ABSTRACT
Background: Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori], is a common infection in pregnant women accompanied by variations in the levels of the IgM, IgA and IgG antibody isotypes. The variations of anti-H. pylori antibodies during and after pregnancy, and the extent of protection they provide to the mother and the fetus are not completely understood
Objectives: To investigate the changes of the anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG levels in healthy Omani pregnant women during pregnancy and 3 months after delivery
Methods: Serum samples obtained from 70 Omani healthy pregnant women, with no history of autoimmune diseases, were tested for anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG in the first trimester of pregnancy and 3 months after delivery. In parallel and as a control group, sera obtained from a group of 70 healthy non-pregnant Omani women were tested. The levels of anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG were measured using standard Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays [ELISAs]
Results: Anti-H. pylori IgA levels were found to be significantly higher during pregnancy [p=0.046] and after delivery [p=0.02] when compared to the control group. Moreover, a significant increase in the levels of anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG was detected after delivery [p=0.002] when compared to the levels during pregnancy
Conclusion: Pregnancy is associated with an increase in the levels of anti-H. pylori IgA antibodies. In addition, anti-H. pylori IgM, IgG and IgA antibody levels increase after delivery
ABSTRACT
Antiphospholipid antibodies fluctuate during a healthy normal pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the levels of both immunoglobulin M [IgM] and Immunoglobulin G [IgG] antibodies for cardiolipin and [beta[2]-glycoprotein [beta[2]GP] among healthy pregnant women. This study was conducted between May 2010 and December 2012. A total of 75 healthy Omani pregnant women with no history of autoimmune disease were investigated during their pregnancy and 90 days after delivery at the Armed Forces Hospital in Muscat, Oman. A control group of 75 healthy Omani non-pregnant women were also investigated as a comparison. Levels of IgM and IgG antibodies for both anti-cardiolipin antibodies [ACAs] and [beta[2]GP were measured using a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ACA IgM levels were significantly higher in the control group compared to the pregnant women [P <0.001]. No significant differences were observed in the ACA IgM levels between the control group and the pregnant women after delivery. In contrast, ACA IgG levels were significantly higher during pregnancy and after delivery compared with those of the healthy control group [P = 0.007 and 0.002, respectively]. The levels of beta[2]GP IgG were significantly higher during pregnancy than after delivery and in the control group [P = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively]. In this study, ACA IgG levels increased during healthy pregnancies and after normal deliveries whereas beta[2]GP IgG levels increased transiently during the pregnancies. Both phenomena were found to be significantly associated with a transient decline in the levels of IgM specific for these antigens. Therefore, the levels of these antibodies may be regulated during a healthy pregnancy
ABSTRACT
Ovarian hernias are extremely rare. The prevalence of ovaries and fallopian tubes in operable inguinal hernias is only about 2.9%. We report here an unusual case of an ovary in a hernia sac in an adult female. She presented with symptoms and signs of an incarcerated left inguinal hernia. The left ovary contained a haemorrhagic cyst and, along with the left fallopian tube and broad ligament, these were found in the sac. She underwent a left ovarian cystectomy and the inguinal hernia was repaired with mesh
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to determine the vitamin D status of pregnant Omanis by measurement of their circulating 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels. Blood samples were obtained from a cohort of 103 consecutive healthy pregnant Omanis at the Armed Forces Hospital, Muscat, on their first antenatal visit. The study took place in May, June and July 2010. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 34 [33%] of patients [25OHD3 <25 nmol/L], 'at risk' levels were found in 67 [65%] patients [25OHD3 25-50 nmol/L]; two patients [1.9%] had values between 50 and 75 nmol/L, and no patients in the optimal range >75 nmol/L. If confirmed, these findings indicate the need for vitamin D replacement during pregnancy and lactation. Although not evidence based we recommend at least 1000 IU of cholecalciferol, [vitamin D3] daily