CD16CD56 cells are expressed in both the decidua and the villi of patients with idiopathic preterm labor suggesting an association between uNK cells dysregulation and idiopathic human preterm labor.

Objective: The primary goal of this study was to assess the G-CSF effects on IVF outcomes in women with normal endometrial thickness. Patients and Methods:This was a randomized controlled study performed at Assisted Reproductive Techniques Center of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, over a 2-year period, between Jan 2014 and Jan 2016, and included 60 infertile women with normal endometrial thickness. Women were scheduled for IVF and randomized into two groups. Exclusion criteria were positive history of repeated implantation failure (RIF), endocrine disorders, severe endometriosis, congenital or acquired uterine anomaly and contraindication for G-CSF (renal disease, sickle cell disease, or malignancy). In G-CSF group (n=30), 300 μg trans-cervical intrauterine of G-CSF was administered at the oocyte retrieval day. Controls (n=30) were treated with standard protocol. Chemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates, implantation rate, and miscarriage rate were compared between groups.Results: Biochemical pregnancy had occurred in 27.3% of participants in group I and 21.3% of women in group II with a signifi cant difference between the two groups. The clinical pregnancy rate was 22% and 16% in group I and II respectively with no signifi cant difference between the two groups. The acceptability of women in group I was 68%, mild discomfort occurred in 44.7%, moderate discomfort was in 28.7%, severe discomfort was in 11.3% and 15.3% of women in group I had no discomfort at all. Diffi cult fl ushing had occurred in 14.7% of women. Conclusion:It looks that the clinical pregnancy rates were signifi cantly higher by intracavitary infusion of granulocyte colony stimulating factor

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Background: Preterm labor (PTL) is the most common cause of neonatal death worldwide. In Egypt, the average rate of preterm labor is estimated to be 14.7%. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relation between maternal vitamin D deficiency and idiopathic preterm birth. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 160 pregnant women; 80 women with PTL as cases and another 80 women with term birth as controls, who were admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. Results: Using ROC curve, serum 25(OH) D level ≤ 32 ng/ml was significantly associated with PTL (p = 0.001), with moderate sensitivity of 80% and low specificity of 47.5%. Conclusion: Preterm delivery was significantly associated with vitamin D ≤ 32.0 ng/ml. Although serum 25(OH) D deficiency is a significant risk factor, but it cannot be considered a diagnostic tool in predicting PTL.

Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are responsible for a variety of human diseases. Although lesions are usually self-limited, severe manifestations can occur, particularly in compromised hosts. Effectiveness of therapy for such infections relies upon rapid administration of appropriate antivirals which in turn creates the need to establish a prompt diagnosis and necessitates diagnostic testing that is rapid, sensitive and affordable especially for laboratories in developing countries. The specificity of tests is also crucial, since clinical manifestations of HSV are relatively nonspecific and overlap other potentially severe infections. Objectives: This study aimed at comparing the performance of two relatively affordable diagnostic assays; conventional PCR and tissue culture; in the detection of HSV in different clinical specimens. Methodology: Seventy participants were included and divided into two groups. Group I: comprised 50 patients with suspected herpetic lesions. Group II: comprised 20 subjects without any herpetic clinical manifestations. Samples from participants were tested for HSV pol gene by conventional PCR. Tissue culture was performed by inoculating the samples on Vero cell line. Results: Conventional PCR showed perfect agreement with the gold standard (κ= 1) with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%. Tissue culture assay detected 15 (21.4%) of all positive cases showing substantial agreement with the gold standard (κ= 0.632) with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 57.7%, 100% and 84.29%, respectively. Conclusion: Though tissue culture has its own advantages, conventional PCR could serve as a gold standard for the diagnosis of HSV infection.