Prognostic factors for ovulatory response to letrozole in polycystic ovary syndrome

To evaluate prospectively the prognostic factors for ovulatory response to letrozole therapy in polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]. The IVF and Assisted Reproduction Center in Sana'a, Yemen. Thirty-three infertile patients with anovulatory PCOS were recruited. Ovulation was induced using 2.5 mg/day letrozole administered from day 3 to 7 of the cycle. When the dominant follicle reached a diameter > 18 mm, HCG 10.000 IU was given IM and timed intercourse was advised. Clinical and endocrinal parameters between responder and non-responder groups were analyzed. There was no significant difference between letrozole responders and non-responders as regards to the period and type of infertility, BMI, LH, FS H or LH/FSH ratio and E[2] levels. However, statistically significant differences were found with respect to patient age, menstrual pattern, hirsutism and fasting insulin levels between responders and non-responders to ovulation induction with letrozole in PCO patients. Response of the PCOS patients to ovulation induction by letrozole may be related to patient age, menstrual pattern, presence of hirsutism, and serum insulin levels

Screening pregnancies for low birth weight for gestational age by simple clinical measurements

Standard charts of uterine height, abdominal girth, abdominal length and uterine height/abdominal length ratio from 20 to 40 weeks of singleton uncomplicated pregnancies were derived from 160 women attending for prenatal care at Ismailia General Hospital. These women were delivered at term of infants weighing more than the 10th percentile for gestational age. The standard charts were used to assess the sensitivity of the above measurements in predicting intrauterine growth retardation in 16 women with low birthweight for gestation. Fourteen of the 16 women [87.5%] would have been predicted to have low birhtweight for gestation using uterine height measurement in reference to the standard chart. The sensitivity of abdominal girth, abdominal length and uterine height/abdominal length ratio in predicting low birthweight for gestation was 25%, 31.3% and 50% respectively. Careful measurement of uterine height using a simple measuring tape in reference to standard charts appears to be an efficient and reliable mehtod for screening pregnancis for low birthweight for gestation