Search

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Increased total plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is an accepted risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, preclampsia, recurrent abortion and diabetes type I and II. The aim of the current study was to assess serum homocysteine and its relation with serum folat, vitamine B12 and lipid profile in gestational diabetes mellitus and to compare these with those of pregnant women."n"n Methods: In a prospective controlled survey 80 pregnant women (24-28 weeks) with uncomplicated pregnancies were evaluated. They were assigned to one of two groups according to the results of 100g-OGTT. In the case group there were pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus according to the OGTT and in the control group women who had normal OGTT results were put. Levels of fasting glucose, homocysteine, vit B12, and folic acid, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were measured in both groups."n"nResults: The mean level of homocysteine in GDM group was significantly higher than control group (p=0.000). The mean level of folic acid and vit B12 was significantly lower than the level in control group (p=0.001, p=0.004 respectively). Body mass index (BMI) in GDM group was higher (p=0.000) and HDL level was lower (p=0.006) than control group. There were no significant differences among the groups with respect to levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride."n"n Conclusion: We found that patients with gestational diabetes have higher homocysteine level than normal pregnant women. This increased level seems to be related to an abnormal OGTT. Further investigations are needed to follow up these patients in the postpartum period and later on.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Preterm birth which is defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks was implicated in approximately two thirds of neonatal death. Also preterm labors are the most common cause of mortality and morbidity of infants in recent years and it costs high prices for health system. We evaluate the relationship between prepregnancy maternal body mass Index (BMI) and spontaneous and indicated preterm birth."n"n Methods: This study included 250 healthy pregnant women, without any risk factors of preterm birth, were classified into categories that were based on their body mass index. Association between BMI, weight gain and rout of delivery were examined. Rates of indicated and spontaneous preterm birth were compared."n"n Results: Obese women delivered at a more advanced gestational age. (38/34±1/66 weeks vs 37/61±2/44, p=0/006). Obese patients had significantly lower incidence of spontaneous preterm birth at < 37 weeks of gestation (16/8% vs 31/2% p=0/008). Obese women had larger infants (3354/95±596/75 vs 311.24±558/357 p=0/001), and had more frequent cesarean delivery (69/6% vs 52/8%, p=0/006). Weight gain during pregnancy is poorly correlated with prepregnancy BMI (14/41±7/93 kg vs 13/78±4/94kg, p=0/4) and preterm birth."n"n Conclusion: In this survey, there was adverse correlation between body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and preterm labor less than 37 completed weeks and we suggest more study for evaluation between spontaneous and induced preterm labor mechanism and in obese and non obese women. However according to this survey obesity before pregnancy is associated with a lower rate of spontaneous preterm birth.

"nBackground: The Biophysical Profile (BPP) is a noninvasive test that predicts the presence or absence of fetal asphyxia and, ultimately, the risk of fetal death in the antenatal period. Intervention on the basis of an abnormal biophysical profile result has been reported to yield a significant reduction in prenatal mortality, and an association exists between biophysical profile scoring and a decreased cerebral palsy rate in a given population. The BPP evaluates five characteristics: fetal movement, tone, breathing, heart reactivity, and amniotic fluid (AF) volume estimation. The purpose of study was to determine whether there are different degree of acidosis at which the biophysical activity (acute marker) are affected. "nMethods: In a prospective study of 140 patients undergoing cesarean section before onset of labor, the fetal biophysical profile was performed 24h before the time of cesarean and was matched with cord arterial PH that was obtained from a cord segment (10-20cm) that was double clamped after delivery of newborn. (using cord arterial PH less than 7.20 for the diagnosis of acidosis). "nResults: The fetal biophysical profile was found to have a significant relationship with umbilical blood PH. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of fetal biophysical profile score were: 88.9%, 88.6%, 50%, 98.1%. "nConclusion: The first manifestations of fetal acidosis are nonreactive nonstress testing and fetal breathing loss; in advanced acidemia fetal movements and fetal tone are compromised. A protocol of antepartum fetal evaluation is suggested based upon the individual biophysical components rather than the score alone.

"nBackground: Maternal zinc deficiency during pregnancy has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Most studies in which pregnant women have been supplemented with zinc to examine its effects on the outcome of the pregnancy have been carried out in industrialized countries and the results have been inconclusive. It has been shown that women with gestational diabetes (GDM) have lower serum zinc levels than healthy pregnant women, and higher rates of macrosomia. Zinc is required for normal glucose metabolism, and strengthens the insulin-induced transportation of glucose into cells by its effect on the insulin signaling pathway. The purpose of this study was to assess the serum zinc levels of GDM patients and evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation. "nMethods: In the first stage of this prospective controlled study, we enrolled 70 women who were 24-28 weeks pregnant at the Prenatal Care Center of Mirza Kochak Khan Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The serum zinc level of each subject was determined. In the second stage, among these 70 subjects, the diabetics receiving insulin were divided into two groups, only one of which received a zinc supplement and the other group was the control group. Birth weight of neonates and insulin dosages were recorded. "nResults: The mean serum zinc level in the GDM group was lower than that of the control group (94.83 vs. 103.49mg/dl, respectively) and the mean birth weight of neonates from the GDM women who received the zinc supplement was lower than that of the control group (3849g vs. 4136g). The rate of macrosomia was lower in the zinc supplemented group (20% vs. 53%). The mean of increase of insulin after receiving the zinc supplement was lower (8.4u vs. 13.53). "nConclusion: Maternal insulin resistance is associated with the accumulation of maternal fat tissue during early stages of pregnancy and greater fetoplacental nutrient availability in later stages, when 70% of fetal growth occurs, resulting in macrosomia. In our study, zinc supplementation is associated with a reduction in the rate of fetal macrosomia among pregnant women with GDM.

Background: The aim of this survey was to evaluate the prevalence of some perinatal complications in birth weight discordance (BWD) among twin pregnancies. Methods: In a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study, 490 twin neonates (245 twin pregnancies) born at Mirzakoochakkhan Hospital from 1999 to 2003 were evaluated. Maternal and neonatal data of each delivery were collected for BWD, gestational age, maternal age, parity, infant gender, neonatal death, neonatal septicemia, mode of delivery, hyperbilirubinemia, blood transfusion and duration of hospitalization. Results: The average age of the mothers was 26±4.78 years, of which 51.8% were nullipara. The average gestational age was 35.02±2.73 weeks, with 15.9% before 32 weeks of gestation. The neonatal death rate was 7.8%, the majority of which involved male neonates and multiparas. The average duration of hospitalization was 6.07±4.45 days, 8.5 days for those twins with BWD≥20%, and longer (9.14 days) for neonates with mothers younger than 20 years old. Septicemia was most frequent (31.3%) in twins with BWD of 30-34%, as was hyperbilirubinemia requiring blood transfusion (25%). Hyperbilirubinemia was more common in neonates with mothers aged less than 20 years and more than 35 years.. Conclusions: BWD in twins is a predictive factor for septicemia and hyperbilirubinemia requiring transfusion. Therefore, healthcare workers and hospital wards dealing with twins with BWD should be especially ready and equipped to provide the additional care needed for these patients.

Background: Preterm labor is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Recurrence of preterm labor in future pregnancies is 6-8%. History of preterm labor is a strong risk factor for future preterm labor. Preterm labor is the leading cause of neonatal mortality in developed countries, but permanent morbidity in these premature neonates has many side effects for the newborn as well as their family members and society. For this reason we conducted a survey to identify risk factors for recurrent preterm delivery among primiparous women with previous preterm delivery. Methods: This prospective case–control study included patients from three university hospitals, namely Imam Khomeini, Shariati and Mirza Koochakkhan Hospitals, all in Tehran, Iran. Subjects, including 539 primiparous women who delivered preterm (22–36 weeks), were divided into two groups: 47 had a second preterm delivery (study group) and 492 had first preterm delivery (control group). Exclusion criteria were induced preterm delivery due to medical indications in mother and primigravid. Data collection and analysis was performed using SPSS 10 and t-test and χ2 test were used to analyze the significance of the results. Results: From a total of 6,537 deliveries, we found 539 cases of preterm delivery, among which 47 cases were identified as recurrent preterm delivery. The control group was composed of 492 deliveries. The recurrence of preterm delivery was 8.7%. Uterine anomaly, cardiovascular, renal and thyroid disease in mother and blood group A had a significant correlation with recurrent preterm delivery. Conclusion: Expectant mothers with uterine anomalies, cardiovascular, renal or thyroid diseases or group A blood type should receive extra care, observation and instructions in order to limit the risk of preterm delivery and its subsequent effects.

Background: We conducted this study To find relationship between maternal glucose challenge test (GCT) levels and fetal body weight (BW). Materials and Methods: We analyzed five hundred women with singleton pregnancy, who had GCT at 24-28 week during pregnancy. All of them had no history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus or other medical disease before pregnancy or during previous pregnancy, and all of them had weight gain appropriate with their pre pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Also nobody had history of drug abuse or smoking. In this descriptive–analytic survey, maternal age, gravidity, BMI,GCT level ,gestational age (GA) , sex of neonate, rout of delivery , newborn weight and apgar score were evaluated .The student’s T-test and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. We used Pearson coefficient and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and chi-square test for determination GCT threshold. Results: We found rate of small for gestational age (SGA) in newborns statistically was significant, who their maternal GCT level was ≤ 80mg/dl, P value: 0/018, specificity 89%, sensitivity 58% and confidence interval: 95% (0/162-0/545). Conclusion: Low GCT level has association with SGA and can be used as a predictive test and may be an indication for dietary intervention.

Caudal regression syndrome (Caudal dysplasia sequence) is a rare congenital malformation. It has a spectrum ranging from simple anal atresia to the absence of sacral, lumbar and possibly lower thoracic vertebrae and the most severe form called sirenomelia (Mermaid syndrome). Sirenomelia has a sole characteristic, which is the limbs fusion, with multiple internal structural abnormalities particularly in the renal tract (bilateral renal agenesis). This is a rare condition with a relative risk of 200-250 in diabetic pregnancies. The etiology of this syndrome is not well known. Maternal diabetes in considered to be other possible factors. We present birth of an infant with great congenital defect, which was categorized as the most intense form of caudal regression syndrome (sirenomelia). The baby was born from an uncontrolled diabetic mother who was ignorant of her diabetes. She had a sonographic report at early third-trimester of pregnancy, which had shown severe oligohydramnios and according to this reason the anomaly of the fetus was not detected at that time (antenatal). Since sirenomelia is a lethal abnormality, the infant died a few hours after birth. As notes above caudal regression syndrome is strongly associated with maternal diabetes; due to metabolic derangement in uncontrolled serum glucose.

Introduction: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of bipolar disorder in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO). Materials and Methods: One hundred and ten women with definite diagnosis of PCO and one hundred and ten age-matched infertile women due to other reasons except for PCO were enrolled in this case control study. 10 ml fasting venous blood sample obtained to measure fasting glucose, LH and FSH. Height, weight and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were also recorded by an expert technician. A psychiatrist examined all 220 cases in order to determine the prevalence of depression and bipolarity. Results: Mean age of each group participants were not significantly different while FBS, LH and LH/FSH levels were significantly higher in PCO patients. Eighty eight case were depressed in PCO group while 96 were depressed in control group (p=0.03). Bipolar disorder were higher in PCO group in comparison with controls (8 vs. 0, p=0.004). Conclusion: Psychiatric disorders should be considered in PCO women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limb bud first appears during the third week of gestation with the upper limb buds appearing a few days before the lower limb buds. Complete absence of one or more limbs, called Amelia, occurs prior to the eighth week of gestation. We report a case of Amelia in a twin gestation.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the preoperative ultrasound-based endometriosis staging system (UBESS) in anticipating the complexity of laparoscopic surgery for optimal patient counseling and treatment., Design: A prospective observational cohort study., Setting: A tertiary teaching hospital., Patient(s): A total of 157 women presenting with chronic pelvic pain and/or a history of endometriosis underwent laparoscopic surgery between June 2019 and May 2023., Intervention(s): Eligible women underwent transvaginal ultrasound before laparoscopic surgery., Main Outcome Measure(s): The UBESS staging was conducted based on ultrasound results. Subsequently, the necessary surgical skill levels were assessed, during the laparoscopic procedure, using the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists/Australasian Gynecological Endoscopy and Surgery (RANZCOG/AGES) system. The study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the three UBESS stages and the six RANZCOG/AGES laparoscopic skill levels. The primary objective was how accurately the UBESS predicts the complexity of endometriosis laparoscopic surgery., Result(s): The UBESS staging system classified nine patients (5.9%) as UBESS I, 61 patients (40.1%) as UBESS II, and 82 patients (53.9%) as UBESS III. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of the UBESS I for anticipating RANZCOG/AGES levels 1/2 were: 99.3%, 90%, 100%, 100%, 99.3%, not applicable, and 0.1%. For UBESS II to anticipate RANZCOG/AGES levels 3/4 were 96.7%, 95.1%, 97.7%, 96.7%, 96.7%, 0.92, and 0.04, and for UBESS III to anticipate RANZCOG/AGES level 6 were 97.3%, 98.7%, 95.8%, 96.3%, 98.5%, 0.94, and 0.01, respectively. Ultrasound-based endometriosis staging system was highly accurate in anticipating the complexity of laparoscopic surgery based on RANZCOG/AGES laparoscopic skill levels, with an overall accuracy of 96.7% and a Cohen's kappa value of 0.94, which implies an approximately complete level of agreement. Considering the significant number of UBESS II and UBESS III patients and their high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, this staging system is an effective tool for predicting moderate-to-severe endometriosis., Conclusion(s): The study indicated that UBESS could serve as an efficient, noninvasive, accessible, and cost-effective tool for estimating the severity of endometriosis and predicting the complexity level of laparoscopic surgery based on the RANZCOG/AGES surgical skill levels., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests M.E. has nothing to disclose. S.N. has nothing to disclose. F.D.-T. has nothing to disclose. B.M. has nothing to disclose. E.F. has nothing to disclose. K.M. has nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A low progesterone level on the embryo transfer (ET) day significantly reduces the pregnancy rate. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of adding daily 50 mg intramuscular progesterone to a total of 800 mg progesterone suppository on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rate in women with low progesterone levels., Materials and Methods: This parallel open-label clinical trial was performed on 218 IVF candidate infertile women who had <9.2 ng/ml progesterone levels on the ET day. These women were randomised to the intervention or control group using the randomisation allocation rule. In the intervention group, 50 mg progesterone was prescribed intramuscularly once daily in addition to 400 mg of progesterone suppository every 12 hours from the day of ET. The control group received only 400 mg of progesterone suppositories every 12 hours. In the case of pregnancy, the drugs above were continued until 12 weeks after the ET., Results: Clinical pregnancy occurred in 54 (50.0%) women in the intervention group and in 39 (36.8%) women in the control group, which was significantly different (P=0.035). Ongoing pregnancy occurred in 47 (43.5%) women in the intervention group, and 33 (31.1%) women in the control group, which was significantly different (P=0.042). There were no significant differences in terms of abortion and multiple pregnancy rates between the two groups., Conclusion: Intramuscular injection of 50 mg progesterone significantly increases the clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates (registration number: IRCT20150105020558N6).

Background: Poor ovarian responder (POR) women, whose ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation has decreased, are at higher risk of unsuccessful in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Therefore, this study designed to evaluate the effect of intra-ovarian platelet rich plasma (PRP) on POR women., Methods: This single-arm trial research was done on 20 POR women referred to the IVF Unit, university-based hospital, Tehran, Iran between October 2020 and September 2021. For all participants, autologous PRP was injected into each ovary by transvaginal ultrasound guidance under spinal anesthesia between days 12 and 14 of the menstrual cycle. After 12 weeks of PRP injection, embryo transfers were carried out following our routine IVF department protocol. The study outcomes were the number of mature oocytes, and pregnancy rates., Results: The average age of the participants was 41.80±1.82 yr. The average infertility duration was 9.70±1.89 yrs., with 80% primary infertility type. After PRP injection, follicle-stimulating hormone levels dropped about 1% (P=0.499), anti-Mullerian hormone levels were on average 4.5% higher (P=0.356), and estradiol levels raised by 1.2% (P=0.681). The average number of oocytes and their quality increased after PRP injection, while these changes were not significant (p-value>0.05). Chemical pregnancy was detected in 3 (15%) women and clinical pregnancy was detected only in one person., Conclusion: This study revealed that PRP injection into ovaries of POR women is safe and had a tendency to improve ovarian reserve markers and serum levels of AMH, estradiol, number and quality of oocytes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Background: Assisted reproductive therapy (ART) has been developed remarkably in these decades; however, the rate of unsuccessful embryo implantation especially in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles remains high and is reported up to 70%. The current study was designed to compare the effect of intramuscular injection of hCG on endometrium preparation and embryo implantation, in women undergoing FET compared to the control group., Methods: This clinical trial was done on 140 infertile women that underwent FET. The study sample was randomly allocated to the intervention group (two 5000 unit ampoules of hCG were injected intramuscularly before the first dose of progesterone administration) and the control group (without hCG injection). In both groups, 4 days after progesterone administration, the cleavage stage embryos were transferred. The study outcomes were biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and abortion rate., Results: The average age of intervention and control group was 32.65±6.05 and 33.11±5.36 years, respectively. The basic information between two study groups did not differ significantly. The chemical (30% vs. 17.1%, P=0.073, relative risk (RR)=0.57) and clinical (28.6% vs. 14.3%, P=0.039, RR=0.50) pregnancy rates were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group; these higher ratios were only significant in clinical pregnancy rate. Abortion rate was not significantly (P=0.620) different between the intervention and control groups (4.3% vs. 1.4%, respectively)., Conclusion: This study showed that intramuscular injection of 10000 IU hCG before the endometrial secretory transformation phase in cleavage-stage embryo, improves IVF cycle outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: Laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometrioma is believed to decrease the ovarian reserve, but the risk factors of declining ovarian reserve are not well studied. This study aimed to determine the risk factors of anti mullerian hormone (AMH) decline after laparoscopic surgery of endometrioma., Materials and Methods: This prospective study was recruited in Yas and Arash Hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences from 2020 to 2021. Women between 18-45 years with ovarian endometriomas with a diameter greater than 3 centimeters who were candidates for laparoscopy were included. AMH, luteinizing hormone (LH),, and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) as well as cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) were obtained and compared pre and postoperatively. Indeed, the relation of AMH decline rate and the demographic, symptoms and endometrioma characteristics were investigated either., Results: In this study, 100 women were recruited. The mean ± SD age of the participants was 29.08 ± 4.6. AMH (P<0.000) and LH (P=0.013) declined significantly postoperatively. Whereas, no significant difference was observed between pre and postoperative FSH (P=0.520). AMH decline rate was 30.07 ± 2.30% and didn't have significant relation with the demographic characteristics, preoperative AMH, and the amount of CA125. Otherwise in the multivariate analysys, CA125 (P=0.160) and the grade of endometriosis (P=0.05) had significant correlation with AMH decline rate., Conclusion: Ovarian reserve decline after laparoscopic excision of endometrioma. Otherwise, there may no specific risk factor to predict the degree of ovarian reserve decline. Therefore, the selection of patients for laparoscopic excision of endometrioma should be taken more cautiously as the ovarian reserve diminishes even in the patients with the lowest risks.

Background: The common causes of infertility in women with endometriosis are folliculogenesis alternation, steroidogenesis and fertilization impairment, oocyte and embryo quality reduction, and implantation defect., Objective: To compare in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle success rates of women with endometriosis who were treated with letrozole + gonadotropin (LA) vs. placebo + gonadotropin (PA)., Materials and Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial study was conducted with 94 infertile women with endometriosis (47 in the LA group and 47 in the PA group) who were candidates for IVF, from April-June 2021. For all participants, the long agonist protocol was applied. In both groups, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was prescribed in the mid-luteal stage and from the third day of the cycle, and gonadotropin was started and its doses were regulated based on the patient's age, serum anti-Mullerian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. From the third day of the menstrual cycle, 5 mg of letrozole daily for 5 days was prescribed for the LA group, while the placebo was prescribed for the PA group on the identical days and duration. After embryo transfer, biochemical and clinical pregnancy were measured in the 2 groups., Results: The gonadotropin dosage (p < 0.01) and estradiol level (p = 0.02) on the human chorionic gonadotropin administration day were significantly lower in the LA group compared with in the PA group. Fetus transfer was done for 32 women. No significant differences were detected between the study groups regarding biochemical or clinical pregnancy (p = 0.72 for both)., Conclusion: Letrozole as a co-treatment drug in the IVF cycle of women with endometriosis can significantly reduce the gonadotropin dosage and estradiol level with the same pregnancy rates., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ebrahimi et al.)

Objective: Uterine myoma is the most common benign tumor however with significant distress and reduced quality of life in affected women. Besides, vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for uterine myoma. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplements on the size of myoma in women with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Materials and methods: This clinical trial was conducted in a teaching hospital from 2019 to 2020. According to baseline vitamin D level, participants were assigned into two interventional equal groups (vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency) to receive either 1000 IU daily or 50000 IU weekly vitamin D for 12 weeks. The size and location of the uterine myoma were compared before and after the intervention. Results: Totally, 137 women with uterine myoma were enrolled. Based on baseline vitamin D level, 52 cases had vitamin D insufficiency and 85 cases had vitamin D deficiency. No significant difference was observed in age and BMI in both groups. The location of the subserosal and intramural myoma did not differ, otherwise, the percent of the submucosal myomas were increased significantly (p=0.020) after the intervention. In both groups decreased myoma size otherwise not significant was seen after the intervention (p=0.148 and p=0.664 respectively). Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation may not be effective in women with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in the short term to reduce myoma size., (Copyright © 2021 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: There is a growing need for information regarding the recent coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). We present a comprehensive report of COVID-19 patients in Iran., Materials and Methods: One hundred hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were studied. Data on potential source of exposure, demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features, therapy outcome, and postdischarge follow-up were analyzed., Results: The median age of the patients was 58 years, and the majority of the patients (72.7%) were above 50 years of age. Fever was present in 45.2% of the patients on admission. The most common clinical symptoms were shortness of breath (74%) and cough (68%). Most patients had elevated C-reactive protein (92.3%), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (82.9%), and lymphocytopenia (74.2%) on admission. Lower lobes of the lung were most commonly involved, and ground-glass opacity (81.8%) was the most frequent finding in computed tomography scans. The administration of hydroxychloroquine improved the clinical outcome of the patients. Lopinavir/ritonavir was efficacious at younger ages. Of the 70 discharged patients, 40% had symptom aggravation, 8.6% were readmitted to the hospital, and three patients (4.3%) died., Conclusion: This report demonstrates a heterogeneous nature of clinical manifestations in patients affected with COVID19. The most common presenting symptoms are nonspecific, so attention should be made on broader testing, especially in age groups with the greatest risk and younger individuals who can serve as carriers of the disease. Hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir (in younger age group) can be potential treatment options. Finally, patients discharged from the hospital should be followed up because of potential symptom aggravation., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Research in Medical Sciences.)

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is considered a main reproductive health challenge. According to the side effects of using methotrexate (MTX), it is rational to find safer drugs in the management of EP. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding letrozole to the single-dose MTX in the management of EPs. This study was conducted in an academic hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Women with EP and stable vital signs with β-hCG levels ≤3500 were assigned randomly to receive MTX + placebo or MTX + letrozole. The regression pattern of β-hCG, need for further surgery, and potential side effects were compared between groups. A total of 90 women were assigned equally to the study groups and were matched in age, body mass index (BMI), serum biochemistry, and primary levels of β-hCG. No drug-related side effects were observed in groups. The rates of further surgery (p = 0.614) and second dose of MTX (p = 0.809) were not significant between groups. In the MTX + placebo group, we observed a minor increase in β-hCG levels on day 4 followed by a decreasing pattern on days 7 and 14. But, in MTX + letrozole group, a decreasing pattern in β-hCG levels from day 1 through day 14 was perceived. The results support using MTX + letrozole to treat stable women diagnosed with tubal EP as a safe and efficient method. Further studies are required to evaluate letrozole alone as an alternative therapy in EPs.

Background: To evaluate the effects of vitamin D (vitD) supplement on uterine fibroid growth., Materials and Methods: A randomized blinded clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary university-based hospital from August 2017 to September 2018. Totally, 204 women were enrolled into the study. They had at least one uterine fibroid >10 mm on transvaginal ultrasound and their vitD level was insufficient (i.e. 20-30 ng/ml). The intervention group was treated with vitD 50000 U supplements for two months. After 2 months, ultrasound screening and vitD level measurement was done in both groups., Results: At first, the mean serum vitD levels in intervention and control group were 23.62 and 23.20 ng/ml, respectively. After 8 weeks, the mean serum vitD levels in the control and intervention group were 22.72 and 28.56 ng/ml respectively (P<0.05). Also, mean fibroma diameter in the intervention group before and after 8 weeks of vitD supplementation was 43 ± 4.68 and 42.6 ± 1.31 mm, respectively. Mean uterine fibroid diameter in the control group which did not receive vitD supplements, before and after 8 weeks was 41.98 ± 5.25 and 47.81 ± 3.42 mm, respectively. The variation in the mean size of the uterine fibroid between the control and intervention group which was respectively about 5.83 mm increase and 0.48 mm decrease, was significant (P<0.001)., Conclusion: Our results showed that vitD supplementation prevents fibroid growth. It seems that vitD supplement is a simple, safe and inexpensive modality for leiomyoma growth prevention (Registration number: IRCT201703122576N15)., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright© by Royan Institute. All rights reserved.)

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder with known immune disturbances. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of different CD4+ T cells [T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T cells (Tregs)] in peripheral blood (PB) and peritoneal fluid (PF) of patients that have early and advanced stages of endometriosis with a control group., Materials and Methods: In this case control study, PB and PF samples were collected from women aged 24-40 years who underwent laparoscopy procedures. The frequency of CD4+ T subsets were analysed by flow cytometry and compared between three study groups; early endometriosis (stage I, II), advanced endometriosis (stage III, IV) and control (no endometriosis). T cell numbers were compared between the PB and PF in each of the aforementioned groups., Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the study groups regarding the numbers of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells in PB. The PF of patients with advanced endometriosis had increased numbers of Th17 cells compared to the control group (P=0.003), with P values of 0.059 and 0.045 in both menstrual phases. Increased numbers of Th2 cells in PF from early compared to advanced stages of endometriosis were detected exclusively in the luteal phase (P=0.035). The control group had increased numbers of Treg and Th2 cells in the PF compared to PB (both, P value=0.046). However, in the early stages of endometriosis there were more Th2, Th17 and Treg cells in the PF compared to PB (P values: 0.005, 0.047 and 0.013, respectively), while the number of Th17 cells was higher in the PF compared with PB in the advanced stages of endometriosis (P= 0.013)., Conclusion: There were increased numbers of Th17 cells in the PF of patients with advanced stages of endometriosis, which could be related to the severity of this disease., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright© by Royan Institute. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Zolpidem and Nigella sativa compared to placebo in treatment of sleep disturbance in healthy postmenopausal women. Menopause is a period that diagnosed after 12 months of amenorrhea and is characterized by a group of symptoms that include irregular menses; vasomotor and urogenital symptoms. The effects of non-hormonal therapies are being widely researched on menopause symptoms. There has been no study to compare Zolpidem and Nigella sativa versus placebo. Materials and methods: In this double-blind, placebo controlled trial, we compared the effect of Zolpidem with Nigella sativa and placebo in reducing sleep quality in 60 menopausal women. The prior and the later results were compared. We divided the patients into three groups after history taking and physical examination and filling the Pittsburgh questionnaire. Each group received their medication as the following order: Group A: Zolpidem, Group B: Nigella sativa, Group C: placebo. The first group received Zolpidem with the dose of 5 mg for 8 weeks. The second group received Nigella sativa with the dose of 600 mg for 8 weeks. The third group received placebo for 8 weeks. After two months, the Pittsburg questionnaire was filled again. Results: In the nigella sativa group, we had not significant improvement in sleep quality (p =0.07), hot flashes (p =0.15), palpitation (p =0.56) and night sweets (p =0.08). In zolpidem group, we have seen lack of improvement of hot flashes (p =0.73), and palpitation (p =0.36), which are nonsignificant statistically according to p values, but in zolpidem group, we had significant improvement in sleep quality (p =0.01), and night sweats (p =0.049). Conclusion: It seems that zolpidem has some effect on improving the quality of sleep in postmenopausal women. zolpidem also is good for night sweats. Nigella sativa was not effective in vasomotor symptoms and sleep quality., (Copyright © 2020 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Purpose: The novel coronavirus pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality since December 2019. Although the role of chest CT for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia is still debatable, the modality has been used in scenarios of constrained reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. The epidemiologic reports indicate an unexplored difference between men and women in disease severity. We aimed to study the role of sex on disease severity and its correlation with CT findings., Materials and Methods: Authors retrospectively studied all confirmed cases of COVID-19 with thoracic CT scans obtained at three hospitals from February 25, 2020, to March 15, 2020, in Tehran, Iran. CT involvement patterns of COVID-19 were analyzed based on sex and age of patients., Results: One hundred fifteen patients (64.3% [74/115] men) were enrolled, with a median age of 57 years (age range, 21-89). Thirty patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 30 patients died during the hospital stay. Seventy-seven percent (37/48) of patients with unfavorable prognosis were male. Peripheral distribution of opacities was more common in men than women. When grouped by an age cut-off of 60 years, the women in the elder group had a peribronchovascular distribution pattern, and younger men showed an anterior distribution of opacities. Women younger than 60 years had significantly lower severity scores (CT-scores) (7.5 ± 6.8). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated a CT-score cut-off of 14.5 to have 100% sensitivity and 91.9% specificity for predicting poor prognosis in women younger than 60 years., Conclusion: Opacity patterns on chest CT scans in COVID-19 are different based on sex and age, and men are at higher risk of disease severity and death.© RSNA, 2020., Competing Interests: Disclosures of Conflicts of Interest: B.M. disclosed no relevant relationships. H.G. disclosed no relevant relationships. M.A.K. disclosed no relevant relationships. M.G. disclosed no relevant relationships. H.H. disclosed no relevant relationships. F.D.T. disclosed no relevant relationships. M.C. disclosed no relevant relationships. P.R. disclosed no relevant relationships. K.K. disclosed no relevant relationships., (2020 by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc.)

Background: The aim of this study was evaluation of the impact of single-dose methotrexate (MTX) treatment on ovarian reserve in women with ectopic pregnancy (EP) undergoing infertility treatment in Iranian population., Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was done between March 2015 and March 2017 in Tehran General Women Hospital, Tehran, Iran. We enrolled 20 patients with EP who conceived during infertility treatment and received a single-dose MTX (50 mg/m2) intramuscularly. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and antral follicle count (AFC) on transvaginal ultrasonography, were evaluated before and 8 weeks after administration of MTX., Results: AMH did not significantly vary after the administration of MTX, compared to before treatment value (P=0.36). FSH, E2 and AFC changes were not statistically significant, while increment of LH was significant (P=0.02)., Conclusion: Results indicated that single-dose MTX treatment did not reduce ovarian reserve in women with EP. Further randomized controlled clinical trial studies with larger sample sizes, by using multiple dosages of MTX, and with long-term follow up are suggested to be done., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright© by Royan Institute. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the effect of intraperitoneal infusion of normal saline (NS) and pulmonary recruitment maneuver (PRM) on the reduction of pain in shoulder, upper abdomen, and incision site after elective laparoscopic gynecologic surgery., Methods: Totally, 280 patients (mean age: 30.5 years) that underwent laparoscopic gynecologic surgery from October 2013 to August 2015 were randomly and equally allocated into four groups. Group A received intraperitoneal infusion of NS 1.5 - 2 mL/kg of body weight; group B received PRM with five manual pulmonary inflations at a maximum pressure of 60 cm H 2 O; group C simultaneously received two former interventions; and finally the control group D received routine method of gentle abdominal pressure. All patients were assessed in the first 24 hours after surgery., Results: There was an unsteady pattern for pain in shoulder, upper abdomen, and incision site at different time points across the studied groups over the trial. Patients in group B showed significantly lower shoulder pain 24 hours after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery (P = 0.01), while patients in group D had significantly lower incision site pain (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: PRM was superior to intraperitoneal infusion of NS for reducing pain in the first 24 hours after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

Objective: To evaluate association between polymorphism rs1670533 in RNF212 gene with the risk of Down syndrome in young women. Materials and methods: In a case control study, one hundred pregnant women were evaluated in both group. The case group consisted pregnancy with diagnosis of Down syndrome in women younger than 35 years old. The control group consisted pregnancy with normal neonate. Fifty pregnant women in each group were allocated.one hundred blood samples were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted by salting - out method and polymorphism of rs1670533 were detected by PCR.PCR products were detected on 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: The TTrs1670533 haplotype was present in 36% of pregnant women with Down syndrome versus 14% of normal pregnant women, (p = 0.003 e-12; CI 95%1.665-5.305, OR = 3.107); TC haplotype was present in 56% of normal pregnancy regarding of16% of pregnancy with Down syndrome (p = 4.288 e = 12; CI 95%: 0.145-0.25; OR = 0.126). Conclusion: It seems that TTrs1670533 haplotype is a risk factor for pregnancy with Down syndrome in young women and TC haplotype has protective effect.

Background: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is the absence of implantation after three consecutive In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles with transferring at least four good quality embryos in a minimum of three fresh or frozen cycles in a woman under 40 years. The definition and management of RIF is under constant scrutiny., Objective: To investigate the effects of Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on RIF, pregnancy rate, abortion rate and implantation rates., Materials and Methods: A double blind placebo controlled randomized trial was conducted at two tertiary university based hospitals. One hundred patients with the history of RIF from December 2011 until January 2014 were recruited in the study. G-CSF 300µg/1ml was administered at the day of oocyte puncture or day of progesterone administration of FET cycle. Forty patients were recruited at G-CSF group, 40 in saline and 20 in placebo group., Results: The mean age for whole study group was 35.3±4.2 yrs (G-CSF 35.5±4.32, saline 35.3±3.98, placebo 35.4±4.01, respectively). Seventeen patients had a positive pregnancy test after embryo transfer [10 (25%) in G-CSF; 5 (12.5%) in saline; and 2 (10%) in placebo group]. The mean of abortion rates was 17.6% (3), two of them in G-CSF, one in saline group. The implantation rate was 12.3% in G-CSF, 6.1% in saline and 4.7% in placebo group., Conclusion: G-CSF may increase chemical pregnancy and implantation rate in patients with recurrent implantation failure but clinical pregnancy rate and abortion rate was unaffected., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Objective: To assess the association between intrapartum intrathecal opioid use and breastfeeding and weight gain following cesarean section. Materials and methods: The prospective double-blinded study was conducted on term pregnant women, undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. They divided into two groups. In the first group, intrathecal Morphine was used to achieve analgesia during or after the operation. The remainder divided into two subgroups, those who did not receive any opioid or those received systemic opioids. Following labor breastfeeding accessed in a follow-up, two month latter. Results: There was no difference between the demographic variables of the mothers and newborns APGAR score and weight at the time of birth. Breastfeeding rate was similar in intrathecal group in compare with other patents (P value = 0.518). While, the infants' weight at the end of second month was lower in spinal opioid group (P value = 0.036). Conclusion: The present study was the first to suggest that spinal (intrathecal) opioids do not have any impact on breastfeeding. However the relationship between spinal anesthesia on weight gaining needs more investigation.

Objective: To evaluate the plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level after injection of methotrexate (MTX) as a predictor of treatment success in ectopic pregnancy (EP)., Materials and Methods: One hundred women treated with single dose of methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy were evaluated in a prospective study, for CPK and ß-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels. They received intramuscular MTX at a dose of 50 mg/m2. The day of injection was considered as day 1 (D1). CPK level on the day of Methotrexate injection was compared between success group who were treated by a single MTX injection, and the unsuccessful groupwho were treated by two or three MTX injections or by surgery., Results: The success rate of single dose of MTX injection was 78 (78%). The mean of CPK was higher in success group than unsuccessful group. (86 ± 10.7 vs. 73 ± 11.8), the difference was significant (p = 0.04). The mean of ß-hCG was significantly lower in treatment success group than unsuccessful group (1421.3 ± 443.6 vs. 1925.6 ± 185.4, p = 0.01)., Conclusion: The success of single dose of MTX treatment in ectopic pregnancy may be predicted by CPK levels and the higher levels of CPK may be useful for detecting of patients with successful response to MTX.

Introduction: Sleep disturbance is a common complaint in postmenopausal women. Few studies compared symptom improvement taking antidepressants versus placebo. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of venlafaxine and Citalopram compared to placebo in treatment of sleep disturbance in healthy postmenopausal women., Method: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in three groups of 20 postmenopausal women. The patients took venlafaxine 75 mg/daily (group I) or citalopram 20 mg/d (group II) or placebo (group III). Each patient filled Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Pittsburgh and Beck depression questionnaires. The frequency of hot flashes in a day and its severity were measured through diaries. Somatic symptoms and adverse side effects were evaluated. Follow-up visit was conducted after 3 months. The prior and the later results were compared., Results: The PSQI scores in three placebo, venlafaxine, and citalopram groups before treatment were 14.25 ± 3.85, 11.55 ± 3.96, and 13.50 ± 3.56, respectively (p = 0.076). These values after treatment reached 9.95 ± 5.07, 8 ± 3.06, and 6.95 ± 1.84, respectively. PSQI score in citalopram and venlafaxine group was not significantly different (p = 0.19) but the score in both groups was significantly lower compared with placebo group after treatment (p = 0.01). The frequency of hot flashes in a day was reduced significantly by both citalopram and venlafaxine (p < 0.05), although it was more reduced by citalopram than venlafaxine (p = 0.03). Severity of hot flashes in both venlafaxine and citalopram was significantly lower in comparison with placebo group (p = 0.02), and there was no significant difference between two drugs, though (p = 0.84). Beck score decreased more in venlafaxine group in comparison with other groups but it did not reach significant (p = 0.06)., Conclusion: Citalopram and venlafaxine are equally more effective than placebo in reducing sleep disturbance and severity of hot flashes, while citalopram is more effective in reducing frequency of hot flashes than venlafaxine. Meanwhile, venlafaxine is more effective than citalopram in treatment of depression in postmenopausal women., Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials 201210152576N6.

Aim: Few studies have investigated the role of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes in uterine leiomyoma. Therefore, in the current study the distribution of these genotypes in Iranian women and susceptibility to uterine leiomyoma was investigated., Methods: Blood samples of 50 patients with uterine leiomyoma and 50 healthy individual controls were collected in this cross-sectional study. Genomic DNA was extracted, and subsequently GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were detected by the Gap-polymerase chain reaction method., Results: A total of 42% of patients appeared to lack GSTM1 enzyme activity due to the presence of an extended deletion (GSTM1 0/0 genotype), compared with 18% in a control group (odds ratio [OR], 3.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-9.37; P < 0.010). In addition, the prevalence of the GSTT1 null genotype in patients was higher than that in the control group (42% to 14%, P < 0.009). Also, it was shown that individuals with both null genotypes (-/-) had a 19.23-fold higher risk of developing the disease in comparison to people who showed both present genotypes (+/+). (P = 0.007; 95%CI, 2.20-167.41). Besides, it was observed that at least one null genotype increases the risk of myoma to 2.6 compared to the both present genotype (P-value < 0.03, 95%CI, 1.05-6.82)., Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is first significant correlation between risk of uterine leiomyoma and null GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes among Iranian patients. Our data support the involvement of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in uterine leiomyoma liability, and especially its role as a genetic factor in the occurrence of this disease., (© 2016 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Objective: To compare the efficacy of intravenous and intraperitoneal injection of lidocaine and normal saline in relieving postoperative pain after elective abdominal hysterectomy., Materials and Methods: For this double-blind randomized controlled study 109 patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy were randomly allocated to three groups :1) IV group (intravenous injection group) received intravenous lidocaine %2 bolus 1.5mg/kg 30 min before incision and then a continuous lidocaine infusion of 2mg/kg and before the wound closure an intraperitoneal injection of N/S , 2) IP group (intraperitoneal group) received intravenous N/S and intraperitoneal lidocaine 3mg/kg , 3) P group (placebo, N/S) received both intravenous and intraperitoneal N/S. The pain scores (VAS) at rest, total morphine consumption , the time to first need for rescue analgesic ,incidence of lidocaine related adverse effects and nausea and vomiting were recorded at 0,2,4,8,12 and 24 hrs postoperatively., Results: The VAS scores were significantly lower in IP and IV groups compared with placebo (p = 0.001). Total consumption of morphine (p = 0.001) and time to firs request of recue analgesic (p = 0.001) were lower too in IP and IV groups.Incidence of vomiting was comparable between groups (p < 0.05) but nausea was higher in control group (p > 0.05).There were not notable lidocaine-related adverse effects. IP and IV groups were not statistically different for all investigated variables., Conclusion: This study showed lidocaine administration both intravenously and intraperitoneally are effective in reducing the postoperative pain and also have opioid sparing effect and can be safely used in elective abdominal hysterectomy without any major adverse effects.

Objective: To evaluate effects of G-CSF on a cancelled ART cycle due to thin endometrium., Materials and Methods: In a nonrandomized clinical trial from January 2011 to January 2013 in two tertiary university based hospitals fifteen patients undergoing embryo transfer and with the history of cycle cancellation due to thin endometrium were studied. Intrauterine infusion of G-CSF was done on the day of oocyte pick-up or 5 days before embryo transfer. The primary outcome to be measured was an endometrium thickened to at least 6 mm and the secondary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate and consequently take-home baby. All previous cycles were considered as control for each patient., Results: The G-CSF was infused at the day of oocyte retrieval or 5 days before embryo transfer. The endometrial thickness reached from 3.593±0.251 mm to 7.120 ± 0.84 mm. The mean age, gravidity, parity, and FSH were 35.13± 9.531 years, 3, 1 and 32.78 ± 31.10 mIU/ml, respectively. The clinical pregnancy rate was 20%, and there was one missed abortion, a mother death at 34 weeks, and a preterm labor at 30 weeks due to PROM., Conclusion: G-CSF may increase endometrial thickness in the small group of patients who had no choice except cycle cancellation or surrogacy.

Objective: This study was conducted to compare the results of fixed versus flexible GnRH antagonist protocols in controlled ovarian stimulation for Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in patients with PCOS., Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed on 100 PCOS women, who were admitted to a tertiary infertility clinic and were candidate for IVF/ICSI. They were divided into two groups based on the GnRH antagonist protocol. We started GnRH antagonist 0.25mg in flexible protocol when a follicle ≥ 14 mm in diameter was seen in transvaginalsonography (Group 1). In fixed protocol, GnRH antagonist was administered from day 6 of stimulation (Group 2). Number of oocytes in methapase 2, number of developed and frozen embryo as main outcome and days of stimulation, number of gonadotropin and antagonist used assecondry outcome measures were assessed and compared between the two groups., Results: The days of stimulation and the number of antagonist used was not significantly different between fixed and flexible group (p ≥ 0.05).Although the number of gonadotropin injections was significantly lower in flexible group (p = 0.03), the number of oocyte retrieved and the number of embryo which cryopreserved was significantly higher in flexible compared to fixed protocol (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: It seems using flexible antagonist protocol in PCOS infertile patients is in favor of better outcomes in terms of number of good quality oocytes and embryo and possibility for cryopreservation for future cycles.

Objective: To investigate the reproductive outcome of artificial endometrial preparation with exogenous steroids for frozen-thawed embryo transfer with and without pre-treatment with depot gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in women with regular menses., Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomized clinical trial conducted in two ART centers on 176 women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer. All patients received oral estradiol valerate 4 mg daily from day 2 to day 5 and 6 mg per day from day 6 to the day of the pregnancy test. In day 13 of cycle, an ultrasound examination was performed. After ultrasound confirmation of endometrial thickness (≥8 mm) and no ovarian activity, progesterone in cyclogest supp (800 mg daily) was added. The dose of estradiol would be increased to 8 mg per day if the endometrial thickness was less than 8mm. Two or 3 embryos were transferred via transcervical route 48 hours after the beginning of progesterone administration. In group A (93 patients), Difereline (3.75 mg Im), as a depot GnRH agonist was administered in the midluteal phase (day 21) of previous cycle. In the other group B (n = 83) steroid supplementation was commenced without prior pituitary suppression. Chemical and clinical pregnancy rates were compared in two groups., Results: No significant differences were seen between two groups in terms of chemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates., Conclusion: The findings support the artificial protocol without any pretreatment suppressive drugs to reduce the adverse side effects of GnRH agonists also to minimize the costs.

Background: This study compared neonatal outcome and maternal complications in multiple pregnancies after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to spontaneous pregnancies., Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we reviewed medical records of 190 multiple pregnancies and births conceived by ART or spontaneous conceptions between 2004 and 2009 in Women Hospital. Obstetric history and outcomes were recorded and compared between these two groups. SPSS version 13 was used for data analysis. The results were analyzed using student's t test, chi square and logistic regression (p<0.05)., Results: There were 106 deliveries from spontaneous conceptions and 84 that resulted from ART. Parity history and mode of delivery significantly differed between the two groups (p<0.001). The ART group had significantly higher preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) whereas pregnanc-induced hypertension (PIH) was higher in the spontaneous group (p=0.01). Newborn intensive care unit (NICU) admission, duration of hospitalization, still birth and low gestational age were significantly higher in the ART group while neonatal jaundice was higher in the spontaneous group. Logistic regression analysis by considering neonatal complications as the dependent variable showed that respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), NICU admission and Apgar score were independent predictors for neonatal complications., Conclusion: Obstetric and neonatal outcomes must be considered in multiple pregnancies conceived by ART.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of luteal phase support with vaginal progesterone on pregnancy rates in the intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles, stimulated with clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), in sub fertile couples., Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double blind study was performed in a tertiary infertility center from March 2011 to January 2012. It consisted of 253 sub fertile couples undergoing ovarian stimulation for IUI cycles. They underwent ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate (100 mg) and hMG (75 IU) in preparation for the IUI cycle. Study group (n = 127) received luteal phase support in the form of vaginal progesterone (400 mg twice a day), and control group (n = 126) received placebo. Clinical pregnancy and abortion rates were assessed and compared between the two groups., Results: The clinical pregnancy rate was not significantly higher for supported cycles than that for the unsupported ones (15.75% vs. 12.69%, p = 0.3). The abortion rate in the patients with progesterone luteal support compared to placebo group was not statistically different (10% vs. 18.75%, p = 0.45)., Conclusion: It seems that luteal phase support with vaginal progesterone was not enhanced the success of IUI cycles outcomes, when clomiphene citrate and hMG were used for ovulation stimulation.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the vasopressin effect on operation time and the need for electrocauterization frequency and ovarian reserve during laparoscopic stripping of ovarian endometriomas., Methods: This was a randomized prospective clinical trial, in which twenty patients between 18-35 years with unilateral endometriomas were randomly divided in two groups of cases and controls. Laparoscopic cystectomy was performed by hydrodissection and stripping method in both groups with diluted vasopressin injected in cases, in comparison to only saline injection in controls. Ovarian hemostasis was achieved by bipolar electrocoagulation. The operation time and frequency of electrocoagulation were compared between two groups. The ovarian reserve was determined by ultrasound examination and laboratory assessment one month before and two months after surgery in two groups. Non parametric data was analyzed by Mann-Whitney test. The p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: The operation time was less in cases than control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.065). The frequency of electrocoagulation for hemostasis was less in cases than controls but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.132). The antral follicle count decreased in both groups two months later, while no significant difference was found between two groups., Conclusion: This study shows that diluted vasopressin decreases operation time and electrocauterization frequency during laparoscopic stripping of ovarian endometriomas; however, the difference between case and control group is not statistically significant.

Objective: To detect whether the preoperative combined administration of rectal diclofenac and paracetamol is superior to placebo or rectal diclofenac alone for pain after abdominal hysterectomy., Materials and Methods: Ninety female patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II), scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy were recruited to this double blind trial and were randomized to receive one of three modalities before surgery: rectal combination of diclofenac and paracetamol, rectal diclofenac alone or rectal placebo alone which were given as a suppository one hour prior to surgery. The primary outcomes were visual analogue pain scores measured at 0, 0.5, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours after surgery and the time of first administration and also total amount of morphine used in the first 24 hour after surgery. A 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS ) was used to assess pain intensity at rest., Results: In patients receiving the combination of diclofenac and paracetamol total dose of morphine used in the first 24 hour after surgery was significantly lower (13.9 ± 2.7 mg) compared to diclofenac group (16.8± 2.8 mg) and placebo group (20.1 ± 3.6 mg) (p<0.05). VAS pain score was significantly lower in combination group compared to other groups all time during first 24 hours (p<0.05). There had been a significant difference between combination group and the two other groups in terms of the first request of morphine (p<0.05)., Conclusion: According to our study Patients who receive the rectal diclofenac-paracetamol combination experience significantly a lower pain scale in the first 24 hour after surgery compared with patients receiving diclofenac or placebo alone. Their need to supplementary analgesic is significantly later and lower compared to placebo and diclofenac alone.

Objective: Elevated nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count is introduced as a potential marker of intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). To investigate the probable association regardless of any known underlying disease, we aimed to study disturbances in NRBC count in infants experiencing idiopathic IUGR., Materials and Methods: Twenty three infants regarded IUGR without any known cause were chosen to be compared to 48 normal neonates. Blood samples were collected instantly after birth and the same measurements were done in both groups., Results: NRBC count/100 white blood cells was significantly higher in the IUGR group (P value < 0.001). pH measurements did not reveal any significant difference., Conclusion: Increased NRBC count in cases of idiopathic IUGR in absence of chronic hypoxia could strengthen its predictive value suggested in previous studies. It could help early IUGR detection and beneficial intervention.

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of bipolar disorder in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO). One hundred and ten women with definite diagnosis of PCO and one hundred and ten age-matched infertile women due to other reasons except for PCO were enrolled in this case-control study. Ten ml fasting venous blood sample obtained to measure fasting glucose, LH and FSH. Height, weight and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were also recorded by an expert technician. A psychiatrist examined all 220 cases in order to determine the prevalence of depression and bipolarity. Mean age of each group participants were not significantly different while FBS, LH and LH/FSH levels were significantly higher in PCO patients. Eighty eight case were depressed in PCO group while 96 were depressed in control group (P=0.03). Bipolar disorder were higher in PCO group in comparison with controls (8 vs. 0, P=0.004). Psychiatric disorders should be considered in PCO women.

To evaluate physical activity of pregnant women before and after ACOG guideline study. Four hundred and eighty-five pregnant women enrolled in this before-after study. They were asked to study ACOG guideline. A structured questionnaire filled by women at first visit and the last visit in the prenatal clinic.Type, frequency, duration and anxiety about doing exercises during pregnancy period. Before education, 411 did exercises before pregnancy onset, among them, 346 were walking out and 65 did light exercises such as aerobics. After studying the protocol, 434 (89.4%) did walking during pregnancy period in comparison to 71% who did walking before pregnancy (P<0.001). Forty two (56.7%) out of 74 who had not done sport before, went for walking after the protocol reading, and nine continued not doing exercise. Among 74 participants who had not done exercise before the protocol reading, 16 (21%) were doing exercise three times a week and 11 (14%) changed their habit to daily exercise practice (P<0.001). Forty percent (195 women) were anxious about doing exercise during pregnancy before guideline study, while 116 reported that after the protocol reading, they had no anxiety about doing exercises during pregnancy (P<0.001). Guidelines providing information about physical activity during pregnancy will help pregnant women to do exercise during pregnancy with convenience and less anxiety.

The cause of neural tube defects (NTDs) is multifactorial and in this case folic acid has an important role. Since the neural tube is closed during 21-28 days of pregnancy, most of women are not informed about their pregnancy at this time, and as a result the golden time of folic acid consumption is missed. The aim of this study was evaluating the performance of pregnant women attending to Tehran Women's Hospital in regard to folic acid intake during pre-conceptional period between 2011 and 2012. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 370 pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic of a hospital affiliate to Tehran University of Medical Sciences between 2011 and 2012. Data were collected through interview using a questionnaire. Although 70% of the pregnancies were planned, but 70.5% of pregnant women had not taken folic acid before conception or in necessary time. There was found a significant relationship between level of education, history of abnormalities in children and the number of abortions and taking folic acid before pregnancy (P=0.005, P=0.000 and P=0.000, respectively).