Intralesional injection of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) versus measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in treatment of molluscum contagiosum: a comparative study.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a skin and mucous membrane infection caused by the molluscum virus (MCV). To evaluate safety and efficacy of intralesional injection of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) antigen injection versus MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) antigen for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum (MC). A total of thirty clinically confirmed patients of molluscum were recruited for this trial. Patients who were divided into three groups (A, B and C). Each group consisted of (30) patients. Group (A) subjects received intralesional MMR injections, group (B) subjects received intralesional PPD injection and group (C) received intralesional saline injection. The results of the present study revealed complete clearance of the injected lesions in 12 patients (80%), partial response in 3 patients (20%) of group (A). In group (B), complete clearance of the treated warts was observed in 11 patients (73.3%) and partial response in 4 (26.7%) of patients. In group (C), the majority of patients 8 (53.3%) demonstrated no response while 7 (46.7%) patients showed only partial clearance. We established a good safety and efficacy profile for tuberculin PPD and MMR antigens in treatment of molluscum contagiosum.

The impact of oral isotretinoin on ovarian functions of acne patients complaining of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Women have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at higher rates than any other endocrine condition with an average incidence rate of 6 to 8%. Acne is an immune mediate common condition frequently affecting adolescents and adults and is often associated with PCOS. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of oral isotretinoin on ovarian functions of acne patients suffering from PCOS. Forty women with a clinical diagnosis of acne as well as PCOS participated in this prospective clinical trial. Participants were given oral doses of isotretinoin ranging from 0.5 to 1 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg), for a total of 120 to 150 mg/kg. To establish baseline values of hormone levels, on days 2-5 of the menstrual cycle, venous blood samples were obtained. Moreover, global acne grading system (GAGS), follicle count, and bilateral ovarian volumes were evaluated both before and after isotretinoin treatment. RESULTS: A significant reduction in global acne score from pre-treatment levels to post-treatment levels was observed (11.58 ± 5.857 vs. 1.65 ± 1.369). Ovarian volume was significantly reduced from 10.26 ± 1.539 before treatment to 8.74 ± 1.436 after treatment on the right side (P < 0.001) and from 11.08 ± 1.564 before treatment to 9.36 ± 1.479 after treatment on the left side (P < 0.001). A significant reduction in free testosterone level and hirsutism scores were observed after treatment (P < 0.001; P < 0.01 respectively. CONCLUSION: Isotretinoin may exert beneficial effects in hyperandrogenic women with PCOS and needs to be further evaluated by large multicentre controlled trials.

Prevalence of new onset erectile dysfunction among Damietta governorate men after contracting COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Several reports showed that sexual function was affected during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. AIMS: The objective of the study was to demonstrate whether a realistic association exists between the COVID-19 pandemic and erectile dysfunction (ED) among a sampled Egyptian population in Damietta governorate. METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of 330 adult males diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. They were categorized in three age groups (18-29, 30-39, and 40-50 years, respectively). COVID-19-confirmed cases were assessed by the Arabic version of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF) scores. RESULTS: The prevalence of ED according to the IIEF was 55.1%. The ED was categorized into mild ED which represents 25.8% of the patients, mild to moderate which represents 22.4% of the patients, moderate which represents 7% of the patients, and severe which represents 0% of the patients. We found a significant negative correlation between the age of the patients and the IIEF score. Also, we found an association between the severity of COVID-19 infection and the IIEF score. CONCLUSION: An association of new-onset ED in men who suffered COVID-19 infection was established. This may be due to virus-induced endothelial cell dysfunction; however, an underlying mechanism and causation have not yet been clearly elucidated. While it appears that COVID-19 infection may be a risk factor for ED, additional research is needed to establish causality.

Comparison between the efficacy of terbinafine and itraconazole orally vs. the combination of the two drugs in treating recalcitrant dermatophytosis.

Fungal infections are a challenging to treat cutaneous condition. Approximately 20-25% of humans are affected by superficial fungal infections that invade and multiply within keratinized tissues. To compare the efficacy of either terbinafine or itraconazole orally versus the combination of the two drugs in the treatment of recalcitrant dermatophytosis. The current study included 45 patients with recalcitrant dermatophytosis who were distributed into 3 groups (each of 15 patients); Group A received terbinafine 250 mg twice a day for 4 weeks. Group B received itraconazole 200 mg twice a day for 4 weeks. Group C received terbinafine 250 mg once daily and itraconazole 200 mg once daily for 4 weeks. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks after initiation of treatment by clinical and microbiological assessment to determine the cure rate. At the end of twelve weeks, 12 (80%) patients in group A; 13 (86.7%) patients in group B and 15 (100%) patients in group C were completely cured. Despite of cure rates being higher in the combined group C; yet results were not statistically significant (p = 0.207). Clinical cure rates were non significantly higher in itraconazole + terbinafine combined group (p = 0.207). Combination of terbinafine and itraconazole had a higher clinical and mycological cure rate when compared to the use of either drug alone as monotherapy. Further randomized, multicenter, large cohort studies are warranted to validate the use of combination antifungal treatments.

Evaluation of sleep quality and pruritus severity in psoriatic patients and their impact on quality of life: a cross section correlational study.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with genetic and immunological susceptibility. The objective of the study was to evaluate pruritus and sleep quality in correlation (r) to psoriasis severity and to detect their impact on quality of life. Two hundred (200) patients with psoriasis were included. Psoriasis severity was determined using the psoriasis area severity index (PASI), the quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the psoriasis disability index (PDI) questionnaire, and the sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Finally, the severity of itching was evaluated using a 12-item pruritus severity scale (PSS). Poor sleep quality was found in 16.0% of patients in this study. Poor sleep was detected among 50.0% of cases with severe psoriasis. PASI scores correlated significantly with sleep quality, duration and sleep disturbances (p < 0.001). The global PSQI and PASI were also significantly correlated (p = 0.004). In conclusion patients complaining of psoriasis exacerbated by pruritus and sleep problems demonstrated lower quality of life in all domains. Sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms impairing quality of life should be taken into consideration when screening patients suffering from psoriasis.

Hair disorders associated with post-COVID-19 infection in females: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) currently named SARS-CoV-2 is a contagious disease caused by a coronavirus. The virus may infect the hair follicles directly or indirectly through systemic changes in the immune or hormonal systems. AIMS: In the current study we aimed to determine the prevalence of hair disorders in females infected with COVID-19. METHODS: Data was collected using a questionnaire covering four main domains: personal data, past medical history, COVID-19 history and treatment, and existence of any hair problems and their management. No identifier or sensitive data were collected. Those complaining of hair loss were subjected to complete general and local hair examination using trichoscopy to confirm hair loss. RESULTS: Hair problems were reported in 307 (61.4%) of COVID-19-infected female subjects. A total of 68.1% patients reported that hair loss existed and increased after COVID-19; 29.6% reported their hair problems only post-COVID-19 while 2.3% had hair shedding issues during infection only. The main reported hair problems were telogen effluvium (60.8%), increased gray hair (13.8%), seborrheic dermatitis (5.6%) trichotillomania (3.6%), and alopecia areata (2.2%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we reported prevalence of post-COVID hair fall that was confirmed by trichoscopy and which affected approximately 61.4% of infected females.

Dermoscopy-assisted prevalence of hair loss after COVID-19 vaccination among an Egyptian population: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTACT: BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) currently named SARS-CoV-2 is a contagious disease caused by a coronavirus; incompatible data are present on the possible relationship among COVID-19 vaccines and hair loss. AIMS: The objective of the current study was to assess dermoscopically the prevalence of hair loss among an Egyptian population following COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: A total of 2000 participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Adult males and females who received one of recognized COVID-19 vaccine were included, irrespective of the status of previous COVID-19 infection. Those who were aged less than 18 years or above 60 years were excluded. Furthermore, subjects self-reporting hair loss were assessed by dermoscopy. RESULTS: Among the studied cases, n = 478 (23.9%) complained of hair loss following vaccination. The majority of cases noticed their hair loss during the first 2 months post-vaccination (n = 215 after the first month and n = 158 after the 2nd month respectively). CONCLUSION: We reported prevalence of post-vaccination hair fall that was confirmed by trichoscopy and which affected approximately one quarter of participants who received COVID-19 vaccines. Other factors, such as stress and infection, cannot be excluded and remain to be further investigated by larger multicenter studies.

Prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction Among Psoriatic Females: A Cross Sectional Case Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual relationships are an integral part of females psychological and physiological wellbeing. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify prevalence and impact of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) in women affected with psoriasis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 150 married females who were interviewed to answer Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and were divided into two groups: the first group included 100 female patients complaining of psoriasis (50 suffering from moderate psoriasis and 50 with severe psoriasis). The disease severity was graded according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) while the second group included 50 age matched women who served as controls. RESULTS: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in psoriasis female groups was higher than that in the control group (47%, 24%, P < 0.05). The mean total scores of FSFI ranged from 12.30 to 34.20 and were significantly lower in the severe PASI affected group (22.34 ± 5.35) when compared to moderate PASI group (26.24 ± 2.67) or control group (28.79 ± 2.22). In addition, total scores were significantly lower among moderate PASI affected females when compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction should be routinely investigated in female patients with psoriasis in the case of moderate-severe disease due to its negative impact on quality of life. Further research over the effect of certain interventional programs on FSD should be considered for patients suffering from psoriasis.

Comparative study of the efficacy and safety of topical minoxidil 2% versus topical bimatoprost 0.01% versus topical bimatoprost 0.03% in treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis: a randomized controlled trial.

Eyebrows are an important feature of facial identity and communications in human beings as well as an important eye defense shield from dust and foreign bodies. To compare the efficacy and safety between 0.01%, 0.03% bimatoprost and minoxidil 2% in gel formulations for eyebrow enhancement. Sixty eligible subjects were female or male, aged 18 years or older with eyebrow hypotrichosis, defined as either a Grade 1 or 2 on the Global Eyebrow Assessment (GEBA) scale. Patients were randomized into 3 groups using block randomization. Group a (20 patients) applied topical 0.03% bimatoprost gel once daily onto both eyebrows, group b (20 patients) applied topical 0.01% bimatoprost gel once daily onto both eyebrows while group c (20 patients) applied topical minoxidil 2% gel once daily onto both eyebrows. A significant improvement in GEBA score was reported in all the three groups after treatment (P ≤ 0.001); however, there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups (P1 = 0.091; P2 = 0.102; P3 = 0.663). Bimatoprost is equally efficacious as minoxidil in enhancement of eyebrows with a more favorable response produced by the 0.03% concentration.

Topical timolol maleate 0.5% after fractional carbon dioxide laser versus fractional carbon dioxide laser alone in treatment of acne scars: split face comparative study.

Acne is a common inflammatory condition that mostly involves the face, chest and back. A number of different modalities had been employed for treating scars of which laser remains to be a pivotal choice. We aimed to compare the efficacy of topical timolol maleate 0.5% after fractional CO2 (AFCO2) laser versus fractional CO2 Laser alone for treatment of atrophic acne scars. A split-face comparative clinical experiment on 30 cases of atrophic post-acne scars that were treated on one side with ablative fractional CO2 laser followed by timolol application while with only ablative fractional CO2 laser on the other side. Following treatment, both sides demonstrated significant improvement with the laser + timolol treated side showing better improvement; yet not significantly higher than the laser only treated side. In conclusion, both topical timolol maleate 0.5% after fractional CO2 laser and fractional CO2 laser may achieve comparable significant improvement. The good safety profile, easy accessibility, low cost, and non-invasive nature merits the use of timolol in acne scars pending verification by larger sample reproduced and controlled trials.

Dermoscopic Features of Psoriatic Nails and Their Correlation to Disease Severity.

Background: Nail psoriasis is a challenging chronic condition affecting patients functionally and psychologically. Nail involvement is observed in 15-80% of psoriatic patients with occasional presence of isolated nail psoriasis. Objectives: To evaluate dermoscopic features of nail psoriasis and correlate them clinically. Methods: The study included fifty subjects with nail psoriasis. Psoriasis skin and nail severity was evaluated using psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and nail psoriasis severity index (NAPSI). Dermoscopy of the nails (onychoscopy) was performed, and features were recorded and analyzed. Results: The most common clinical and dermoscopic findings were pitting (86%) and onycholysis (82%). Among all dermoscopic features of nail psoriasis, only longitudinal striations and subungual hyperkeratosis were significantly higher in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis than in patients with mild psoriasis (P=0.028; P=0.042, respectively). PASI scores correlated positively but none significantly with NAPSI scores (r = 0.132, P=0.360), and similarly, no significant correlation was observed between the duration of psoriasis and the dermoscopic NAPSI (r = 0.022, P=0.879). Conclusion: Dermoscopy can serve as a useful tool for early diagnosis of psoriatic nail changes not always visible to the naked eye and is a non-invasive easy-to-use confirmatory tool for nail changes in psoriatic disease or in isolated nail involvement.

Efficacy of Jessener solution versus intralesional steroid in treatment of alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes non-scarring hair loss. To date, there is no single cure and treatment remains challenging. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of Jessener solution versus intralesional steroid in treatment of Alopecia Areata. METHODS: This study included 40 patients who presented with multifocal patchy alopecia areata (AA). For each patient, three patches were randomly selected to be treated one with intralesional steroid, another with topical Jessner solution and the third with normal saline. Three sessions were done 3 weeks apart and were followed up for 3 months. Response was assessed clinically and by trichoscope. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of patches coated with Jessner or injected with steroids showed an excellent response while 20% of patches coated with Jessner and 32.5% patches injected with steroids showed a good response. A significant difference was observed between the three modalities of treatment regarding the prognostic score for response (p < 0.001) as patches coated with Jessner and those steroid injected showed a significant higher response rate than patches injected with saline (p < 0.001) while no significant difference was reported between patches either treated with Jessner or steroids (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Jessners solution can be a novel and feasible and well tolerated modality of treatment for patients suffering from alopecia areata.

Dermoscopic evaluation of the efficacy of combination of topical spironolactone 5% and minoxidil 5% solutions in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A cross sectional-comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common chronic dermatological illness that affects both men and women. AIM: To assess and compare dermoscopically the impact of a combination of topical minoxidil solution (5%) and topical spironolactone solution (5%) in treating AGA in both sexes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients diagnosed with AGA were divided into three groups; each group is composed of 40 patients. Group A (n = 40) were treated with a 5% topical minoxidil solution, group B (n = 40) were treated with a 5% topical spironolactone solution, and group C (n = 40) were treated with a 5% topical minoxidil and spironolactone combination. RESULTS: Following the initiation of treatment and at 6 weeks (midterm), reduction in all dermoscopic features was observed in all groups; however, it was not statistically significant except for vellus hair reduction (p = 0.033). On the contrary, upright regrowing hairs were insignificantly increased in all groups (p = 1.088). The pattern of dermoscopic features remained to insignificantly decrease toward the end of 12 weeks treatment (full term) in all studied groups except for vellus hair that showed further significant reduction toward the end of the study (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Both spironolactone as a 5% topical solution and minoxidil as a 5% topical solution might be used safely in a twice-daily dosage to treat AGA in both genders. Furthermore, combining them in a single topical dose form can boost efficacy and yield greater advantages.

Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among diabetic females: a cross-sectional case controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual relationships, sexual functions are all parts of the female sexual identity and which influence physiological, psychological, and reproductive functions of women. AIM OF THE WORK: The study aimed to identify prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) in women affected by type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and to evaluate the impact of diabetes on female sexuality. PATIENT AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 married females who were interviewed to answer Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and were divided into two groups: the first group included 300 diabetes patients (134 patients with type 1 DM and 166 patients with type 2 DM), while the second included 100 women not diagnosed with diabetes who served as controls. RESULTS: Considering female sexual dysfunction (score < 26.55), there was statistically significant increase of patients with female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Type 1 DM (50.7%) when compared to type 2 DM patients (28.9%) or control group (10.0%). CONCLUSION: FSD is a significant health problem in premenopausal women complaining of DM. Females with type 1 DM were more affected than females with type 2 DM, who in turn were more affected than healthy controls. Long duration of the disease was the main risk factor for developing FSD.

A prospective clinical and trichoscopic study of tinea capitis in children during treatment.

Tinea capitis (TC) is the most common dermatophyte infection in children. Fungal culture; although a gold standard of diagnosis, requires time for the final results which can favor horizontal transmission. Trichoscopy helps in rapid diagnosis and could work as a monitoring tool during antifungal therapy. The objective of this study is to provide a clinico-trichoscopic evaluation and follow-up of children presenting with TC during treatment with either griseofulvin or terbinafine. One hundred and twenty children clinically diagnosed with TC confirmed by potassium hydroxide microscopy, were divided into two groups and given either oral ultramicrosize griseofulvin (60, Group A) or terbinafine (60, Group B). Following initiation of the antifungal therapy, trichoscopic features within Groups A and B were noted at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. However, variation in the baseline trichoscopic features between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.855). A significant reduction of corkscrew and broken hairs as well as perifollicular scales, scalp erythema, and crust was significantly observed from 2 weeks onward irrespective of the antifungal drug prescribed. Despite the paucity of data evaluating trichoscopic features in patients with TC, this tool can serve as a rapid diagnostic and monitoring tool during antifungal treatment. Trichoscopic signs of TC resolution occur before clinical improvement and can guide for treatment adjustment during the course of therapy.

The Immunogenetics of Acne.

Acne vulgaris results from a complex interaction between environment and genetic factors. While colonization of the pilosebaceous unit with Propionibacterium was previously considered to be the main cause of acne, the contribution of host-related factors that allow the growth of the bacteria and its immune response against bacterial components are now considered to be more important. Many of these host characteristics have a genetic base that is either involved in the regulation of the immune responses or the steroid hormones metabolisms. This chapter aims to explore the functions of these genes and their role in the pathogenesis of acne.

Safety and efficacy of topical metformin 30% cream versus triple combination cream (Kligman's formula) in treating melasma: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired common pigmentary condition that mostly presents as pigmented macules on the face. Triple combination creams (TCC), commonly known as kligman's formula, had been regarded as the mainstay of treatment for years. Topical metformin was recently studied for its melanopenic effects and potential use in melasma. AIM OF THE WORK: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using 30% metformin cream to that of triple combination creams (Kligman's formula) in treating melasma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: About 40 patients complaining of melasma were recruited for this controlled randomized trial and were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 20) subjects received 30% metformin cream whereas group 2 (n = 20) were treated with TCC for eight consecutive weeks. Pigmentation severity and improvements were assessed using the melasma area severity index (MASI) at baseline and after 8 weeks of using treatment. RESULTS: MASI score decreased dramatically from 12.18 ± 9.33 before treatment to 5.59 ± 4.61 at Week 8 with a mean decrease percentage of 55.97 ± 16.77 for group 1 (p = 0.001) and from 16.05 ± 8.73 to 7.54 ± 5.77 with a mean decrease percentage of 56.50 ± 19.44 for group 2 (p = 0.001). No significant difference was reported between the two treatment modalities regarding the reduction in melasma throughout the study period (p = 0.968). CONCLUSION: Metformin cream is a safe, potential effective treatment for melasma, which needs to be verified by long-term large scale studies in diffident populations.

Microneedling with topical vitamin C versus microneedling with topical insulin in the treatment of atrophic post-acne scars: A split-face study.

Post acne scars following sebaceous injury and abnormal wound healing during the course of acne is a prevalent and challenging to treat condition To evaluate microneedling by dermapen with topical vitamin C versus microneedling with topical insulin in treating atrophic post-acne scars. A split-face comparative study included 30 subjects with atrophic post-acne scars. Human insulin was topically applied to the left side of the face and on the right side, vitamin C serum was applied. Scars were assessed via the Acne Scar Assessment Scale (ASAS) and Scar quartile grading scale (SQGS). After 1 month of 4 treatments, a statistically significant mean improvement in ASAS value was reported on both split sides of the face (2.13 and 1.83) compared to baseline (3.03 and 2.93) (p = 0.005; p = 0.001 respectively). When compared to baseline, the mean ASAS value improved significantly with a slight more improvement on the vitamin c treated side. Topical insulin and vitamin c combined with microneedling, may both achieve comparable significant improvement for treating post acne scars. Insulin can be a promising novel anti-scarring therapy pending larger controlled studies to verify its efficacy.

Comparative study between intralesional injection of MMR, BCG, and candida albicans antigen in treatment of multiple recalcitrant warts.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous warts represent a challenging condition to treat. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional injection of MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella) antigen, BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine, and candida antigen for the treatment of multiple warts. METHODS: A total of ninety (90) clinically confirmed adult patients complaining of recalcitrant extragenital warts of various sizes and durations were recruited in this randomized clinical trial. They were divided into three groups (A, B, and C). Each group consisted of (30) patients. Group (A) subjects received intralesional MMR injections. Group (B) subjects received intralesional BCG injection and Group (C) received intralesional candida antigen injection. RESULTS: Full clearance of warts was observed in (73.33%, 70%, and 43.33%) in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Infrequent side effects including pain, erythema, and minimal induration were reported in all groups but did not necessitate termination of treatment. CONCLUSION: All the three modalities used demonstrated a simple, safe modality with low adverse events, and with no recurrence. To achieve an optimal response with an ideal immunotherapeutic agent and ideal dose, further comparative studies are warranted and on different populations and larger sample sizes.

The effect of alpha lipoic acid supplementation on sperm functions in idiopathic asthenozoospermic patients: a case-controlled study.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural short chain fatty acid containing sulfhydryl groups generated from octanoic acid and cysteine in the mitochondria, and is found in both the aqueous and lipid phases. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of ALA supplementation in primary infertile males complaining of idiopathic asthenozoospermia. Eighty patients were randomly allocated to treatment group A (n = 40) and control group B (n = 40) groups, receiving daily doses of 600 mg (divided into two daily doses of 300 mg each) of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) or an identical placebo for 90 days. Semen analysis, anthropometric and total antioxidant capacity were analysed and compared before and after treatment. Daily supplementation with ALA improved total motility and progressive motility of the spermatozoa. In the ALA-treated group, sperm motility and progressive motility increased significantly, similarly, the mean percentage of sperm vitality demonstrated a significant increase among the ALA treated group (p < 0.001). Analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in semen volume and sperm concentration in the ALA supplemented group, while abnormal morphology decreased significantly (p < 0.001). ALA supplementation significantly improved sperm parameters and functional tests in group A patients. ALA supplementation in patients with idiopathic asthenozoospermic thus enhanced sperm quality and viability, which could therefore be considered as an adjunct therapy pending further verification of its association and mechanisms involved.