Antinuclear antibodies in sera of patients with recurrent pregnancy wastage

Article Abstract:

Research has suggested that the presence of antinuclear antibodies (antibodies that specifically target components of the cell nucleus) in the blood may be associated with repeated miscarriage. In particular, women with autoimmune disorders (where the body makes antibodies against its own proteins), who are known to have antinuclear antibodies, have been investigated in this context. To learn more concerning the issue, women who had suffered at least two consecutive miscarriages were studied. The subjects underwent blood testing (including determination of antinuclear antibody levels), chromosome analysis, uterine examination, biopsy of the endometrium (uterine lining), and examination for possible cervical infection. Group A patients (30 women) had no clinical or laboratory findings that explained their pregnancy losses; group B patients (30 women) had known causes for their miscarriages, including uterine or chromosome abnormalities, defects of the luteal phase (a menstrual cycle defect), signs of cervical infection, or other endocrine disorders. Group C included 61 healthy pregnant women, and group D, 61 healthy nonpregnant women. Results showed that 40 percent of group A had positive results on the antinuclear antibody test, compared with 53 percent of group B, and 8 and 5 percent of groups C and D, respectively. The frequency of women in groups A and B who tested positive did not differ significantly, although both groups differed from group D. Groups C and D did not differ from each other. The results suggest that there is a correlation between recurrent pregnancy loss and the presence of antinuclear antibodies. The clinical significance of these antibodies remains to be determined, however. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Measurement, Causes of, Physiological aspects, Pregnant women, Miscarriage, Antinuclear antibodies

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Vaginal creation for mullerian agenesis

Article Abstract:

The Ingram method is effective for creating a vaginal space in women who do not have a normal vagina. This method involves sitting on a stool or seat that contains a device for enlarging the vaginal space using the woman's own body weight. However, some women still prefer surgical correction using a technique called McIndoe vaginoplasty.

Care and treatment, Surgery, Vaginal diseases, Agenesis

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Mentoring in gynecology: presidential address

Article Abstract:

The president of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons discusses the role of mentoring in training gynecological surgeons. Surveys of gynecological surgeons found that many had had a mentor but felt that mentoring is more difficult in the current medical climate.

Analysis, Training, Surgeons, Mentors, Mentoring

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