Roointan Arash Hospital

BACKGROUND: Sore throat is a common complication after surgery. Postoperative cough and hoarseness can also be distressing to patients. We sought to determine the effect of an inhaler steroid on sore throat, cough, and hoarseness during the first 24 hours of the postoperative period. METHODS: We enrolled 120 women with ASA physical status I or II and term singleton pregnancy who were scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: in the sitting position, group F patients received 500 μg inhaled fluticasone propionate via a spacer device during 2 deep inspirations, after arrival in the operating room, and group C had no treatment. The patients were interviewed by a blinded investigator for postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness at 1 and 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, body mass index, duration of surgery, intubation, and grade of laryngeal exposure between the 2 groups. The incidence of sore throat, cough, and hoarseness was significantly lower in group F (3.33%, 3.33%, and 3.33%) compared with the control group (36.67%, 18.33%, and 35%) (P < 0.05 for all comparisons), not only in the first postoperative hour but also 24 hours after surgery (13.33%, 13.33%, and 25% in group F vs 40%, 41.67%, and 50% in the control group). The incidence of moderate and severe hoarseness in group F at the first hour was significantly less than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled fluticasone propionate decreases the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness in patients undergoing cesarean delivery under general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Sphenoid wing meningiomas extending to the orbit (ePMSW) are currently removed through several transcranial approaches. Presenting the largest surgical cohort of hyperostosing ePMSW with the longest follow up period, we will provide data supporting minilateral orbitotomy with excellent exposure for wide resection of all compartments of the tumor. METHODS: A retrospective survival analysis is made of the data cumulated prospectively during a period of 34 years, including 88 cases of ePMSW with a mean follow up period of 136.4 months. The impact of preoperative variables upon different outcome measures is evaluated. Standard pterional craniotomy was performed in 12 patients (C) while the other 76 cases underwent the proposed modified lateral miniorbitotomy (LO). RESULTS: There were 31 men and 57 women. The age range varied between 12 and 70 years. Patients presented with unilateral exophthalmos (Uex) ranging between 3 and 16 mm. Duration of proptosis before operation varied between 6 months and 16 years. The status of visual acuity (VA) prior to operation was: no light perception (NLP) in 16, light perception (LP) up to 0.2 in 3, 0.3-0.5 in 22, 0.6-0.9 in 24, and full vision in 23 patients. Postoperatively, acceptable cosmetic appearance of the eyes was seen in 38 cases and in 46 mild inequality of < 2 mm was detected. Four cases had mild enophthalmos (En). Among those who had the worst VA, two improved and one became almost blind after operation. The cases with VA in the range of 0.3-0.5 improved. Among those with good VA (0.5 to full vision), 2 became blind, vision diminished in 10, and improved or remained full in the other 35 cases. Tumor recurrence occurred in 33.3% of group C and 10.5% of group LO (P = 0.05). The major determinant of tumor regrowth was the technique of LO (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Using LO technique, the risky corners involved by the tumor is visualized from the latero-inferior side rather than from the latero-superior avenue. This is the crucial milestone to achieve aggressive removal of all the involved compartments of the lesion. Satisfactory cosmetic result is reported using mini LO technique after widely exposing and removing the hyperostotic bone down to the subtemporal fossa with only simple repair of the dura without cranioplasty.

I In nt tr ro od du uc ct ti io on n: : Endometriosis is defined as overgrowth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis may be asymptomatic or associated with dysmenorrheal symptoms, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding and infertility. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors related to endometriosis among infertile Iranian women. M Ma at te er ri ia al l a an nd d m me et th ho od ds s: : In this case control study, infertile women referred for laparoscopy and infertility workup to two referral infertility clinics in Tehran, Iran were studied. According to the laparoscopy findings, women were divided into case (women who had pelvic endometriosis) and control (women with normal pelvis) groups. The case group was divided into two subgroups: stage I and II of endometriosis were considered as mild while stage III and IV were categorized as severe endometriosis. A questionnaire was completed for each patient. R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Logistic regression showed that age, duration of infertility, body mass index (BMI), duration of menstrual cycle, abortion history, dyspareunia, pelvic pain and family history of endometriosis are independent predictive factors for any type of endometriosis. In addition, it was shown that education, duration of infertility, BMI, amount and duration of menstrual bleeding, menstrual pattern, dyspareunia, pelvic pain and family history of endometriosis are independent predictive factors of severe endometriosis. The AUCs for these models were 0.781 (0.735-0.827) and 0.855 (0.810-0.901) for any type of endometriosis and severe endometriosis, respectively. C Co on nc cl lu us si io on ns s: : It seems that any type of endometriosis and severe ones could be predicted according to demographic, menstrual and reproductive characteristics of infertile women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women of reproductive age. Insulin resistance is a main pathophysiologic feature in these patients. According to some studies, the intake of probiotic bacteria may improve glucose homoeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of synbiotics on metabolic parameters and apelin in PCOS patients. This randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted on eighty-eight PCOS women aged 19-37 years old. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups receiving (1) synbiotic supplement (n 44), and (2) placebo (n 44) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks. The two groups showed no difference in fasting blood sugar (adjusted mean difference: 0·60; 95 % CI -3·80, 5·00, P=0·727), plasma glucose fasting 2-h (adjusted mean difference 2·09; 95 % CI -9·96, 14·15, P=0·134), HbA1c (adjusted mean difference 0·06; 95 % CI -0·09, 0·22, P=0·959), homoeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (adjusted mean difference: 0·02; 95 % CI -0·99, 1·03, P=0·837), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (adjusted mean difference: -0·02; 95 % CI -0·33, 0·29, P=0·940) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (adjusted mean difference: 0·24; 95 % CI -1·61, 2·08, P=0·141) by the end of the intervention. A significant difference was observed in the mean apelin 36 before and after the intervention between synbiotic and placebo groups (adjusted mean difference: -4·05; 95 % CI -7·15, -0·96, P=0·004). A 12-week synbiotic supplementation has no significant beneficial effects on HOMA-IR and CRP in PCOS patients, whereas the level of apelin 36 significantly decreased.

BACKGROUND: Different therapies have been suggested for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but changes in lifestyle and diet have been considered. Diet and dietary factors can be very effective in modifying the disease. The positive effects of probiotic and synbiotics supplementation on improving lipid profiles and anthropometric indices have been examined in various diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of synbiotics supplementation on lipid and anthropometric profiles in infertile women with PCOS. METHODS: PCOS patients aged 19-37 years old were randomized to receive either synbiotics supplement (n = 50) or placebo (n = 49) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Consumption of synbiotics compared to the placebo, resulted in a significant decrease in Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) value (Change Mean Difference (CMD): 4.66, 95%CI: 0.20, 9.13) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (CMD: 1.80, 95%CI: 0.34, 3.26). Although we failed to find a significant effect of synbiotics consumption on total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels. We did not find differences in anthropometric indices between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 12 weeks of synbiotics supplementation among PCOS women resulted in beneficial effects on LDL and HDL, although it is not yet clear how much our findings are clinically significant and more clinical studies with larger sample sizes are still needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of clinical Trial, IRCT.ir, ID: IRCT2014110515536N2. Registered on 19 December 2015.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series and literature review. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in diagnosis and management of patients with spine brown tumor (osteitis fibrosa cystica) as the initial manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism and also to review the pertinent literature. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The spine can be involved through reparative processes such as giant cell reparative granuloma and brown tumor, which lead to formation of lesions that can simulate tumors on neuroimaging. Brown tumor, an uncommon focal giant cell lesion, is a nonneoplastic and reactive process due to bone resorption and localized osseous lesion caused by primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: Among the cases of spine giant cell lesions treated surgically by the authors (2000-2013), there were 4 cases of spine brown tumor in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Clinical, radiological, histopathologic, and surgical data of these 4 cases were collected, and the patients were followed from 5 to 7 years after the surgical intervention. RESULTS: There were 2 male and 2 female patients with age range of 16 to 52 years. The lesions were located in cervical (1 case), thoracic (1 case), and lumbar (2 cases) spine regions. Clinical presentations included neck and low back pain, radicular pain, paraparesis, and sphincter dysfunction. Surgical removal of the spine lesions was achieved in all cases. Spine fusion and instrumentation was done in 3 cases. Parathyroidectomy was performed in all 4 cases. CONCLUSION: Spine involvement with brown tumor in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism is rare and may be the first manifestation of hyperparathyroidism. Brown tumor should be differentiated from other giant cell lesions involving the spine. Long-term surgical outcome was satisfactory with no recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with poorer outcomes in some cancers. Its effect on ovarian cancer is less clear. We consider the effect of DM on overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 215 patients with EOC diagnosed between 2009 and 2016 was performed. Records were reviewed for standard demographic, pathologic and DM diagnosis data. Cox regression was used to evaluate the relationship between disease status and survival after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), parity, stage, grade, histology, debulking status, hypertension (HTN), menopause status and neoadjuant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Patients with DM (27.97, 95%CI: 23.63 to 32.30) had a significantly shorter OS rates compared to patients without DM (41.01, 95%CI: 38.84 to 43.17). The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the association between OS time and DM was 4.76 (95%CI: 2.99 to 7.59, P < 0.001). Following adjustment for demographic and pathologic variables, the HR was 3.93 (95% CI: 2.01 to 7.68; P < 0.001). The PFS in patients with DM (14.10, 95%CI: 11.76 to 16.44) was significantly shorter compared to patients without DM (28.83, 95%CI: 26.13 to 31.54). The unadjusted HR for PFS and DM was 5.69 (95% CI: 3.05 to 10.61; P < 0.001). After adjustment for demographic and pathologic variables, the HR was 2.73 (95% CI, 1.18 to 6.95; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DM can negatively effect on PFS and OS in EOC patients independent of the effect of other variables.

To determine the trends of caesarean section in teaching hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, a retrospective analysis was performed on the obstetric data from 3 hospitals in a 5-year period. The caesarean section rate increased from 35.4% of deliveries in 1999 to 42.3% in 2003. The data showed that there was a steady increase in elective operations that might explain the rise in overall caesarean section rate.

OBJECTIVE: culture (IVC). The present study reports the first application of a chitosan (CS) hydrogel in culturing mouse preantral follicles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this interventional experiment study, CS hydrogels with the concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 1.5% were first tested for fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Compressive Strength, viscosity, degradation, swelling ratio, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity and live/dead assay. Thereafter, mouse ovarian follicles were encapsulated in optimum concentration of CS (1%) and compared with those in alginate hydrogel. The follicular morphology, quality of matured oocyte and steroid secretion in both CS and alginate were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of folliculogenesis, endocrine, and apoptotic related genes was also evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and compared with day that in 0. RESULTS: in CS group was significantly higher than that of the alginate group (P≤0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that CS is a permissive hydrogel and has a beneficial effect on encapsulation of ovarian follicle and its further development during 3D culture.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the pattern of intrauterine growth and predicted biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length (FL) at point in gestation of Iranian fetuses. METHODS: In an extensive and long-standing prospective study in Tehran, Iran 15693 BPD and 15594 FL measurements were obtained from the fetuses of 1324 normal pregnant women. Weekly mean values and the standard deviations (S.D. ) were calculated for both BPD and FL from 12 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Comparison was also made between our results and previous Western studies using t-test analysis. RESULTS: Iranian fetuses had smaller BPD and shorter FL measurements in comparison with Western studies (P<0.05). There is a lag in BPD growth of our fetuses. The lag in FL growth is even more than BPD. Growth of the BPD and FL showed an asymptotic curve like that of Western studies but both of our values were lower. CONCLUSION: Ethnicity may influence ultrasonic fetal biometric measurements.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of salpingectomy on ovarian function by measuring AMH. Methods This study was a balanced, single-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in Ruin Tan Arash Hospital, Tehran, between May 2013 and November 2014. A total of 30 patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy were randomized into two groups, 15 with salpingectomy and 15 without salpingectomy. The primary objective of this study was to compare mean difference of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) between two groups. The secondary outcomes measured were follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), operative time, and blood loss. Results Serum AMH levels decreased at 3 months after hysterectomy in all patients (pre AMH 1.32 ± (0.91); post AMH 1.05 ± (0.88), P &lt; 0.001), the salpingectomy group (pre AMH 1.44 ± (0.94); post AMH 1.13 ± (0.86), P &lt; 0.001), and no salpingectomy group (pre AMH 1.2 ± (0.9); post AMH 0.97 ± (0.92), P &lt; 0.001). The rate of decline of AMH levels after surgery did not differ between the two groups (25% (17–33%) vs. 26% (15–36%), P = 0.23) among the women with salpingectomy versus without salpingectomy, respectively. There was no difference in the mean operative time (mean difference 0.33, 95% CI − 22.21 to 22.86, P &lt; 0.92), mean blood loss (mean difference − 0.66, 95% CI − 15.8 to 14.46, P &lt; 0.97), and post FSH (mean difference 0.34, 95% CI − 1.2 to 1.88, P &lt; 0.65) between both groups. Conclusions Salpingectomy with abdominal hysterectomy is a safe treatment that does not have a deleterious effect on ovarian reserve. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2014123118866N4 (www.IRCT.ir)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate women with postcoital bleeding (PCB) by clinical examination, cytology, colposcopy, and histopathology. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 123 women with PCB, who were referred to the Colposcopy Clinic of Arash Hospital, Tehran, over a 2-year period. RESULTS: Clinical examinations revealed cervical polyps in 18 women and ectropion in 14. Cervical cytology identified 13 patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 2 with atypical glandular cells, 4 with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 3 with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Colposcopy indicated invasive cancer in 1 patient. Transitional zones appeared normal in 39.8% of the cohort, were atypical grade 1 in 33.3%, and atypical grade 2 in 4.9%. Fourteen abnormalities were detected at histology, including 1 squamous cell carcinoma, 1 low-grade glandular neoplasm, 9 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1, 2 CIN grade 2, and 1 CIN grade 3. The sensitivity and specificity of cytology were 50% and 86.5%, respectively. A total of 21.4% of abnormal pathologies were missed using colposcopy, which had a sensitivity of 79%. CONCLUSION: Because of its higher sensitivity, colposcopy can be recommended for the investigation of persistent PCB, even in the presence of normal cytology.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in relation to reducing postoperative pain, analgesic use, and wound healing in patients undergoing Cesarean section (C-section). METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 72 women who underwent elective C-section. Thirty-six patients were assigned to the active-PEMF and 36 to the sham-PEMF groups. The participants were asked to report their pain intensity on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours and 2, 4, and 7 days after surgery. The amount of analgesics used was recorded. The surgical site was evaluated to assess the wound-healing process on the seventh postoperative day. RESULTS: Postoperative pain VAS scores were significantly lower in the active-PEMF group in all the measured periods within the early and the late postoperative periods. Fewer women in the active-PEMF group experienced severe postoperative pain within 24 hours postoperatively (36% vs. 72%, P=0.002). Analgesic use during the first 24 hours after C-section was 1.9-times lower in the active-PEMF group (1.6±0.7 vs. 3.1±1.2, P<0.001). The total analgesic use during the seventh postoperative days was 2.1-times lower in the active-PEMF group than in the sham group (1.7±0.7 vs. 3.7±1.1, P<0.001). Seven days postoperatively, patients in the active-PEMF group had better wound healing with no exudate, erythema, or edema (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: PEMF treatment after C-section decreases postsurgical pain, analgesic use, and surgical wound exudate and edema significantly, and is associated with a high level of patient satisfaction.

Episiotomy is perhaps the most frequently performed operative procedure during childbirth to facilitate delivery and prevention of perineal and rectal trauma. There is no evidence that routine or prophylactic episiotomy reduces the risk of severe perineal tears. Restrictive episiotomy policies appear to have a number of benefits, such as fewer posterior perineal tears, less suturing, and fewer complications [1]. However, some studies have reported that episiotomy protects against the occurrence of third-degree laceration and decreased the likelihood of it occurring [2], [3]. Unpublished data from our hospital suggest that the recent rate of episiotomy in primiparous women is about 39%, which is higher than evidence-based recommendations for optimal patient care. The main aim of the present study was to compare the rate of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears in two groups of women who did (group 1) and did not (group 2) undergo episiotomy. From April 2007 until March 2008, 283 primiparous women with a full term singleton pregnancy and no underlying problems participated in this randomized clinical trial at the Arash Hospital, in Tehran, Iran. Informed consent was provided by all participants. Exclusion criteria were noncephalic and cephalic presentations except occiput anterior and fetal macrosomia. Using Epi Info software (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA) and the total rate of severe perineal tears in the two groups, the power of the study was more than 90%. P < 0.05 was considered significant. The mean age of the women in both groups was not significantly different (23.25 ± 5 vs 24.22 ± 4.41 years, P = 0.09). Average body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) was higher in the women who did not undergo episiotomy (group 2) compared with those who did have the procedure (28.45 ± 2.48 vs 27.63 ± 1.87, P = 0.002). Average head circumference was also higher in group 2 (34.98 ± 1.54 vs 34.54 ±1.73 cm, P = 0.025). Average birth weight was similar in both groups (3238.91 ± 399.99 vs 3158.22 ± 345.81 g, P = 0.07). The total rate of severe perineal tears in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (18 cases [13.14%] vs 3 cases [2.05%], P = 0.0007). The 1-minute APGAR score was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.05), but there was no difference at 5 minutes (P = 0.51). Short-term (after delivery) and long-term (after 6–8 weeks) complications were more common in group 1 (Table 1). The episiotomy odds ratio of 6.75 (95% CI, 3.93–23.95; P = 0.0006) was the only identified risk factor. Other variables (maternal age and BMI, birth weight and head circumference) had no significant effect on perineal tears. The present study demonstrated that routine episiotomy is associated with an increased risk of third- and fourth-degree tears and subsequent complications especially pain, dyspareunia, and incontinence. The study is consistent with others [1], [4] and supports the recommendation that routine episiotomy should be abandoned in obstetric centers in Iran.

There is a paucity of data regarding the safety and efficacy of antidepressant therapy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and depression. The effect of antidepressant medications on circulating prolactin levels is of concern in this patient population. We aimed to evaluate the effect of sertraline on depression severity and serum prolactin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and mild-to-moderate depression. In a parallel-design, two-center, randomized controlled trial, we stratified participants according to their baseline prolactin level into normal (&lt;25 ng/mL) and high (≥25 ng/mL) prolactin groups. Each group was randomized to receive 50 mg daily sertraline (up-titrated after 25 mg daily for 1 week) or placebo. The enrolling physicians, outcome assessors, and study subjects were all blind to the treatment. Depression severity was assessed by the Hamilton depression rating scale at baseline, the third, and the sixth weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was a change in depression severity. Prolactin levels were checked at baseline and after 6 weeks, and the safety outcome was the alteration in prolactin levels. Overall, 513 women were screened for eligibility in two outpatient clinics. Ultimately, 74 (38 normal prolactin and 36 high prolactin level) individuals were randomized. After 6 weeks of follow-up, depression severity was significantly reduced among patients who received sertraline regardless of the baseline prolactin levels (all between subjects P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, there was no difference in prolactin levels between the sertraline and placebo arms in normal ( P = 0.80) or high prolactin ( P = 0.21) groups. Sertraline is a well-tolerated and effective choice for treating depression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Future studies with longer follow-up periods are required to draw more robust conclusions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare hormone levels and clinical outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after metformin therapy or laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (LOD) at 6 months follow-up. METHODS: A randomized trial was conducted in 126 patients with PCOS who had a history of infertility for at least 1 year and resistance to clomiphene citrate (CC). Patients (n=63) received metformin treatment or underwent LOD (n=63). RESULTS: Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone did not change in either group after the intervention (P>0.05). Serum levels of testosterone (P<0.001) and luteinizing hormone (P<0.001) were significantly lower after the treatment in both groups. The proportion of women with regular menstrual cycles increased significantly to 35% (P<0.001) in the LOD group and to 49% (P<0.001) in metformin group compared with before the intervention. Although proportion was higher in the metformin group compared with the LOD group, the difference was not significant (odds ratio 1.81; 95% CI, 0.88-3.69, P=0.1). Hirsutism decreased significantly from 100% to 79.37% (P<0.001) in both groups. CONCLUSION: CC-resistant patients with PCOS were treated effectively by both metformin and LOD.

BACKGROUND: Management of poor-responding patients is still major challenge in assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol is recommended to these patients, but little is known in this regards. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was assessment of delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol in poor responders, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included sixty infertile women with Bologna criteria for ovarian poor responders who were candidate for IVF. In case group (n=30), delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol administered estrogen priming followed by early follicular-phase GnRH antagonist treatment for 7 days before ovarian stimulation with gonadotropin. Control group (n=30) treated with estrogen priming antagonist protocol. Finally, endometrial thickness, the rates of oocytes maturation, , embryo formation, and pregnancy were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Rates of implantation, chemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy in delayed-start cycles were higher although was not statistically significant. Endometrial thickness was significantly higher in case group. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of oocyte maturation, embryo formation, and IVF outcomes between two groups. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference between delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol versus GnRH antagonist protocol.

This article is the first in the feature to come from Iran. The lead author, Sara Ahmadizadeh, manages the Library at Arash Women's Hospital and was awarded an MA in Information Science and Knowledge and Librarianship from Tehran Azad University in July 2015. Her MA dissertation was innovative and ambitious in that it looked at the impact of information therapy on levels of anxiety amongst women undergoing IVF treatment. Her study demonstrated that quality information sessions, delivered in a structured way, can have a positive impact on patients' awareness of their condition and can reduce anxiety. A. M.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone on prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). This randomised controlled trial was carried out between November 2009 and December 2013. A total of 219 eligible patients were randomly allocated for treatment (n = 108) or control groups (n = 111). The treatment group received oral methylprednisolone starting from the first day of stimulation. These patients also received an intravenous dose of methylprednisolone on the days of egg collection and embryo transfer. The control group received no glucocorticoid treatment to prevent OHSS. Nineteen percent of patients (18/93) who received methylprednisolone developed OHSS compared with 16.5% (15/91) in the control group and no significant difference was found (p = .61). There were no significant differences between treatment and control groups in the rates of implantation (10% versus 11%, p = .77) and clinical pregnancy (23.2% versus 17.7%, p = .46). Methylprednisolone did not reduce the incidence and severity of OHSS in PCOS patients undergoing IVF and no improvement in clinical outcomes was observed. Impact statement No significant differences were found in OHSS incidence and clinical outcomes between women who received methylprednisolone and control group. There seems to be no benefit for the routine use of glucocorticoids in IVF/ICSI treatments.

BACKGROUND: AUB is a common cause of women's referring to gynecologists. Although hysteroscopy is known as the gold standard technique for diagnosing the cause of AUB, sonohysterography is less invasive, and it is performed by general gynecologists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of sonohysterography compared to the results of the endometrial biopsy, guided by hysteroscopy in premenopausal women with AUB. METHODS: This cross- sectional Study was conducted at the gynecological clinic of Roointan -Arash women's Hospital from February 2011 to February 2012. The study participants were 90 premenopausal female patients, who visited the clinic for AUB, for whom, hormonal, iatrogenic and systemic causes were ruled out. They underwent sonohysterography and hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. The results of sonohysterography and pathological reports of endometrial biopsy were compared, and the diagnostic accuracy of sonohysterography for normal endometrium, endometrial polyps, sub mucosal fibroids and endometrial hyperplasia was evaluated. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of sonohysterography was found to be 89.1% for the normal endometrium, 90% for endometrial polyps, 99% for sub mucosal fibroids and 94.4% for endometrial hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: Sonohysterography is an accurate, non-invasive and cost-effective method for diagnosing AUB causes compared to hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. Therefore, as an initial diagnostic step, it can replace the alternative and less accurate methods such as transvaginal ultrasound, blind endometrial curettage or more costly and invasive methods such as hysteroscopy requiring anesthesia.