Iraq Medical Journal

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review with Current Evidence

2024-01-29T20:41:58+00:00

Objectives: This review is aimed to examine polycystic ovary syndrome, its prevalence, pathophysiology, risk factors, and viable management options.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across prominent databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We included English-language articles published between 1990 and 2021. The search strategy involved utilizing keywords such as "polycystic ovary syndrome," "prevalence," "risk factors," "PCOS management," "diet and PCOS," "physical activity," and ‘’exercise effects’’ We thoroughly reviewed the selected studies to identify literature trends and correlations through data synthesis.

Results: The findings from 45 full-text articles has indicated that the prevalence rates of PCOS have been found to range among many groups, as evidenced by several studies. Several studies have identified genetics, insulin resistance, and obesity as significant risk factors associated with the development of this condition. The study also revealed that lifestyle factors, specifically nutrition and physical exercise, exerted an impact on insulin sensitivity, weight regulation, and reproductive health among women diagnosed with PCOS. The implementation of interventions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyle choices has favorable results in the management of symptoms associated with PCOS.

Conclusion: It is imperative to incorporate lifestyle modifications that encompass a well-balanced nutritional plan and consistent physical activity. Public health interventions that prioritize raising awareness and implementing targeted strategies have the potential to empower women, enabling them to make healthier lifestyle choices. This, in turn, can help reduce the adverse effects of PCOS on their general well-being.

Cycle day 2 serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 as a prognostic indicator for poor responders to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

2024-01-08T06:04:54+00:00

Objective: This study aimed to compare serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels on cycle day 2 among poor ovarian responders, age-matched normal responders, and high responders undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The investigation sought to understand the potential correlation between IGF-1 levels and ovarian response, with a focus on advanced maternal age and poor ovarian response.

Methods: Conducted at the High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Baghdad, this clinical experiment involved 30 infertile individuals. The primary outcome measures included Cycle Day 2 IGF-1 serum levels, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC), and retrieved oocytes. Secondary outcomes comprised intrauterine pregnancy, live birth, unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, oocyte maturation, and fertilization. Participants were categorized based on antral follicle count: Group 1 (≤3 AFC) and Group 2 (4 to 10 AFC).

Results: In participants with usual responses, 72.5% had 4-10 AFC, while poor responders had ≤3 AFC in 27.5% of cases. Poor responders exhibited higher mean ages, lower mean AMH, and higher mean IGF-1 levels. However, poor responders and normal responders showed similar mean FSH levels. Female age positively correlated with FSH and IGF-1, while negatively correlating with AMH. The study also indicated negative correlations between female AMH, FSH, and IGF-1, along with a positive correlation between IGF-1 and FSH.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that FSH, AMH, and IGF-1 readings in fertility-assessed women can serve as indicators of ovarian age and reserve. The observed correlations with age imply a diminishing ovarian function. This study contributes valuable insights into the relationship between serum IGF-1 levels, ovarian response, and aging, particularly in the context of poor ovarian responders undergoing IVF.

Antigenic markers of T. gondii for chronic forms of toxoplasmosis in fertility age women

2024-01-08T06:32:03+00:00

Objective: This study aimed to assess the avidity of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in fertile-aged women with a history of abortion. Using the recomLine Toxoplasma IgG Avidity kit, the research investigated the relationship between antibody avidity, T. gondii antigens (GRA1 and SAG1), and the number of abortions to enhance understanding of infection dynamics in this population.

Methods : Forty (40)fertile aged women (18-37years) with history of abortion and had positive results of IgG Abs by minividus form October 2021 to April 2022 ,Kit of recomLine Toxoplasma IgG Avidity form Mikrogen /Germany,item No.11010, was used ,which is a qualitative in vitro test for the determination the avidity of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in human serum or plasma.

Results: Phase II of toxoplasmosis was positive of antibodies against different antigens detected by recomLine assay, no other significant relation was observed. Also, that there was no significant relation between the period of infection and avidity of IgG –Abs against different antigens of T.gondii detected by recomLine test. In addition The results showed that there was a significant relation between of the number of abortions to GRA1-antigen (P=0.012) and SAG1-antigen (P=0.003) .

Conclusion: There was a significant relation between of the number of abortions to GRA1 and SAG1-antigens detected by recomLine assay ,where increase in the positive results with the increase in the number of abortions.

Study of the most prevalent parasitic diseases especially pinworm among children aged (5-12years) in various areas of Dhi Qar Governorate

2024-03-04T04:46:17+00:00

Objective: This study included investigating the quality and prevalence of external and internal (intestinal) parasites among children in various regions at Dhi Qar government. The current study also aimed to focus on and find out the relationship between pinworm infection and appendicitis.

Methods: The study was conducted during the period between February and July in the year 2023. The study included 100 patients infected with one or more types of ecto or intestinal parasites of both sexes, their ages ranged from 5 to 12 years. A clinical examination was performed for them by a pediatrician and they were sent to the laboratory to conduct the necessary laboratory tests.

Results: The current study revealed that a number of parasitic infections, whether external or internal, are associated with anemia and malnutrition in children, in addition to poor psychological condition. Some cases of parasitic worms, especially pinworms, were associated with acute appendicitis. A number of histopathological changes were found after examining the excised organ histologically These changes included necrosis of the sub mucosal layer, erosion of the mucosal lining, and an abundance of fibroblasts in the muscle and serum layers.

Conclusion: Acute appendicitis due to E. vermicularis is a very rare occurrence. The histopathological analysis of resected specimens should pay special attention to search for this parasite for adequate post-operative treatment of patients.

Serum Level of Vitamin K as Predicts Mortality in Iraqi COVID-19 Patients

2024-03-04T04:55:42+00:00

Objectives: The aim of the presented study is to evaluate the discriminative ability of vitamin K markers for predicting, monitoring, and a prognosis of severity patients of Covid -19 .

Methods: In this case-control study, a maximum of sixty patients (30–50 years old) were included. The patients' diagnoses were made using quantitative RT-PCR and a chest X-ray or CT scan performed seven to thirteen days after the onset of symptoms. Murray ratings were utilized to categorize COVID-19 patients based on the severity of their illness. (60) individuals of the same age and gender who appeared to be in good health were included in this study as a control group in order to compare the outcomes. The measurement of serum vitamin K was applied to all patients and healthy individuals.

Results: The group of COVID-19 patients had a lower serum vitamin K level (612.32 ± 106.76 vs. 1198.95 ± 151.59 ng/ml, p = 0.0001) than the healthy control group. Furthermore, we discovered a negative correlation between serum vitamin K levels and COVID-19.

Conclusion: The current findings showed that, when compared to healthy controls, patients with COVID-19 had decreased vitamin K levels, particularly in severe cases. These low levels suggest that COVID-19 patients may be more likely to die. These results imply that vitamin K may be involved in the COVID-19 disease processes.

STIGMA and knowledge of COVID 19 vaccines affect the COVID 19 vaccination in Indonesia

2024-02-05T05:58:51+00:00

Objective: This study aoimed to assess STIGMA's effect and knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine on COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods: The research design is cross-sectionall with consecutive non-random sampling. The method used is a questionnaire-based survey given online. The questionnaire included respondent characteristics, history of COVID-19 vaccination, stigma, and factors that influenced the COVID-19 vaccination. The data were exported from the Google form to Microsoft Excel version 16.57 for cleaning and coding, and analysis with SPSS 25.0. Variables were analyzed using the chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests (95% confidence level and p-value 5%). Correlation using the Spearman test (r is significant if > 0.001) and the odds ratio (OR) of the two variables.

Results: The study was attended by 291 respondents aged 15-59 years, 51.9% worked in the health sector, and 48.1% were the general public. Perception regarding knowledge of COVID-19 shows that 79.7% know and 20.3% don't know. 95.5% of respondents knew about the COVID-19 vaccine program, and the remaining 4.9% did not know. Respondents who had received vaccinations were 97.3%, and 2.7% had not been vaccinated. Factors related to the STIGMA of the COVID-19 vaccine were work in the health sector (p=0.001, r=0.200), knowledge of COVID-19 (p=0.001, r=0.195), and knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine program (p=0.000, r= 0.221). Factors related to receiving vaccinations were knowing the COVID-19 vaccine program (p=0.000, r=0.574) and the STIGMA of the COVID-19 vaccine (p=0.000, r=0.225)

Conclusion: Implementing the vaccination program will be successful if the community has good knowledge about vaccines and does not have a STIGMA for vaccines.