Altered secretion of Sertoli cells hormones in 2-year-old prepubertal cryptorchid boys: a cross-sectional study.

In cryptorchid boys, failures in germ cell development have been clearly established. Some studies reported some abnormalities in Sertoli cells morphology but the results regarding their endocrine secretion remain controversial. To compare testicular hormone levels in young boys with and without cryptorchidism, we performed a cross-sectional hospital-based study. From surgery appointment records, we identified a case group of boys with unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism and a control group undergoing dental care, minor osteoarticular or dermal surgery. Blood samples were withdrawn during the surgical procedure to perform testosterone, inhibin B and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) immunoassays. We included 27 cryptorchid boys and 27 controls aged of 26.6 vs. 24.2 months, respectively (p = 0.172) far from the post-natal mini-puberty and the corresponding hormonal surges. Age-adjusted AMH and inhibin B levels were significantly lower in cryptorchid than in control boys (AMH: 87 ng/mL vs. 135 ng/mL; p = 0.009, inhibin B: 97 pg/mL vs. 133 pg/mL; p = 0.019, respectively). Moreover, AMH and inhibin B levels were significantly lower in the bilateral cryptorchid subgroup, being 50% lower than in the controls (p = 0.011 and 0.019, respectively) and while both hormones levels were independent in controls, they became strongly correlated in bilateral cryptorchid boys (R² = 0.75, p = 0.001). In addition, testosterone levels were still detectable in some boys, with significantly lower levels in cryptorchid group than in controls. Overall, 2-year-old cryptorchid patients presented a simultaneous and significant drop in AMH and inhibin B levels, suggesting a functional defect of Sertoli cells. This deficiency appeared more pronounced in bilateral cryptorchidism and thus, regarding the pivotal role of Sertoli cells in germ cell development, it may explain the compromised fertility found later in men born with such a malformation.

[Management of pure teratoma of the testis in adult, results of a multicenter study over 15 years]. / Prise en charge du tératome pur testiculaire postpubertaire à propos d'une série multicentrique sur 15 ans.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze cases of pure teratoma of the testis (PTT) of a large population-based study, as such tumors are rare, and to make an update on the topic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients treated for PTT from 1987 to 2003 in the French Midi-Pyrenees region (southwestern France) and in the Val-de-Grâce military hospital, Paris. Among more than 1000 cases of testis cancer, we identified 20 cases of PTT (4% of the whole population). For each patient, the orchiectomy specimen was reviewed and a clinical and imaging re-evaluation was performed. RESULTS: The pathological re-evaluation revealed non-teratomatous components in three patients (excluded from a following analysis). For the localized PTT patients, four out of eight out of 8 were on surveillance only after the orchiectomy, and the remaining four received adjuvant chemotherapy. None of them received any lymphadenectomy for staging. All patients with the metastatic disease were treated by chemotherapy followed by surgical removal of residual tumor masses. With a mean of 125 months follow-up, 85% of the population did not relapse after treatment. At the last contact, all were alive, without the disease. CONCLUSION: We confirm that PTT is a malignant disease with a good prognosis. As its management differs from the other non-seminomatous germ cell tumors, the diagnosis of PTT must be with certainty. The retrospective analysis of a series over two decades highlights the deviations from current guidelines. We propose that this rare tumor of young man should be treated in specialized centers to get the optimal management.

Introduction of an obstetric health information system: results of a pilot study in North Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: International safe motherhood programs have placed increasing emphasis on assessing progress in reducing maternal mortality in developing countries. We assess the feasibility and relevance of an obstetric health information system introduced in Maroua urban district in North Cameroon. METHODS: During the study period, an obstetric observation register was introduced for obstetric data collection, complemented by anthropological case studies on maternal deaths. RESULTS: At the end of the study period, implementation and data collection processes were correctly done, and the overall rate of completion of obstetric registers was 95% (ranging from 82.5% to 98.5% between maternity units). Eight hundred and twenty-six deliveries (n=826) were recorded and evenly distributed over the nine weeks of the study period. Eight women (1%) were transferred from non-surgical to surgical health facilities. Thirteen C-sections (n=13; 1.6%; CI: 0.8-2.7%) mainly in the provincial hospital of Maroua (11/13), and four maternal deaths were recorded, giving a maternal mortality rate of 4/826 (484 for 100,000; CI: 132-1240 for 100,000 deliveries). Nevertheless, anthropological enquiry recorded five maternal deaths during the same study period. Analysis of the geographical origin of these women showed that four of the five came from very remote areas. Rapid analysis and dissemination of results have initiated changes in obstetric practices (introduction of the partograph, modifications in the attitudes of health personnel), and also to the creation of a network between maternity units (those with and without surgical facilities) and provincial health headquarters. CONCLUSION: The introduction and use of a basic obstetric health information system combined with anthropological survey can provide a relatively accurate assessment of the maternal health situation. Such knowledge would be an excellent basis for implementing obstetric networking and relevant tools for active management of the obstetric pyramid at a regional level in developing countries.

Paternal age: are the risks of infecundity and miscarriage higher when the man is aged 40 years or over?

BACKGROUND: Maternal age of 35 years or over is a well-known risk factor for human reproduction that has been extensively investigated by demographers and epidemiologists. However, the possibility of a paternal age effect has rarely been considered. We carried out review of the literature to investigate the effect of paternal age on the risks of infecundity and miscarriage. METHODS: We carried out a MEDLINE search and checked the exhaustiveness of our reference list. RESULTS: We identified 19 articles analysing the effect of paternal age. Epidemiological studies provided evidence that paternal age older than 35-40 years affects infecundity. However, the few studies based on data from assisted reproductive techniques (especially IVF with ovum donation) do not confirm this finding. All studies analysing the effect of paternal age on the risk of miscarriage showed an increased risk in men aged 35-40 years or over. Other studies have shown some evidence for a paternal age effect on late foetal deaths. CONCLUSION: The risks of infecundity and miscarriage increase with paternal age. Two main hypotheses can be considered. First, these risks increase after the age of 35-40 years. However, a later paternal age effect (after 45-50 years) cannot be excluded. Second, due to the interaction of the ages of the two partners, the risks of infecundity and miscarriage may be higher when both partners are older (woman aged 35 years or over and man aged 40 years or over).

Risk factors for intrauterine device failure: a review.

After reviewing the literature on intrauterine devices (IUDs) published over the last 30 years, we selected and analyzed recent and most relevant (with appropriate methodology design) articles dealing with the risk factors for IUD failure. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that the TCu380 and levonorgestrel-releasing (LNG) IUD are the most effective, with a cumulative pregnancy rate of less than 2% at 12 years for the TCu380 and around 1% for the LNG IUD at 7 years. In addition, advancing age increases IUD effectiveness, and displacement of the IUD decreases effectiveness. The IUDs with the highest copper concentrations are clearly less prone to failure than those with lower copper concentrations.

Complications of induced abortion and miscarriage in three African countries: a hospital-based study among WHO collaborating centers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe two of the outcomes of pregnancy, induced abortion and miscarriage, in three African countries. Major maternal risk factors were also evaluated. METHODS: The study was prospective and based on the medical files of all 1,957 women admitted to participating health care structures. RESULTS: Overall, 988 women were admitted for complications of miscarriage, and 969 for complications of induced abortion. Gestational age was lower in women with miscarriages (p<0.002). The level of use of contraceptive methods ((p<0.003) and educational level ((p<0.005) were lower in women who had had an induced abortion. In our study, 26 maternal deaths were recorded, 22 of which were associated with induced abortion. Infection was the most important risk factor for death (OR=4.8; 1.9-12.4). CONCLUSION: Maternal deaths related to abortion complications often occurred shortly after hospital admission and with signs of sepsis. This demonstrates the importance of effective emergency services. Unfortunately, hospital-based studies alone cannot assess all maternal death risk factors, especially those for maternal death related to induced abortion complications. It is therefore important to determine what happened to the woman before hospital admission and during her stay in hospital. Combinations of qualitative and quantitative methods could be used to increase our understanding of this problem and to help us to solve it.

Male infertility risk factors in a French military population.

We investigated infertility risk factors by conducting a population-based case-control study in the military population of the French town of Brest. Sixty couples who had sought medical advice for infertility of more than 12 months duration (cases) were compared with 165 couples who had had a child (controls). All the men in these couples had been employed by the military. The infertility risk factors studied were male and female medical factors, occupational and environmental exposures. We obtained age-adjusted odds ratios of 7.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4--39.5] for testis surgery, and 13.0 for varicocele (95% CI: 1.4--120.3) in men. In logistic regression, the age-adjusted odds ratio for men who had worked in a nuclear submarine was found to be 2.0 (95% CI: 1.0--3.7), and that for heat exposure was 4.5 (95% CI: 1.9--10.6). One limitation of this study is the lack of exposure measurements, especially for potential exposure to nuclear radiation (type of reactor used in nuclear-powered submarines, inability to obtain personal dosimeters worn by military personnel working in nuclear submarines). In conclusion, this study suggests that in this military population, having worked as a submariner in a nuclear-powered submarine, and having worked in very hot conditions, should be considered as risk factors for infertility.

Increase in scrotal temperature in car drivers.

Several recent studies have reported a gradual decline in sperm production in men. Endocrine disrupters as well as lifestyle have been suggested as risk factors. One lifestyle factor that may affect human fertility is driving a vehicle for a prolonged period. Several authors have suggested that driving position may increase the scrotal temperature. In order to validate this hypothesis we conducted continuous monitoring of scrotal temperature in real conditions, i.e. in men driving a car for a prolonged period. Nine volunteer men were asked to walk outside for 40 min and then to drive a car for 160 min. Scrotal temperatures were measured from thermocouples and values recorded every 2 min on a portable data recorder. Scrotal temperature increased significantly (P < 0.0001) in driving posture after 2 h of driving, reaching a value 1.7-2.2 degrees C higher than that recorded while walking. This link between driving position and increased scrotal temperature indicates a potential exposure of male reproductive function to lifestyle factors.

Abortion complications in Abidjan (Ivory Coast).

The aim of this study was to describe the various methods of abortion used by women admitted to an obstetrics department in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) for abortion complications. The study was retrospective, and was based on the medical files of all 472 women admitted for abortion complications during a 3-year period (1993-1995). The introduction of plant stems into the uterus, the use of certain instruments, use of vaginal preparations, and ingestion of plants were the most common abortion methods. Seventeen maternal deaths were registered, giving a maternal mortality rate of 3.6%. A high number of previous pregnancies and the ingestion of plants to provoke abortion were factors associated with the highest risk for maternal death. Complications of "local" abortion methods accounted for a high proportion of maternal deaths.

PIP: A retrospective study was undertaken to assess the effect of various abortion practices on maternal health. The study was based on the medical files of all 472 women admitted to an obstetrics department in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, for abortion complications during a 3-year period (1993-95). The medical records of the sociodemographic and medical characteristics of women upon admission were assessed. Results demonstrated that the introduction of plant stems into the uterus was the most frequently used abortion method (31%), followed by herbal pessaries (23%) and plant infusions (20%). About 17 maternal deaths were registered, giving a maternal mortality rate of 3.6%. A high number of previous pregnancies and the ingestion of plants to provoke abortion were the factors associated with the highest risk of maternal death. Furthermore, complications resulting from local abortion methods accounted for a high proportion of maternal deaths. From the results, it was found that the potential lethal risks associated with local abortion methods were high. These results suggest that more rapid and efficient hospitalization in abortion cases and greater access to family planning would reduce the rate of maternal mortality in Ivory Coast.

Effects of pesticide exposure on time to pregnancy: results of a multicenter study in France and Denmark. ASCLEPIOS Study Group.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a relation between male exposure to pesticides and the amount of time needed to conceive (time to pregnancy) for farmers and agricultural workers in France and Denmark. The authors used retrospective studies to compare the time to pregnancy of couples in which the man was exposed to pesticides during the year before the birth of their youngest child with that of couples in which the man was not exposed. In 1995 and 1996, the authors studied 362 French rural workers (142 exposed to pesticides and 220 not exposed), 449 Danish farmers (326 conventional farmers exposed to pesticides and 123 nonexposed organic farmers), and 121 Danish greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides. The fecundability ratio for exposure to pesticides (Cox model, before and after adjustment for confounding factors) did not differ from 1 in any of the three populations. In France, the adjusted fecundability ratio was 1.17 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-1.55) for exposed and nonexposed agricultural workers. In Denmark, it was 1.09 (95% CI 0.82-1.43) for exposed and nonexposed farmers and 0.83 (95% CI 0.69-1.18) for greenhouse workers and nonexposed farmers. Thus, this study found no relation between fertility (time to pregnancy) and male exposure to pesticides.

Objectives, designs and populations of the European Asclepios study on occupational hazards to male reproductive capability.

The main objective of the Asclepios program was to examine occupational risk factors for the male reproductive system. The program focused on occupational exposure to fungicides (farmers, greenhouse workers, and vineyard workers), styrene (laminators in the reinforced plastics industry) and inorganic lead (battery workers, foundry workers, and lead smelters). Questionnaire studies of time to pregnancy were combined with longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of semen quality. The 8 data-collecting centers addressed 6553 male workers and contributed time-to-pregnancy values on the 3077 most recent pregnancies. Data collection was by interview or self-collection. The average response rate across all exposures and centers was 69.8%. The Asclepios project is the first international multicenter research project on environmental risks to male reproductive function. A protocol for epidemiologic research on occupational risk factors to the male reproductive system was developed, and links between epidemiologic and experimental units were established. The majority, but not all, of the studies was completed within the given time frame.

Trends and causes of maternal mortality in Kazakhstan.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine trends in the rate and causes of maternal mortality in Kazakhstan. METHODS: Maternal deaths occurring between 1960 and 1996 in the 19 oblast (administrative regions) of Kazakhstan were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: After an initial phase of decrease in the period 1960-1980, the level of maternal mortality in Kazakhstan has been stable at 70-80 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Maternal deaths due to hypertension and abortion complications have not substantially decreased. Over the last 10 years, illegal abortions have accounted for most Kazakh maternal deaths resulting from abortion complications. CONCLUSION: To reduce the maternal death rate, the Kazakh health authorities and health workers (obstetricians, midwives, health educators) must develop and rapidly implement maternal health and family planning policies.

PIP: Trends in the rate and causes of maternal mortality in Kazakhstan's 19 administrative regions were assessed, in 1960-96, through a review of data submitted to the National Statistics Office. Each of these regions has 1-3 reference maternity units with obstetric and surgical facilities and all pregnant women are offered a free monthly antenatal visit. Following an initial phase of decrease in 1960-87, maternal mortality has remained stable at 70-80 maternal deaths/100,000 live births. Over the last 20 years, maternal deaths related to uterine rupture have declined sharply. Hemorrhage, infection, and hypertension also cause fewer maternal deaths than in the past, but their incidence remains unacceptably high. Maternal deaths attributable to abortion complications (primarily of illegal procedures performed outside of hospitals) gradually decreased until 1984, then stabilized and now comprise 33% of all maternal mortality. These findings suggest a clear need for implementation of maternal health and family planning policies aimed at reducing the maternal death rate. Although deteriorating socioeconomic conditions in Kazakhstan have reduced couples' desired family size, modern hormonal or barrier contraceptive methods are not widely available.

Complications of abortion performed under local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of complications of abortion performed under local anesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: A family planning center in the Paris area. POPULATION: Eight hundred and fifty-eight women admitted for abortion under local anesthesia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of immediate (the day of vacuum aspiration) and delayed complications (at the follow-up visit 2 weeks after the procedure). RESULTS: Among the 858 women who underwent vacuum aspiration, 683 (80%) attended the follow-up visit 2 weeks after the procedure. Fifty-nine percent of the 858 women had not had a previous abortion, 25% had had one, and 16% had had two or more. The average duration of amenorrhea was 8.6 weeks (19% at 6 or 7 weeks, 67% between 8 and 10 weeks, and 14% after 10 weeks). The overall complication rate was 3.4% (23/683) (95% CI=2.0-4.8%). The incidence of immediate complications was 1.7% (15/858) (0.8-2.6%) and that of delayed complications 1.2% (8/683) (0.4-2.0%). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the safety and efficacy of abortion by vacuum aspiration under local anesthesia.

PIP: A prospective study was conducted in the largest family planning (FP) center in the Paris area, France, to evaluate safety and the incidence of complications in first-trimester abortions (vacuum aspiration technique) performed under local anesthesia. From January 1 to December 31, 1994, 858 women who underwent vacuum aspiration under local anesthesia in the FP center of Colombes Hospital were studied. Of these, 683 attended the follow-up visit 2 weeks after the procedure. The study was not based on sociodemographic characteristics, but rather on the general population requesting abortion under local anesthesia. Results showed that the average duration of amenorrhea was 8.6 weeks. The overall complication rate of abortion using local anesthesia was 3.4%, whereas incidences of immediate complications were 1.7% and 1.2% for delayed complications. The most frequent immediate complication was incomplete abortion. No differences in complication rates were found according to the attending physicians. Neither immediate nor delayed complication rates were associated with the patient's sociodemographic characteristics. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that the risk associated with abortion under local anesthesia was acceptable, and that the incidence of complications was similar to those for other techniques (abortion under general anesthesia and drug-induced abortion). It confirms the efficacy and safety of abortion by vacuum aspiration under local anesthesia.

Occupational heat exposure and male fertility: a review.

In humans, as in most mammals, spermatogenesis is temperature dependent. This temperature dependence has been clearly demonstrated by several experimental studies showing that artificial increases in scrotum or testicle temperature in fertile men reduce both sperm output and quality. Our knowledge of the effects of occupational heat exposure on male fertility comes mostly from a small number of epidemiological studies. We conducted an extensive review of these published reports, focusing on methodology and design (retrospective or prospective; reference group; number of subjects) and principal results (using several indicators such as the time taken to obtain a pregnancy or sperm characteristics). We concluded that occupational heat exposure is a significant risk factor for male infertility, affecting sperm morphology and resulting in delayed conception. The limits and biases involved in this type of research are also discussed.

Prevalence and determinants of current contraceptive method use in a palm oil company in Cameroon.

The principal reasons given by African women for not using contraception include their lack of economic power and control over their choice of partner. An epidemiologic descriptive survey of a cross-section of the female personnel of a Cameroonian palm oil company (SOCAPALM) was carried out in August 1995, to evaluate the various determinants and level of use of various family planning methods in a well defined population of women in employment. An exhaustive list of all the households in the five villages of SOCAPALM was compiled and all women between 15 and 49 years of age who had lived on the palm oil plantation for at least a year were interviewed. The adjusted odds ratios showed that use of modern contraceptive methods was significantly associated with the woman having received secondary education, having more than three children, being the head of the household and, in cases where there was a man regularly present in the household, his approval of family planning. Recently receiving information (during the last month) about family planning was not identified by multivariate analysis as a significant factor affecting the decision to use modern or traditional contraception. The same factors were found to be associated with the use of traditional methods of contraception, but having had an illegal abortion was also associated with the use of such methods. Thus, the level of knowledge about family planning and the prevalence of contraceptive use was significantly higher for women living in industrial environments (such as SOCAPALM), than in the overall population of women in Cameroon. The economic power of the woman, the presence of a strong social reproductive health network, and the positive attitude of men and community leaders were the most important factors affecting the family planning decision of the women.

PIP: The prevalence and determinants of contraceptive usage were investigated in a cross-sectional study of female workers at a palm oil company in Kienke, Cameroon. All 385 women 15-49 years of age (mean age, 29.8 years) who had lived on the palm oil plantation for at least a year and were at risk of pregnancy were interviewed. 28% of respondents reported ever-use of modern contraception and 21% had used traditional methods; use rates at the time of interview were 10% and 16%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated use of modern contraceptive methods was significantly associated with a secondary education or higher, having more than three children, being the head of the household, and (if a man was present in the household) partner approval of family planning. These same factors, with the addition of a history of illegal abortion, were significant determinants of use of traditional methods. Receipt of family planning information in the previous month was not a significant determinant of use of either modern or traditional contraception. The higher prevalence of contraceptive use among women living in this industrial environment relative to women in other parts of Cameroon or in west and central Africa suggests the salience of economic power to women's contraceptive use patterns.

[Obstetric complications of the first trimester in Western Africa]. / Complications obstétricales du premier trimestre en Afrique de l'Ouest.

The obstetrical complications affecting women in Benin, Senegal and Ivory Coast during the first trimester of pregnancy were studied. Information about the 345 women included in the study was collected from registers maintained by the eight participating maternity units. The most frequent complications observed were spontaneous abortions (50% of admissions), complications of induced abortions (34%), and ectopic pregnancy (8%). Overall, the patients appear to have gained rapid access to care: two thirds of the women underwent interventions on the day of admission. Nevertheless, there were three maternal deaths, two of which followed induced abortion complications.

Contraceptive continuation and its determinants in Benin.

To understand better the rates of continuation of different contraceptive methods, a study in 12 family planning centers in Cotonou and Porto Novo, the two largest cities in Benin, was conducted. From January 1 to December 31, 1993, 944 questionnaires completed by new women acceptors of one of three methods of contraception (oral contraceptive, injection, or IUD) were analyzed. For all methods of contraception, the average length of follow-up was 9.5 months. From the start of the analysis, 44.4% (n = 419) of the women were regularly followed, 49.5% (n = 467) were not regularly followed, and 6.1% (n = 58) reported discontinuation of the method. One year after beginning the use of contraception, the cumulative proportion of women at risk of becoming pregnant, for all the methods together, was 42.0% (38.6-45.4%). Age was associated with the probability of abandoning oral contraception (p = 0.01). Three months after the start, the cumulative proportion of drop-out women having chosen oral contraceptive was 37.2% (22.8-51.6%) of the less than 20-year-olds, 19.0% (14.3-23.7%) of the 20- to 30-year-olds, and 23.4% (15.6-31.2%) of the over 30-year-olds. In contrast, drop-out was not associated with age for women using injection (p = 0.96) or the IUD (p = 0.47). Our results indicate a relatively high and rapid rate of discontinuation for modern contraceptive methods, particularly for young women having chosen oral contraceptive. This finding should incite the family planning educators to give more emphasis to the counseling programs, especially during the first three months.