Intramural pregnancy at 6 and 8 weeks gestation with no predisposing factors: As two uncommon case reports.

Ectopic pregnancies are extremely rare causing severe consequences such as uterine rupture and may lead to death. The clinical symptomatology is very atypical, essentially pelvic pain and metrorrhagia, for this reason, a misdiagnosis can be fatal. Here we report two cases of an intramural pregnancy in a 33-year-old primigravida at 6 weeks gestation after a medically assisted reproduction and a 26-year-old primigravida at 8 weeks gestation with no predisposing factors, making the diagnosis more challenging.

Beneficial effects of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen quality parameters, reproductive hormones, and sperm DNA integrity in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Objective: Recently, oral antioxidants in combined forms have been used to treat men with idiopathic infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, arginine, L-carnitine, and coenzyme Q10 on sperm quality parameters, DNA integrity, reproductive hormones, and pregnancy rates in men with infertility and idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 420 men with infertility and idiopathic OAT who took an oral supplement of antioxidant SP-Power tablets twice daily for 6 months. Semen quality, reproductive hormones, and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after supplementation, using the World Health Organization 2021 guidelines. Results: No significant difference was observed in volume or the percentage of typical morphology during treatment. A significant improvement in sperm concentration was observed after supplementation (8.67±1.41, 12.17±1.91, and 19.01±0.86 at baseline, 3, and 6 months respectively, p<0.01). The total motility, progressive motility, and total motile sperm count also increased significantly (p<0.01), whereas the DFI decreased after 6 months. There was an increase in normal FSH levels and testosterone levels after 6 months of supplementation of antioxidant SP-Power but these differences were not statistically significant (p=not significant and p=0.06, respectively). Conclusion: Supplementation with SP-Power tablets improved sperm quality parameters, sperm DFI, some reproductive hormones, and pregnancy rates in men with infertility and idiopathic OAT, which could be attributed to the supplement's synergistic antioxidant action. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of supplementation on oxidative stress markers.

First report on chromosomal abnormalities in Eastern Morocco: Identification of a new case of a de novo partial trisomy 13q using single-nucleotide polymorphism array.

BACKGROUND: Chromosomal abnormalities are the main cause of birth defects, intellectual disability, and miscarriages. They contribute to significant human morbidity and infant mortality. Here we report for the first time the chromosomal abnormalities encountered in the population of Eastern Morocco. Furthermore, we describe a new case of a de novo partial trisomy 13q combined with a terminal deletion in an 11-day-old girl. METHODS: From November 2015 to March 2022, 195 patients from the BRO Biobank who were clinically suspected of having chromosomal abnormalities were referred to the cytogenetics laboratory of the Genetics Unit of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Oujda for cytogenetic study. Karyotyping analysis was performed on peripheral blood samples using standard R banding techniques. To identify single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and copy number variants (CNVs), Illumina SNP array was used. RESULTS: Among 195 studied cases, 32 (16.4 %) had abnormal karyotypes, of which 12 cases had numerical aberrations while 20 cases had structural aberrations. The most common numerical aberrations were Turner syndrome and Down syndrome followed by Edward, Patau, and Klinefelter syndromes. For structural aberrations, translocations were the most common, followed by derivative chromosomes, inversions, deletions, and an addition on chromosome 13 identified in an 11-day-old girl. To further characterize this addition, SNP array was carried out and revealed a 58.8-Mb duplication in region 13q14.3q34 associated with a 1-Mb deletion in region 13q34. Follow-up parental chromosomes analysis showed normal karyotypes for the parents, confirming that this partial trisomy 13q was de novo. Comparison of the phenotype associated with this novel duplication on chromosome 13q with those previously reported confirmed the considerable variability in the phenotype of the patients with partial trisomy 13q. CONCLUSION: This study provided the first report on chromosomal abnormalities in Eastern Morocco and it enriched the phenotype spectrum of partial trisomy 13q and further confirmed the genotype-phenotype correlations. Furthermore, these findings justify the need to set up microarray comparative genomic hybridization techniques in Morocco for better genetic diagnosis.

Deep endometriosis of ileocecum complicated by acute intestinal obstruction: a case report.

Endometriosis is a frequent gynecological pathology. Digestive localization complicated by acute intestinal obstruction is exceptionally rare. We herein report a case involving a 48-year-old woman who had a long-term history of endometriosis symptoms. She was diagnosed with endometriosis by ultrasound 1 month before her admission to the emergency room with acute intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination following surgical resection. Further medical management resulted in a satisfactory outcome.

Hormonal, clinical, and genetic profile of infertile patients with azoospermia in Morocco.

Introduction: azoospermia affects more than 10%-15% of infertile male subjects attending the infertility center. In Morocco, there have been no studies on male infertility with azoospermia. Thereby, our objective was to evaluate the clinical, hormonal, and genetic characteristics of infertile men with azoospermia in Morocco. Methods: we conducted a retrospective descriptive study performed with a convenience sample of 80 infertile men from 2021 to 2022, in the Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit of the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Oujda-Morocco. All patients with azoospermia were subjected to a quantitative hormone assay to evaluate the functionality of the sertolic and leydigial compartments. Human karyotyping and AZF microdeletion analysis are routinely performed in azoospermic patients. Results: the results show that the mean age of patients in the study was 45.7 ± 3.5 years. Primary infertility accounts for the majority, with a rate of 96% (n=77). There were 12 cases of azoospermia of secretory origin, 22 cases of excretory origin, and 3 of undetermined origin. Azoospermia was associated with hydrocele in 29% (n=27) of cases. The average levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, and inhibin B were 15.54 ± 5.5 mIU/mL, 7.71 ± 2.7 mIU/mL, 405.09 ± 6.13 ng/dl and 38.44 ± 5.13 pg/ml, respectively. The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities was 30.7%. Of these, the sex chromosome aneuploidy with 47, XXY karyotype (Klinefelter syndrome) accounted for 11% (n=9). The incidence of microdeletions of azoospermia factors (AZF) was 9%, and AZFc deletion was the most common at the rate of 3%. Conclusion: our research shows that hydrocele, varicocele, and chromosomal abnormalities are the leading causes of azoospermia. In the Moroccan population, azoospermia is essentially of excretory origin.

Spontaneous twin pregnancy in uterus bicornis unicollis complicated with preeclampsia: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Bicornuate uterus is a uterine malformation caused by abnormal Müllerian fusion, often leading to multiple obstetric complications. A twin pregnancy in this condition is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old patient (Gravida 3, Para 0) with a previous history of two spontaneous early miscarriages was diagnosed with uterus bicornis unicollis (unicervical bicornuate uterus). She presented with spontaneous twin pregnancy complicated with preeclampsia at 34 weeks + 6 days. Thus, she underwent cesarean section with two separate lower-segment incisions. Consequently, healthy twins were delivered successfully. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Bicornuate uterus is a rare congenital uterine malformation, and only 16 cases of twin pregnancy associated with uterus bicornis unicollis have been reported worldwide. This uterine malformation can be discovered spontaneously in imaging or during obstetric complications such as spontaneous abortions, premature labor, premature rupture of membranes, malpresentations, and intrauterine growth restriction. In addition, the risk for preeclampsia in twin pregnancies is twice higher than singleton gestations. CONCLUSION: Twin pregnancy in a bicornuate uterus is extremely rare; this phenomenon is yet to have guidelines for monitoring pregnancy and the mode of delivery.

Successful maternal and fetal outcomes in a kidney transplant patient under everolimus throughout pregnancy complicated by pyelonephritis and preeclampsia.

Pregnancy in kidney transplant patients has many risks such as worsening renal function and/or proteinuria, allograft rejection, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, premature fetal delivery, and low fetal birthweight. We report a case of a 35-year-old patient with a history of kidney transplant, who received everolimus throughout pregnancy and experienced a successful cesarean delivery with positive maternal and fetal outcomes. Information regarding everolimus use in pregnancy is limited. However, data from animal studies suggest that everolimus may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. In our case, everolimus did not affect the pregnancy of this patient; cesarean delivery was performed without complications. Owing to the increased risks and monitoring required during pregnancy in patients with a previous kidney transplant and limited information regarding the use of antirejection agents during pregnancy, care throughout pregnancy should involve a multidisciplinary team, including transplant, maternal fetal medicine, and nephrology.

Spontaneous uterine rupture of an unscarred uterus revealed by a subocclusive syndrome: A case report and review of the literature.

Spontaneous uterine rupture of an unscarred uterus is a complication that has dramatic results for both mother and fetus. The clinical presentation commonly comprises abdominal pain and metrorrhagia however we report a case of spontaneous uterine rupture revealed by a subocclusive syndrome. We report a case of a young woman who came to the ER with 3 days of progressive abdominal pain and subocclusive syndrome. The current pregnancy was estimated at 32 weeks of amenorrhea and the patient was hemodynamically stable. An obstetric ultrasound was performed showing a progressive monofoetal pregnancy and moderate peritoneal effusion. In view of the presence of effusion on ultrasound and the subocclusive syndrome, an abdominal and pelvic CT scan with contrast was carried out, showing a fundal uterine rupture defect with contrast media extravasation and intraperitoneal hemoperitoneum. The patient was immediately transferred to the operating room for a caesarean section. Although CT scans use radiation, their contribution was essential to avoid maternal death.

Morocco's First Biobank: Establishment, Ethical Issues, Biomedical Research Opportunities, and Challenges.

BACKGROUND: Biobanks are highly organized infrastructures that allow the storage of human biological specimens associated with donors' personal and clinical data. These infrastructures play a key role in the development of translational medical research. In this context, we launched, in November 2015, the first biobank in Morocco (BRO Biobank) in order to promote biomedical research and provide opportunities to include Moroccan and North African ethnic groups in international biomedical studies. Here, we present the setup and the sample characteristics of BRO Biobank. METHODS: Patients were recruited at several departments of two major health-care centers in the city of Oujda. Healthy donors were enrolled during blood donation campaigns all over Eastern Morocco. From each participant, personal, clinical, and biomedical data were collected, and several biospecimens were stored. Standard operating procedures have been established in accordance with international guidelines on human biobanks. RESULTS: Between November 2015 and July 2020, 2446 participants were recruited into the BRO Biobank, of whom 2013 were healthy donors, and 433 were patients. For healthy donors, the median age was 35 years with a range between 18 and 65 years and the consanguinity rate was 28.96%. For patients, the median age was 11 years with a range between 1 day and 83 years. Among these patients, 55% had rare diseases (hemoglobinopathies, intellectual disabilities, disorders of sex differentiation, myopathies, etc.), 13% had lung cancer, 4% suffered from hematological neoplasms, 3% were from the kidney transplantation project, and 25% had unknown diagnoses. The BRO Biobank has collected 5092 biospecimens, including blood, white blood cells, plasma, serum, urine, frozen tissue, FFPE tissue, and nucleic acids. A sample quality control has been implemented and suggested that samples of the BRO Biobank are of high quality and therefore suitable for high-throughput nucleic acid analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The BRO Biobank is the largest sample collection in Morocco, and it is ready to provide samples to national and international research projects. Therefore, the BRO Biobank is a valuable resource for advancing translational medical research.

[The role of transvaginal ultrasound in the evaluation of endometrial infertility]. / Place de l´échographie endovaginale dans l´exploration de l´infertilité d´origine endométriale.

The assessment of the uterine cavity in patients with infertility is essential as many intrauterine lesions can be detected. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVE) is a front-line testing for female infertility. It allows assessment of the uterine cavity for detection of abnormalities responsible for fertility disorder as well as of lesions that may lead to transfer or implantation failures. It is an easily perfomable and reproducible exam. The purpose of our study is to describe endometrial lesions detectable on TVE in order to highlight the role of TVE in the evaluation of infertility.

[Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: 4 case-reports and literature review]. / La mastite granulomateuse idiopathique: à propos de 4 cas et revue de littérature.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare benign inflammatory mastopathy. Histological examination of the surgical biopsy can confirm the diagnosis and thus exclude carcinomatous mastitis. Although its etiologies are undeterminated and it occurs mainly in young women, its idiopathic nature is confirmed after exclusion of the other causes of granulomatous disease. Medical treatment is based on antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients with complicated forms are treated with surgery. We here report four cases of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis whose data were collected in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University Hospital MED VI of Oujda (Morocco).

[Epidemiological profile of maternal complications related to cesarean section at the Al Farabi Hospital in Oujda]. / Le profil épidémiologique des complications maternelles de la césarienne au CHR EL Farabi Oujda.

In Morocco cesarean section rate has increased from 2% in 1992 to 16% in 2011. This was associated with increased per- and postoperative mortality and morbidity, which was 19% in our case series. This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in the eastern region of Morocco and aims to analyze the comprehensive epidemiologic profile of maternal complications related to cesarean section on the basis of 2417 cases observed in the Maternity Department at the El Farabi Hospital, Oujda. We conducted an observational, descriptive, retrospective study of a series of 2416 patients undergoing cesarean section in the Maternity Department at the El Farabi Hospital, Oujda, over the period 1 January 2011-31 December 2013. Out of 24464 deliveries, 2416 were cesarean sections, reflecting a rate of 9.87%. The frequency of complications related to cesarean section was 19.45%. Postoperative complications accounted for 63.6% of the complications dominated by infection. Haemorrhagic complications accounted for 25.53% of all complications. 4 cases of maternal deaths were recorded. If the increased rate of cesarean sections has contributed to improve maternal-fetal prognosis, the surgical act itself is not complication-free, which leads us to review its indications for improved patient management.

Uterine necrosis following a combination of uterine compression sutures and vascular ligation during a postpartum hemorrhage: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The Postpartum bleeding is the first cause of maternal mortality in Morocco. It is an obstetrical emergency that requires a fast multimodal management including medical care, interventional procedure and in few cases a salvatory surgery. CLINICAL CASE: We report a rare case of uterine necrosis following postpartum hemorrhage, refractory to medical therapy, and which was controlled by a combination of uterine hemostatic techniques and vascular ligation three days after surgery, the patient developed a fever (39°C). At day 3 of postoperative period, the patient developed a fever (39°C) associated with diffuse abdominal pain, diarrhea and non-fetid lochia. At day 5, she presented a state of sepsis. Abdominal and pelvic CT objectified gas bubbles in the uterine myometrium suggestive of necrosis. An exploratory laparotomy was performed. After adhesiolysis, exploration found a complete necrosis of the uterus DISCUSSION: There are many surgical techniques for the management of postpartum bleeding, and hysterectomy remains the reference solution in this context. However, new conservative surgical techniques that are easier to perform and are less aggressive have emerged and are becoming more commonly used. CONCLUSION: We emphasize on the importance of choosing surgical techniques that lead to the preservation of uterine vascularization.

[Primary pelvic hydatid cyst: about a case]. / Kyste hydatique pelvien primitif: à propos d'un cas.

Hydatidosis is endemic in Morocco, its pelvic localization is rare and deceptive. We report the case of a 24-year old patient admitted with a giant pelvic mass associated with heaviness with no further accompanying signs. Ultrasound and CT scan allowed localization of a right lateral and subuterine septated anechoic mass. The diagnosis of pelvic hydatid cyst was made intraoperatively. Treatment consisted of resection of the protruding dome. Patient's evolution was favorable, with a follow-up period of three years.

Acute kidney injury related to pregnancy in developing countries: etiology and risk factors in an intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine etiologies, risk factors and prognosis of pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (AKI) in an intensive care unit. METHODS: Patients included in this retrospective study had a gestational age exceeding 20 weeks of amenorrhea. We defined and classified AKI according to the criteria of the RIFLE classification. Patients were separated into 2 groups: group 1 with AKI and group 2 without AKI. RESULTS: Obstetric admission cases (n=137) were compiled, including 46 cases of AKI. Comparison of the different variables between groups 1 and 2 revealed a statistically significant difference regarding home birth (p=0.004), severe hypotension (p=0.007), icterus (p=0.001), oligoanuria (p=0.001), hyperuricemia (p=0.01), thrombopenia (p=0.001) and hepatic cytolysis (p=0.001). The incidences of HELLP syndrome, abruptio placentae and disseminated intravascular coagulation were higher in the AKI group. Maternal mortality was 28.3% in group 1. CONCLUSION: The incidence of AKI in developing countries ranges from 4% to 36% depending on the study. In India and Pakistan, cases of pregnancy-related AKI occur mainly during the first trimester of pregnancy and are related to severe states of sepsis. In Morocco, AKI occurs mainly in the third trimester in a context of hypertensive disorders. Maternal mortality varies between 6% and 30% depending on the study. AKI is a frequently occurring complication in developing countries. It is reversible as shown by total recovery of renal function, but this depends on early and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, the best treatment remains prevention.