Pattern of semen fluid abnormalities in male partners of infertile couples in Khartoum, Sudan

Normal semen is a mixture of spermatozoa suspended in secretions from the testis and epididymis, which at the time of ejaculation, are combined with secretions from the prostate, seminal vesicles, and pulbourethral glands. Many factors affect the quantity and quality of semen parameters such as cigarette smoking, excessive exercise and alcohol consumption. The objectives of the study were to determine the pattern of semen fluid abnormalities [volume of the ejaculate, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology] in male partners of infertile couples in Khartoum, Sudan. This was a descriptive study, 100 records of couples who attended Sudan Assisted Reproduction Centre in Khartoum seeking fertility treatment from July - December 2008 were reviewed for the volume of the ejaculate, the concentration of the sperms, the motility and the morphology. Semen production was obtained in the centre or at home after 3-7 days of abstinence from intercourse. Production of semen was by masturbation in a sterile container. Evaluation of samples was made by a qualified andrology technician. Statistics was done by the computer using SPSS soft ware. Results showed that 41.5%, 53.9%, 3.1%, and 1.5% of men had a volume of < 2, 2-4, 5-7 and >8 ml respectively. 25%, 37% and 38% had normal, oligozoospermia and azoospermia respectively. As regards motility, 27.4% had normal motility 62.9% had sluggish motility and 9.7% their sperms were immotile. There were only 1.8% of men who had normal morphology. The study concluded that, few men had sperm profile that was consistent with reference values with regard to volume, concentration, motility and morphology. Morphology showed the least normality. Results showed that no subject in the cohort fulfilled the full criteria of normozoospermia

Maternal mortality in Ribat University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan: seven years of experience

Maternal death is a tragedy that leaves an enormous negative impact on the family. The objectives of the study were to determine the rate and causes of maternal mortality in Ribat University Hospital This was a descriptive, hospital-based study conducted in Ribat University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Maternal mortality records were reviewed for causes of maternal death. Data were collected by a check list and analysed by SPSS soft ware. The number of maternal deaths was 10 while the number of live births during the study period was 19604. The maternal mortality rate was 51:100000 live births. 40% of patients were below the age of 30 while 60% were 30 years of age and more. Rural and urban residence constituted 70% and 30% respectively. 60% of patients had a parity of more than four. Results showed that 62.5% delivered by emergency caesarean section. The study revealed that 20% of the patients died as a result of pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH] [Hellp syndrome and eclampsia], 20% of PIH [eclampsia], 10% of PIH [rupture liver], 10% of ante partum haemorrhage [placenta praevia], 10% of primary postpartum haemorrhage following twin vaginal delivery, 10% of puerperal sepsis and septic shock following emergency caesarean section, 10% of hypovolaemia due to hyperemisis gravidarum and 10% of septicaemia with acute renal failure following missed miscarriage, Maternal mortality rate was 51:100000 live births. Pregnancy induced hypertension constituted one half of the causes of maternal deaths, followed by haemorrhage and septicaemia