Egyptian Pregnant Women Research Articles

Prevalence and risk factors of iron-deficiency anaemia among pregnant women in rural districts of Menoufia governorate, Egypt

This cross-sectional community-based study with analytic component was conducted among Egyptian pregnant women in rural districts during January to December 2013. A total of 2470 pregnant women were enrolled for laboratory tests for iron- deficiency anaemia (IDA). The prevalence of IDA was 51.3% (1267 of 2470); IDA affects about one in every two pregnant women in rural districts in Egypt. Women who are older than 30 years (Odds ratio [OR], 0.73) had more than three children (OR, 0.73), with body mass index less than 20 (OR, 1.57), shorter birth spacing less than 2 years (OR, 0.68), lack of antenatal care visits (OR, 1.25), low intake of foods of animal origin (OR, 1.57), vegetables and fruits (OR, 1.29) and having intestinal parasites (OR, 0.74) were positively associated with anaemia [at confidence interval 95%]. In addition to nutritional deficiency, multiparity and increasing maternal age are the main causes of IDA.

Reliability of risk-based screening for hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in Egypt

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) only recommends risk-based HCV screening for pregnant women in the United States. This study sought to determine the reliability of risk-based versus universal HCV screening for pregnant women in Egypt, a country with the world's highest HCV prevalence that also relies on risk-based screening, and to identify additional characteristics that could increase the reliability of risk-based screening. Pregnant women attending the Cairo University antenatal clinic were tested for anti-HCV antibodies and RNA, and demographic characteristics and risk factors for infection were assessed. All 1250 pregnant women approached agreed to participate (100%) with a mean age of 27.4±5.5 years (range:16-45). HCV antibodies and RNA were positive in 52 (4.2%) and 30 (2.4%) women respectively. After adjustment, only age (OR:1.08, 95%CI:1.002-1.16, p<0.01), history of prior pregnancies (OR:1.20, 95%CI:1.01-1.43, p<0.04), and working in the healthcare sector (OR:8.68, 95%CI:1.72-43.62, p<0.01), remained significantly associated with chronic HCV infection. Universal antenatal HCV screening was widely accepted (100%) and traditional risk-based screening alone would have missed 3 (10%) chronically infected women, thereby supporting universal screening of pregnant women whenever possible. Otherwise, risk-based screening should be modified to include history of prior pregnancy and healthcare employment.

Epidemiology of Gallstone Disease among Pregnant women in Egypt: Multicenter Study

Epidemiology of Gallstone Disease among Pregnant women in Egypt: Multicenter Study

Vitamin D Status among Egyptian Mothers and Their Neonates: An Exploratory Study

Background/ Objective: The potential impact of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has attracted much interest in recent years. This study was an exploratory one aimed to assess vitamin D status among a small random sample of Egyptian pregnant women and their newborns, and to evaluate its effect on pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 mothers and their newborns. Venous blood obtained from the mothers and from the cord blood to assess serum 25hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D), human Parathormone (hPTH) and serum calcium and phosphorus.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in a rural district in Egypt.

Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the world. Screening of HCV during pregnancy is not as routinely done in Egypt compared with many other countries, although pregnancy is an important period where screening of HCV infection is important owing to low immunity, the possibility of vertical transmission and possible horizontal transmission to the baby or other household contacts at a later stage. To determine the seroprevalence of HCV antibodies (HCV-Ab) and risk factors associated with infection among pregnant women in Egypt. A total of 360 pregnant women visiting the healthcare units for routine antenatal care were tested using third generation ELISA test for detection of HCV-Ab. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done for seropositive cases. A total of 6.1% (22/360) of pregnant women were HCV seropositive; of them only 45% (9/20) had viraemia. Risk factors were their age, the age of their husband and the presence of chronic liver disease in the husband. The prevalence of HCV infection in pregnant women in Egypt appears to be lower than previously reported. The detected risk factors are old age of the pregnant women and their husbands, and chronic liver disease in the husbands. None of the other known risk factors was found to be significantly associated with HCV infection in pregnant women.

Comparison of universal and targeted screening for thyroid dysfunction in pregnant Egyptian women.

To compare universal vs targeted screening for thyroid dysfunction and to estimate the prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant Egyptian women. A total of 168 of pregnant women who attended the outpatient obstetric clinic at Ain Shams University Hospital (Cairo, Egypt) for antenatal care between September 2011 and December 2011 were enrolled. Based on the detailed data collection and results of laboratory testing, they were subdivided into the high- and low-risk group for thyroid disease according to the most recent Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines, as well as into groups by trimester for application of American Thyroid Association guidelines. The group values were subjected to statistical analysis for estimating the prevalence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism and for identifying significant differences. Of the 168 patients, 104 were classified into the low-risk group and 64 into the high-risk group. Using the trimesteric and normal population cutoff values for thyroid functions, the prevalence of hypothyroidism was found to be 56% (n=94) and 44.6% (n=75) respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the high- and low-risk group regarding prevalence of either clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism, and no significant differences were found regarding the prevalence of hypothyroidism in the first, second, or third trimester. Use of the most recent Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines led to missed detection of clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism in 34.5% of pregnant women. Universal screening of pregnant women for thyroid dysfunction should thus be adopted throughout Egypt.

Inter-relations between habitual abortion and lead levels in venous blood, abortuses, and drinking water in Egyptian women

In Egypt, one of the main sources of lead exposure is a network of lead pipes used for water supply. Adverse effects of high lead exposure are well known. Many studies have focused on the health effects of low blood lead levels after sharp decline of its exposure levels. Currently, there is a growing concern about threats posed on pregnancy outcomes among women with low to moderate blood lead levels. Aim of the work This study was conducted to evaluate the role of contaminated water as one source of multifactorial lead exposure chain, and to be acquainted if the currently observed lead levels are associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion in pregnant women in Egypt. Patients and Methods This study was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tanta University Hospital from January to September 2012. The participants were 26 pregnant female with history of habitual abortion in early pregnancy (8-14 weeks) who presented by dilated cervix with bleeding, non-pulsating fetal node on ultrasound, and/or decreasing beta-HCG level. ResultsThe results of this study revealed significant positive correlations between drinking-water lead with both blood lead and abortus lead levels in cases of abortion. Each woman with unexplained spontaneous abortion should be subjected to blood lead estimation. Primary prevention by removing lead from the environment is the only pathway to avoid threats posed on pregnancy outcome since there is no effective remedy to remove lead from the body at levels below 30 μg/dl.

Female sexual dysfunction across the three pregnancy trimesters: an Egyptian study

Background Pregnancy is a special period in the life of women characterised by physical, hormonal and psychological changes that, in conjugation with social and cultural influences, could affect women's sexuality as well as couples' sexual relationships. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among the three pregnancy trimesters. A total of 300 healthy heterosexual pregnant Egyptian women with stable marital relationships were included. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used as a standard method for measuring female sexual function in each pregnancy trimester. There was no significant relationship between FSD and women's education, work, gravidity and parity. The incidence of FSD demonstrated significant alterations throughout pregnancy, being 68% in the first trimester, decreasing in the second trimester to 51% and increasing to 72% in the third trimester. Sexual desire decreased in the first trimester, was variable in the second trimester and decreased at the end of the third trimester (3.5±1.2, 3.7±1.2 and 3.4±1.1 respectively). Sexual satisfaction declined significantly in the first trimester compared with the second and the third trimesters (4.2±1.1, 4.8±0.8 and 4.6±1.0 respectively). Scores for the arousal, lubrication and orgasm domains were significantly decreased in the third trimester, where pain was increased in the second trimester compared with the first and third trimesters. Female sexual function is affected during pregnancy, with a significant change in all Female Sexual Function Index domains, especially in the first and third trimesters.

Primary Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnant Egyptian Women Confirmed by Cytomegalovirus IgG Avidity Testing

Objective: To determine the frequency of primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in pregnant Egyptian women using CMV IgG avidity testing. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. A total of 546 pregnant women, presenting for routine antenatal screening, were tested for CMV IgG and IgM using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from CMV IgM-positive women were tested by CMV IgG avidity assay. Results: All the 546 pregnant women were seropositive for anti-CMV IgG. Of the 546 women, 40 (7.3%) were positive or equivocal for IgM antibodies. All sera from the 40 women (IgG+/IgM+) showed a high or intermediate CMV IgG avidity index. Of the 40 women, 23 (57.5%) were in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy and had their first-trimester blood retrieved, and the tested CMV IgG avidity assay showed a high avidity index. Conclusion: Women who were IgM positive had no primary CMV infection in the index pregnancy as evidenced by the high CMV IgG avidity testing.

Pregnancy Outcome and the Effect of Maternal Nutritional Status

To assess the prevalence of malnutrition among Egyptian pregnant women and its effect on the pregnancy outcome, a comparative cohort study in which a total of 206 normal pregnant and 197 babies born to the pregnant subjects were enrolled. The study was conducted in El Sahel Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Maternal anthropometry, blood parameters including hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum albumin were assessed. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on hemoglobin concentration. Pregnancy outcome was assessed by means of birth weight, length and Apgar score at birth. The mean Hb serum iron concentration, total iron binding capacity, and serum albumin were 10.332, 73.84, 382.74, & 3.846g/dl respectively; and 46% of the subjects were anemic. When subjects were classified into 3 groups based on the Hb levels, 16% fell into severe anemia category, while 30% of the subjects fell into mild anemia category. Statistically significant differences were found between each of maternal age & pre pregnancy BMI on one hand and the degree of anemia on the other hand. Comparisons between pregnancy outcomes in the three groups showed a statistically significant difference between gestational age, birth weight, birth length and Apgar score on one hand and the degree of anemia on the other hand. The incidence of preterm labor was much higher (65.6%) in the group of severe anemia than the other two groups.

PREGNANCY OUTCOME AND THE EFFECT OF MATERNAL NUTRITIONAL STATUS

To assess the prevalence of malnutrition among Egyptian pregnant women and its effect on the pregnancy outcome, a comparative cohort study in which a total of 206 normal pregnant and 197 babies born to the pregnant subjects were enrolled. The study was conducted in El Sahel Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Maternal anthropometry, blood parameters including hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and serum albumin were assessed. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on hemoglobin concentration. Pregnancy outcome was assessed by means of birth weight, length and Apgar score at birth. The mean Hb serum iron concentration, total iron binding capacity, and serum albumin were 10.332, 73.84, 382.74, & 3.846g/dl respectively; and 46% of the subjects were anemic. When subjects were classified into 3 groups based on the Hb levels, 16% fell into severe anemia category, while 30% of the subjects fell into mild anemia category. Statistically significant differences were found between each of maternal age & pre pregnancy BMI on one hand and the degree of anemia on the other hand. Comparisons between pregnancy outcomes in the three groups showed a statistically significant difference between gestational age, birth weight, birth length and Apgar score on one hand and the degree of anemia on the other hand. The incidence of preterm labor was much higher (65.6%) in the group of severe anemia than the other two groups.

Plasma vitamin C levels and preterm prelabor rupture of membrane among Egyptian pregnant women

Aim of the work To study the relationship between plasma vitamin C level and the risk of occurrence of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) among Egyptian pregnant women. Methods This was a cross-sectional study at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Suez Canal University Hospital from February 2011 to February 2012. The study was carried out in two phases. First, a pilot study was carried out on 36 pregnant women, 12 women in each trimester of pregnancy, to determine baseline plasma vitamin C concentration among Egyptian pregnant women. The main study group included 60 women (study group); 30 women had PPROM between 24 and less than 37 weeks’ gestation with a singleton pregnancy. The control group included 30 pregnant women without PPROM matched for gestational age; patients with multiple pregnancies, greater than 37 weeks’ gestation, fetal distress, vaginal bleeding, preterm labor, or chorioamnionitis were excluded from the study. All the participating women were subjected to the following: assessment of full history, general and local examination, ultrasound examination, sterile speculum examination for the detection of escape of amniotic fluid from the cervical canal, nitrazine test, fern test, laboratory investigation to rule out chorioamniotis, and a vitamin C assay by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The pilot study showed that there was a decreasing trend in the mean plasma vitamin C levels as gestational age increased; the mean±SD in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, was 0.64±0.03 versus 0.61±0.06 versus 0.60±0.02 mg/dl. Although the decrease from the first to the third trimester was highly significant (P=0.0009), the decreasing trend was not significantly different after the second trimester The mean plasma vitamin C concentration in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.40±0.3 vs. 0.60±0.4 mg/dl, respectively, P=0.033). Plasma vitamin C concentration was significantly correlated with the mean packed cell volume (r=0.35, P=0.05) and social class (r=0.375, P=0.041) in patients with PPROM. Other studied variables such as age, parity, gestational age, and previous PPROM showed insignificant correlations with plasma vitamin C levels (P>0.05). Conclusion We concluded that low levels of plasma vitamin C concentration had a significant association with PPROM. Also, the mean packed cell volume and social class was associated significantly with low plasma vitamin C concentrations in patients with PPROM.

Effect of maternal vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy on neonatal kidney size

In animal studies, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) during pregnancy has been shown to be associated with a decrease in nephron number and kidney weight of the offspring. At present, it is unclear whether these observations are pertinent to humans. Thus, this study was performed to assess the vitamin A status of a cohort of Egyptian pregnant women and their newborns and to determine the potential effect of maternal VAD during pregnancy on the neonatal kidney size. The maternal and cord blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum retinol concentration.Within the first 3 days after delivery, an abdominal ultrasound was performed in all newborns to determine the renal dimensions and volume. Sixteen (20%) mothers had VAD. The newborns delivered to VAD mothers had significantly lower mean values of cord retinol concentrations and dimensions of both kidneys than the newborns delivered to mothers with vitamin A sufficiency. The maternal serum retinol concentrations were positively correlated with the cord retinol concentrations, the dimensions of both kidneys, and the combined renal volume of their respective newborns. Maternal VAD during pregnancy may decrease renal size in the infant at birth. The functional implications of this effect warrant further study.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in antenatal population in Menoufia governorate, Egypt

Knowledge of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women would be a valuable approach for planning appropriate preventive strategies. However, no enough data currently exist as to the magnitude of T. gondii infection among pregnant women in Egypt. In view of paucity of reports on this issue, the current cross–sectional study aimed to determine the rate of T. gondii infection and maternal–fetal transmission in antenatal population in Menoufia governorate, Egypt. Out of 323 pregnant women who were screened for Toxoplasma-specific IgG and IgM antibodies with ELFA, 218 samples were IgG seropositive, of which, 9 samples were IgM seropositive. Therefore, seropositivity rates of 67.5% (95% CI: 62.39%, 72.61%), and 2.8% (95% CI: 1%, 4.6%) for IgG and IgM, respectively were found. Analysis of serological patterns revealed that a large proportion of subjects were immune to Toxoplasma infection (IgG+/IgM−), as prevalence of chronic infection was 64.7% (209 cases), and 32.5% of cases were susceptible to primary infection (IgG−/IgM−). Meanwhile, the rate of probable acute Toxoplasma infection (IgG+/IgM+) was 2.8%, with one case (0.3%) confirmed for recent infection, as she had low avidity index with positive amniotic fluid analysis with both PCR and mouse inoculation. Significant relations were seen between Toxoplasma-specific IgG and knowledge about transmission modes, consumption of milk/milk products and unwashed raw vegetable/fruit, hand hygiene, contact with soil and farm animals. In conclusion, we reported high prevalence for T. gondii infection among antenatal population in Menoufia governorate. Thus, the susceptibility for toxoplasmosis is relatively low. Sources of infection revealed herein might represent potential threats for primary infection in seronegative women. Accordingly, there is urgent need for implementation of health education programs as an appropriate approach for prevention.

Foetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia in Egypt; human platelet antigen genotype frequencies and antibody detection and follow-up in pregnancies

Background and objectivesFoetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is studied mainly in Caucasian populations. Severe thrombocytopenia (<50×109/L) gives risk of haemorrhage and the most feared complication is intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). In Caucasian populations anti-human platelet antigen (HPA)-1a antibodies are the cause of FNAIT in >80% of the cases. The aims of this project were to study the gene frequencies of HPA-1-5 and 15 alleles in an Egyptian population (Arabic), and to determine the frequency of HPA-1a and -5b immunisations in a cohort of Egyptian pregnant women. Materials and methodsAltogether 6974 pregnant women were included in the study. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and antibodies were detected by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HPA-1-5 and 15 alleles were studied in 367 individuals. ResultsThe HPA genotypes differed from genotypes published from different Caucasian and Chinese (Han) populations in HPA-1, -2, -3, and -5 systems with significant higher frequency of HPA-1b, -2b and -5b. The rate of HPA-1a alloimmunisation was found comparable to Caucasian populations. Severe thrombocytopenia was found in two newborns. No bleeding complication was reported. Anti-HPA-5b antibodies were detected in 4.4% of the pregnant women. Clinical consequences of these antibodies were not studied. ConclusionThe HPA-1bb and -5bb genotypes are more frequent in the Egyptian Arabic population studied compared to Caucasian populations. FNAIT due to anti-HPA-1a and -5b antibodies must be suspected in cases of neonatal thrombocytopenia. Further large prospective studies are needed to increase the knowledge of clinical complications related to HPA alloantibodies in populations with different genetic backgrounds.

Characterisation of aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol exposure among pregnant Egyptian women

Mycotoxins such as the aflatoxins and deoxynivalenol (DON) are frequent contaminants of food. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and DON affect the immune system and restrict growth; additionally AFB1 is carcinogenic. To date there are limited descriptive biomarker data concerning maternal exposures during pregnancy, and none on co-exposures to these mycotoxins. This survey was a cross-sectional assessment providing descriptive data on the concentrations of serum aflatoxin–albumin (AF-alb), urinary aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), and urinary DON for 98 pregnant women from Egypt, in relation to diet and socioeconomic status, during the third trimester. AF-alb was detected in 34 of 98 (35%) samples, geometric mean (GM) of positives = 4.9 pg AF-lys mg−1 albumin (95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.1–5.8 pg mg−1), and AFM1 in 44 of 93 (48%) samples, GM of positives = 19.7 pg mg−1 creatinine (95%CI = 14.8–26.3 pg mg−1). AF-alb and AFM1 levels were positively correlated (R = 0.276, p = 0.007). DON was detected in 63 of 93 (68%), GM of positives = 2.8 ng mg−1 (95%CI = 2.1–3.6 ng mg−1). Aflatoxin and DON biomarkers were observed in 41% of the subjects concurrently. The frequency and level of these biomarkers in Egyptian women were modest compared with known high-risk countries. However, this study represents the first biomarker survey to report on the occurrence of DON biomarkers in an African population, in addition to the co-occurrence of these two potent mycotoxins. This combined exposure may be of particular concern during pregnancy given the potential of toxin transfer to the foetus.

Patterns of hepatitis B infection in Egyptian children in the era of obligatory hepatitis B vaccination

Background and study aimsMass compulsory HBV vaccination was applied in Egypt in 1992. The first dose of vaccine is administered at 2months of age and routine screening of pregnant women for HBsAg is not applied. We aimed to evaluate the pattern of HBV infections after the implementation of HBV vaccination in Egyptian children. Patients and methodsFifty-six children with HBV infection presented to the Paediatric Hepatology Unit, Cairo University Children’s Hospital, over the period from 1992 to 2006. Their data were reviewed for risk factors, clinical, serological and histopathological profiles. These cases were followed-up for 6.3±3.4years. The data of those born before 1993 (did not receive HBV vaccine) (group I) was compared to those who received the vaccine (group II). ResultsSixty percent of HBV infected cases were born before 1993. Comparison of data of both groups revealed: (1) A significant younger age of onset in group II (3.34±3.31years vs. 9.84+2.95years; p⩽0.01). (2) Vertical transmission was a significant risk factor in group II. (3) Chronic hepatitis developed in almost half of cases in both groups but cirrhosis was diagnosed only in 4 cases (all from group I) (p=0.04). ConclusionVertically transmitted HBV infection is becoming an important risk factor for acquisition of HBV among children born after the era of mass vaccination in Egypt. Mass screening for HBsAg of pregnant Egyptian women and/or giving a birth dose of HBV vaccine is becoming mandatory with the increased incidence of vertical transmission.

Factors That Predict Demand For Perinatal Care Among Egyptian Women: A Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis!

Background: Maternal mortality is high in Egypt with the majority of deaths occurring during or immediately after childbirth. These deaths could be avoided, if childbirth is undertaken in medical institutions or supervised by qualified medical staff. Although maternal services enjoy geographic availability all over Egypt, improved utilization of these services could be a key to reduction of maternal mortality. This study aimed at identifying factors that determine utilization of perinatal services among pregnant women in Egypt. Methodology: We analyzed data collected by Egypt's Demographic and Health Survey 2000, which included a probability sample of 8,999 women aged 15 to 49, who has been married at least once irrespective of their current marital status. The sample was representative at national, regional and governorate levels. Three dependent (outcome) variables were selected to reflect quality of perinatal care that is institutional delivery; attendance of childbirth by qualified medical staff and having a postnatal check up within 24 hours from delivery. The independent variables included 19 factors reflecting the demographic, socioeconomic and health characteristics of the pregnant woman and her family. The association between outcome and independent variables was examined through a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Though perinatal services are available in Egypt, they are underutilized. The analysis showed that 51% of child births were in medical institution and 64% were attended by a medical professional. Only 20% of women had a postnatal checkup within 24 hours after delivery. The statistical analysis showed that five factors were significantly associated with all three outcome variables. Significantly higher rates of institutional delivery, birth attendance and postnatal care were shown among women who utilized antenatal care (OR 3.2, 2.9 & 2.1; respectively, p<0.01), resided in urban areas (OR 2.4, 2.7 & 1.2; respectively, p<0.01), can read and write (OR 1.5, 1.8 & 1.3; respectively, p<0.01), had near birth problems (OR 1.6, 1.4 & 2.0; respectively, p<0.01) and were current users of modern contraception (OR 1.3, 1.3 & 1.2; respectively, p<0.01). Age at first birth and having a refrigerator appeared to be associated with institutional delivery (OR 1.4, 1.3 p<0.01, respectively) and birth attendance (OR 1.4 for both factors, p<0.01) but not with postnatal care. Maternal occupation was significantly associated with birth attendance (OR 1.3, p<0.05) and postnatal care (OR 1.3, p<0.05) but not with institutional delivery.Conclusions: Improving access to services should be coupled with fostering demand for institutional delivery and birth attendance. Addressing socioeconomic barriers to care should be addressed by public health policy in Egypt. Further, the study indicates that better utilization of perinatal care was associated with utilization of antenatal care and modern contraception. This indicates that good care seeking and utilization patterns is distal factors such as socioeconomic status and educational background.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism and pre-eclamptic Egyptian women

Abstract Thrombosis of the maternal spiral arteries can be one of the causative events in pre-eclampsia disease, it has been suggested that the C677T polymorphism may also play a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Aims of the work To investigate the frequency of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism in Egyptian pregnant women’s with pre eclampsia, and compare with the control group. Type of study A prospective comparative study among two groups of subjects: 44 preeclamptic women and 44 women with normal pregnancies from November 2008 to April 2010, at Suez Canal University, Faculty of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction with sequences specific primers (SSP-PCR). DNA purification capture column kit (Gentra system, USA). Digestion was performed by restrictasc Hinf1 (Fermentas), visualization of genomic DNA by minigel electrophoresis primer sequences. The gels were then photographed under UV light (320 nm) and scored for the presence or absence of an allele specific band. Results The study group had a significantly higher frequency of the homozygous mutated TT allele (34.1% vs. 0.0%, P The control group had a higher frequency of both the heterozygous mutated CT and homozygous CC genotypes of C677T polymorphism than the other groups ( P Conclusion C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene was found to be associated with the development of pre-eclampsia. Mutant T allele and TT genotypes of C677T may be considered genetic risk factors for the development of pre-eclampsia among Egyptian pregnant women.

Prospective Study of Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis C in Pregnant Egyptian Women and Its Transmission to Their Infants

To estimate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) vertical transmission rate, the effect of potential risk factors, and the pattern of HCV antibody response and viremia in HCV-infected infants in Benha, Egypt. A total of 1224 pregnant women who were treated at Benha University Hospital, Egypt, were included in the study. They completed a questionnaire about risk factors for HCV acquisition and suspected risk factors for mother-to-infant transmission and were tested for HCV antibody using a third-generation ELISA test. Women positive for HCV antibody were tested for HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction. Peripheral blood of infants of positive HCV-RNA women was tested for HCV antibody and HCV-RNA at 1 and after 6 months of age. Out of 1224 pregnant women, 105 (8.6%; 95% confidence interval, 7.05-10.17) were positive for HCV antibody. Only 83 (6.8%; 5.39-7.21) were positive for HCV-RNA. HCV infection was associated with older age (1.16; 1.1-1.2, P=0.001), blood transfusion (2.69; 1.2-6.0, P=0.016), and HCV infection of the husband (5.47; 1.4-21, P=0.014) or other household members (2.29; 1.2-4.6, P=0.019). Out of 53 infants tested at first month, 43 (81%; 71-92%) were positive for HCV antibody, but only 7 (13%; 4.1-22%) were positive for HCV-RNA. After 6 months, only 2 (3.8%; 0-8.95%) remained positive for HCV RNA. The prevalence of HCV in pregnant women in Egypt is lower than previously reported and the potential risk factors associated with HCV infection suggest intra-familial transmission. The frequency of vertical transmission of HCV in Egypt is not substantially different from other countries and does not play a role in the high prevalence of HCV in Egypt.