion in a 1:1 ratio to active or placebo treatment. Active treatment included administration of two 50-mg diclofenac potassium tablets 1h before IUD insertion, application of 3mL of 2% lidocaine gel on the anterior cervical lip 3min before IUD insertion and placement of a cotton swab soaked in 2% lidocaine gel in the cervical canal 3min before IUD insertion. Women in the placebo group received placebo tablets and gel. Participants assessed pain intensity using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). We considered a 2-cm difference in VAS pain score between both groups during IUD insertion to be a clinically significant difference. RESULTS: Subjects receiving active treatment, as compared to placebo, experienced less pain during tenaculum placement (1.66±0.85 vs. 2.33±1.19, p=.003) and IUD insertion (3.14±0.92 vs. 3.94±1.3, p=.001). Women who delivered only by cesarean section had higher pain scores with IUD insertion compared with women with previous vaginal deliveries (4.41±1.24 vs. 3.29±1.05, p=.001). CONCLUSION: Diclofenac potassium combined with 2% lidocaine gel slightly reduced pain scores during tenaculum application and copper IUD insertion in parous women; however, the reduction in pain scores lacked clinical significance. IMPLICATIONS: Although we found a statistically significant lowering of pain scores with pretreatment with diclofenac potassium and lidocaine gel in parous women having copper IUD placement, the reduction is not clinically relevant. These findings may be more relevant for nulliparous women who experience more pain than parous women with IUD insertion and support studies of diclofenac potassium and lidocaine gel in this population.

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy of Large Submucous Myomas in a 1-Step Procedure Using Multiple Slicing Sessions Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of our technique for resectoscopic removal of large symptomatic submucous myomas. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: A university teaching hospital and a private hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-nine patients with submucous myomas ≥ 4 cm in diameter complaining of abnormal uterine bleeding. Seventeen patients were also complaining of infertility. INTERVENTIONS: The intrauterine portion of submucous myomas was resected using the slicing technique. Slicing started at the site of the maximum bulge of the myoma and was continued down to the level of the endometrial surface. Each slicing session lasted for 5 to 10 minutes. After each slicing session, saline infusion was discontinued and restarted alternatively several times to induce rapid changes in the intrauterine pressure (hydromassage) to stimulate uterine contractions. The resectoscope was removed, and ovum forceps was used to extract the myoma fragments. Bimanual massage of the uterus was performed to induce extrusion of the intramural portion of the myoma into the uterine cavity. The same steps (slicing session lasting for 5-10 minutes to excise the portion of the myoma extruded into the uterine cavity, hydromassage, and uterine massage) were repeated several times until complete removal of the myoma. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean diameter of the principle myomas was 51.94 ± 5.58 mm. The rate of 1-step complete resection of myomas was 91.84% (45/49). Improvement of bleeding symptoms was observed in all patients with complete resection of myomas. Nine of the 17 infertile women conceived after hysteroscopic myomectomy. One-step complete resection of myomas was more frequent in patients with myomas < 6 cm (43/44 [97.73%] vs 2/5 [40%], risk ratio [RR] = 2.44, p = .002), single myomas (39/40 [97.5%] vs 6/9 [66.67%], RR = 1.46, p = .016), principle myomas with a Lasmar score < 7 (32/32 [100%] vs 13/17 [76.47%], RR = 1.31, p = .011), and myomas with less than 50% extension into the myometrium (26/26 [100%] vs 19/23 [82.61%], RR = 1.21, p = .042). The rate of 1-step complete removal of myomas was 95% (19/20) for type II myomas < 6 cm and 0% (0/3) for type II myomas ≥ 6 cm. CONCLUSION: Our technique of hysteroscopic myomectomy is a safe and effective management for submucous myomas up to 6 cm in diameter.

Ultrasound guided aspiration of hydrosalpinx fluid versus salpingectomy in the management of patients with ultrasound visible hydrosalpinx undergoing IVF-ET: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ultrasound guided aspiration of hydrosalpinx fluid at the time of oocyte retrieval with salpingectomy in the management of patients with ultrasound visible hydrosalpinx undergoing IVF-ET. METHODS: One hundred and sixty patients with ultrasound visible hydrosalpinx were randomized into salpingectomy group and aspiration group using computer generated randomization list and sequentially numbered sealed envelopes containing allocation information written on a card. RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate per started cycle and the implantation rate were non- significantly higher in the salpingectomy group compared with the aspiration group [40% vs. 27.5% (p value = 0.132) and 18.95% vs. 12.82% (p value =0.124), respectively]. In the aspiration group, 34.21% of patients had rapid re-accumulation of the hydrosalpinx fluid (i.e. within first two weeks after embryo transfer). Whereas, the clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle and the implantation rate were significantly higher in salpingectomy group compared with the subgroup of patients with rapid re-accumulation of hydrosalpinx fluid [42.67% vs. 19.23% (p value = 0.036) and 18.95% vs. 7.58% (p value = 0.032), respectively], no significant differences were detected between the salpingectomy group and the subgroup of patients with no re-accumulation of hydrosalpinx fluid (42.67% vs. 34% (p value = 0.356) and 18.95% vs. 15.5% (p value = 0.457), respectively). CONCLUSION: The small sample size could be the cause of failure of detecting significant increase in implantation and pregnancy rates in salpingectomy group compared with aspiration group. Further larger randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether salpingectomy is more effective than aspiration of hydrosalpinx fluid or not. Moreover, the data presented in this study suggested that rapid re-accumulation of hydrosalpinx fluid is an obstacle against successful implantation and the cause of lower success rate with ultrasound guided aspiration of hydrosalpinx fluid compared with salpingectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trials.gov ( NCT02008240 ), registered 8 December 2013.

Reproductive health and HIV awareness among newly married Egyptian couples without formal education.

OBJECTIVE: To assess awareness of several reproductive health and HIV issues and to determine the sources of reproductive health knowledge. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 150 randomly recruited, newly married couples without formal education attending gynecology or andrology outpatient clinics in Cairo, Egypt, was conducted from January 2012 to January 2013. Participants were interviewed separately and asked to respond to a semi-structured questionnaire on reproductive health and HIV awareness. RESULTS: Most participants had not received premarital counseling or undergone premarital testing. Awareness about HIV was relatively high: 117 (78.0%) women and 128 (85.3%) men had heard of HIV and had some awareness of the modes of HIV transmission. Only 24 (16.0%) women had ever used a condom compared with 36 (24.0%) men. Only two men out of the 150 couples questioned were aware of the free HIV hotline. Television and friends were the main sources of reproductive health knowledge. CONCLUSION: Routine premarital counseling and testing by reproductive health, gynecology, and andrology specialists need to be enforced. Mass media is an essential source of knowledge about HIV and reproductive health. Premarital, reproductive health, and HIV education programs need to be improved.

Role of fetal echocardiography in the evaluation of structure and function of fetal heart in diabetic pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the structural and functional changes of fetal hearts in diabetic pregnancies by using Doppler echocardiography. METHODS: This prospective study included 119 pregnant women divided into three groups. Group 1 included 47 pregnant patients with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM), group 2 included 40 patients with gestational diabetes and group 3 included 32 non-diabetic pregnant women. M-mode echocardiography was used to measure the thickness of the fetal ventricular walls and interventricular septum. The mitral and tricuspid early (E) and late (A) diastolic velocities and the ventricular shortening fraction were measured. RESULTS: HbA1c % was significantly lower in gestational diabetes group compared with the pre-existing diabetes group. The interventricular septum was significantly thicker in the pre-existing diabetes group compared with other groups. Tricuspid and mitral E/A ratios were significantly lower in the pre-existing diabetes group compared with gestational diabetes and control groups. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the tricuspid and mitral E/A ratios between gestational diabetes group and the control group. The right and left ventricular shortening fractions were similar in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Fetuses of women with well-controlled gestational diabetes lack the diastolic dysfunction that is present in fetuses of women with pre-existing diabetes.

Extended high dose letrozole regimen versus short low dose letrozole regimen as an adjuvant to gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist protocol in poor responders undergoing IVF-ET.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of extended high dose letrozole regimen/HPuFSH-gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant) protocol with short low dose letrozole regimen/HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol in poor responders undergoing IVF-ET. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 136 women who responded poorly to GnRH agonist long protocol in their first IVF cycle were randomized into two equal groups using computer generated list and were treated in the second IVF cycle by either extended letrozole regimen (5 mg/day during the first 5 days of cycle and 2.5 mg/day during the subsequent 3 days) combined with HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol or short letrozole regimen (2.5 mg/day from cycle day 3-7) combined with HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between both groups with regard to number of oocytes retrieved and clinical pregnancy rate (5.39 ± 2.08 vs. 5.20 ± 1.88 and 22.06% vs. 16.18%, respectively).The total gonadotropins dose and medications cost per cycle were significantly lower in extended letrozole group (44.87 ± 9.16 vs. 59.97 ± 14.91 ampoules and 616.52 ± 94.97 vs. 746.84 ± 149.21 US Dollars ($), respectively).The cost-effectiveness ratio was 2794 $ in extended letrozole group and 4616 $ in short letrozole group. CONCLUSION: Extended letrozole regimen/HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol was more cost-effective than short letrozole regimen/HPuFSH-GnRHant protocol in poor responders undergoing IVF-ET.

Extended letrozole regimen versus clomiphene citrate for superovulation in patients with unexplained infertility undergoing intrauterine insemination: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the efficacy of extended letrozole regimen with clomiphene citrate in women with unexplained infertility undergoing superovulation and intrauterine insemination (IUI). METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen patients with unexplained infertility were randomized into two equal groups using computer generated list and were treated by either letrozole 2.5 mg/day from cycle day 1 to 9 (extended letrozole group, 211 cycles) or clomiphene citrate 100 mg/day from cycle day 3 to 7 (clomiphene citrate group,210 cycles). Intrauterine insemination was performed 36 to 40 hours after HCG administration. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable with regard to number of mature follicles (2.24 +/- 0.80 Vs 2.13 +/- 0.76) and the day of HCG administration. Serum estradiol was significantly greater in clomiphene citrate group (356 +/- 151 Vs 822 +/- 302 pg/ml, P = < 0.001) and the endometrial thickness was significantly greater in extended letrozole group (9.10 +/- 1.84 Vs 8.18 +/- 1.93 mm, P = < 0.001).The pregnancy rate per cycle and cumulative pregnancy rate were significantly greater in extended letrozole group (18.96% Vs 11.43% and 37.73% Vs 22.86%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The extended letrozole regimen had a superior efficacy as compared with clomiphene citrate in patients of unexplained infertility undergoing superovulation and IUI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01232075.

Enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in the management of recurrent abortion secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) plus low-dose aspirin (LDA) is comparable in efficacy and safety to unfractionated heparin (UFH) plus LDA in the management of pregnant women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODS: In a randomized prospective study, 60 women with a history of 3 or more consecutive spontaneous abortions and positive antiphospholipid antibodies were assigned in equal numbers to receive either UFH (5000 units, twice daily) plus LDA, or LMWH (enoxaparin 40 mg, once daily) plus LDA as soon as pregnancy was diagnosed. RESULTS: Twenty-four women in the LMWH group (80%) and 20 women in the UFH group (66.67%) delivered a viable infant (P = 0.243). There were no significant differences in pregnancy complications or neonatal morbidity between the 2 groups. There were no incidences of excessive bleeding, thrombocytopenia, or osteoporotic fractures in either group. CONCLUSION: LMWH plus LDA was successfully used as an alternative to UFH plus LDA in the management of recurrent abortion secondary to APS. The results highlight the need for a larger randomized controlled trial to determine whether LMWH plus LDA should be the treatment of choice for recurrent abortion secondary to APS. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01051778.

Effect of ultrasound-guided aspiration of hydrosalpingeal fluid during oocyte retrieval on the outcomes of in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer: a randomised controlled trial (NCT01040351).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the ultrasound-guided aspiration of hydrosalpingeal fluid at the time of oocyte retrieval can improve the outcomes of in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). PATIENTS: One hundred and ten women with ultrasound-visible hydrosalpinges were randomised to two groups based on computer generated randomisation list. Fifty-four women underwent ultrasound-guided aspiration of hydrosalpingeal fluid prior to IVF-ET and 53 women underwent IVF-ET without any prior intervention. RESULTS: Patients who underwent aspiration of hydrosalpinges demonstrated a significantly increased implantation, clinical pregnancy rates. Among the patients in the aspiration group, the implantation rate and pregnancy rates were higher in the subgroup of patients with no reaccumulation of hydrosalpingeal fluid within the first 2 weeks after aspiration compared to patients with reaccumulation of hydrosalpingeal fluid within the first 2 weeks after aspiration, but this difference failed to reach statistical significance. Furthermore, no pregnancies occurred in the four patients with uterine fluid collection detected during IVF-ET cycles. CONCLUSION: The aspiration of hydrosalpingeal fluid at the time of oocyte retrieval is simple, safe and effective procedure for treatment of patients with ultrasound-visible hydrosalpinges particularly those without rapid reaccumulation of hydrosalpingeal fluid after aspiration or uterine fluid collection during the IVF-ET cycles.

Impetigo herpetiformis during the puerperium triggered by secondary hypoparathyroidism: a case report.

A 38-year-old multiparous woman with post thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism developed pruritic erythematous patches with multiple pustules on its margins on her thighs and groin accompanied by fever few days after delivery by caesarean section. Impetigo herpetiformis was diagnosed based on the typical clinicopathological findings. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids, calcium, Calcitrol and corticosteroids. The correction of hypocalcaemia was accompanied with rapid improvement of her skin disease and general condition. Our case is the fourth case of impetigo herpetiformis initially presented during puerperium and the first case of puerperal impetigo herpetiformis that is precipitated by secondary hypoparathyroidism. The awareness of the possible occurrence of impetigo herpetiformis during the puerperium allows early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of maternal complications.