Does progesterone to oocyte index have a predictive value for IVF outcome? A retrospective cohort and review of the literature.

The potential adverse effect of Serum progesterone (SP) elevation on the day of hCG administration is a matter of continued debate. Our study aimed to evaluate the relative value of progesterone to a number of aspirated oocytes ratio (POI) to predict clinical pregnancy (CP) and live birth (LB) in fresh IVF cycles and to review the relevant literature. A retrospective analysis of GnRH Antagonist IVF-ET cycles.

Assisted reproduction involving gestational surrogacy: an analysis of the medical, psychosocial and legal issues: experience from a large surrogacy program.

Study Question: What are the medical, psychosocial and legal aspects of gestational surrogacy (GS), including pregnancy outcomes and complications, in a large series?

Summary Answer: Meticulous multidisciplinary teamwork, involving medical, legal and psychosocial input for both the intended parent(s) (IP) and the gestational carrier (GC), is critical to achieve a successful GS program.

What Is Known Already: Small case series have described pregnancy rates of 17-50% for GS. There are no large case series and the medical, legal and psychological aspects of GS have not been addressed in most of these studies.

Bacteruria with group-B streptococcus: is it a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes?

Objective: To investigate pregnancy outcomes of patients with and without group-B streptococcus (GBS) bacteriuria.

Methods: A retrospective study comparing pregnancy outcomes of women with GBS bacteriuria during pregnancy, those with positive GBS vaginal cultures and those without GBS colonization during pregnancy was conducted.

Results: A significant linear association was found with regard to intrapartum fever (U-GBS 0.

Severe pre-eclampsia is associated with abnormal trace elements concentrations in maternal and fetal blood.

Objective: The study was aimed to compare trace elements concentrations in women with and without severe pre-eclampsia (PE).

Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted comparing 43 parturients with severe PE (who received magnesium sulfate [MgSO4]) and 80 healthy parturients and their newborns, matched for gestational age and mode of delivery. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was used for the determination of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) levels in maternal as well as arterial and venous umbilical cord serum.

Trace elements' concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord plasma at term gestation: a comparison between active labor and elective cesarean delivery.

Objective: Trace elements are minerals required in minute quantities to maintain proper physical functioning. The role of trace elements in the process of parturition is poorly understood. This study was aimed to determine levels of trace elements' concentration in maternal plasma and umbilical venous and arterial plasma at term during active labor vs elective cesarean delivery (CD).

Sexually transmissible infections among female sex workers: an international review with an emphasis on hard-to-access populations.

Background: Women who work commercially in sex work (female sex workers [FSW]) are considered a high-risk group for sexually transmissible infections (STI), yet the level of reported pathogens varies in studies around the world. This study reviewed STI rates reported in 42 studies of FSW around the world published between 1995 and 2006 and analysed the trends and types of populations surveyed, emphasising difficult to access FSW populations.

Methods: Studies were retrieved by PUBMED and other search engines and were included if two or more pathogens were studied and valid laboratory methods were reported.

Early maternal feeding following caesarean delivery: a prospective randomised study.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of early maternal feeding on maternal satisfaction and gastrointestinal complications on patients following simple and complicated caesarean delivery (CD).

Methods: A prospective, randomised study was designed including 179 women undergoing first or repeated CD. Women who were assigned to the early feeding group received clear fluids and solid food within 8 h of surgery, in accordance with their request.

Maternal and neonatal outcome following cerebrovascular accidents during pregnancy.

Objective: To assess the clinical characteristics of maternal and neonatal outcome among women with cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) during pregnancy.

Methods: Our computerized database was used to identify patients with CVA during pregnancy and puerperium from January 1988 to March 2004. Their medical records were identified and reviewed.

Sexually transmissible infections among illegal female sex workers in Israel.

Due to the mobile and clandestine nature of those who enter a country illegally, female sex workers (FSWs) who are working without papers or work permits often have no access to sexual health care. This study reports on the sexually transmissible infection (STI) prevalence among a sample of 43 sex workers working illegally. Brothel workers from republics of the Former Soviet Union (FSU), working in two locales in Israel were tested for the presence of eight pathogens and the presence of pathology by Pap smear.