Effect of vitamin D supplementation on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background: Despite numerous studies indicating an imperative role for reproduction, however, the role of Vitamin D supplementation on outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques remains controversial. This clinical trial was per- formed to evaluate the effect of Vitamin D supplementation 6 weeks prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] on fertility indices

Materials and Methods: The present study was a double-blind clinical trial conducted on infertile women was randomly allocated into two groups: Vitamin D supplementation [42 participants] and placebo [43 participants]. Serum Vitamin D was measured before and six to eight weeks after treatment, on the day of ovum pick up. Results were analyzed using SPSS16 and fertility indices were compared between the two groups

Results: No significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups regarding the mean number of oocytes retrieved, percentage mature oocyte, fertilization rate and the rate of good quality embryos [all P>0.05]. But, percentages of the individual with suitable endometrium [7-14 mm thickness] were significantly higher in the Vitamin D compared to control group [P=0.011]. The rate of chemical [47.6 vs. 25.5%, P=0.013] and clinical pregnancy rate [38.1 vs. 20.9%, P=0.019] were also significantly higher in the Vitamin D compared to control group

Conclusion: The present study reveals that consuming Vitamin D for 6 weeks prior to ICSI improves quality of endo- metrium, rate of chemical and clinical pregnancy

Effect of Vitamin D on the Vaginal Health of Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review

Menopause is associated with the onset of climacteric symptoms due to low estradiol levels, which may cause insufficient maturation of the vaginal mucosa. Vitamin D may regulate the growth and differentiation of cells that are adversely affected due to low estradiol levels, thereby restoring vaginal health. The objective of this systematic review, the first on this subject, was to investigate the effect of vitamin D on the vaginal health of menopausal women. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases and reference lists of hand-searched articles were searched for published studies from February 2000 to November 2018. The selection criteria were as follows: randomized or quasi-randomized trials that compared the effects of vitamin D or related compounds, alone or with calcium, on vaginal health (growth and differentiation of epithelial cells, dryness, acidity [pH]) outcomes in menopausal women. The methodological quality of these studies was examined using the Cochrane tool checklist by two independent investigators, following which the data were extracted. Of six examined studies, two showed that vitamin D administration improved the growth and differentiation of vaginal epithelial cells, improved vaginal pH, and decreased vaginal dryness in menopausal women. Although the level of evidence for the effects of vitamin D on vaginal health is low in our study, we concluded that vitamin D may improve the vaginal health of women, especially during menopause.

duration of the third stage of labor and related factors

Third stage of labor has been defined as the most dangerous stage. Due to the importance of the third stage, this study was performed in order to determine its length and related factors. This research is a cross sectional study which was carried out on 1000 deliveries in Shabihkhani Hospital [Kashan-Iran]. Inclusion criteria consist of gestational age of higher than 20 weeks, singleton pregnancy, and vaginal delivery without any instrument. The mean, median and standard deviation of the third stage of labor were 6.03, 5 and 5.15 minutes respectively. The finding also showed that there was a significant association between Para, Induction of labor, use of analgesic drugs during labor [pethidin], and umbilical drainage for third stage management [p < 0.05]. There was no significant association between a history of Abortion, Gestational age and Third stage management [Oxytosine]. The use of Induction, analgesic drugs during labor and umbilical drainage prolonged the third stage of labor, but multiparity decreased the duration of this stage. The diagnosis of these factors is recommended in order to predict and prevent the occurrence of the third stage dangers.