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%

Bleeding cervices: the microbial, cytologic, colposcopic and histopathologic evaluation.

This study was conducted to evaluate microbial, preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions and other risk factors associated with bleeding cervices and to determine the association between specific lower genital tract infections and cytologic, colposcopic and histopathologic findings in the same group of patients. Over a period of 3 years, 76 patients in sexually active reproductive age [18-48] with bleeding cervices were evaluated by microbiologic, cytologic, colposcopic and histopathologic examination. Current infection with Neisseria gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis and serologic evidence of past infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 [HSV-2] and C. trachomatis were tested

Low levels of maternal plasma angiogenin in cases with abnormal umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms

This study was conducted to estimate angiogenin [ANG] plasma levels [as an angiogenic factor involved in placentation] in pregnancies complicated with abnormal umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms [UAFWs] and uncomplicated pregnancies in the same gestational age. The study included 80 pregnant women with gestational age [GA] from 34 to 39 weeks and singleton pregnancy. Doppler velocity waveforms of the umbilical artery of the fetus were assessed and the cohort was classified into two groups according to the findings of Doppler study: Group I [n = 40] with abnormal UAFWs and Group II [n = 40] with normal UAFWs. Plasma ANG levels were estimated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]