Association between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels in 2nd Trimester Amniotic Fluid and Fetal Development.

The development of the fetal nervous system mirrors general fetal development, comprising a combination of genetic resources and effects of the intrauterine environment. Our aim was to assess the 2nd trimester amniotic fluid levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and to investigate its association with fetal growth. In accordance with our study design, samples of amniotic fluid were collected from women who had undergone amniocentesis early in the 2nd trimester. All pregnancies were followed up until delivery and fetal growth patterns and birth weights were recorded, following which pregnancies were divided into three groups based on fetal weight: (1) AGA (appropriate for gestational age), (2) SGA (small for gestational age), and (3) LGA (large for gestational age). We focused on these three groups representing a reflection of the intrauterine growth spectrum. Our results revealed the presence of notably higher BDNF levels in the amniotic fluid of impaired growth fetuses by comparison with those of normal growth. Both SGA and macrosomic fetuses are characterized by notably higher amniotic fluid levels of BDNF (mean values of 36,300 pg/ml and 35,700 pg/ml, respectively) compared to normal-growth fetuses (mean value of 32,700 pg/ml). Though apparently small, this difference is, nevertheless, statistically significant (p value < 0.05) in SGA fetuses in the extremes of the distribution, i.e., below the 3rd centile. In conclusion, there is clear evidence that severe impairment of fetal growth induces the increased production of fetal brain growth factor as an adaptive mechanism in reaction to a hostile intrauterine environment, thereby accelerating fetal brain development and maturation

Emotional reaction to diagnosis of infertility in Kuwait and successful clients' perception of nurses' role during treatment

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The unfulfilled desire of millions of infertile couples worldwide to have their own biological children results in emotional distress. This study evaluated the emotional reactions of couples attending a combined infertility clinic in Kuwait and successful clients' perception of nurses.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The first phase was by structured interview using two standardized psychological scales: the 25-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist and Modified Fertility Adjustment Scale. Data were collected from 268 couples attending the combined infertility clinic, between October 2002 and September 2007. The second phase was a semi-structured interview of 10 clients who got pregnant following treatment. The interview explored their feelings and perception of the nurses' role. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The average duration of infertility was 4 years; 65.7% of the women and 76.1% of men suffered from primary infertility. Emotional reactions experienced were: anxiety in women (12.7%) and men (6%), depression in women (5.2%) and men (14.9%) and reduced libido in women (6.7%) and men (29.9%). Also in men, 14.9% experienced premature ejaculation, 5.2% weak ejaculation and 7.9% had impotence although 4.9% were transient. In the semi-structured interviews, the emotions expressed were similar and in addition to anger, feelings of devastation, powerlessness, sense of failure and frustration. In the survey, 12.7% of the men were found to show more anxiety than women (6%). Although all the 10 women interviewed confirmed they were anxious; only 4 of their partners were reported to be sad or anxious. Successful clients' perception of nurses' roles included nurses carrying out basic nursing procedures, communicating, educating about investigative and treatment procedures, providing emotional support by listening, encouraging, reassuring and being empathetic.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study illuminates the emotional reactions of infertile clients. Fertility nurses in Kuwait can provide emotional support through communication. The need for additional and continuous training for nurses employed in fertility settings in Kuwait is paramount.</p

Family planning and psychosocial support for infertile couples

Aims The study was set up to analyze the psychological/emotional needs of women who undergo treatment for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to emphasize the importance of the psychosocial support that family planning centers can provide to them. Method This was a cohort study with closed questions. A total of 235 infertile women participating in an IVF program were studied. The statistical analysis of the findings was conducted by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results The psychosocial support and the scientific information provided to those women who participate in IVF programs are insufficient. In order to succeed in an IVF program, the women must be assisted by a doctor with much medical experience. The study shows that 59.3% of the women studied sought more medical information and another 32.5% sought emotional support. These percentages varied with reference to education, age and origin. These kinds of services must be provided by family planning centers

Morbus Burneville: A case report and review of the literature

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), also known as Bourneville disease or Bourneville-Pringle disease, is an autosomal dominant disorder classically characterized by the presence of hamartomatous growths in multiple organs . A combination of symptoms may include seizures, developmental delay, behavioral problems, skin abnormalities, and lung and kidney diseases. The authors present a case of a 18 year-old female patient with a history of TS, epileptic episodes, mental retardation, and papillary formations in multiple organs located at the abdominal, axillary, cervical, facial, and genital region

Association of endometriosis and breast cancer: mini review of the literature

Background: Endometriosis is a common, estrogen-dependent, gynecological disease, which is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Current data have associated endometriosis with specific malignancies, including ovarian and breast cancer. Purpose: The purpose of our study is to summarize and present published literature providing evidence regarding the possible relationship between endometriosis and breast cancer. Methods: Pubmed and Scopus databases were searched systematically for studies that sought to identify a potential association of endometriosis and breast cancer. 15 relevant articles were retrieved and included in the present review. Results: A small number of observational studies have shown a correlation of endometriosis and breast cancer. Other studies found that the risk of breast cancer increases with age. The scenario of an early interruption of the inflammatory process, derived from endometriosis, by oophorectomy and a possible consequent decrease in the risk of breast cancer has also been proposed. The hypothesis that both conditions could be related through common mutations on BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes has also been investigated. Conclusion: The available published evidence is inconclusive. Further studies are needed to evaluate the association of endometriosis and breast cancer and the possible pathogenetic pathways that relate the two disorders. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg