ABSTRACT
Background: Infertility is a global public health issue affecting couples. Trace metals have been implicated in effective reproductive functions in males but less studied in females. Objective: To compare the serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and copper/zinc ratio in women with unexplained infertility and fertile women. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study that compared 75 consenting women who had unexplained infertility with 74 fertile women that were controls. Both groups were seen within 1 year of delivery and were recruited from the family planning unit, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Data were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire, after which 10 mL of venous blood was collected. Analysis of selected trace elements were done by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. IBM SPSS version 23 was utilized for data analysis and the levels of statistical significance was set at <0.05. Results: The mean (± SD) serum concentrations of Cu (93.11 ± 16.55 µg/dL), Zn (72.04 ± 15.03 µg/dL) and Se (28.28 ± 8.33 µg/dL) amongst the women with unexplained infertility were lower when compared to the control group (all with P < 0.001). The serum Cu/Zn ratio was higher among the fertile women, though not statistically significant (P < 0.62). Age of <35 years was associated with normal serum levels of Cu (P < 0.01), while women with normal body mass index had low serum concentrations of Cu (P = 0.04), amongst the fertile group. Conclusion: Serum copper, zinc and selenium concentrations are significantly lower in women with unexplained infertility, therefore diets or supplements containing these trace elements may be helpful in their management.
Subject(s)
Infertility , Selenium , Trace Elements , Male , Humans , Female , Adult , Zinc , Copper , Cross-Sectional Studies , NigeriaABSTRACT
Copper-containing intrauterine device (IUD) is a common method of contraception with a low failure rate and high acceptability. However, complications could follow its use including expulsion and migration of the device out of the uterus. When migration occurs, the device could pierce other structures in the pelvis such as the rectum, sigmoid colon, small bowel, or urinary bladder. The pattern of the patient's complaints will guide the clinician on the possible organ involved and the manner of care. This case report presents a 44-year-old woman with IUD migration into the urinary bladder with resulting stone formation. She presented with pelvic pain and hematuria. Following ancillary investigations, she had laparotomy and removal of the IUD along with bladder stones. She had a satisfactory recovery after the surgery and had a complete resolution of all her preoperative symptoms.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first diagnosis in pregnancy. GDM has numerous potential complications and it is important to estimate its burden and risk factors. The objective of the meta-analysis was to determine the pooled prevalence of GDM in Nigeria and identify its determinants. METHODS: The study design was a meta-analysis; therefore the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Electronic databases (African Journal Online, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar) and the gray literature were systematically searched. Statistical analysis was done with MetaXL using the random effect model. Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 statistic and the publication bias was checked with the Doi plot. RESULTS: The total sample size was 46 210. The prevalence of GDM in Nigeria was 0.5 - 38% and the pooled prevalence was 11.0% (95% CI 8-13). The I2 statistic was 99%. The Doi plot suggested some degree of bias. The most frequently reported determinants of GDM were previous macrosomic babies, maternal obesity, family history of diabetes, previous miscarriage, and advanced maternal age. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GDM in Nigeria is high and efforts should be geared at modifying its risk factors so as to reduce its prevalence and prevent the associated complications.
