Local lymphocytic and epithelial activation in a case of autoimmune oophoritis.

Objective: To further define the immunological tissular modifications in premature ovarian failure (POF).

Method: The patient was followed up for premature ovarian failure and mild endometriosis associated with serum antiovarian antibodies. A laparoscopic ovarian biopsy was decided on to analyze the tissue and support the onset of immunosuppressive therapy.

Outcome for children infected with congenital toxoplasmosis in the first trimester and with normal ultrasound findings: a study of 36 cases.

Objective: We wished to investigate the prognosis of children infected with Toxoplasma gondii during the first trimester of pregnancy and whose ultrasound findings were entirely normal, in order to find out whether congenital toxoplasmosis did or did not justify termination of pregnancy if there was no fetal abnormality on ultrasound.

Study Design: A prospective and retrospective study was carried out by 12 French centers who enrolled 36 children infected with T. gondii during the first trimester of pregnancy and whose ultrasound examinations showed no anomaly.

Corticosteroids in patients with antiovarian antibodies undergoing in vitro fertilization: a prospective pilot study.

Objective: Antiovarian autoantibodies (AOA) have been associated with reproductive failure, especially in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. Thus, the success rate of IVF might be improved by the use of corticosteroids. However, therapeutic trials with these drugs have yielded conflicting results, particularly because of heterogeneous inclusion criteria.

The influence of cigarette smoking on human sperm quality and DNA fragmentation.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate consequences of cigarette smoking on male gametes. In this prospective study, sperm parameters such as sperm density, motility, viability and normal morphology were measured according to the WHO criteria. In addition to these standard parameters, we analysed the degree of DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa using the TUNEL-assay with flow cytometry detection in 57 non-smokers and 51 smokers seeking for infertility counselling.

Transdisciplinary training in reproductive health through online multidisciplinary problem-solving: a proof of concept.

Objective: The problem of iatrogenic multiple pregnancies has been addressed through an online multidisciplinary discussion forum with the primary aim of developing a transdisciplinary research and training tool.

Study Design: The pedagogical approach was divided in three phases, unidisciplinary, multidisciplinary and multi/transdisciplinary. Evaluation of the level of transdisciplinarity reached by each of the students was based on their capacity to translate disciplinary knowledge, to establish a frank dialogue, to cross disciplinary barriers, to detach from their initial opinion, and to develop curiosity for others' perspectives and concerns.

Management of delayed-interval delivery in multiple gestations.

Objective: Proving that delayed delivery is possible, debating its modality, suggesting a guideline for its managing.

Method: Six cases of delayed delivery were treated at the Maternity Hospital of Nancy, between 1979 and 2001, and the results were compared to a literature review of 148 found thanks to Medline database.

Results: Delayed delivery reduces the risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Gonadal antibodies interfering with female reproduction.

While the involvement of anti-ovarian antibodies (AOAs) is highly likely, yet still controversial, in patients with patent premature ovarian failure (POF), it is even more difficult--for several reasons--to ascertain the clinical significance of these antibodies in patients without obvious ovarian failure. First, AOAs form a heterogeneous group of antibodies recognizing several different antigenic targets such as granulosa and thecal cells, zona pellucida, oocyte cytoplasm, corpus luteum, as well as gonadotrophins and their receptors. Second, the detection of AOAs in various clinical situations does not readily imply a causal relationship between these antibodies and impaired ovarian function.

Iron therapy in iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy: intravenous route versus oral route.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare intravenous iron sucrose versus oral iron sulfate in anemia at 6 months of pregnancy.

Study Design: A random, prospective, open study with individual benefit was performed involving 50 patients with hemoglobin levels between 8 and 10 g/dL and a ferritin value of <50 microg/L. In the intravenous group (IV group), the iron dose was calculated from the following formula: Weight before pregnancy (kg) x (120 g/L - Actual hemoglobin [g/L]) x 0.