COVID-19 in pregnancy: Our experience at a tertiary maternity unit in France
Published on: 24th June, 2020
OCLC Number/Unique Identifier: 8625644678
Objectives: Our main objectives are to reveal the pregnancy and neonatal impacts of COVID-19 infection and to compare it to the results that are reported in the literature.
Methods and materials: The characteristics of the admitted pregnant patients COVID-19 positive with their initial presentation, course at the hospital, and short term follow-up are exposed. Correlation of the age and gestational age with the severity of the disease was calculated.
Results: Thirty five COVID-19 positive pregnant patients presented between the beginning of March and the end of April 2020. From 5 weeks till 41 weeks of gestation, all trimesters were included. The mean of age is 32 and the BMI equal 28.2. Associated comorbidities included not only diabetes and hypertension but also PCOS. The symptomatology was considered mild in most of the cases. The distribution of the symptoms included cough in 86%. 10 out of 35 delivered and cesarean was performed in 50% of the cases. The mean length of stay is 6 days. Neither maternal nor neonatal deaths occurred. There is a significant correlation between the age of the patient and the severity of the disease but this is not the case with gestational age.
Conclusion: Our results were comparable to the literature in terms of initial presentation, associated comorbidities and the length of stay. Despite the fact that the cesarean rate was high, it was far below that of the literature. More data is still needed about COVID-19 in pregnancy.
Overview on current approach on recurrent miscarriage and threatened miscarriage
Published on: 30th November, 2020
OCLC Number/Unique Identifier: 8875583329
Miscarriage is a frequent outcome of pregnancy, with major emotional implications to the couple experiencing such an event. Threatened miscarriage is the commonest complication of early pregnancy and affects about 20% of pregnancies. It presents with vaginal bleeding with or without abdominal cramps. On the other hand recurrent miscarriages are post implantation failures in natural conception. Increasing age of women, smoking, obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a previous history of miscarriage are risk factors for threatened miscarriage. The pathophysiology has been associated with changes in levels of cytokines or maternal immune dysfunction. Clinical history and examination, maternal serum biochemistry and ultrasound findings are important to determine the treatment options and provide valuable information for the prognosis. Many surgical and non-surgical interventions are used in the management of threatened and recurrent miscarriages. In this review, we present available evidence-based guidance on the incidence, pathophysiology, investigation and clinical management of recurrent miscarriage and threatened miscarriage, focusing mainly on the first trimester of pregnancy and primary healthcare settings. The review is structured to be clinically relevant. We have critically appraised the evidence to produce a concise answer for clinical practice.
Epidemiologic aspects and risk factors associated with infertility in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) in north of Iran
Published on: 20th January, 2021
OCLC Number/Unique Identifier: 8897953759
Objective: This study aimed to investigating of the epidemiological aspects of infertility and related risk factors in infertile women.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study, carried out on 330 infertile women referred to two infertility treatment center of Imam Khomeini Hospital and Mother center in Sari, Iran, from April 2015 to March 2017.
Results: 54.5% of these women were in the age of 30-39 years, infertility duration in 55.2% was 1-5 years, Body mass index (BMI) in 44.5% of samples was 26-30 kg/m2, 54.5% had diploma and associate degree. 63.6% lived in urban areas. 74.5 % of patients reported primary infertility. History of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOs) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and poor ovarian reserve were the most common causes and risk factors for the infertility with prevalence 19.42%, 16.81% and 13.91%, respectively. Most underlying disease was thyroid disorders (54.5%). There was found statistically significant relationship between residents of urban areas and infertility duration, endometriosis and educational levels, miscarriage with thyroid. Data analysis performed using IBM SPSS 21 software and Chi-Square test (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that women with infertility in north of Iran were more likely to be older, less educated, and also had overweight. They are more possible to have ovarian disorders. In these area, thyroid disease more common like Iodine deficient regions. Future research should be focused on the reasons why majority of women don’t seek treatment for the underline significant diseases that may be effects on ovarian function and fertility.
Effectiveness of ethinyl oestradiol /cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol/ desogestrel with or without low-dose metformin on perceived health-related quality of life in hirsute women with polycystic ovary disease: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Published on: 6th August, 2019
Background: Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) is an endocrine disorder. It leads to menstrual disturbances, infertility, obesity and dermatological manifestations such as hirsutism and acne which leads to impaired health-related quality of life (QOL).
Aims: To evaluate the perceived health related QOL in patients with PCOD treated with ethinyl oestradiol (35µg)/cyproterone acetate (2 mg) (EE/CPA) and ethinyl oestradiol (20 µg)/ desogestrel (0.15mg) (EE/DES) alone and in combination with low-dose metformin.
Methods: A total of 117 patients with PCOD diagnosed according to Rotterdam Consensus Criteria 2003 with a hirsutism score of 8 or more according to modified Ferriman-Gallway Score (mFGS) were randomised to receive one of four drug combinations (arm A – EE/CPA, arm B- EE/DES, arm C- EE/CPA plus metformin, arm D- EE/DES plus metformin). The outcomes assessed were body mass index (BMI), hirsutism (using mFGS) and health-related QOL (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health- Related quality of life Questionnaire (PCOSQ) and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score) at baseline and 12 months after treatment.
Results: PCOSQ score in relation to the hirsutism, emotions, menstruation, obesity, infertility and VAS score in relation to hirsutism and obesity had improved at the end of 12 months (p< 0.001) in all treatment arms. There was no difference between treatment arms in all measured outcomes at baseline and at the end of 12 months.
Conclusion: Treatment with EE/CPA and EE/DES is associated with an improvement in perceived QOL in patients with PCOD. The addition of low-dose metformin did not have a significant benefit.
Obesity-Treatment by drugs
Published on: 31st December, 2019
OCLC Number/Unique Identifier: 8512989194
The main disturbing situation faced by any individual is obesity nowadays. Obesity occurs because of overweight and this has several reasons to gain weight like hereditary, diabetes, diet, aging, PCOS in women, stress, and tiredness. It is a major, sustaining, worsening condition of energy regulation with severe hereditary and early life natural causes. However, there are ways that we can treat obesity, but the complication emerges with the side effects. One way of treating obese by using lifestyle intervention involving exercise, maintaining a proper diet, and pharmacotherapy. Following this method does not affect much as mostly it includes lifestyle intervention. However, by using lifestyle intervention we could reduce weight to a certain extent only.
Impact of various PCOS phenotypes on oocyte competence in an ART cycle
Published on: 14th June, 2022
Introduction: PCOS is a common cause of female infertility. Although PCOS patients are characterized by producing an increased number of oocytes, they are often of poor quality, leading to lower fertilization, cleavage, and implantation and higher miscarriage rates.Aims: The present study aims to identify the effect of various PCOS phenotypes on oocyte competence in an ART cycle.Settings and design: A retrospective observational study. Methods and material: The study group included 102 women with PCOS as a main cause of infertility. Data was collected over a period of one year (2017-18). These women were divided into four groups on basis of PCOS phenotypes (A-D) and the relevant clinical data and the ART outcome were noted. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistical package. Data presented as mean ± SD which was compared using the ANOVA test. A p - value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 102 PCOS women, 23.52% women had phenotype A, 11.76% had phenotype B, and 45.09% and 19.60% had phenotype C & D respectively. Good quality embryos formed (p - value 0.01) were lower in Group B vs. other groups. However, clinical pregnancy rates were comparable in all groups.Conclusion: The reproductive potential of women with PCOS varies with the oocyte health and it largely depends on PCOS phenotype. Women with PCOS phenotype B might have poor IVF/ICSI outcomes with regard to the number of oocytes retrieved and embryos formed. PCO morphology might carry an advantage with regards to the number of oocytes retrieved and better quality embryos. It seems that hyperandrogenism in combination with chronic anovulation is associated with poor oocyte competence and hence, a negative impact on embryo quality and clinical pregnancy rate. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to further support it.Key messages: Oocyte competence in various PCOS phenotypes.
Patient, disease and surgeon predictors of successful bilateral sentinel lymph node mapping for endometrial cancer: A retrospective, multicenter analysis
Published on: 14th July, 2022
Objective: Sentinel lymph node mapping is an acceptable standard for lymph node evaluation in patients with endometrial cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adoption of this technique at two academic institutions, including which patient and disease features are associated with rates of successfully identifying sentinel lymph nodes with fluorescent mapping. In addition, we sought to characterize if and how surgeons experience the technique related to successful bilateral sentinel lymph node mapping. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients at two academic institutions who underwent sentinel lymph node mapping prior to a minimally invasive hysterectomy for endometrial cancer over the first 30 months during which the technique was adopted at each institution. A modified Poisson regression model was used to determine the relationships between patient, disease, and surgeon factors on outcomes of sentinel lymph node mapping. Results: A total of 460 charts were reviewed. The mean age was 64 and the median body mass index was 34.2. The most disease was stage I (83%), endometrioid (89%), and Grade I (64%). The bilateral sentinel lymph node mapping success rate was 65%, while unilateral or bilateral success occurred in 91% of cases. Sentinel lymph node mapping was significantly more likely to be successful in premenopausal women (RR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07 - 1.46; p = 0.005) and Asian women (RR 1.48; 95% CI 1.3-1.68; p < 0.001). BMI was not significantly predictive of mapping success (RR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00 - 1.07; p = 0.05). Increasing surgeon experience with the technique did predict successful bilateral sentinel lymph node mapping (RR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00 - 1.03; p = 0.02).Conclusion: Premenopausal status and surgeon experience with the technique increases the likelihood of bilateral sentinel lymph node detection for endometrial cancer.
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback and Psychotherapy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Description of a Case Report to Shed Light on this Understudied Condition
Published on: 20th September, 2023
Background: Although there is minimal information on the role of stress in PCOS, it is well-known that it may trigger the exacerbation and maintenance of the disease. Despite there being only a few studies in the literature, many researchers highlighted situations of autonomic hyperactivation characterizing PCOS. In light of these assumptions, the purpose of this study is to report on a patient who underwent psychological intervention to enhance stress management skills.Case: A 30-year-old woman was referred by the endocrinologist. From a clinical-psychological point of view, the condition of the patient was characterized by a modest psychophysiological activation. Interpersonal difficulties did not allow the patient to benefit from the social support of her loved ones, further favoring the maintenance of the excessive arousal generated by stressful life events. The patient was treated with HRV-Biofeedback integrated within cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.Discussion: The multidimensional intervention brought benefits to the patient, teaching her better stress management strategies (i.e., reduction of psychological symptoms and improvement of hormonal tests). Keeping in mind the interplay between physiological, psychological, and interpersonal factors is fundamental in all psycho-somatic and somato-psychic disorders and is crucial to enhance the use of specific treatments to restore psychophysical well-being.
Relationship between Fertility Diet Score Index Items and Ovulation in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Published on: 18th December, 2024
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by ovarian dysfunction and a leading cause of infertility due to ovulatory issues. Lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications, exercise, and weight management, are considered first-line therapies for women with PCOS; however, the optimal treatment remains unidentified. The Fertility Diet (FD), introduced in 2007, represents a dietary approach that may positively impact fertility by emphasizing specific micronutrients, dietary composition modifications, weight management, and increased physical activity. This narrative review aims to evaluate how various components of the Fertility Diet influence ovulation and overall fertility, assessed through a fertility diet score. The findings of this study suggest that adherence to the Fertility Diet, particularly higher intake of the monounsaturated to trans-fat ratio, and increased vegetable protein intake, may positively influence fertility outcomes in individuals with PCOS. In contrast, high consumption of animal protein and high glycemic load food may have adverse effects. However, the current evidence remains insufficient for definitive conclusions, warranting further interventional studies to explore this relationship.
Detrimental Effects of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene Polymorphism on Human Reproductive Health: A Review
Published on: 5th March, 2025
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme of the folate cycle, which is required to convert 5,10-methyltetrahydrofolate into 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-methylTHHF). 5-methyl THF is a methyl group donor for several cellular methylation processes. It also donates methyl group for the conversion of homocysteine into methionine, the higher concentration of which is toxic. MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism is clinically important polymorphism and the variant MTHFR (A222V) enzyme has reduced activity, hence increasing the requirement for folic acid. Less conversion of folate to 5-methyl-THF due to C677T polymorphism results in a higher plasma concentration of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia). Individuals having C677T polymorphism are susceptible to various diseases, including reproductive problems like male infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), Preeclampsia (PE), placental abruption, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. MTHFR C677T polymorphism mimics folate deficiency, and folate is required for DNA synthesis, repair, methylation, and proper chromosome segregation, and all these processes are important for foetal growth and normal development. Methylation and demethylation processes control the gene expression of about 45% of human genes. Impaired methylation influences the expression of genes involved in the regulation of hormones, spermatogenesis, and oogenesis. In males, oxidative stress damages sperm DNA decreases sperm motility, and may impair fertilization capability. In pregnant women, hyperhomocysteinemia increases oxidative stress and inflammation within the placenta, which causes damage to placental tissue, impairs its function, and disrupts foetal development. Further, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is embryotoxic and neurotoxic and is responsible for congenital anomalies in the foetus. This review supports the idea that MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with an increased risk for male infertility, PCOS, RPL, PE, and congenital anomalies. This review may provide a clue toward a better understanding of the correlation between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and its detrimental effects on human reproductive health.
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