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Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition with multiple metabolic risk factors. Its effect on male reproductive abilities and semen quality is not well studied. Objectives: o determine the prevalence of MetS among male partners of infertile couples attending the infertility clinic at Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, Free State, November 2019--October 2020. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study. Data collection tools comprised a close-ended structured questionnaire and a clinical observation checklist. Blood samples were tested for random glucose, glycated haemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hormones, and semen parameters. Participants were grouped according to the diagnosis (MetS group and control group). Results: Of the 53 participants, 39.5% were between 35-39 years, 75.5% Black African and 71.7% married. According to the defi nition, 13 (24.5%) participants had MetS of whom most had hypertension, were obese/ overweight with a high waist circumference (WC), high triglycerides and low HDL-C. Most participants had normal hormone levels and semen volume. Both groups had acceptable percentages of normal sperm morphology and motility. The variation of semen parameters was not statistically signifi cant. Comparing the confounders and MetS components, statistically signifi cant variation (p < 0.05) was found for hypertension, body mass index (BMI), WC, HDL-C and triglycerides between the groups. According to the distribution of confounders, MetS components and semen parameters, variations in testosterone, blood pressure, BMI, WC, triglycerides, and sperm volume between the groups were signifi cant. Signifi cant associations between confounders and semen parameters included chemicals/toxins/radiation vs total motility and vitality, smoking vs pH, and co-morbidities vs vitality. Conclusion: This research identifi ed existing knowledge gaps and can help guide policies in the future by assessing the need of the implementation of education programmes in parallel with HPV vaccination programmes in order to decrease cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital birth defects are an important cause of stillbirths and neonatal mortality, chronic illness, and disability. The prevalence of congenital anomalies may vary over time or by geographical location. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion and types of congenital birth defects in live/dead newborns and to study maternal and perinatal risk factors. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the maternity unit of Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa, during January 2013 to December 2017. All the live/stillborn babies born in the hospital during this period were included. The newborns were examined for the presence of congenital anomalies. Results: During the study period, 2430 babies were born, of which 239 had congenital malformations, making the prevalence 9.84%. Most of the women giving birth (49.79%) belonged to the age group 20 to 29 years. Congenital anomalies were seen more commonly (69.87%) in the multiparas in comparison to the primiparas (30.13%). The predominant system affected by congenital defects was the central nervous system (CNS) (40.60%) followed by multiple/gross congenital anomalies (18.83%) and the musculoskeletal system (12.98%). Intracranial defects (congenital hydrocephalus and ventriculomegaly; 28.88%) were the most common type of CNS defect seen. Results indicated that CBD was more likely to be associated with low birth weight, prematurity, multiparity, and cesarean delivery. Conclusion: This study highlighted specifi c opportunities to improve primary prevention and care of congenital anomalies. Public awareness of the preventable risk factors must be raised, and early prenatal diagnosis and management of common congenital anomalies is strongly recommended. Folic acid supplementation, preconception diabetes screening and related counselling could have signifi cant and broad health benefi ts in women included in this study and arguably in the larger South African population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiac disease remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity in pregnant women with medical and surgical conditions globally. Prevalence of cardiac disease in pregnancy ranges between 0.1-0.9% in South Africa. Objectives: To assess the profi le of women with cardiac disease who delivered at UAH, taking into account maternal and perinatal outcomes, and to identify underlying risks. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 148 fi les of pregnant women with cardiac disease who delivered at UAH between January 2012 and December 2017 was carried out. The data analysis was generated using the SAS statistical software. Results: There were 3 154 deliveries at UAH during the study period. The prevalence of cardiac disease in pregnancy was 4.7% (n=148). The average age was 27.0 years. The majority of the patients (71.6%) booked antenatal care in the second trimester, with average gestational age at 19.5 weeks. The average gestational age at delivery was 36.7 weeks, with 27.3% of the babies born preterm. There were eight still born deliveries with no neonatal deaths reported. The Caesarean section rate was 67.6%. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was diagnosed in majority of patients (48.6) Cardiac failure and pulmonary oedema contributed 56% of maternal morbidity. Six deaths were reported, with a case fatality rate of 4.05%. Conclusion: The prevalence of cardiac disease among pregnant women is increasing, with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) being the leading aetiology. Pregnancies complicated by underlying cardiac disease are associated with maternal and perinatal morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]