Relationship between sperm parameters and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome

Objectives: With the adventure of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique, great progresses have developed in the treatment of infertility. Concentration on the properties of male's gamete has been encouraged by the increasing concerns about the causes of ICSI failure. We hence conducted this study to investigate the probable association of sperm parameters with ISCI outcome. Methods: A total of 523 couples referred to Isfahan Fertility and Sterility Center from January 2007 to June 2008 for ICSI. Semen analysis was performed before ICSI procedure according to the WHO criteria. Patients were assigned into successful ICSI (case) and failed ICSI (control) groups. Sperm parameters were then compared between the 2 groups. Results: One hundred and six patients (20) had successful ICSI results (case group) compared with 417 couples (80) with undesirable ICSI outcomes (control group). Among evaluated factors, sperm agglutination (p = 0.007), sperm concentration (p = 0.043), leukocytospermia (p = 0.026) and head abnormality of sperm (p = 0.019) showed statistically significant differences between two groups with differing ICSI results. None of the other semen parameters revealed significant differences between these two groups. Conclusion: Our study showed that some sperm parameters are associated with desirable ICSI outcome. However, it is unclear whether these associations are causal. © 2015 The Authors

The relationship between maternal awareness, socioeconomic situation of families and metabolic control in children with type 1 diabetes miletus in an Iranian population

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic pediatric conditions, with potentially life-threatening sequels. However, good metabolic control can protect the patients against sequels. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between awareness of the mothers about this disease on improving diabetic children metabolic control and also, to examine the relationship between socioeconomic situations of families and control of diabetes in this group of patients. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive analytic study on 80 diabetic children and their mothers, who were registered in the diabetes association of Iran, for outpatient control of disease. Diabetes knowledge was measured by Michigan diabetes knowledge test and glycemic control was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). To assess the socio-economic status of a diabetic child's family, educational level, occupational and marital status of parents were asked and the socioeconomic status (SES) was evaluated with Hollingshed four-factor index of SES. Results: Mothers' mean knowledge score was 17.72, children's mean HbA1c was 7.77 and mean of SES was 27.89. There was no significant correlation between children's HbA1c and mother's SES. Also, there was an inverse linear relationship between mothers' knowledge score and children's HbA1c and there was a direct linear relationship between the mothers' knowledge score and SES. Conclusions: Finally, based on the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the awareness of mothers of T1DM children has a good impact on blood sugar control, whereas the SES of families has no direct effect on blood sugar control. Additionally, SES can indirectly impact on the consciousness of mothers and lead to the reduction of HbA1c. © 2015, Iranian Society of Pediatrics

Peritoneal tuberculosis: An uncommon disease calling for close scrutiny

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease with diverse clinical manifestations. It typically attacks the lungs (pulmonary); however, it may also affect other parts of the body (extrapulmonary) with or most commonly without lung involvement. Notable extrapulmonary infection sites include pleura, central nervous system, lymphatic system, genitourinary system, bones and joints, and abdomen. Abdominal TB is one of the most prevalent forms of extrapulmonary presentations of this variable disease. Given the patients with abdominal complaints especially in developing countries, where the disease is endemic, it should be kept in mind that abdominal TB has numerous differential diagnoses. Case Presentation: Our case is a 46 year-old female with left upper abdominal pain and mass sensation, with no associated signs or symptoms, but negative family history of TB and carcinoma. The patient underwent several diagnostic procedures so that the ultimate cause for her abdominal pain would be discovered among various existing differential diagnoses. Discussion: Peritoneal TB, although not very common, is still the important cause of not only abdominal symptoms but also female infertility. The need to pay more accurate attention to peritoneal TB in endemic areas, especially in young patients considered to have peritoneal carcinomatosis, seems very important. © 2013, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center