Sensitization to inhalant allergens is a major factor in the development of allergic diseases. Despite this, few studies have comprehensively analyzed age- and sex-specific patterns within defined populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of sensitization to inhalant allergens in different demographic groups of the Lithuanian population using molecular diagnostics. We retrospectively reviewed molecular allergy profiles of 658 patients tested with the ALEX2 macroarray between 2020 and 2022. Sensitization to inhalant allergen components was assessed and compared across three age groups (44 years) and by sex. Sensitization to at least one inhalant allergen was observed in 62.16% of patients. Rates were significantly higher in males compared to females, particularly in the reproductive-age group (p = 0.0167). Children exhibited the highest prevalence, which declined with age. Tree pollen, pet dander, grass pollen, and dust mites were the dominant allergen groups. Boys were more often sensitized than men, and girls more often than women. Male patients showed higher sensitization to most allergens, except dust mites and weeds in certain female subgroups. Distinct age- and sex-related differences in sensitization patterns were identified. These results emphasize the importance of demographic factors in allergy diagnostics and highlight the need for region-specific sensitization data to inform clinical care and public health strategies.

Unexplained infertility (UI) remains a diagnostic challenge affecting a significant proportion of women of reproductive age. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key mediator of angiogenesis and inflammation, has been implicated in reproductive and immune processes. This prospective observational study evaluated serum VEGF levels and allergen sensitization (via ALEX² macroarray) in 70 women—51 with UI and 19 fertile controls—to assess VEGF’s potential as a biomarker in UI. Median VEGF concentrations were higher in women with UI compared to fertile controls (128.6 pg/mL vs. 82.5 pg/mL), though not statistically significantly. However, sensitized women showed significantly elevated VEGF levels compared to non-sensitized peers (115.9 pg/mL vs. 85.7 pg/mL, p = 0.028), and a stepwise increase in VEGF was observed with rising allergy severity (p = 0.045). Sensitization to pet allergens, particularly cat allergen Fel d 1, was associated with the highest VEGF levels. A literature review confirmed wide variability in VEGF concentrations and the lack of standardized norms. While VEGF alone may not serve as a definitive biomarker for infertility, elevated levels may reflect an underlying inflammatory state. Our findings suggest VEGF testing could support broader clinical evaluation in women with UI, especially in the presence of allergic sensitization.

Background/Objectives: Acute appendicitis is the most common non-obstetric surgical emergency during pregnancy. Diagnosing appendicitis in the third trimester remains especially challenging due to physiological changes that obscure clinical presentation and limit the utility of imaging modalities. These challenges can lead to diagnostic delays, increasing the risk of severe complications for both mother and fetus. Case presentation: We present a complex case of a 36-year-old pregnant woman at 29 + 4 weeks of gestation who developed acute appendicitis with an atypical clinical course. Her initial symptoms were nonspecific and misattributed to gastrointestinal discomfort related to pregnancy. Her condition progressively worsened, leading to an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy. Intraoperative findings confirmed a perforated, necrotic appendix. Postoperatively, she experienced multiple complications, including ileus, wound dehiscence, and complete eventration of the abdominal wall. These required two additional laparotomies and the application of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy for effective wound management. Despite the severity of maternal complications and the risk of preterm delivery, a multidisciplinary team provided coordinated care. The patient was delivered vaginally at 34 + 4 weeks using vacuum assistance. The neonate, who developed sepsis, was treated in the neonatal intensive care unit and discharged after 24 days. Both mother and child ultimately recovered. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of appendicitis in late pregnancy and the potential for severe postoperative complications. Prompt surgical intervention, high clinical suspicion, and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial. Moreover, this report adds to the limited literature on the use of VAC therapy for abdominal eventration in pregnancy, demonstrating its feasibility and safety in selected cases.

Background and Objectives: Women of the LGBTQ+ community, like heterosexual women, face a wide range of health issues and have a right to comprehensive healthcare. Unfortunately, they often do not seek healthcare due to concerns about possible discrimination or prejudice. The aims of this study were to analyze and compare experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and heterosexual women during OBGYN appointments in Lithuania as well as to analyze the health of individuals whose biological gender is female and their lifestyle’s effect on their health. Materials and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted. Respondents answered questions regarding their gender and social identity; obstetrical, gynecological, and general clinical history; sexual life characteristics; and their experiences of visiting OBGYNs in Lithuania. Results: This study revealed that some lifestyle habits of LGBTQ+ respondents are more similar to those of heterosexuals than is often hypothesized. However, it also underscored such issues as the more common consumption of psychotropic substances, higher rates of depression, and more prevalent risky sexual practices among the LGBTQ+ community, as well as some neglected topics of OBGYN care in Lithuania. Conclusions: This study is the first in Lithuania to analyze the characteristics of LGBTQ+ individuals whose biological sex is female in relation to the field of obstetrics and gynecology. It provides important insights for the further improvement of the healthcare system regarding this topic.

Unexplained infertility (UI) remains a diagnostic challenge affecting a significant proportion of women of reproductive age. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key mediator of angiogenesis and inflammation, has been implicated in reproductive and immune processes. This prospective observational study evaluated serum VEGF levels and allergen sensitization (via ALEX² macroarray) in 70 women—51 with UI and 19 fertile controls—to assess VEGF’s potential as a biomarker in UI. Median VEGF concentrations were higher in women with UI compared to fertile controls (128.6 pg/mL vs 82.5 pg/mL), though not statistically significant. However, sensitized women showed significantly elevated VEGF levels compared to non-sensitized peers (115.9 pg/mL vs 85.7 pg/mL, p = 0.028), and a stepwise increase in VEGF was observed with rising allergy severity (p = 0.045). Sensitization to pet allergens, particularly cat allergen Fel d 1, was associated with the highest VEGF levels. Literature review confirmed wide variability in VEGF concentrations and the lack of standardized norms. While VEGF alone may not serve as a definitive biomarker for infertility, elevated levels may reflect an underlying inflammatory state. Our findings suggest VEGF testing could support broader clinical evaluation in women with UI, especially in the presence of allergic sensitization.

Unexplained infertility (UI) continues to pose a diagnostic challenge, affecting a considerable proportion of reproductive-aged women. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) may contribute to impaired female reproductive function. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a lipid peroxidation marker, while total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) reflects overall antioxidant defense. Evaluating these biomarkers may help to better understand the role of OS in UI and the potential benefit of antioxidant therapy. A prospective observational study included 30 women diagnosed with primary unexplained infertility. Serum levels of MDA and T-AOC were measured at baseline and after a period of antioxidant supplementation lasting 1–7 months (duration mode: 3 months). All participants received standardized antioxidant therapy consisting of vitamin E (50 mg/day), zinc (15 mg/day), coenzyme Q10 (15 mg/day), and selenium (70 µg/day). Participants with known causes of infertility were excluded. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to evaluate changes in oxidative stress markers before and after supplementation and to compare subgroups with and without comorbidities. Median baseline MDA concentration was 228.2 ng/mL and decreased significantly after antioxidant supplementation to 173.9 ng/mL (p < 0.001), with a reduction observed in 90% of participants. Median T-AOC increased slightly from 23.9 U/mL to 26.2 U/mL, but the change was not statistically significant (p = 0.735). No significant differences in oxidative stress markers were found between women with and without comorbidities, although higher baseline MDA levels were observed in participants with endometriosis (stage I–II). A significant decrease in MDA after supplementation was seen both in women with endometriosis (p = 0.005) and without it (p < 0.001). Women with unexplained infertility demonstrate biochemical evidence of oxidative stress, reflected by elevated MDA levels. Antioxidant supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation, suggesting a potential therapeutic role of antioxidants in UI. Combined assessment of MDA and T-AOC may provide useful insight into oxidative imbalance in infertility, although larger controlled studies are needed.