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Aim: To determine the outcomes of laparoscopic partial cystectomy (LPC) for bladder endometriosis (BE). Methods: This was a retrospective study using medical records of women who underwent LPC for BE between January 2009 and December 2017. Demographic characteristics, surgical findings, including surgical site and size of the bladder lesion, endometriosis at other locations, and pre- and postoperative hormonal treatment data were collected. Results: We analyzed data of 18 women with full-thickness BE. The patients had a mean age of 34 (range, 26-45) years and body mass index of 21.6 (range, 16.1-25) kg/m2. All women had dysmenorrhea. Other symptoms noted include dysuria, gross hematuria, and infertility. BE with a mean diameter of 2.7 cm (range, 1-5) was most commonly found at the posterior wall of the bladder (94.4%). Peritoneal endometriosis (94.4%), endometrioma (33.3%), and deep endometriotic nodules (22.2%) in the posterior compartment were also found. No surgical complications were observed. Postoperative hormonal treatment was administered to 14 (77.8%) patients. All symptoms improved after the surgery. No recurrence was found after 30 (range, 12-74) months of follow-up. Conclusion: LPC is an effective treatment option for BE.

Although Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), an injectable contraceptive progestin, is very effective for pain relief and prevention of recurrence in women with endometriosis, there is no report on the mechanism of this medication about cell proliferation and apoptosis.To investigate the effects of DMPA on cell proliferation and apoptosis in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis.A randomized controlled study was conducted in 28 women with endometriosis. The DMPA-treated group included 14 women who were scheduled to undergo laparoscopic surgery after 150 mg of DMPA injections. The control group included 14 women who were scheduled to undergo the surgery without DMPA injection. The endometrial tissue was obtained from each woman by endometrial aspiration before surgery. The ELISA formats of PCNA and the quantitative colorimetric analysis of TUNEL were used for estimating cell proliferation and apoptosis of the eutopic endometrium.There were no differences in the women characteristics between the two groups. The relative level of cell proliferation was significantly less in the DMPA than the control groups (1.08±0.57 vs. 1.73±0.50, p = 0.014). Whereas the relative level of cell apoptosis was greater in the DMPA group than that in the control group (1.12±0.36 vs. 0.82±0.39, p = 0.034).Three months of 150 mg DMPA treatment could suppress cell proliferation and enhance cell apoptosis of the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis.

Aim To compare the effects of ethinyl estradiol (EE) 30 mcg/desogestrel 150 mcg plus spironolactone 25 mg/day (group A) versus EE 35 mcg/cyproterone acetate 2 mg (group B) on hyperandrogenism and metabolism in PCOS. Methods This was a randomized clinical study. Eighteen women in groups A and B received medications for three cycles. Acne score, androgens and metabolic parameters were assessed before and after treatment. Results One and two women in groups A and B, respectively, were excluded from the study. Both groups had significantly decreased acne score and free androgen index, and increased sex hormone-binding globulin levels. Cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were significantly increased in group B, and androstenedione was significantly decreased in group A. The regular withdrawal bleeding was obtained in both groups. Conclusion Both regimens had quite similar efficacy on hyperandrogenism after three cycles of therapy and without any changes in metabolic parameters.

Objectives. To develop fundal height growth curves for underweight and overweight and obese pregnant women based on gestational age from last menstrual period and/or ultrasound. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted at four hospitals in the northern part of Thailand between January 2009 and March 2011. Fundal height, gestational age, height, and prepregnancy weight were extracted from antenatal care and delivery records. Fundal height growth curves were presented as smoothed function of the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation, derived from multilevel models. Results. Fundal height growth curve of the underweight was derived from 1,486 measurements (208 women) and the overweight and obese curve was derived from 1,281 measurements (169 women). The 50th percentile line of the underweight was 0.1–0.4 cm below the normal weight at weeks 23–31 and 0.5–0.8 cm at weeks 32–40. The overweight and obese line was 0.1–0.4 cm above the normal weight at weeks 22–29 and 0.6–0.8 cm at weeks 30–40. Conclusions. Fundal height growth curves of the underweight and overweight and obese pregnant women were different from the normal weight. In monitoring or screening for abnormal intrauterine growth in these women, fundal height growth curves specifically developed for such women should be applied.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of modified electric vacuum aspiration (mEVA) and sharp curettage (SC) for treatment of incomplete abortion. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted between 1 March 2005 and 15 December 2009. Ninety-four women with incomplete abortion were randomly allocated into two groups, group A (n = 47) underwent mEVA and group B (n = 47) underwent SC. The procedures were performed using the paracervical block with 20 mL of lidocaine. Successful management and complication were assessed. Successful management was defined as complete uterine evacuation with no need for the second surgical procedure. Results: There were differences in women characteristics between groups. The successful rate of management was 100% for both groups. However, the operative time and estimated blood loss were less in the mEVA group than in the SC group. Severe pain was significantly less prevalent in group A than group B. Suspected endometritis was found in two (4.3%) patients in each group. Conclusions: The efficacy of mEVA was the same as that of SC in successful management of incomplete abortion, but pain was experienced more often in the SC group.

Summary Solid surface vitrificaition (SSV) is a cryoperservative method that has been used in the cryopreservation of oocytes, and embryos. Here, we report an application of the SSV in the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa. We compared the SSV with a standard freezing method in terms of sperm motility, morphology, vitality and DNA integrity. Sperm motility was determined by computer assisted semen analysis, morphology and vitality were determined by eosin-methylene blue staining, and DNA integrity was determined by a TUNEL assay. We found that while both cryopreservative methods produced spermatozoa with comparable vitality and motility, the SSV gave slightly, but significantly fewer sperm with DNA damage, and loose tail. We concluded that, a cryopreservation of human spermatozoa by SSV is feasible and provides a quick and practical way to preserve human spermatozoa with a comparable, if not better, quality of the preserved spermatozoa to the standard freezing method.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of 1000 mg and 1700 mg of metformin on ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand of 60 PCOS women diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria. Group A (30 women) and B (30 women) received 1000 mg and 1700 mg/day of metformin, respectively. Clomiphen citrate 50–150 mg per day for 5 days was added, if no dominant follicle developed. The main outcome measures were ovulation and pregnancy rates, fasting insulin (FI), testosterone (T), androstenedione (ADD) and DHEAS before and 4 weeks after metformin. Results: The ovulation rate did not differ between the groups (84.8% vs 87.7% between groups A and B, P = NS). Most of the women developed one follicle (91% in group A and 88.2% in group B, P = NS). The pregnancy rate in group A (46.4% per woman and 12.4% per ovulatory cycle) did not differ from that in group B (51.9% per woman and 13.2% per ovulatory cycle, P = NS). With regard to dosages, the ovulation rate in PCOS women without insulin resistance (IR) was significantly higher than those with IR. FI, T and ADD were significantly decreased after 4 weeks of metformin in both groups. Conclusion: 1000 mg of metformin had as high efficacy as 1700 mg on induction of ovulation and pregnancy in PCOS women.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal misoprostol in overcoming an unsatisfactory colposcopy in the patients who had abnormal cervical cytology and to evaluate side effects of vaginal misoprostol. Methods: Sixty patients with an unsatisfactory colposcopy during the period of September 2007–November 2008 were recruited and randomly allocated to receive either two tablets of 200 mg misoprostol (400 mg) or two tablets of similar-looking placebo vaginally. Colposcopic re-examination was performed 6hl ater. The results and side effects before and 2w eeks after the colposcopic re-examination were recorded. Results: Six out of 30 patients in the misoprostol group (20.0%) had a satisfactory colposcopic re-examination compared with 2 out of 27 patients (7.4%) in the placebo group without statistically significant difference (P ¼ 0.172). Three patients in the placebo group dropped out due to not present at the appointment time. Six out of 30 patients (20.0%) and 1 out of 30 patients (3.3%) in the misoprostol group had side effects before and 2 weeks after the colposcopic re-examination orderly. Twenty-seven patients in the placebo group did not have any side effects before and 2 weeks after the colposcopic re-examination. All side effects occurred were minimal and well tolerated. Conclusions: Four hundred micrograms of vaginal misoprostol were not proved to be effective in converting an unsatisfactory to a satisfactory colposcopy.

Objective To compare the effects of cryopreserved sperm in vapor and liquid phases of liquid nitrogen on sperm motility, morphology, and sperm function. Design Experimental study. Setting Andrology laboratory at Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand. Patient(s) Thirty-eight semen samples with normal motility and sperm count were collected from 38 men who were either patients of an infertility clinic or had donated sperm for research. Intervention(s) Each semen sample was divided into two aliquots. Samples were frozen with static-phase vapor cooling. One aliquot was plunged into liquid nitrogen (−196°C), and the other was stored in vapor-phase nitrogen (−179°C) for 3 days. Thawing was performed at room temperature. Main Outcome Measure(s) Motility was determined by using computer-assisted semen analysis, sperm morphology was determined by using eosin–methylene blue staining, and sperm function was determined by using a hemizona binding test. Result(s) Most of the motility parameters of sperm stored in the vapor phase were not significantly different from those stored in the liquid phase of liquid nitrogen, except in amplitude of lateral head displacement. The percentages of normal sperm morphology in both vapor and liquid phases also were not significantly different. There was no significant difference in the number of bound sperm in hemizona between sperm cryopreserved in both vapor and liquid phases of liquid nitrogen. Conclusion(s) Cryopreservation of human sperm in a vapor phase of liquid nitrogen was comparable to cryopreservation in a liquid phase of liquid nitrogen.

Aim: To evaluate whether adiponectin levels could predict abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in Thai women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with fasting adiponectin and insulin (FI) blood sampling in 170 women with PCOS were performed consecutively. Results: The prevalence of AGT was 45.9%. The body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fasting glucose and 2-h postload glucose were greater in the PCOS women with AGT than those without AGT (P

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess whether acanthosis nigricans is a predictive factor for abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Data from the record forms and electronic form of 121 PCOS women who consecutively attended the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit were reviewed. In accordance with the unit's guidelines, all women received a physical examination, had anthropometric measurements taken and underwent as a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test after diagnosis. Their age, body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio (WHR) was 29.1+/-6.1 years, 27.4+/-6.8 kg/m2 and 0.84+/-0.6 (mean+/-standard deviation), respectively. The prevalence of AGT was 42.9%, with 1.6% having impaired fasting glucose, 32.3% having impaired glucose tolerance and 9.1% having type 2 diabetes mellitus. The PCOS women with acanthosis nigricans had significantly higher BMI, WHR, fasting glucose, 2-h post-load glucose, fasting insulin, 2-h post-load insulin and prevalence of AGT compared with those without acanthosis nigricans. By logistic regression analysis, acanthosis nigricans and WHR were independent predictors for AGT, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.7 (1.1-7.1) and 10.1 (1.8-20.7), respectively. In conclusion, acanthosis nigricans was demonstrated as a predictive factor for AGT in Asian women with PCOS.

Since some retrospective studies have given inconsistent findings about innervation in adenomyosis, its role in the pain mechanism is still inconclusive.Define the nerve fiber density in adenomyotic tissue as it correlated to pain symptoms.A cross-sectional study was performed in twenty-five uterine samples from reproductive age women with adenomyosis who underwent either laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. The nerve fiber density from hysterectomized specimens as measured by immunohistochemistry staining for Protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and Neurofilament (NF) were compared with the level of pain in the patients as defined by a visual analogue scale and a verbal rating scale.Nerve fibers as detected by PGP9.5 and NF staining in the myometrium were significantly increased in the group of women with adenomyosis experiencing moderate and severe pain as compared to the group experiencing less pain (4 (0, 7) vs. 1.55 (0, 7)/mm2, p-value0.001, and 6 (3, 10) vs. 0 (0, 4)/mm2, p-value0.001 respectively). At both phases of the menstrual cycle, the densities of nerve fibers stained with PGP9.5 and NF showed no significant difference.These results suggested that the increased of nerve fibers shown in the more severe pain group might play a role in the pathogenesis or symptoms of adenomyosis.

To compare the effects of ethinyl estradiol (EE) 30 mcg/desogestrel 150 mcg plus spironolactone 25 mg/day (group A) versus EE 35 mcg/cyproterone acetate 2 mg (group B) on hyperandrogenism and metabolism in PCOS.This was a randomized clinical study. Eighteen women in groups A and B received medications for three cycles. Acne score, androgens and metabolic parameters were assessed before and after treatment.One and two women in groups A and B, respectively, were excluded from the study. Both groups had significantly decreased acne score and free androgen index, and increased sex hormone-binding globulin levels. Cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were significantly increased in group B, and androstenedione was significantly decreased in group A. The regular withdrawal bleeding was obtained in both groups.Both regimens had quite similar efficacy on hyperandrogenism after three cycles of therapy and without any changes in metabolic parameters.

Data on glucose metabolism in Asian adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are limited. Glucose metabolism assessment using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in obese and lean Thai adolescents with PCOS, and a comparison between the two groups were done. Thirty-one patients (19 obese, 12 lean) were enrolled. Their median (range) age was 14.9 (11.0-21.0) years. Eighteen patients had abnormal glucose metabolism (13 hyperinsulinemia, 4 impaired glucose tolerance, and 1 diabetes). Compared between obese [median (range) BMI Z-score, 1.6 (1.2-2.6)] and lean [median (range) BMI Z-score, 0.1 (-1.4 to 0.6)] patients, the frequencies of each abnormal OGTT category, areas under the curves of glucose and insulin levels, and insulinogenic index were not different; however, insulin resistance was greater in the obese group. In conclusion, a high proportion of our adolescents with PCOS had abnormal glucose metabolism. Therefore, OGTT should be performed in adolescents with PCOS for the early detection of abnormal glucose metabolism.

Objectives. To develop fundal height (FH) growth curve from normal singleton pregnancy based on last menstrual period (LMP) and/or ultrasound dating for women in the northern part of Thailand. Methods. A retrospective time-series study was conducted at four hospitals in the upper northern part of Thailand between January 2009 and March 2011. FH from 20 to 40 weeks was measured in centimeters. The FH growth curve was presented as smoothed function of the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles, which were derived from a regression model fitted by a multilevel model for continuous data. Results. FH growth curve was derived from 7,523 measurements of 1,038 women. Gestational age was calculated from LMP in 648 women and ultrasound in 390 women. The FH increased from 19.1 cm at 20 weeks to 35.4 cm at 40 weeks. The maximum increase of 1.0 cm/wk was observed between 20 and 32 weeks, declining to 0.7 cm/wk between 33 and 36 weeks and 0.3 cm/wk between 37 and 40 weeks. A quadratic regression equation was FH (cm)=-19.7882+2.438157 GA (wk)-0.0262178 GA2 (wk) (R-squared = 0.85). Conclusions. A demographically specific FH growth curve may be an appropriate tool for monitoring and screening abnormal intrauterine growth.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of modified electric vacuum aspiration (mEVA) and sharp curettage (SC) for treatment of incomplete abortion.A randomized controlled trial was conducted between 1 March 2005 and 15 December 2009. Ninety-four women with incomplete abortion were randomly allocated into two groups, group A (n = 47) underwent mEVA and group B (n=47) underwent SC. The procedures were performed using the paracervical block with 20 mL of lidocaine. Successful management and complication were assessed. Successful management was defined as complete uterine evacuation with no need for the second surgical procedure.There were differences in women characteristics between groups. The successful rate of management was 100% for both groups. However, the operative time and estimated blood loss were less in the mEVA group than in the SC group. Severe pain was significantly less prevalent in group A than group B. Suspected endometritis was found in two (4.3%) patients in each group.The efficacy of mEVA was the same as that of SC in successful management of incomplete abortion, but pain was experienced more often in the SC group.

To compare the efficacy of 1000 mg and 1700 mg of metformin on ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women.A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand of 60 PCOS women diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria. Group A (30 women) and B (30 women) received 1000 mg and 1700 mg/day of metformin, respectively. Clomiphen citrate 50-150 mg per day for 5 days was added, if no dominant follicle developed. The main outcome measures were ovulation and pregnancy rates, fasting insulin (FI), testosterone (T), androstenedione (ADD) and DHEAS before and 4 weeks after metformin.The ovulation rate did not differ between the groups (84.8% vs 87.7% between groups A and B, P=NS). Most of the women developed one follicle (91% in group A and 88.2% in group B, P=NS). The pregnancy rate in group A (46.4% per woman and 12.4% per ovulatory cycle) did not differ from that in group B (51.9% per woman and 13.2% per ovulatory cycle, P=NS). With regard to dosages, the ovulation rate in PCOS women without insulin resistance (IR) was significantly higher than those with IR. FI, T and ADD were significantly decreased after 4 weeks of metformin in both groups.1000 mg of metformin had as high efficacy as 1700 mg on induction of ovulation and pregnancy in PCOS women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological disorder in female reproductive age. Insulin resistance (IR) and compensatory hyperinsulinemia seem to be the main pathophysiologies of this syndrome. Therefore, PCOS is at risk for abnormal glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, central obesity and hypertension. Also, plasminogen activator-inhibitor-1 (PAL-1), hemostatic factor and C-reactive protein (CRP), inflammatory factor have been reported in PCOS women. The metabolic syndrome (MS), a clustering of several metabolic abnormalities, is more prevalent in PCOS. One-third to 46% of PCOS women with MS have been reported. Since these metabolic abnormalities as well as MS are the important risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), PCOS is at risk for CVD.

To determine serum visfatin levels in Asian polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women and its correlations with various parameters.Case-control study.University hospital.Eighty women were enrolled in this study. Of these, 40 women were PCOS and 40 age-matched subjects with regular menstrual cycles were controls.Seventy-five gram oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in all women. Fasting venous blood samples for serum visfatin, insulin and androgen levels were obtained both from the PCOS and the control women.Serum concentrations of visfatin, fasting insulin (FI), fasting glucose, 2-h post-load glucose (2hPG), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, homeostasis model assessment beta cell function, total testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were measured in both groups.Women with PCOS had significantly higher serum visfatin levels than the healthy controls [100.39 +/- 41.90 vs. 45.09 +/- 28.24 mg/ml, p0.01]. PCOS women also had significantly higher concentrations of all androgens (p0.01). Insulin resistance seemed to be greater in the PCOS than the control groups, but did not reach a statistically significant level. In the PCOS group, serum visfatin levels were positively correlated with 2hPG, and systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Serum visfatin levels were negatively associated with FI (r = -0.80, p = 0.03) and positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.77, p = 0.04, r = 0.79, p = 0.03, respectively) in the sub-group of PCOS women with abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT).Asian PCOS women had significantly higher serum visfatin levels than age-matched healthy controls. Their levels were significantly correlated with 2hPG and blood pressure in PCOS women, and with FI and blood pressure in PCOS women with AGT.

Objective. To compare the effect of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole and clomiphene citrate (CC) on superovulation in women with normal ovulation.Methods. A cross-over randomized study of 22 women with normal ovulation, divided randomly into two equal cohorts, was carried out. Each group of 11 women was randomly allocated to take letrozole or CC for one cycle. After washing out for one cycle, the alternative drug was administered in the subsequent cycle. The number and size of mature follicles, endometrial thickness, and estradiol and progesterone levels were monitored.Results. The number of mature follicles and estradiol levels on ovulation day were significantly lower in the letrozole group than the CC group (p < 0.05 for both). However, no differences between the two groups in endometrial thickness and pattern were observed. Progesterone levels showed ovulation in all cycles.Conclusions. The administration of 50 mg CC on days 3–5 was superior to 2.5 mg letrozole for superovulation induction in women w...

To evaluate ovarian reserve assessed by hormones and sonography in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD).This was a cross-sectional study. Twenty-one PCOS women undergoing LOD were enrolled in the study (the LOD group). Their day-3 anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, antral follicles count (AFC) and summed ovarian volume representing ovarian reserve were compared with those of PCOS women who did not undergo LOD (the PCOS group) and those of normal ovulatory women (the control group).There were no differences in age and body mass index between groups. AMH levels seemed to be lower in the LOD (4.60 +/- 3.16 ng/ml) than in the PCOS (5.99 +/- 3.36 ng/ml) groups, but did not reach statistical significance. Day-3 FSH levels were significantly higher and AFC was significantly lower in the LOD than in the PCOS group. AMH levels, AFC and summed ovarian volume were significantly greater, but FSH was significantly lower, in the PCOS group compared with the control group. There were no differences in inhibin B levels between groups.This study showed that ovarian reserve assessed by hormonal levels and sonography seems to be lower in the LOD than in the PCOS group. The PCOS women both with and without LOD had significantly greater ovarian reserve than the age-matched controls having normal ovulatory menstruation.

Since insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia are the major causes of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and are also the main pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), PCOS women are at risk of MS. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of MS in Asian women with PCOS using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and to define the risk factors.One hundred and seventy women with PCOS were enrolled in the study from September 3, 2002 to June 14, 2005. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test with plasma glucose and serum insulin levels was performed. Also, blood samples were examined for fasting triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin levels.The mean (+/-standard deviation) age, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio were 28.8+/-5.9 years, 27.1 +/- 7.0 kg/m(2) and 0.85+/-0.06, respectively. The prevalence of MS was 35.3%. Age, BMI, waist circumference and all metabolic parameters were higher in PCOS women with MS than in those without MS. MS prevalence increased with age, BMI and insulin resistance as determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), but not with adiponectin after BMI adjustment.According to the IDF criteria, one-third of the PCOS women had MS. This study also showed that age, BMI and HOMA-IR are important risk factors for MS.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether adiponectin is a predictive factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and is appropriate as a screening test for GDM. Three-hundred and fifty-nine women with singleton pregnancy and indications for GDM screening according to criteria of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were enrolled in the study between July 5, 2004 and March 11, 2005. After confirming gestational age (GA) and number of fetuses by ultrasound, all women underwent a 1-h glucose challenge test with 50 g glucose load (50-g GCT) between 21 and 27 weeks of GA. Blood samples for determination of adiponectin levels were also obtained on the same day. Subsequently, between 24 and 28 weeks of GA, the women underwent an oral glucose tolerance test with 100 g glucose load (100-g OGTT). The diagnosis of GDM was established when two or more of the following criteria were fulfilled: (1) fasting glucose95 mg/dl; (2) 1-h glucose180 mg/dl; (3) 2-h glucose155 mg/dl; (4) 3-h glucose140 mg/dl. Sixty women were diagnosed with GDM, a prevalence of 16.7%. There was no difference in age between the GDM and non-GDM groups. Pre-pregnancy and sampling-day body mass index (BMI), increase in weight and all blood glucose levels were greater in women with GDM than in those without (p0.05). Adiponectin concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with GA and plasma glucose levels of the GCT and each OGTT. Using logistic regression analyses, adiponectin, but not age, pre-pregnancy BMI and increase in weight, was demonstrated as an independent predictive factor for GDM. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve of adiponectin was significantly lower than that of the GCT [0.63 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53-0.67) vs. 0.73 (95% CI 0.71-0.80), p0.001]. At a cut-off value of 140 mg/dl of the 50-g GCT, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 90% and 61%, respectively. The 50-g GCT could identify GDM in 54 (90%) out of 60 women. On the other hand, at an arbitrary cut-off value of 10 microg/ml for adiponectin, sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 31% were achieved. If this cut-off value was used for ruling in or out pregnant women for the GDM screening, 27% of all women could be eliminated from needing to perform an OGTT, with five women (8.3%) misclassified. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that adiponectin was an independent predictor for GDM. As for GDM screening, adiponectin was not as strong a predictor as GCT. However, with advantage of being less cumbersome, adiponectin could be used to rule out pregnant women at low risk of GDM.

AIM To determine whether minimal stimulation with clomiphene and gonadotropin provides outcomes and direct costs comparable with those of a conventional GnRHa-gonadotropin stimulation protocol for infertile patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. METHODS A non-randomized clinical trial was conducted from 1 July 1996 to 31 March 2003 at the Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Unit, Ramathibodi Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand. A total of 192 patients were recruited of whom 96 cases underwent ovarian stimulated cycles with minimal stimulation protocol, and 96 controls underwent ovarian stimulated cycles with GnRHa-gonadotropin protocol, with cases and controls matched for age and infertility cause. RESULTS The median patient age was 35 years. Endometriosis was the most frequent infertility cause (28.1%). The conventional GnRHa-gonadotropin protocol could give more oocyte numbers than the minimal stimulation protocol (7.3 +/- 4.9 vs 4.5 +/- 3.3 oocytes). The fertilization rate and cleavage rate were similar (73.4 +/- 31.9 and 84.9 +/- 32.6 in minimal stimulation protocol, 69.3 +/- 29.6 and 88.4 +/- 28.0 in GnRHa-gonadotropin protocol, respectively). The pregnancy rate per oocyte retrieval cycle in the GnRHa-gonadotropin protocol was similar to the minimal stimulation protocol. (13.1%vs 13.0%, P = 1.000). However, the cost per pregnancy of minimal stimulation protocol was less than that of GnRHa-gonadotropin protocol. (6021.95 US dollars for minimal stimulation protocol per pregnancy, 10,785.65 US dollars for GnRHa-gonadotropin protocol per pregnancy, P < 0.000). CONCLUSION Minimal stimulation was less effective than conventional GnRHa-gonadotropin on the ovarian stimulation. However, the total costs of minimal stimulation were cheaper than the conventional GnRHa-gonadotropin protocol. The decreased costs of minimal stimulation justifies further evaluation of its role in the treatment of infertility in selected cases.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of metformin on induction of ovulation in Asian women with clomiphene citrate (CC)-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Twenty PCOS women who did not respond to CC were enrolled in the study. All received 500-1500 mg/day of metformin for 4 weeks. If no dominant follicle was observed with monitoring by transvaginal ultrasound, 50-150 mg of CC per day for 5 days were added. Timing of sexual intercourse was determined or intrauterine insemination was carried out 36 h after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin. A total of six cycles, pregnancy or anovulation despite taking 150 mg of CC were considered as completion of the study. Blood samples were obtained before and at the end of the 4th week of treatment for hormonal assay. Ovulation was observed in 68 (89.5%) of 76 cycles, of which 34 (44.7%) occurred with metformin alone. Twelve women conceived; therefore, the pregnancy rate was 17.6% per ovulated cycle and 60% per woman. One (8.3%) had an abortion. Four women had minimal adverse effect, but one experienced a severe gastrointestinal effect during the fourth cycle. Insulin and androstenedione levels were significantly decreased after 4 weeks of treatment. In conclusion, these series demonstrated the excellent efficacy of metformin on induction of ovulation and pregnancy in Asian women with CC-resistant PCOS.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the pregnancy outcomes in Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The retrospective cohort study was performed to compare pregnancy outcomes of 47 pregnancies in 41 PCOS women with 264 pregnancies in 222 women with normal menstruation. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk of PCOS on GDM, hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (HDP) and premature delivery. The mean age of both groups was 31 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) and proportion of BMI of > 25 kg/m2 were significantly higher in the PCOS than in the control group. There was no difference in the prevalence of GDM between the PCOS women and the high-risk group of the controls. The prevalence of HDP and premature delivery was significantly greater in PCOS women (21.3 and 13.3%) than in the controls (6.4 and 5.4%), respectively. PCOS was demonstrated as a risk factor for GDM and HDP with borderline statistical significance, but not for premature birth. The Cesarean section rate was higher in the PCOS than in the control group. In conclusion, the prevalence of GDM in Asian women with PCOS is high and comparable to those of a high-risk group.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of abnormalities of glucose metabolism in Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to assess the different impacts of the 1985 and 1999 WHO consultations and the ADA criteria for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Eighty-five women with PCOS were consecutively included in the study at the Reproductive Endocrinology Unit, Department of Ob-Gyn, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. All women underwent a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Fasting insulin and testosterone levels were also measured. Results: Seventy-nine women consented to the OGTT. The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 DM was 22.8 and 15.2% with the 1985 WHO criteria, and 20.3 and 17.7% according to the 1999 WHO consultation criteria, respectively. The recommendation of the ADA using the fasting glucose levels could only determine a prevalence of 6.3% for type 2 DM. The fasting insulin and testosterone levels were significantly higher in DM than IGT and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) subgroups. The PCOS women with abnormalities of glucose metabolism had a greater body mass index (BMI), higher fasting glucose and 2-h post-load glucose levels than those with NGT. The prevalence of glucose intolerance significantly increased with BMI. Conclusions: Similar to other ethnic populations, Asian women with PCOS are at risk of developing IGT and type 2 DM especially if obese. The recommendation of the ADA is not appropriate for the diagnosis of type 2 DM in PCOS women.