Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among mothers in labor and their newborns

Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a global public health problem. Studies of vitamin D levels in mothers in labor and their newborns in Bahrain are lacking. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of vitamin D [25[OH]D] deficiency among mothers in labor and their newborns in Bahrain. A cross-sectional multicenter study. Four Public and Four Private Maternity Hospitals in Bahrain. The study was conducted in April 2012. It included mothers in labor and their newborns. Differences between the subgroups were analyzed using Chi-Square or Student's t-test as appropriate. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate independent predictors of 25[OH]D level. The study included 403 mothers and 403 newborns. Overall prevalence of 25[OH]D deficiency [<50 nmol] was 358 [88.8%] of the mothers and 364 [90.3%] of the newborns. The mean maternal alkaline phosphatase level was significantly higher than the neonatal level and the maternal mean calcium was significantly lower than the neonatal level. Significant association with vitamin D deficiency was found among Bahraini and non-Bahraini Arab mothers, delivering in public rather than private hospital, living in flats, low education, the use of veil, gravida >/= 4, not using multivitamins, vitamin D or calcium supplements. Vitamin D deficiency among mothers and their newborns is high. This mandates increasing awareness, vitamin D supplementation among mothers in labor and their infants; in addition to the introduction of vitamin D fortification of dairy products and flour at the national level

Histologic pictures of male infertility in Yemeni patients

To define subgroups of male infertility and frequency of focal normal spermatogenesis in multiple testicular biopsies of non-obstructive asoozpermia in Yemeni patients. A descriptive record based study of 485 cases of male infertility was carried out in the in vitro fertilization [IVF] center in Sana'a, Yemen during the period from 1st August 2000 to 30th December 2007. During histological analysis the sample was evaluated regarding the size of seminiferous tubules, the thickness of tubules, the relative number and types of germ cells, the degree of fibrosis, and presence of focal normal spermatogenesis. The results were commonly classified according to the used clinical practical classification. Out of a total of 485 testicular biopsies, 164 [33.8%] cases showed germ cell aplasia. The fibrosis represented the lowest frequency being 93 [19.2%] cases. Obstructive asoozpermia was present in 99 [20.4%] cases, and maturation arrest in 116 [23.9%] cases. Focal normal spermatogenesis was found in 106 [27.5%] out of 385 cases of non-obstructive asoozpermia with higher frequency in fibrosis cases [36.6%]. We have shown in this study the different histopathologic patterns in our local patients, which correlate with some studies and shows discrepancies with others. Therefore, these findings are informative for concerned IVF centers to help the patients who are suffering from primary infertility

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

Patterns of growth of Saudi boys and girls aged 0-24 months, Asir region, with a note on their rates of growth: a 1988 view

Data were collected among 2300 boys and 2220 girls aged 0-24 months in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia which yielded 13 560 sets of measurements. A cross-sectional analysis created standards : describing the normal range of variation for supine length, weight and head circumference at different ages in both sexes. Increments of growth for supine length were calculated and presented to give an idea of the dynamics of growth during this sensitive period of life. The percentage of adult size was studied for different parameters at different ages which demonstrated clearly the phenomenon of a cranio-caudal maturity gradient. Our data showed girls to be more advanced along the road to maturity than boys. When our results were compared with similar data reported on Wadi Turaba infants 20 years ago, the Asir infants were found to be significantly taller and heavier suggesting a secular trend towards an increase in size amongst Saudi children. This is a good sign, reflecting the success of health programmes and the social system. On the other hand, the Asir infants were still found to be shorter and lighter than Europeans. The need for national growth standards to assess the growth status of Saudi children was highlighted