Randomized controlled trial of the effect of endometrial injury on implantation and clinical pregnancy rates during the first ICSI cycle

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether endometrial injury in the cycle preceding controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) improves the implantation and pregnancy rates.

METHODS

Between January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017, a randomized controlled trial was conducted at a center in Egypt among 300 women who met inclusion criteria (first ICSI cycle, aged <40 years, day-3 follicle-stimulating hormone <10 IU/L, normal serum prolactin, no uterine cavity abnormality). The women were randomly allocated using a web-based system to undergo endometrial scratch in the cycle preceding controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (n=150) or to a control group (n=150). Only data analysts were masked to group assignment. The primary outcomes were the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates at 14 days and 4 weeks after embryo transfer, respectively. Analyses were by intention to treat.

RESULTS

The implantation rate was significantly higher in the endometrial scratch group (41.3% [90/218]) than in the control group (30.0% [63/210]; P<0.001). The clinical pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in the endometrial scratch group (44.2% [61/138]) than in the control group (30.4% [41/135]; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Endometrial injury in the cycle preceding the stimulation cycle improved implantation and pregnancy rates during ICSI. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT02660125.

Endometrial Scratch Injury Induces Higher Pregnancy Rate for Women With Unexplained Infertility Undergoing IUI With Ovarian Stimulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of endometrial scratch injury (ESI) on intrauterine insemination (IUI) success.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty four infertile women received 100 mg of oral clomiphene citrate for 5 days starting on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. Patients were randomized to 2 equal groups: Group C received IUI without ESI and group S had ESI. Successful pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound.

RESULTS

13, 21, and 10 women got pregnant after the first, second, and third IUI trials, respectively, with 28.6% cumulative pregnancy rate (PR). The cumulative PR was significantly higher in group S (39%) compared to group C (18.2%). The PR in group S was significantly higher compared to that in group C at the second and third trials. The PR was significantly higher in group S at the second trial compared to that reported in the same group at the first trial but nonsignificantly higher compared to that reported during the third trial, while in group C, the difference was nonsignificant. Eight pregnant women had first trimester abortion with 18.2% total abortion rate with nonsignificant difference between studied groups.

CONCLUSION

The ESI significantly improves the outcome of IUI in women with unexplained infertility especially when conducted 1 month prior to IUI.

Maternal serum homocysteine and uterine artery Doppler as predictors of preeclampsia and poor placentation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of maternal serum total Homocysteine (tHcy) and uterine artery (Ut-A) Doppler as predictors of preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and other complications related to poor placentation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 500 women with spontaneous pregnancies. tHcy was measured at 15-19 weeks, and then, Ut-A Doppler was performed at 18-22 weeks of pregnancy.

RESULTS

453 pregnant women completed the follow-up of the study. The tHcy and Ut-A resistance index were significantly higher in women who developed PE, IUGR, and other complications when compared to controls (tHcy: 7.033 ± 2.744, 6.321 ± 3.645, and 6.602 ± 2.469 vs 4.701 ± 2.082 μmol/L, respectively, p value <0.001 and Ut-A resistance index: 0.587 ± 0.072, 0.587 ± 0.053, and 0.597 ± 0.069 vs 0.524 ± 0.025, respectively, p value <0.001). The use of both tHcy assessment and Ut-A Doppler improved the sensitivity of prediction of PE relative to the use of each one alone (85.2 relative to 73.33 and 60%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The use of elevated homocysteine and uterine artery Doppler screening are valuable in prediction of preeclampsia, IUGR, and poor placentation disorders. CLINCALTRIAL.

GOV ID

NCT02854501.

The adjuvant effect of metformin and N-acetylcysteine to clomiphene citrate in induction of ovulation in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To assess the adjuvant effect of metformin and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to clomiphene citrate (CC) in induction of ovulation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients.

STUDY DESIGN

120 women with PCOS were randomly divided into three equal groups: group I received CC only, group II received CC plus NAC and group III received CC plus metformin.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between group II and other two groups regarding average number of ovulatory follicles >18 mm (2.25 versus 1.75 and 1.89, respectively), but no significant difference between the three study groups regarding number of intermediate follicles 14-18 mm (4, 10 and 4, respectively). There was no significant difference between the three study groups regarding occurrence and laterality of ovulation, pregnancy rate per cycle but a significant difference between group II and other two groups regarding pregnancy rate per patient (20% versus 10% and 10%, respectively, p value 0.05). There was a highly statistically significant difference between group II and other two groups regarding peak endometrial thickness (7.3 ± 1.1 versus 5.4 ± 0.6 and 5.3 ± 0.6, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

NAC as an adjuvant to CC for induction of ovulation improves ovulation and pregnancy rates in PCOS patients with beneficial impacts on endometrial thickness.

Comparison of local and intra venous dexamethasone on post operative pain and recovery after caeseream section. A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of local infiltration and intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative pain and recovery after Cesarean Section (CS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A Prospective, randomized study conducted on 120 pregnant women attending the labor wards. All participants were scheduled for elective CS under spinal anaesthesia and were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Group 1 received 16 mg Dexamethasone IV drip. Group II received 16 mg Dexamethasone subcutaneous injection around the caesarean section scar after skin closure and Group III received Placebo (500 cc saline infusion). All cases were followed up for 48 h for assessment of level of pain by using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). Primary outcome parameters were VAS score and the need for additional analgesics. Other parameters were hemodynamic changes and occurrence of side effects or complications.

RESULTS

there was a highly statistically significant difference between placebo and local infiltration groups and between the placebo and IV groups regarding the needs for postoperative morphine. Comparing both interventional groups revealed statistically significant difference between local infiltration and IV groups regarding the needs for postoperative morphine.

CONCLUSION

Local infiltration of dexamethasone is more effective than systemic administration to decrease postoperative pain with weaker antiemetic effect. NCT02784340.

Effect of maternal obesity on labor induction in postdate pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that there is a higher rate of unsuccessful induction of labor (IOL) in post-term obese pregnant women compared to non-obese ones.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 144 obese (BMI > 30) and 144 non-obese (BMI < 29.9) post-term (> 41 weeks) pregnant women were recruited. IOL was done by misoprostol or amniotomy and oxytocin infusion according to the Bishop score. Comparison of percentage of failed IOL in both groups (primary outcome) was performed by the Chi-test. Logistic regression and multivariable regression were performed to assess the odds ratio (OR) of cesarean section (CS) and coefficient of delay in labor till vaginal delivery (VD) in obese versus (vs) non-obese groups. Adjustment for gestational age, parity, Bishop Score, membrane rupture and amniotic fluid index was done in both regression analyses.

RESULTS

CS rate was significantly higher in obese group [26.4 vs 15.9%; difference in proportion (95% CI) 0.1 (0.01, 0.19); P value 0.02]. 106 (73.6%) obese women and 121 (84.1%) non-obese women delivered vaginally. In addition, the duration till VD was significantly higher in obese group (22 vs 19 h, P value 0.01). After adjustment for possible confounding factors, the CS was still higher in the obese group in comparison to non-obese group (OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.1, 3.7; P value 0.02). This finding suggested that obesity was an independent factor for failure of IOL. In addition, after adjustment for these confounders, obesity had the risk of increasing labor duration by 2.3 h (95% CI 0.1, 4.5) in cases that ended in VD.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, we conclude that there is a higher risk of CS in obese postdate pregnant women undergoing IOL in comparison to non-obese counterparts. Therefore, obstetricians should pay more attention to advising pregnant women about optimal weight gain during pregnancy and counseling about the chances of VD in cases of IOL. CLINCALTRIAL.

GOV ID

NCT02788305.

Role of antioxidants in gestational diabetes mellitus and relation to fetal outcome: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of antioxidant administration on the oxidative parameters in both blood and placental tissue and its relation to fetal outcome in women with GDM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two-hundred pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were randomized into 2 groups, Group1 received 1 gram L-ascorbic acid per day and Group2 received placebo.

RESULTS

The use of antioxidants significantly lower the needed insulin dose for blood sugar control (25.6 ± 20.3 versus 40.5 ± 23.7, respectively). In placental tissue homogenates, glutathione (GSH) was 49.6 ± 5.9 versus 62.34 ± 4.99, malondialdahyde (MDA) was 165.7 ± 9.2 versus 264.15 ± 12, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was 0.3 ± 0.3 versus 0.054 ± 0.16 while catalase (CAT) was 14.06 ± 2.4 versus 15.52 ± 3.97 and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was 14 ± 4.1 versus 26.3 ± 4.26 in antioxidant group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In maternal blood, GSH was 1.5 ± 0.3 versus 0.74 ± 0.088, CAT was 380.7 ± 11 versus 325.44 ± 21.8, GPx was 52.3 ± 8.7 versus 75.82 ± 6.84 and SOD was 188 ± 15.3 versus 98.56 ± 11.05 in antioxidant group compared to control group (p < 0.001). In neonatal blood, the level of MDA and SOD showed a statistically significant difference between antioxidants and control groups (4 ± 0.7 versus 6.6 7 ±0.66 and1 8 8 ± 15.3 versus 98.5 ± 11.05, respectively) (p < 0.001). The neonatal blood sugar after 1 and 2 hours of delivery was more stable in antioxidant group (56.7 ± 10.9 versus 39.7 ± 11.1 and 58.5 ± 10.8 versus 41.7 ± 13.1, respectively) (p <0.05). The neonates NICU admission was lower in antioxidant group (5 versus 11) (p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

The use of antioxidants markedly reverses the oxidative stresses in women with GDM with marked improvement on neonatal outcome.

Effect of body mass index on the outcome of IVF cycles among patients with poor ovarian response

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of IVF cycles among poor responders.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study in Egypt enrolled 185 poor responders who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection via an antagonist protocol between 2012 and 2017. Participants were classified into three groups by BMI (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters): 18.5-24.9 (normal, n=48); 25-29.9 (overweight, n=54); 30 or higher (obese, n=83). Outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, chemical pregnancy rate, gonadotropin dose, number of oocytes and embryos, and cancellation rate.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference among the three groups in gonadotropin dose; duration of stimulation; endometrial thickness on trigger day; number of oocytes retrieved, injected, or fertilized; number of embryos, transferred embryos, or frozen embryos; or day of embryo transfer. Frequency of implantation (11/81 [14%] vs 6/96 [6%] or 5/155 [3%]), chemical pregnancy (20 [42%] vs 14 [30%] or 12 [14%]) and clinical pregnancy (15 [31%] vs 12 [22%] and 9 [11%]) was significantly higher for normal than for overweight or obese women, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Implantation, chemical pregnancy, and clinical pregnancy rates were inversely related to increasing BMI. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03457233.

Comparative study between single versus dual trigger for poor responders in GnRH-antagonist ICSI cycles: A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether dual triggering of final oocyte maturation with a combination of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can improve the number of retrieved oocytes and clinical pregnancy rate in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) cycles using a GnRH-antagonist protocol.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial included poor ovarian responders indicated for ICSI using a GnRH-antagonist protocol. They were divided equally into two groups: group I received 10 000 units of hCG plus 0.2 mg of triptorelin while group II received 10 000 units of hCG only for triggering of ovulation. The primary outcome parameter was the number of oocytes retrieved. Secondary outcomes included metaphase II oocytes number, cancellation rate, number of obtained embryos, chemical and clinical pregnancy rates.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty women were included in the study, with 80 women in each treatment group. Dual triggering was associated with higher number of retrieved oocytes (5.3 ± 1.9 vs 4.5 ± 2.4, P=0.014), metaphase II oocytes (3.8 ± 1.4 vs 3.1 ± 1.7, P=0.004), total and grade 1 embryos (2.7 ± 1.1 and 2.3 ± 1.0 vs 1.9 ± 1.2 and 1.1 ± 0.2, P=0.001 and 0.021 respectively), and transferred embryos (2.2 ± 0.9 vs 1.6 ± 0.9, P=0.043, and lower cancellation rate (7.5% vs 20%, P=0.037) compared with single triggering. There were significantly higher chemical (25% vs 11.3%, P=0.039) and clinical (22.5% vs 8.8%, P=0.028) pregnancy rates in women with dual triggering compared with those with single triggering.

CONCLUSION

Dual triggering is associated with better IVF outcome in poor responders compared with single trigger. Clinical trial registration NCT04008966.

Delayed Start Versus Conventional GnRH Antagonist Protocol in Poor Responders Pretreated With Estradiol in Luteal Phase: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the new delayed start protocol against the conventional gonadotropin (Gn)-releasing hormone antagonist protocol in poor responders (PORs).

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 160 women with poor response to previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle were randomized either to start Gn then Cetrotide 0.25 subcutaneously (sc) added when leading follicle (DF) reach >12 mm or Cetrotide 0.25 mg sc started first from day 2 to day 8 then Gn therapy was added and Cetrotide restarted when DF reach >12 mm.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between conventional and delayed start protocols regarding the needed dose of Gn for stimulation (4368 ± 643 and 3798 ± 515), level of estradiol (E2; 778 ± 371 and 1076 ± 453), and endometrial thickness at human chorionic gonadotropin triggering (8.6 ± 1.8 and 9.8 ± 1.9), the number of DF (3.4 ± 1.5 and 4.9 ± 2.1), the number of retrieved follicles (2.4 ± 2.1 and 4.3 ± 2.5), and successful embryo transfer (13 vs 16), respectively (P < .05). There was a highly statistically significant difference between the 2 study groups regarding the number of oocytes fertilized (1.2 ± 2.0 vs 3.3 ± 1.4), metaphase II oocytes (0.9 ± 1.0 vs 2.7 + 1.6), and grade I embryos (0.7 ± 0.9 vs 2.1 + 1.1; P < .001). The chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and abortion rate showed a statistically significant difference between the 2 study groups (P value .003 and .006, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Delayed start protocol significantly improved clinical pregnancy rate and IVF cycle parameters in PORs.

The value of platelet-rich plasma in women with previous implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of intrauterine PRP to improve IVF outcome in women with previous implantation failure.

METHODS

Screening of Pubmed, Web of Science, and other databases from inception to August 2022 using the keywords related to "platelet-rich plasma" OR "PRP" AND "IVF" "implantation failure." Twenty-nine studies (3308 participants) were included in our analysis, 13 were RCTs, 6 were prospective cohorts, 4 were prospective single arm, and 6 were retrospective analyses. Extracted data included settings of the study, study type, sample size, participants' characteristics, route, volume, timing of PRP administration, and outcome parameters.

RESULTS

Implantation rate was reported in 6 RCTs (886 participants) and 4 non-RCTs (732 participants). The odds ratio (OR) effect estimate was 2.62 and 2.06, with 95% CI of 1.83, 3.76, and 1.03-4.11, respectively. Endometrial thickness was compared in 4 RCTs (307 participants) and 9 non-RCTs (675 participants), which showed a mean difference of 0.93 and 1.16, with 0.59-1.27 and 0.68-1.65 95% CI, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PRP administration improves implantation, clinical pregnancy, chemical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, live birth rates, and endometrial thickness in women with previous implantation failure.

Association of biochemical markers with the severity of pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between pre-eclampsia severity and biochemical and ultrasonography markers.

METHODS

A retrospective study was undertaken of women with severe pre-eclampsia (group 1, n=90), mild pre-eclampsia (group 2, n=90), or a normal pregnancy (group 3, n=90) who attended a hospital in Egypt in October 2013-April 2015. Associations between pre-eclampsia and biochemical, cardiotocography, and ultrasonography markers were investigated.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the groups in C-reactive protein (331.44±112.38, 251.43±59.05, and 23.81±16.19 nmol/L; P≤0.05 for all), platelet count (113.40±36.72, 172.93±57.60, and 212.68±70.00×109 /L; P≤0.05 for group 1 comparisons), alanine transaminase (52.24±14.83, 38.34±13.12, and 23.11±6.92 U/L; P≤0.05 for group 1 comparisons), and serum uric acid (600.80±117.19, 481.83±118.97, and 243.89±53.54 μmol/L; P=0.050 for group 3 comparisons). Cardiotocography score was worse among women with severe pre-eclampsia than among those in the other two groups (P=0.039 for both comparisons). Biophysical profile score and umbilical artery resistance index differed by group (P≤0.05 for all). Middle cerebral artery resistance index was lower among women with severe pre-eclampsia (P≤0.05).

CONCLUSION

The levels of C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen, serum uric acid, and alanine transaminase, and the platelet count were linked with the presence and severity of pre-eclampsia.

The measurement of endometrial volume and sub-endometrial vascularity to replace the traditional endometrial thickness as predictors of in-vitro fertilization success

To assess the value of endometrial thickness, volume, and sub-endometrial perfusion in women undergoing IVF. In 82 women candidate for ICSI, endometrial thickness and sub-endometrial perfusion were measured with a trans-vaginal 2 D ultrasound and 3 D power Doppler respectively on day of hCG trigger and Embryo transfer (ET). The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate. Endometrial volume showing a statistically significant difference between pregnant and nonpregnant women (4.11 ± 1.19 vs. 3.4 ± 1.1 p = .019) on day of triggering and at ET (4.02 ± 1.15 vs. 3.45 ± 0.90, p = .022). VFI was significantly higher in pregnant group at both days of triggering and ET (0.54 ± 0.48 vs. 0.33 ± 0.31 and 0.47 ± 0.22 vs. 0.34 ± 0.2, p = .02). At cutoff values of 3.265 and 2.95 cm3 (70 & 80% sensitivity, specificity 64.5 & 51.6%, a positive predictive value 38.9 & 34.8%, and negative predictive value 87.0 & 88.9%) to predict pregnancy on the day of hCG trigger & ET respectively. Cutoff value for Endometrial VFI on the day of ET was 0.674 (sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 80.6%, PPV 53.8%, and NPV 89.3%). Higher endometrial volume and VFI were associated with pregnancy.

The value of amniopatch in pregnancies associated with spontaneous preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amniopatch in pregnancies associated with spontaneous preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM).Methods: A randomized controlled trial that involved 100 women diagnosed with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks of gestational age. Participants were randomized equally into two groups. Group I in which amniopatch was done in addition to the routine management. Group II was treated with routine management including antibiotics and corticosteroids.Results: Amniopatch was successful in complete sealing of the membrane defect in 6/50 (12%) of women while none the control group have undergone similar sealing (p = .0144, RR = 0.88). Women in the amniopatch group showed a significant increase of AFI compared to controls (12 versus 0, p = .0001, RR = 0.56).Conclusion: The amniopatch procedure is a successful technique that safely enhances sealing of fetal membranes and restore the AFI.Clinical trial registration: NCT03473210SynopsisThe amniopatch procedure is a successful technique that could be done safely to enhance sealing the fetal membranes and restoring the AFI after PPROM.

Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy versus Electroacupuncture on Postnatal Scanty Milk Secretion: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Postnatal scanty milk secretion is a common complaint. Some physical and medical interventions were advocated to help milk production. These interventions should be effective and safe for the mother and the infant. This study aimed to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy and electroacupuncture on postnatal scanty milk secretion.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomized controlled study conducted on 60 healthy primiparous mothers with insufficient lactation. They were randomly divided into three equal groups: group A (control), group B (those who received low-power He-Ne laser beam on both breasts), and group C (those who received faradic current stimulation at Spleen 6, Liver 3, and Small Intestine 1 acupuncture points on both sides). All participants received 10 mg Domperidone three times a day and were given advice about lactation, nutrition, and fluid intake. Evaluation was done before and after the treatment program.

RESULTS

The mean serum prolactin, infant weight, and visual analog scale (VAS) score were significantly increased in the three groups posttreatment when compared with their corresponding levels pretreatment. Posttreatment serum prolactin was significantly elevated in group C more than the other two groups (p = 0.001 and 0.012, respectively). Also, it was significantly elevated in group B more than in group A (p = 0.001). The mean value of infant weight was significantly elevated in group C when compared with its corresponding values in both groups A (p = 0.001) and B (p = 0.029). The VAS score was significantly increased in both groups B and C when compared with group A (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Electroacupuncture is more effective than low-level laser therapy in increasing postnatal scanty milk secretion.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03806062.

Fetal middle cerebral and umbilical artery Doppler after 40 weeks gestational age

OBJECTIVE

To determine the value of fetal Doppler indices named middle cerebral artery (MCA)-PI, umbilical artery (UA)-PI and MCA-PI/UA-PI ratio, and amniotic fluid volume assessment in pregnancies 280-294 d and their correlation with the mode of delivery and perinatal outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational study conducted on 100 whose gestational age (GA) from 40 to 42 weeks. MCA and UA Doppler and MCA-PI/UA-PI ratio, amniotic fluid volume (AFV) were assessed. They were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of adverse perinatal outcome.

RESULTS

Women with adverse perinatal outcome showed lower MCA-PI (0.92 versus 1.29), MCA-PI:UA-PI ratio (1.04 versus 1.83), lower gestational age when assessed by ultrasound (37.82 versus 39.48 weeks), lower neonatal birth weight (2705 versus 3108 g), fetal biophysical profile (BPP) (4.55 versus 7.21) when compared to women with normal perinatal outcome. They also had higher cases with oligohydramnios (34 versus 5), and higher UA-PI (0.89 versus 0.72).

CONCLUSION

Women with adverse neonatal outcome had higher UA-PI and lower MCA-PI, MCA-PI:UA-PI ratio, GA (by US), AFV, BPP, estimated fetal weight, neonatal birth weight when compared to those with normal perinatal outcome. Women with adverse neonatal outcome had a higher rate of cesarean section mostly due to fetal distress and induced VD due to oligohydraminos compared to the normal outcome group.

Salivary progesterone and cervical length measurement as predictors of spontaneous preterm birth

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of salivary progesterone, cervical length measurement in predicting preterm birth (PTB).

METHODS

Prospective observational study included 240 pregnant women with gestational age (GA) 26-34 weeks classified into two equal groups; group one are high risk for PTB (those with symptoms of uterine contractions or history of one or more spontaneous preterm delivery or second trimester abortion) and group 2 are controls.

RESULTS

There was a highly significant difference between the two study groups regarding GA at delivery (31.3 ± 3.75 in high risk versus 38.5 ± 1.3 in control), cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasound (24.7 ± 8.6 in high risk versus 40.1 ± 4.67 in control) and salivary progesterone level (728.9 ± 222.3 in high risk versus 1099.9 ± 189.4 in control; p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between levels of salivary progesterone at different GA among the high risk group (p value 0.035) but not in low risk group (p value 0.492). CL measurement showed a sensitivity of 71.5% with 100% specificity, 100% PPV, 69.97% NPV and accuracy of 83%, while salivary progesterone showed a sensitivity of 84% with 90% specificity, 89.8% PPV, 85.9% NPV and accuracy of 92.2%.

CONCLUSION

The measurement of both salivary progesterone and cervical length are good predictors for development of PTB.

The effect of loading dose of magnesium sulfate on uterine, umbilical, and fetal middle cerebral arteries Doppler in women with severe preeclampsia: A case control study

SYNOPSIS IV MgSO4 administration in women with severe preeclampsia resulted in a decrease in umbilical artery, uterine artery, and fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler indices.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate Doppler parameters of the umbilical artery (UmA), uterine artery (UA), and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) before and after MgSO4 administration in women with severe preeclampsia.

METHODS

A case control study included 100 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia. Umbilical artery, uterine artery, and fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler were measured before and 20 minutes after intravenous administration of 6 g of magnesium sulfate.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between maternal systolic blood pressure (173.20 ± 22.72 vs. 156.60 ± 19.18), diastolic blood pressure (109.60 ± 9.14 vs. 101.90 ± 10.05), and heart rate (80.52 ± 11.52 vs. 88.48 ± 12.08) before and after administration of MgSO4 in the studied patients (p value < 0.001). There was a significant difference between umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and uterine artery Doppler parameters before and after administration of MgSO4 in the studied patients (p value < 0.001). There was no significant difference between umbilical artery/middle cerebral artery with regard to RI and PI. However, there was significant difference with regard to the S/D ratio (p value < 0.001). The decrease in the values of Doppler parameters before and after administration of MgSO4 was more in the middle cerebral artery than in the umbilical artery.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia resulted in a decrease in umbilical artery, uterine artery, and fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler indices with reduced resistance to blood flow in these vessels.

The role of prophylactic use of low dose aspirin and calheparin in patients with unexplained recurrent abortion

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of prophylactic use of low dose aspirin and heparin on patients with recurrent unexplained pregnancy loss.

METHODS

Prospective case control study conducted on 180 pregnant women randomized into two equal groups. Group 1 received low-dose aspirin 75 mg and heparin 5000 IU subcutaneous every 12 h. Group 2 received no treatment.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between the two study groups regarding number of patients who completed their first trimester (66 versus 39) (p values 0.018). The outcome regarding completion of first trimester was not related to age, BMI or number of previous abortions in both the study groups. Complications of the use of aspirin calheparin occurred in 60% of the patients. The most common complication was bruising at injection site occurring in 60% of the patients followed by bleeding gums (14.4%), gastrointestinal troubles (12.2%), epistaxis (10%) and transient thrombocytopenia in only 2.22% of the patients (Table 4).

CONCLUSION

The use of prophylactic dose of calheparin and aspirin is associated with increased chance of passing 1st trimester safely regardless the age, body mass index or number of abortion in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Urine test for HPV genotypes as a predictor of precancerous cervical lesions and for cervical cancer screening

OBJECTIVE

To assess the sensitivity of a urine test for high-risk HPV DNA genotypes in the detection of high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (HSIL) and its correlation with pathologic precancerous lesions.

METHODS

The present prospective cross-sectional study included women referred to Kasr AlAiny Medical School, Cairo, Egypt, for cervical smear anomalies, a history of cervical smear anomalies, or for suspicious cervix between May 1, 2015, and April 30, 2017. Paired urine tests and cervical smears were performed. HPV DNA was detected in urine using polymerase chain reaction and cervical smears were performed with a cervical spatula and a cytobrush. Agreement between urine test results and pathology was examined.

RESULTS

In total, 1375 women were included. Urine test for high-risk HPV DNA demonstrated 97.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 92.1%-99.7%) sensitivity and 100% (95% CI 99.7%-100.0%) specificity for HSIL. Overall, 87 women had a positive urine test for high-risk HPV; of these, 82 (94.3%, 95% CI 87.1%-98.1%) had pathologic findings of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia 2 or 3 (CIN2/3). Similarly, 89 women had HSIL cytology; again, 82 had CIN2/3 (92.1%; 95% CI, 84.3%-96.4%).

CONCLUSION

There was good agreement between a positive urine test for high-risk HPV DNA genotypes and pathologic findings of CIN2/3.

The value of intraovarian autologous platelet rich plasma in women with poor ovarian reserve or ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of intraovarian PRP in women with low ovarian reserve.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Screening of databases from inception to January 2023 using the keywords related to "Platelet-rich plasma" AND "poor ovarian reserve" OR "ovarian failure".

SELECTION CRITERIA

Fourteen studies (1632 participants) were included, 10 included women with POR, 1 included women with POI and 3 included both POR and POI women.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Extracted data included study settings, design, sample size, population characteristics, volume, timing and preparation of PRP administration, and outcome parameters.

MAIN RESULTS

AMH level was evaluated in 11 studies (2099 women). The mean difference (MD) was 0.09 with 95% CI of - 0.06, 0.24 (P = 0.25). Antral follicular count level was assessed in 6 studies (1399 women). The MD was 1.73 with 95% CI of 0.81, 2.66 (P < 0.001). The number of oocytes retrieved was evaluated in 7 studies (1413 women). The MD was 1.21 with 95% CI of 0.48, 1.94 (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review found a significant improvement of AFC, the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of cleavage embryos and the cancellation rate in women with POR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registration number CRD42022365682.