Zdenek Novotny

Recurrent pregnancy loss and frequency of eight antiphospholipid antibodies and genetic thrombophilic factors in Czech women.

The aim of this study was to investigate frequencies of eight antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in serum, four genetic thrombophilic factors and their mutual relation in 206 patients with repeated pregnancy loss (RPL).

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Frequency of Eight Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Genetic Thrombophilic Factors in Czech Women

The aim of this study was to investigate frequencies of eight antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in serum, four genetic thrombophilic factors and their mutual relation in 206 patients with repeated pregnancy loss (RPL).

Angle of mediolateral episiotomy using the ischial tuberosity as a reference point

The definition of mediolateral episiotomy is based on where the incision begins, the incision angle (direction), the length, and the exact timing. According to an episiotomy survey conducted in European hospitals, 27% of responders who satisfactorily described a mediolateral episiotomy placed the direction of episiotomy toward the ischial tuberosity, or the incision midway between the center of the anus and the ischial tuberosity [1], rather than using a measurement of the angle in degrees or a clock face. Other literature also describes the ischial tuberosity as a reference point; for example, Dudenhausen and Pschyrembel [2] state that a mediolateral episiotomy begins at the midline and is directed toward the ischial tuberosity, while Beischer and MacKay [3] define the direction of a mediolateral episiotomy as “a point midway between the anus and the ischial tuberosity.” Individual episiotomies that define the incision angle in degrees or according to a clock face are easily comparable; however, descriptions that define the direction as “toward the ischial tuberosity” or “midway between the anus and ischial tuberosity” are more difficult to compare. The aim of the present study was to measure the incision angle in degrees of an episiotomy directed toward the ischial tuberosity to compare the angle with other definitions and, consequently, to assess its usefulness. Between February and September 2007 a cohort of 50 consecutive women undergoing vaginal delivery were asked to participate in the study. The women were managed by a single obstetrician during her working hours. All participants provided informed consent. The direction of episiotomy “toward the ischial tuberosity” is routinely used in our hospital and is a part of our obstetric guidelines. The main obstetric variable was the incision angle of mediolateral episiotomy. When the fetal head crowned the perineum, the ischial tuberosity was identified and the angle was measured, a mediolateral

Antibodies Against Laminin-1 and Sperm, Intraacrosomal Proteins in Semen from Infertile Couples

Seminal sperm-agglutinating antibodies along with IgG antibodies against laminin-1 and intraacrosomal sperm proteins were examined in seventy-one men from infertile couples. The direct mixed antiimmunoglobulin reaction test for IgG, IgA, and the commercial ELISA method for detecting IgG antibodies against laminin-1 in seminal plasma were used. Intraacrosomal proteins in the sperm heads were detected by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies. Cellular elements other than spermatozoa, collectively referred to as “round cells” were also examined. In association with a group of oligoasthenospermatic men, positive levels (44%) of antibodies against laminin-1 of the IgG isotype in seminal plasma were found in conjunction with increased cellularity in semen. Interestingly, the elevated levels of anti-laminin-l IgG and sperm agglutinating positivity were not correlated. The use of antibodies against sperm antigens targeted to adhesive molecules such as laminin-1 contributes to diagnosing reproductive failure. Detection of intraacrosomal proteins very often correlates to the state of semen pathology and inflammation.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Frequency of Eight Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Genetic Thrombophilic Factors in Czech Women: RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS, aPLS AND THROMBOPHILIC FACTORS

The aim of this study was to investigate frequencies of eight antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in serum, four genetic thrombophilic factors and their mutual relation in 206 patients with repeated pregnancy loss (RPL).

History of incidence of autoimmune and oncological diseases in identical female twins.

Problem  The aim of study was to investigate identical female twins born in 1977 suffered from autoimmune diseases (twin A – Sjogren’s syndrome, and twin B – systemic lupus erythematosus).

SHORT COMMUNICATION: History of Incidence of Autoimmune and Oncological Diseases in Identical Female Twins

Problem  The aim of study was to investigate identical female twins born in 1977 suffered from autoimmune diseases (twin A – Sjogren’s syndrome, and twin B – systemic lupus erythematosus).

SHORT COMMUNICATION: History of Incidence of Autoimmune and Oncological Diseases in Identical Female Twins: IDENTICAL FEMALE TWINS

Problem  The aim of study was to investigate identical female twins born in 1977 suffered from autoimmune diseases (twin A – Sjogren’s syndrome, and twin B – systemic lupus erythematosus).