Steroid receptors in the endometrium of women using long acting progestin contraceptive [Norplant]

Norplant is a progesterone only contraceptive subdermal implant which releases continuous low lose of progestin. It is long lasting, effective and reversible. Since, progesterone has an antiestrogenic effect which involves inhibition of estrogen receptors, this prolonged progestin may have an effect on the steroid receptors content of the endometrium. This work involved study of the estrogen and progesterone receptors in the endometrium of norplant users by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin embedded endometrial biopsy. The study included three groups of norplant users each formed of 20 cases. The first group had norplant for one year, the second for two years and the third for three years. A control group of 20 cases who were not under any hormonal therapy was also included. The results showed that in control cases proliferative endometrium had estrogen and progesterone receptors significantly higher than secretory endometrium. There was significant inhibition of both receptors in the proliferative endometrium of norplant users than control cases. In secretory endometrium, the receptors were not significantly different in norplant users and control. The period of norplant use did not affect the steroid receptors content. It was concluded that norplant has a depressive effect on the level of endometrial estrogen and progesterone receptors. This may be an additional mechanism to its contraceptive action and may affect future pregnancy

C-reactive protein as a predictor for chorio-amnionitis in cases of premature of fetal membrane

C- reactive protein, white blood cell count and body tempeature were serially estimated in 80 women with premature rupture of fetal membranes and in 40 women with intact membranes as a control group. All parameters were significantly higher among cases with premature rupture of fetal membranes compared with that of the control group. C-reactive protein had a higher predictive value for chorioamnionitis than white blood cell count and maternal body temperature in both early and late cases with premature rupture of membranes