Cervicovaginal tumor necrosis factor alpha can predict some late gestational complications

This study aimed to detect the possible role of tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] in the prediction of some pregnancy complications in the second half of pregnancy. The pregnancy course in 100 women was observed from 20 weeks gestation till delivery. About one third of the studied population developed some complications; preeclampsia 14%, IUGR 4% and prematurity 12%. Serial clinical and laboratory examinations were done. Cervicovaginal TNF-alpha was assessed three times at 20, 28 and 36 weeks of gestation. There was a significant steady increase in this cytokine in normal pregnancy due to maturational events. There was a significant difference in cervicovaginal TNF-alpha between normal conditions and preeclampsia but not in IUGR. While, cervicovaginal TNF-alpha in women with preterm delivery was significantly higher than the normal in different gestational ages. Cervicovaginal TNF-alpha >50 pg/ml optimally identified pregnant patients >/28 weeks with possible subsequent pregnancy complications with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 80%

Infleunce of plasma lipids in pregnant women before and during delivery on neonatal outcome

Plasma lipid profile including total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low density lipoprotein [LDL], high density lipoprotein [HDL] and apolipoprotein A and B [apo A and apo B] was measured in 40 normal pregnant women studied longitudinally at 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 weeks of gestation during labor and 6 weeks postpartum. Their neonates were assessed for plasma lipid profile, Apgar score and birth weight. It was concluded that plasma atherogenic indices during pregnancy progressively increased till the moment of birth and decreased during the puerperium. These changes had a negative correlation on neonatal outcome regarding birth weight and Apgar score

Tocolytic failure in association with elevated tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] and interleukin 6 [IL-6] in identifying women with preterm labor and at risk for tocolytic failure. It was conducted on 100 pregnant women with threatened preterm labor and intact membrane. The cases were divided into two groups: Group one included 35 women with failed response to tocolysis and group two consisted of 65 women with successful tocolytic response. Human cervicovaginal TNF-alpha and IL-6 were assessed in both groups. A significant higher value of TNF-alpha was found in group one with 100% sensitivity and 89% specificity in identifying women who failed tocolysis and IL-6 was significantly high in group one. Cervicovaginal IL-6 > 200 pg/ml identified women who failed tocolysis with 88.9% sensitivity and 50.5% specificity, so it is sensitive but not specific in predicting tocolytic response

Diagnostic value of transvaginal and color doppler ultrasonography in cases with adnexal masses and abdominal pain: diagnostic tools in emergency room

Over a period of four years, 91 patients presented with abdominal pain and adnexal mass were included in this study. Serum beta subunit human chorionic gonadotrophin [BhCG] values were obtained. The cohort was classified into two groups: Group I with a clinical suspicion of tubal pregnancy [n = 45], all of them had positive results in quantitative BhCG test and Group II with ovarian mass and abdominal pain [n = 46], no one of them had positive BhCG test. Transvaginal sonography [TVS] and color Doppler [CDS] were done. Patients were referred for laparoscopy and/or laparotomy. It was concluded that CDS has a limited value in addition to conventional TVS in diagnosing tubal pregnancy, however it is a good supplementary diagnostic tool for monitoring the viability of trophoblast. On the other hand, CDS is crucial in patients with suspected ovarian torsion for an early and accurate diagnosis to save reproductive organs