Prediction of the outcome in cases of threatened abortion

To predict the outcome in cases of threatened abortion, 69 cases were evaluated prospectively by clinical examination, single ultrasound scan and one determination of the serum levels of estradiol, progesterone and B-subunit of HCG. Ultrasonography had the best overall accuracy [94.2 percent] followed by estradiol and B.HCG [both. having 92.8 percent accuracy], then progesterone [89.9 percent] and lastly clinical examination [73.9 percent]. Progesterone and B.HCG predicted abortion [96.2 percent and 96.4 percent respectively] better than pregnancy continuation [86.1 percent and 90.2 percent respectively], while the remaining parameters showed comparable accuracy in prediction of abortion and pregnancy continuation, when ultrasound was combined with either estradiol or B-HCG, the overall accuracy reached 100 percent

Beta-endorphin plasma levels in normoprolactinaemic polycystic ovarian syndrome

Twenty eight women with polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCO] and ten fertile regularly menstruating, weight-matched, non-pregnant controls with serum prolactin [PRL] levels below 20 ng/ml were studied in the mid-follicular phase for serum LH, FSH, oestradiol, testosterone and B-endorphin. Fifty mg clomiphene citrate was given initially for 5 days starting on the 3rd day of spontaneous menses or withdrawal bleeding. Blood samples were obtained initially and 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Samples were analysed for LH, FSH, oestradiol, testosterone and B-endorphin. There was insignificant change in the level of FSH between the PCO group and the control one. While in the LH level there was a significant gradual decrease after the 3rd and 6th month of clomiphene therapy. Also, LH/FSH ratio showed a significant decrease. The serum oestradiol levels showed a statistical significant increase after the 3 rd month of therapy while serum testosterone showed a significant decrease on clomiphene therapy. The increases of B-endorphin in PCO patients than in controls was highly significant and significantly decreased after 6 cycles of therapy. However, it remained higher than in controls. There was significant positive correlation between LH level and plasma B-endorphin levels in both PCO patients and control cases. But there was no significant correlation between plasma B-endorphin and serum level of FSH, oestradiol, testosterone and LH/FSH ratio

Astudy of platelets function and morphology in pregnancy induced hypertension

Platelets function and morphology were studied in groups of women suffering from and mild and severe pregnancy induced hypertension [PiH], and compared with normal pregnant women. Platelets count remained within the normal limits in all groups. Women with server PIH had the longest bleeding time mean, higher level of platelet adhesiveness, increased platelet aggregability and less responsive than normal to a variety of aggregating agents when compared with normal pregnant women. On light microscopy, megaloplatelets were demonstrated in cases of PIH only