Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Benghazi- Libya: a Retrospective study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition affecting women of reproductive age and characterized by chronic anovulation; hyperan- drogenism; and polycystic ovaries. There are no published data on this syndrome in Libyan patients. Aims and objectives: To assess the frequency of clinical and biochemical features of PCOS in our patient population; and to compare this with data collected in other parts of the world. Subjects and methods: A retrospective analysis of patient records at the endocrine clinic in Benghazi was undertaken. Patient inclusion was according to Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM criteria. Clinical features; associated diseases; family history; hormone levels; and ultrasonography results were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the 318 PCOS patients at presentation was 25.8 years (range 15-44 years); and the majority (67) were 20-29 years old at presentation. Of all patients; 57were obese (BMI = 30); 93had oligo- / amenorrhea; 91were hirsute; and 74had ultrasound features of polycystic ovaries. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 9of all PCOS patients and hypertension in 4. Total serum testosterone was elevated in 26of the patients; and serum prolactin was elevated in 31. Thyroid disease was noted among 5.3of the patients; and a history of diabetes or hypertension among first-degree relatives was seen in (16) and (8) of the patients respectively. Conclusion: Chronic anovulation and hirsutism are the dominant features of PCOS in our patient population. More than half were obese; and the prevalence of diabetes; hypertension and thyroid disease in our patients seemed to be underestimated in comparison to other parts of the world

The Prevalence of Inflammatory and Developmental Odontogenic Cysts in a Libyan Population

Objective- The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of odontogenic jaw cysts in a Libyan population and to compare the data with previously published reports from other countries. Materials and methods- We retrieved and analyzed 2190 case notes and biopsy records of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology; Al Arab Medical Sciences University; Benghazi; Libya; dating from January 1990 to December 2005. There were 326 cases (14.8) of diagnosed odontogenic cysts among the 2190 biopsies performed during this period. The cases were analyzed for age and sex distribution; site of presentation; association with impacted teeth; and the method of treatment. Results- The male to female ratio of patients was 1.3:1 Radicular cysts accounted for 222 cases (68.1); followed by dentigerous cysts (n=49; 15) and odontogenic keratocysts (n=43; 14.1). Mean ages of the patients were; respectively; 31.7; 22.7 and 36.1 years. The maxilla was more commonly involved than the mandible (1.3:1). The anterior maxilla was the commonest site (n=132; 37.4) followed by the posterior mandible (n=96; 29.4). Fifty three cases were associated with impacted teeth; and the highest frequency was for dentigerous cysts (n=37). Enucleation and curettage was performed on 300 patients; marsupialization on 14; and marginal/segmental resection on 12. Conclusion- To our knowledge; this is the first such study on a Libyan population. Our results are comparable to studies from other countries. Knowledge of the relative frequencies and sites of presentation of odontogenic cysts in different ethno-geographic backgrounds is essential for the early diagnosis and management of these benign yet potentially destructive lesions