Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Negatively Influences Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcome in Euthyroid Women on T4 Substitution Therapy: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) on reproductive outcome parameters of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles as compared to TAI-negative ICSI cycles. DESIGN: In this single in vitro fertilization (IVF) center retrospective study, 86 infertile women with elevated thyroid peroxidase or TGAb levels, but euthyroid after thyroxine replacement (study group), were compared to 69 female patients with no thyroid abnormalities (controls). Following ICSI treatment fertilization rate (FR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate (MR), and live birth rate (LBR) were analyzed. MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: All subjects with various infertility factors were treated with ICSI in university-based IVF center. Patients in the study group received thyroxine replacement and were euthyroid at IVF treatment. Before the IVF cycles, endocrinological parameters were uniformly assessed: thyroid function and antibodies, reproductive hormones (anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH], follicular stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone, E2, PRL, testosterone, DHEAS, 17-OHP, AD) and OGTT (0-60-120 min glucose and insulin). Following descriptive comparison of laboratory parameters, age-adjusted analyses of FR, CPR, MR, and LBR were performed. RESULTS: TAI-positive women were older (mean age 35.31 ± 4.95 vs. 32.15 ± 4.87 years; p = 0.002), had higher FSH (8.4 ± 3.4 vs. 7.4 ± 2.32 U/L; p = 0.024), higher E2 (53.94 ± 47.61 vs. 42.93 ± 18.92 pg/mL; p = 0.025) levels, while AMH (2.88 ± 2.62 vs. 3.61 ± 1.69 ng/mL; p = 0.0002) was lower. There were no differences in TSH levels (1.64 ± 0.96 vs. 1.66 ± 0.65 µIU/mL; p = 0.652) between the two groups. FT3 (2.63 ± 0.58 vs. 2.98 ± 0.55 pg/mL; p = 0.002) was lower and FT4 (1.3 ± 0.29 vs. 1.13 ± 0.21 ng/dL; p = 0.0002) was higher in the TAI-positive group, reflecting clinically irrelevant differences. Egg cell counts (6 ± 3.8 vs. 7.5 ± 3.95; p = 0.015) were lower in TAI and remained so following age adjustment. Although the overall ICSI FR did not differ (62.9% vs. 69.1%, p = 0.12), it was lower for patients under 35 with TAI showing decreasing differences in line with age. The CPR (36.04% vs. 69.56%; p < 0.001) and LBR (23.25% vs. 60.86%; p < 0.001) were lower, the MR (35.48% vs. 12.5%; p = 0.024) was higher in the TAI group, and these differences remained after age adjustment. LIMITATIONS: Since the higher age of the study group may interfere with the effect of TAI, age adjustment calculations were necessary to perform to eliminate this confounding factor. CONCLUSION: Despite optimal thyroid supplementation in clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism, the presence of TAI negatively influences CPR and is connected to a higher MR, thus resulting in a lower LBR after ICSI. Decreased FR with ICSI in TAI patients may also contribute to poorer outcomes, especially in younger women.

Effects of Low Luteinizing Hormone Serum Levels on Oocyte Retrieval, Fertilization Rate, and Embryo Quality during Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: Results from a Prospective Cohort Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a key role in normal follicular development and oocyte maturation in controlled ovarian stimulation. LH stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of theca cells for the secretion of androgens, synergistically increasing estrogen production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low LH concentrations on oocyte retrieval, fertilization, and embryo development in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. DESIGN: We prospectively (ClinicalTrials ID: NCT05755529) analyzed patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, subdividing them into three groups according to their age. Serum LH levels were evaluated on day 3, during stimulation (day 10) and before ovulation induction (day 12). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Forty-three consecutive women were scheduled for IVF and received ovarian stimulation with follitropin alfa (Gonal F, Merck Serono, Germany) and ganirelix (Fyremaldel, Sun Pharma, Italy). Statistical analysis was performed with InStat 3.10, GraphPad software, San Diego, CA, USA. Normal distribution was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Continuous variables were expressed as the mean and standard deviation. Categorical variables are expressed as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: Our data analysis suggests that serum LH levels progressively decrease during controlled ovarian stimulation, and this effect is more evident in the early phase of this procedure. From this perspective, circulating LH levels may significantly decrease during the late follicular phase due to the negative feedback of ovarian hormones from multiple follicular developments or after the suppressive effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists. LIMITATIONS: Although our study confirms that exogenous LH can be considered a strategy in women with reduced LH levels during ovarian stimulation to improve oocyte quality and reproductive outcome, the generalizability of the results is limited by the low number of participants enrolled. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous LH may be considered a strategy in women with a decrease in LH levels during ovarian stimulation to improve oocyte quality and reproductive outcome.

Effect of Maternal Age and Body Mass Index on Induction of Labor Using Oral Misoprostol in Late-Term Pregnancies: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have shown that late- and post-term pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this case, induction of labor is the recommended approach. For full-term pregnancies, various methods exist to prepare the cervix and/or commence labor. Prostaglandins serve the dual purpose of cervical ripening and labor induction, blurring the distinction between the two processes. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of maternal age and body mass index (BMI) on oral misoprostol induction of labor for late-term pregnancies. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study (ClinicalTrial ID: NCT06184139), including only late-term pregnancies in healthy nulliparous women carrying a single cephalic fetus with normal birthweight who underwent induction of labor with oral misoprostol. We used the oral misoprostol regimen proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for induction of labor in term singleton pregnancies in women who have not had a previous cesarean delivery and a Bishop score <7. The regimen was oral misoprostol in aqueous solution at the low dose of 25 µg every 2 h until a Bishop score ≥7, labor, or for a maximum of 8 doses. RESULTS: One hundred and four pregnant women underwent induction of labor with oral misoprostol for late-term pregnancy on the 290th day of gestation. Study population was divided in two groups based on age (<35 and ≥35 years) and obesity (BMI <30 and ≥30). No statistically significant differences were recorded between younger and older women. Obese women reported a longer time between the last dose of misoprostol and cervical dilation of 6 cm (p = 0.01), a longer time between the last dose of misoprostol and delivery (p = 0.04), and a higher rate of grade II vaginal lacerations (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal BMI is a factor negatively influencing the efficacy of oral misoprostol for induction of labor in late-term pregnancy.

Molecular and Cellular Advances in Endometriosis Research: Paving the Way for Future Directions.

Molecular and cellular research in the field of endometriosis is moving forward in giant steps [...].

Wernicke Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review of Contributing Factors-Can Malpractice Dynamics Be Identified?

Wernicke Encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological acute syndrome related to vitamin B1 deficiency and is relatively common in patients with chronic alcoholism. In the case of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, thiamine body stores become unable to meet the increased demand, resulting in acute deficiency. WE is associated with typical clinical and radiological findings. Treatment pathways rely on thiamine replacement. The case herein reported is centered around a 33-year-old diabetic patient at 12 weeks of gestation, with WE due to hyperemesis gravidarum. The disease manifested itself with weakness, mental confusion, headache, and impaired vision. The diagnosis was established after the detection of typical findings by MRI. Thirty days after therapy was started, most of the patient's neurological disorders were resolved. The patient was discharged 40 days later with instructions to continue daily thiamine supplementation. The pregnancy outcome was good. Unfortunately, mild ataxia persisted in 2-year follow-up as a long-term consequence. When diagnosed and treated, WE has a favorable prognosis. However, roughly 80% of patients experience memory loss, which may continue for a long time, while gait disorders reportedly affect about 35% of patients. Mild ataxia and dysmetria may persist, too. We reviewed the scientific literature on WE in women with HG until February 2023. Hardly any authors report data on long-term sequelae. Our report emphasizes how important it is to take into consideration this complication in clinical practice, referring to published guidelines and recommendations. Neurological maternal sequelae can demonstrably persist despite early diagnosis and appropriate management. For this reason, a long-term follow-up is recommended. Wernicke syndrome management cannot yet rely on well-established conclusive guidelines; hence, a cautionary approach ought to be prioritized in order to ensure medicolegal soundness.

Prevalence of overactive bladder among overweight and obese women: A prospective cross-sectional cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), severity of symptoms, and quality of life in affected patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of 1351 consecutive patients who were recruited between June 2021 and May 2022. Patients were divided according to BMI (normal: <25.0, overweight: 25-29.9, obese: ≥30) and menopausal status. The latter were divided according to the presence or absence of urinary incontinence in the normal, wet-OAB and dry-OAB groups. A validated questionnaire, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire in Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB), in the English and Arabic languages was used. RESULTS: A total of 1351 patients were included. For women who were overweight, there was a greater prevalence of dry-OAB (p = 0.02), However, the prevalence of both dry and wet-OAB were higher in obese women (p < 0.00001). Compared to women with a normal BMI, women who were overweight or obese had a greater likelihood of developing abnormal daytime urine frequency and nocturia, with p values ≤ 0.01. The ORs of overweight and obese women were 3.1 and 5.3, respectively, for experiencing wet OAB in comparison to women with a normal BMI. Additionally, the odds of developing severe OAB in overweight and obese women were 5.8 and 18.6, respectively, which negatively affects their quality of life (QoL). CONCLUSION: The risk of developing OAB symptomatology is significantly greater in overweight and obese patients. As BMI increases, the symptomatology, perceived discomfort and QoL of patients with OAB worsen.

Group B streptococcus colonization in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: a three-year monocentric retrospective study during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends to pregnant women, between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation, universal vaginal-rectal screening for GBS colonization, aimed at intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). The latter is the only currently available and highly effective method against early onset GBS neonatal infections. Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the preventive measures implemented to mitigate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection led to the reduction in the access to many health facilities and services, including the obstetric and perinatal ones. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of maternal GBS colonization, as well as use of IAP and incidence of episodes of neonatal GBS infection when antibiotic prophylaxis has not been carried out in colonized and/or at risk subjects, in a population of pregnant women during (years 2020-2021) and after (year 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic, also with the aim to establish possible epidemiological and clinical differences in the two subjects' groups. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of pregnant women admitted to, and delivering, at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, of the University Hospital of Palermo, Italy, from 01.01.2020 to 31.12.2022. For each of them, we recorded pertinent socio-demographic information, clinical data related to pregnancy, delivery and peripartum, and specifically execution and status of vaginal and rectal swab test for GBS detection, along with eventual administration and modality of IAP. The neonatal outcome was investigated in all cases at risk (positive maternal swabs status for GBS, either vaginal or rectal, with or without/incomplete IAP, preterm labor and/or delivery, premature rupture of membranes ≥ 18 h, previous pregnancy ended with neonatal early onset GBS disease [EOD], urine culture positive for GBS in any trimester of current gestation, intrapartum temperature ≥ 38 °C and/or any clinical/laboratory signs of suspected chorioamnionitis). The data concerning mothers and neonates at risk, observed during the pandemic (years 2020-2021), were compared with those of both subjects' groups with overlapping risk factors recorded in the following period (year 2022). The chi squared test has been applied in order to find out the relationship between pregnant women with GBS colonization receiving IAP and outcome of their neonates. RESULTS: The total source population of the study consisted of 2109 pregnant women, in addition to their 2144 newborns. Our analysis, however, focused on women and neonates with risk factors. The vaginal-rectal swab for GBS was performed in 1559 (73.92%) individuals. The test resulted positive in 178 cases overall (11.42% of those undergoing the screening). Amongst our whole sample of 2109 subjects, 298 women had an indication for IAP (vaginal and/or rectal GBS colonization, previous pregnancy ended with neonatal GBS EOD, urine culture positive for GBS in any trimester of current gestation, and unknown GBS status at labor onset with at least any among delivery at < 37 weeks' gestation, amniotic membranes rupture ≥ 18 h and/or intrapartum temperature ≥ 38.0 °C), and 64 (21.48%) received adequate treatment; for 23 (7.72%) it was inadequate/incomplete, while 211 (70.8%) did not receive IAP despite maternal GBS colonization and/or the presence of any of the above mentioned risk factors. Comparing the frequency of performing vaginal-rectal swabs in the women admitted in the two time periods, the quote of those screened out of the total in the pandemic period (years 2020-2021) was higher than that of those undergoing GBS screening out of the total admitted in the year 2022 (75.65% vs. 70.38%, p = 0.009), while a greater number (not statistically significant, p = 0.12) of adequate and complete IAP was conducted in 2022, than in the previous biennium (26.36 vs. 18.62%). During the whole 3 years study period, as expected, none of the newborns of mothers with GBS colonization and/or risk factors receiving IAP developed EOD. Conversely, 13 neonates with EOD, out of 179 (7.3%) born to mothers with risk factors, were observed: 3 among these patients' mothers performed incomplete IAP, while the other 10 did not receive IAP. Neither cases of neonatal meningitis, nor deaths were observed. The incidence rate in the full triennium under investigation, estimated as the ratio between the number of babies developing the disease out of the total of 2144 newborns, was 6.06‰; among those born to mothers with risk factors, if comparing the two time periods, the incidence was 8.06% in the pandemic biennium, while 5.45% in the following year, evidencing thus no statistical significance (p = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed in our Department an increased prevalence of pregnant women screened for, and colonized by GBS, in the last decade. However, an overall still low frequency of vaginal-rectal swabs performed for GBS, and low number of adequate and complete IAP despite the presence of risk factors have been found, which did not notably change during the two time periods. Moreover, significant EOD incidence rates have been reported among children of mothers carrying risk factors, although also in this case no statistically significant differences have been observed during and after the pandemic. Such data seem to be in contrast to those reported during the COVID-19, showing a decrease in the access to health facilities and increased mortality/morbidity rates also due to the restrictive measures adopted to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. These findings might be explained by the presence within the same metropolitan area of our Department of a COVID hospital and birthing center, which all the patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection referred to, and likely leading to a weaker concern of getting sick perceived by our patients. Although IAP is an easy procedure to implement, however adherence and uniformity in the management protocols are still not optimal. Therefore, the prophylactic measures adopted to date cannot be considered fully satisfactory, and should be improved. Better skills integration and obstetrical-neonatological collaboration, in addition to new effective preventive tools, like vaccines able to prevent invasive disease, may allow further reduction in morbidity and mortality rates related to GBS perinatal infection.

Hormonal Therapies before in vitro fertilization in women with endometriosis: The Minotaur's Labyrinth and the Ariadne's Thread.

Endometriosis-related infertility is one of the most debated topics in reproductive medicine. In recent years, prolonged pre-cycle hormonal regimens gained attention as a mean of improving the assisted reproduction technologies (ART) success rates in endometriosis patients. GnRH agonists, dienogest, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and aromatase inhibitors are the most studied medications. Conflicting results and a high risk of bias exist in almost all of the conducted studies in the field. However, current evidence suggests that pre-cycle treatment with GnRH agonists may be beneficial for patients with stage III/IV endometriosis. Dienogest and medroxyprogesterone acetate-based progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol was shown to be comparable to the prolonged GnRH agonists protocol. Finally, aromatase inhibitors seem to be of limited benefit to the assisted reproductive outcomes of endometriosis patients. Although it is challenging to draw any clinical conclusions, pre-cycle hormonal treatments seem to be best indicated in endometriosis patients who had previously failed ART treatment.

Current Medical Therapy for Adenomyosis: From Bench to Bedside.

Adenomyosis, characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue within the uterine wall, poses significant challenges in treatment. The literature primarily focuses on managing abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and dysmenorrhea, the main symptoms of adenomyosis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and tranexamic acid provide limited support for mild symptoms or symptom re-exacerbation during hormone therapy. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is commonly employed in adenomyosis management, showing promise in symptom improvement and reducing uterine size, despite the lack of standardized guidelines. Dienogest (DNG) also exhibits potential benefits, but limited evidence hinders treatment recommendations. Danazol, while effective, is limited by androgenic side effects. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) may be less effective than progestins but can be considered for contraception in young patients. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists effectively manage symptoms but induce menopausal symptoms with prolonged use. GnRH antagonists are a recent option requiring further investigation. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) show promise in alleviating AUB and pelvic pain, but their safety necessitates exploration and limited use within trials for refractory patients. This review highlights the complexity of diagnosing adenomyosis, its coexistence with endometriosis and uterine leiomyomas, and its impact on fertility and quality of life, complicating treatment decisions. It emphasizes the need for research on guidelines for medical management, fertility outcomes, long-term effects of therapies, and exploration of new investigational targets. Future research should optimize therapeutic strategies, expand our understanding of adenomyosis and its management, and establish evidence-based guidelines to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome Secondary to Postpartum Endometritis: Case Report and Literature Review.

We report a case of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) 1 week after an urgent cesarean section. Although its onset in the postpartum period is poorly reported in the literature, we suggest that FHCS can complicate puerperal endometritis; therefore, it should be consider in differential diagnosis in puerpera with right upper quadrant pain. Again, it can be useful to perform a contrast computed tomography that allows early diagnosis and conservative treatment.

Predictive factors of polycystic ovary syndrome in girls with precocious pubarche.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to clarify, in girls with premature pubarche (PP), the influence of premature androgenization on the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Ninety-nine PP girls, 63 who developed PCOS and 36 who did not develop PCOS, were retrospectively included. Clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters were evaluated at the time of diagnosis of PP and after 10 years from menarche to find predictive factors of PCOS. RESULTS: Young females with PP showed a PCOS prevalence of 64% and showed a higher prevalence of familial history of diabetes (P = 0.004) and a lower prevalence of underweight (P = 0.025) than PP-NO-PCOS. In addition, girls with PP-PCOS showed higher BMI (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P < 0.001), total testosterone (P = 0.026), visceral adiposity index (VAI) (P = 0.013), total cholesterol (P < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001), non-HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001) and lower age of menarche (P = 0.015), ISI-Matsuda (P < 0.001), DIo (P = 0.002), HDL cholesterol (P = 0.026) than PP-NO-PCOS. Multivariate analysis showed that WC (P = 0.049), ISI-Matsuda (P < 0.001), oral disposition index (DIo) (P < 0.001), VAI (P < 0.001), total testosterone (P < 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001) are independent predictive factors for PCOS in girls with PP. CONCLUSIONS: Our study established a strong association between multiple risk factors and development of PCOS in PP girls. These risk factors are predominantly related to the regulation of glucose, lipid, and androgen metabolism. Among these factors, WC, ISI-Matsuda, DIo, VAI, total testosterone, and LDL-cholesterol predict PCOS.

Educational Interventions on Pregnancy Vaccinations during Childbirth Classes Improves Vaccine Coverages among Pregnant Women in Palermo's Province.

Maternal immunization is considered the best intervention in order to prevent influenza infection of pregnant women and influenza and pertussis infection of newborns. Despite the existing recommendations, vaccination coverage rates in Italy remain very low. Starting from August 2018, maternal immunization against influenza and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis were strongly recommended by the Italian Ministry of Health. We conducted a cross sectional study to estimate the effectiveness of an educational intervention, conducted during childbirth classes in three general hospitals in the Palermo metropolitan area, Italy, on vaccination adherence during pregnancy. To this end, a questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and immunization practices was structured and self-administered to a sample of pregnant women attending childbirth classes. Then, an educational intervention on maternal immunization, followed by a counseling, was conducted by a Public Health medical doctor. After 30 days following the interventions, the adherence to the recommended vaccinations (influenza and pertussis) was evaluated. At the end of the study 326 women were enrolled and 201 responded to the follow-up survey. After the intervention, among the responding pregnant women 47.8% received influenza vaccination (+44.8%), 57.7% diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccination (+50.7%) and 64.2% both the recommended vaccinations (+54.8%). A significant association was found between pregnant women that received at least one vaccination during pregnancy and higher educational level (graduation degree/master's degree), employment status (employed part/full-time) and influenza vaccination adherence during past seasons (at least one during last five years). The implementation of vaccination educational interventions, including counseling by healthcare professionals (HCPs), on maternal immunization during childbirth courses improved considerably the vaccination adherence during pregnancy.

Preliminary reference intervals of Glycated Albumin in healthy Caucasian pregnant women.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Glycated albumin (GA) could represent a useful biomarker in pregnant women for diagnosing and monitoring gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The establishment of reference intervals (RI) is mandatory before assessing its clinical usefulness. The RIs of GA in healthy pregnant women are not well defined. The aim of the current study was to establish the RI in a cohort consisting of Caucasian pregnant women without overt diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The study included 183 healthy pregnant women. GA was measured on plasma by an enzymatic method (quantILab Glycated Albumin, IL Werfen, Germany). The RI was calculated by the non-parametric and robust methods. RESULTS: The RI of GA in the whole population was 10.16% (90%CI 9.60-10.70) and 15.44% (90%CI 14.90-16.90). GA levels decreased during pregnancy, with lower levels in the third trimester: 10.11 (90%CI 9.48-10.79) and 15.72 (90%CI 15.15-16.27) in the first trimester, 10.49 (90%CI 10.05-10.96) and 15.49 (90%CI 15.05-15.92) in the second trimester, 9.84 (90%CI 9.50-10.22) and 14.57 (90%CI 14.11-15.01) in the third trimester. Finally, a weak negative correlation was found between GA levels and body mass index. CONCLUSION: This is the first study establishing the RIs of GA in Caucasian healthy pregnant women.

Unexpected finding of urachal remnant cyst. Tips for laparoscopic approach.

INTRODUCTION: Incomplete obliteration of the urachal lumen could cause different types of anomalies and urachal cyst is the most common among these in the adult population. It is usually asymptomatic and may be an incidental finding during a surgical exploration for other reasons. However, it can be subject to complications. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 38-year-old female patient with history of worsening lower-quadrants abdominal pain, associated with fever and chills, presented to emergency room; clinical examination revealed a painful, tender, and fixed lump to the left inferior abdominal quadrant. Ultrasound reveled a left adnexal mass and, along the midline, between the adnexal mass, the bladder and the uterus, was evident a 3-cm unilocular cyst with regular walls and hypoechoic content. MRI confirmed the suspicion of a left tubo-ovarian abscess and suggested a diagnosis of urachal remnant for the smaller midline cyst. In this report, we describe the step-by-step laparoscopic management of the case, paying attention to "the tips and tricks" for urachal cyst excision. DISCUSSION: The urachal cyst, which results from the accumulations of secretions in urachal remnant, presents as a single or multiple parietal abdominal mass, per se asymptomatic. However, this condition is not without risk and infection represents the most common complication. Ultrasound is very useful in the diagnostic phase. Today, the main approach has become laparoscopic excision, with particular attention to a radical removing of the mass, due to high recurrence rate and the risk of malignancy. CONCLUSION: In our experience, laparoscopy represents an excellent diagnostic and therapeutic tool for urachal cyst, especially for patients with acute urgent conditions, doubtful clinical history, and no clear signs or symptoms.

What is the impact of a novel MED12 variant on syndromic conotruncal heart defects? Analysis of case report on two male sibs.

BACKGROUND: Syndromic congenital heart disease accounts for 30% of cases and can be determined by genetic, environmental or multifactorial causes. In many cases the etiology remains uncertain. Many known genes are responsible for specific morphopathogenetic mechanisms during the development of the heart whose alteration can determine specific phenotypes of cardiac malformations. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on two cases of association of conotruncal heart defect with facial dysmorphisms in sibs. In both cases the malformations' identification occurred by ultrasound in the prenatal period. It was followed by prenatal invasive diagnosis. The genetic analysis revealed no rearrangements in Array-CGH test, while gene panel sequencing identified a new hemizygous variant of uncertain significance (c.887G > A; p.Arg296Gln) in the MED12 gene, located on the X chromosome and inherited from the healthy mother. CONCLUSION: No other reports about the involvement of MED12 gene in syndromic conotruncal heart defects are actually available from the literature and the international genomic databases. This novel variant is a likely pathogenic variant of uncertain significance and it could broaden the spectrum of genes involved in the development of congenital heart diseases and the phenotypic range of MED12-related disorders.

A randomized comparison of endometrial laser intrauterine thermotherapy and hysteroscopic endometrial resection.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the difference of long-term amenorrhea rate in patients with menorrhagia treated by endometrial laser intrauterine thermal therapy (ELITT), a new nonhysteroscopic endometrial ablation procedure, versus transcervical hysteroscopic endometrial resection (TCRE). DESIGN: Randomized clinical study. Healthy volunteers in an academic research environment. SETTING: Academic teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): Premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding. INTERVENTION(S): Fifty-eight patients were treated with the ELITT procedure and 58 patients with TCRE; both groups were treated with GnRH agonists before the procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Bleeding status and patient satisfaction after treatment were evaluated as well as the intraoperative complication rate. RESULT(S): At 12 months, the amenorrhea rate was 56% in the ELITT group and 23% in the TCRE group. At 36 months, the figures were 61% for ELITT and 24% for TCRE. No significant complications were recorded for either procedure. CONCLUSION(S): Results of this randomized study demonstrate that both procedures are equally effective in the treatment of menorrhagia. However, the ELITT procedure has proven to be superior in inducing amenorrhea.

Detection of oncogenic human papillomavirus genotypes on spermatozoa from male partners of infertile couples.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) sperm infection and its correlation with sperm parameters in patients who attended a fertility clinic. DESIGN: Cross-sectional clinical study. SETTING: University-affiliated reproductive medicine clinic. PATIENT(S): A total of 308 male partners of couples undergoing in vitro fertilization techniques. INTERVENTION(S): Specimens of semen were collected from all patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Sperm parameters were evaluated according to the World Health Organization manual. The presence of HPV DNA was researched by the combined use of two HPV assays and a highly sensitive nested polymerase chain reaction assay followed by HPV genotyping. To examine whether HPV was associated with the sperm, in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis was performed. RESULT(S): Results of HPV investigation were compared with sperm parameters and ISH analysis. Twenty-four out of 308 semen samples (7.8%) were HPV DNA positive, but HPV infection did not seem to affect semen quality. Moreover, ISH revealed a clear HPV localization at the equatorial region of sperm head in infected samples. CONCLUSION(S): Oncogenic HPV genotypes were detected on spermatozoa from asymptomatic subjects, but a role of the infection in male infertility was not demonstrated.

Hysteroscopic resection of the septum improves the pregnancy rate of women with unexplained infertility: a prospective controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess fecundity of infertile women after surgical correction of uterine septum. DESIGN: Prospective controlled trial. SETTING: Three academic infertility clinics. PATIENT(S): Forty-four women affected by septate uterus and otherwise unexplained infertility represented the study group (group A), and 132 women with unexplained infertility were enrolled as control subjects (group B). INTERVENTION(S): Hysteroscopic metroplasty was performed in group A, and group B was managed expectantly. All women were followed-up for 1 year without any other intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fecundity rate was calculated as the number of pregnancies per 100 person-months. RESULT(S): Pregnancy rate (38.6% vs. 20.4%) and live birth rate (34.1% and 18.9%) were significantly higher in group A than in group B. The survival analysis showed that the probability of a pregnancy in the twelve-months follow up was significantly higher in patients who had undergone metroplasty than in women with unexplained infertility. The corresponding fecundity (10-week pregnancy) rates were 4.27 and 1.92 person-months in women who had undergone metroplasty and in women with unexplained infertility, respectively. CONCLUSION(S): Hysteroscopic resection of the septum improves fecundity of women with septate uterus and otherwise unexplained infertility. Patients with septate uterus and no other cause of sterility have a significantly higher probability of conceiving after removal of the septum than patients affected by idiopathic sterility.