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Background: Anovulatory dysfunction is a commonly encountered problem which is responsible for about 40% of female infertility. One of the leading causes of female infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Clomiphene citrate has been the drug of choice in treating women with anovulatory infertility. However, in recent years, letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has emerged as alternative ovulation induction agent. Aim of this study was to compare efficacy of clomiphene citrate and letrozole as first line therapy for ovulation induction in polycystic ovarian syndrome.Methods: This study was a hospital based prospective comparative study done in MVJ MC and RH involving 100 females suffering from infertility due to anovulation. They were divided into 2 groups of 50 each. One group was given clomiphene citrate 50 mg while another group was given letrozole 2.5 mg from day 3 to day 7 of menstrual cycle. Ultrasonographic follicular monitoring was done and injection beta HCG 5000 IU was given once follicle reached optimum size (≥18 mm) and endometrial thickness was adequate (≥7 mm). Patients were advised for timed intercourse after 24-36 hours of HCG administration. Ovulation was detected by sonographic findings of follicular rupture done after 48 hours. Primary outcomes measured were number of growing follicles (≥18 mm), endometrial thickness, ovulation rate and pregnancy rate.Results: In our study there was significant difference in the outcomes of ovulation induction between letrozole group and clomiphene group. Women who received letrozole showed improved endometrial growth (8.44 mm versus 7.86 mm), ovulation rate (72% versus 56%) and pregnancy rate (22.2% versus 14.3%) than those who received clomiphene. However, variation in follicular growth was negligible between the two groups (1.28 versus 1.36).Conclusions: Letrozole is a superior alternative to clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in cases of PCOS with anovulatory menstrual cycle, and can be considered as first-line therapy for ovulation induction in such women.
RESUMEN
Context: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired clonal stem cell disorder characterized by complement-mediated hemolysis due to reduced expression of glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored complement deactivating proteins such as CD55 and CD59 on RBC. Flow cytometric analysis of CD55 and CD59 expression by RBC is a reliable tool for the diagnosis of PNH. Aims: Detection and quantification of PNH clone and comparison of the relative role of CD55 and CD59 expression by RBC in the diagnosis of PNH. Materials and Methods: Flow cytometric analysis of RBC was performed in blood samples of 239 patients by direct immunofluorescence using monoclonal anti-CD55 and anti-CD59 antibodies. CD55 and CD59 expressions by RBC were compared in 54 cases in which PNH clones were detected. Results: Out of 54 cases, 85% and 72% revealed CD59 and CD55 negative populations, respectively. Various combinations of type II and III erythrocytes could be identified in all cases having CD59 deficient RBC. In contrast, distinct populations of CD55-deficient RBC were seen in only 33% cases. In the remaining (67%) cases, CD55 negative RBC caused sloping of the ascending limb of the histogram resulting in difficulties in interpretation. Fifteen percent cases had false CD55-deficient RBC and in 23% cases anti-CD55 antibody failed to identify PNH clones which were detected by CD59. Conclusion: CD59 is a better marker for the diagnosis of PNH. Although CD55 negativity supported the diagnosis of PNH in cases with CD59-deficient RBC, its role as an independent diagnostic marker for PNH is questionable due to its lower sensitivity and specificity.