The> role of oocyte morphology in intracytoplasmic sperm injection

This prospective study was carried out in Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital at the Unit of assisted reproduction technology and also in Integrated Fertility Center in Heliopolis. In the period between February and July 2005. This study included all patients suffering from infertility for variable causes and duration and under gone ICSI. These patients were scheduled for long protocol of stimulation. Ovum pick up was performed 36 hrs after HCG injection. The majority of oocytes were assessed the patients were divided according to the abnormalities in oocytes morphology into 2 groups: Group I [Patients]: Included 50 patients with abnormalities in the oocyte. Abnormalities of oocytes included oocytes with granular cytoplasm and oocytes with abnormal shape. The number of oocytes picked up was 513 and the number of metaphase in oocytes was 391. Group II [Controls] Included 50 patients having >/= 80% of their oocytes of normal morphology. The number of oocytes picked up was 575 and the number of metaphase II oocytes was 478. ICSI was performed on oocytes in metaphase II. Embryos were scored and chosen for transfer based on rapid cleavage, absence of fragmentation and size of blastomeres. Embryos transfer was done 48-72 hours following ovum pickup. All patients were given support to the luteal phase by oral and vaginal progesterone. beta-HCG titre was performed 14 days after the embryo transfer and if positive the number of embryos was assessed by transvagnial ultrasound 14 days later. In patients with abnormalities in oocyte morphology, the pregnancy rate was 28% and the fertilization rate was 62.7%. On the other hand in patients with normal oocyte morphology the pregnancy rate was 32% and the fertilization rate was 61.1%. So, there is a strong relationship between oocyte morphology and the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection as regards fertilization rate and pregnancy rate

Antibiotic prophylaxis in premature rupture of membranes: maternal and fetal outcome

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Amoxycilline Clevulinate [Augmentin] as a prophylaxis against maternal and neonatal infections in P.R.O.M. Thirty-Five pregnant patients with gestational ages between 28-34 weeks, with a definitely diagnosed rupture of the fetal membranes were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: First: [20 cases] were given Augmentin 625 mg. tablet /12 hours for 5 days. Second: [15 cases] managed conservatively without antibiotics. Both groups were studied for prolongation of pregnancy, bacteriological examination of post partum endo uterine and neonatal nasopharyngeal swabs. Patients of the study group showed a significant prolongation of pregnancy than the control group. The mean duration of the period from the onset of R.O.M. till delivery was 5 days in the study group and 2.5 days in the controls [P< 0.05]. Bacteriological examination of uterine swabs showed a significant reduction of the incidence of [+ve] cultures in the study group [+ve swabs in 55%] than the control group [+ve swabs in 93%]. Neonatal naso-pharyngeal cultures showed a significant reduction of +ve cultures in the study group [in 40% of patients] than in the control group [80% of patients]. Augmentin therapy in patients with P.R.O.M. can significantly reduce the incidence of both maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity besides allowing for more prolongation of pregnancy giving the chance for better fetal maturation