Evaluation of homocysteine levels in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

To determine the level of plasma homocysteine in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] compared with healthy controls. In this prospective case-control study on 85 PCOS women and 83 controls matched by body mass index [BMI], homocysteine levels were assessed. The mean level of homocysteine was 16.25 +/- 11.94 micromol/L in patients with PCOS and 11.58 +/- 3.82 micromol/L in controls [p=0.002]. Patients with PCOS had a significantly higher risk for hyperhomocysteinemia compared with BMI-matched control women. These data suggest that homocysteine levels are elevated in the PCOS population. Further studies are needed to characterize this relationship

[ relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and secondary infertility]

Although numerous studies have depicted the association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and the future fertility status, this relationship has not been clearly outlined. A positive past medical history for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as induced abortion, ectopic pregnancy, postpartum infection, premature rupture of membranes can affects women's fertility prospects. The main goal of this study was to determine the relationship between previous pregnancy outcomes and secondary infertility. This retrospective case-control study was done on 182 [92 infertile and 90 pregnant women], 15-45 years old patients during a six-month period in 2008-2009. The study took place in Imam Djavad Hospital in Naghan, Chaharmahal Bakhtiari province, in Iran. The outcomes of prior pregnancies such as abortion, ectopic pregnancy, postpartum infection, prolonged labor, premature rupture of membranes, manual removal of the placenta and postpartum curettage were compared to those of the controls. The data were analyzed by t-test and chi-square. In the case group, induced abortion and postpartum infection were significantly higher than the control group [p<0.05]. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding a history for spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, prolonged labor, premature rupture of membranes, manual removal of placenta or postpartum curettage. A past medical history of induced abortion and postpartum infection can negatively affects prospective pregnancy outcomes. By educating women and health care providers, we may help prevent the detrimental effects of these disease states on women's future fertility status