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EDITORIAL |
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| Year : 2012 | Volume
: 5
| Issue : 1 | Page : 1 |
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From the Editor's desk
Kamini Rao
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, Bangalore, India
| Date of Submission | 19-Jun-2012 |
| Date of Decision | 19-Jun-2012 |
| Date of Acceptance | 19-Jun-2012 |
| Date of Web Publication | 2-Jul-2012 |
Correspondence Address:
Kamini Rao
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, Bangalore
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.97775
How to cite this article:
Rao K. From the Editor's desk. J Hum Reprod Sci 2012;5:1 |
We open this issue with a review article by Alok Sharma and Pratap Kumar entitled "Understanding implantation window - A crucial phenomenon." There is only a specific period of time during which implantation is possible. This is called the "implantation window." A lot of factors including many at the molecular and genetic level play a significant role in ensuring implantation and scientists are still grappling with the mechanics of the same.
A study by Yu Li et al. of Sun Yet Sen Hospital has shown that one-third dose (1.25 mg) depot triptorelin can be successfully used with reduced pituitary suppression and lower cost in a long protocol in ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Determining the optimal sample size for a study is a critical step in the design of a planned research protocol. A paper by KP Suresh and S Chandrashekara from the National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, designed as a tool that a researcher could use in planning and conducting quality research, has been published herewith. Using an adequate sample size along with high-quality data collection efforts is important in achieving scientifically and statistically sound results and will result in a more reliable and valid study.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies affecting women in the reproductive age group, and is one of the most common causes of hyperandrogenic anovulatory infertility. Clomiphene citrate (CC) has been the first line of treatment for ovulatory disorders for more than 40 years. The aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, later came up as an alternative and has been used for induction of ovulation. A study by Kallol Kumar Roy et al. from the Department of OBG, AIIMS, has shown that letrozole and CC have comparable ovulation rate. Letrozole showed a better endometrial response and pregnancy rate as compared with CC. They also opine that letrozole is a safe and better alternative to CC in ovulation induction protocol for patients of anovulatory PCOS, and may be considered as a first-line treatment for ovulation induction in these patients.
Another article on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS illustrates the importance of early detection of insulin resistance with subsequent application of preventive measures and highlights the need to formulate a screening policy, particularly in low-resource settings.
Successful prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) requires full understanding of its etiology, predisposing factors, pathophysiological changes, means for early detection, and methods to intervene and reverse the pathophysiological changes. Fatimah Y. Aljawoan and team from Southmead Hospital, Bristol, have identified two factors that could predict the development of moderate/severe OHSS in coasted patients - a combination of total oocyte numbers and E2 level on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration.
In obese and overweight patients with PCOS, it has been well established that weight loss improves reproductive function. Metformin has been known to have encouraging effects on several metabolic aspects of PCOS, such as insulin sensitivity, plasma glucose concentration, and lipid profile. However, a study by Pratap Kumar and Khashif Khan has advocated the use of metformin throughout pregnancy in women with PCOS and has shown it to reduce the rates of early pregnancy loss, preterm labor, and prevention of fetal growth restriction, with no known teratogenic effects or demonstrated intra-uterine deaths. However, without any definite guidelines recommending metformin use in pregnant women with PCOS, the authors advise caution and recommend further research on this topic.
There are a number of other articles as well as a few case reports which make this issue an interesting read. I do hope you enjoy reading this as much as we have enjoyed putting the issue together.
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