Advantages of GnRH antagonists over the agonists in IVF

Dafopoulos KC, Messinis IE

GnRH antagonists were introduced in IVF in the late 1990s. They are effective in reliable prevention of premature LH surge and luteinization during superovulation and their safety is well documented. Two different antagonist protocols have been developed: the multiple dose protocol and the single dose protocol. GnRH antagonists have many advantages compared to agonists …

GnRH agonists or antagonists in ovarian stimulation

Loutradis D, Stefanidis K, Antsaklis A, Michalas S

Ovarian stimulation is an important step in the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) allowing multiple follicular growth and oocytes retrieval, and, consequently, more embryos. Blockade of pituitary gonadotrophin secretion occurs upon desensitization when a continuous GnRH stimulus is provided by means of an agonist or when pituitary receptors are occupied with a competitive …

Tocolysis in preterm labor: Always safe?

Pantazis K, Asimakopoulos E, Bontis JN

Preterm labor is the most important single determinant affecting neonatal mortality and morbidity, as well as quality of life. Although large progress has been seen in neonatal care, little has been achieved so far in the treatment of preterm labor, despite of the large number of treatments that have been tried. The traditional use of tocolysis has not been shown to improve neonatal …

Combined chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced cancer of the uterine cervix

Trichas M, Tserkezoglou A, Barbounis V, Hatzieleftheriou G, Roupakia A, Giannakouras G, Katsilieris I

The purpose of this phase II study is to investigate the response and toxicity of combined pelvic radiotherapy and cisplatin-based chemotherapy and overall survival of women with locally advanced cancer of the uterine cervix. A total of 28 eligible patients out of 33 initially enrolled in the study with stage IIB-IVA were studied and received 4 cycles of cisplatin chemotherapy …

Vacuum versus forceps delivery: Maternal and neonatal outcomes

Prapas N, Kalogiannidis I, Diamanti E, Karagiannidou E, Papanikolaou A, Makedos A, Drossou- Agakidou V, Makedos G

The purpose of our study was to estimate the differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes in singleton term pregnancies delivered using forceps or vacuum. We retrospectively studied the instrumental vaginal deliveries that occurred from January 2000 to June 2004 in the 4th Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Multiple gestations …

Primary ovarian pregnancy: A case report

Grimbizis G, Papadopoulos NP, Mikos T, Tzitzimikas S, Papanikolaou A, Tsalikis T, Bontis J

Ovarian ectopic pregnancies are uncommon with an incidence of 2.5-3.5% of extrauterine pregnancies. ART, IUCD’s and PID are the most important risk factors. A case of a ruptured ovarian ectopic that was treated laparoscopically is presented. Transvaginal ultrasound and serum hCG measurement facilitate early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancies. Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques …