MTHFR 3′-untranslated region polymorphisms contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss risk and alterations in peripheral natural killer cell proportions / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To identify the associations between polymorphisms of the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, which codes for an important regulatory enzyme primarily involved in folate metabolism, and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in Korean women. METHODS: The study population comprised 369 RPL patients and 228 controls. MTHFR 2572C>A, 4869C>G, 5488C>T, and 6685T>C 3′-UTR polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis or by TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. Natural killer cell proportions were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The MTHFR 2572-5488-6685 (A-C-T) haplotype had an adjusted odds ratio of 0.420 (95% confidence interval, 0.178–0.994; p=0.048) for RPL. Analysis of variance revealed that MTHFR 4869C>G was associated with altered CD56⁺ natural killer cell percentages (CC, 17.91%±8.04%; CG, 12.67%±4.64%; p=0.024) and folate levels (CC, 12.01±7.18 mg/mL; CG, 22.15±26.25 mg/mL; p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Variants in the 3′-UTR of MTHFR are potential biomarkers for RPL. However, these results should be validated in additional studies of ethnically diverse groups of patients.

Risk factors for massive postpartum bleeding in pregnancies in which incomplete placenta previa are located on the posterior uterine wall

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with massive postpartum bleeding in pregnancies complicated by incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed. We identified 210 healthy singleton pregnancies with incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall, who underwent elective or emergency cesarean section after 24 weeks of gestation between January 2006 and April 2016. The cases with intraoperative blood loss (≥2,000 mL) or transfusion of packed red blood cells (≥4) or uterine artery embolization or hysterectomy were defined as massive bleeding. RESULTS: Twenty-three women experienced postpartum profuse bleeding (11.0%). After multivariable analysis, 4 variables were associated with massive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): experience of 2 or more prior uterine curettage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 15.48; P=0.018), short cervical length before delivery (<2.0 cm) (aOR, 7.13; 95% CI, 1.01 to 50.25; P=0.049), fetal non-cephalic presentation (aOR, 12.48; 95% CI, 1.29 to 121.24; P=0.030), and uteroplacental hypervascularity (aOR, 6.23; 95% CI, 2.30 to 8.83; P=0.001). CONCLUSION: This is the first study of cases with incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall, which were complicated by massive PPH. Our findings might be helpful to guide obstetric management and provide useful information for prediction of massive PPH in pregnancies with incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall.

Clinical and microbiologic characteristics of vulvovaginitis in Korean prepubertal girls, 2009-2014: a single center experience

OBJECTIVE: To update information on the clinical and microbiologic characteristics of pediatric vulvovaginitis in Korean prepubertal girls. METHODS: A total of 120 girls (aged 0 to 9 years) with culture-confirmed pediatric vulvovaginitis, diagnosed between 2009 and 2014, were enrolled in the study. The epidemiologic and microbiologic characteristics, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Patients with sexual precocity, as well as those who were referred for suspected sexual abuse, were excluded. RESULTS: Girls aged 4 to 6 years were at the highest risk of pediatric vulvovaginitis. Seasonal distribution indicated obvious peaks in summer and winter. Of the 120 subjects, specific pathogens were identified in the genital specimens in only 20 cases (16.7%). Streptococcus pyogenes (n=12, 60%) was the leading cause of specific vulvovaginitis. Haemophilus influenzae was isolated in one patient. No cases presented with enteric pathogens, such as Shigella or Yersinia. A history of recent upper respiratory tract infection, swimming, and bubble bath use was reported in 37.5%, 15.8%, and 10.0% of patients, respectively. Recent upper respiratory tract infection was not significantly correlated with the detection of respiratory pathogens in genital specimens (P>0.05). Of 104 patients who underwent perineal hygienic care, 80 (76.9%) showed improvement of symptoms without antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, the efficacy of hygienic care was not significantly different between patients with or without specific pathogens (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Specific pathogens were only found in 16.7% of pediatric vulvovaginitis cases. Our results indicate an excellent outcome with hygienic care, irrespective of the presence of specific pathogens.

Iron and vitamin D status in breastfed infants and their mothers / 소아과

PURPOSE: We assessed the relationships between iron and vitamin D statuses in breastfed infants and their mothers and evaluated the determinants of iron and vitamin D deficiencies in breastfed infants. METHODS: Seventy breastfed infants aged 4-24 months and their mothers participated in this study from February 2012 to May 2013. Complete blood counts, total iron binding capacity, and levels of C-reactive protein, iron, ferritin, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in infants and their mothers were measured. RESULTS: A history of maternal prepregnancy anemia was associated with lower ferritin and 25(OH)D levels in both infants and their mothers. The 25(OH)D level of infants correlated with maternal 25(OH) D levels. The independent risk factors for iron deficiency in breastfed infants were the duration of breastfeeding (odds ratio [OR], 6.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-39.2; P=0.04) and infant body weight (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.07-6.56; P=0.04). The determinants for vitamin D deficiency were the infant's age (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02-0.97; P=0.046) and maternal 25(OH)D level (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.92; P=0.01). CONCLUSION: A maternal history of prepregnancy anemia requiring iron therapy was associated with lower current ferritin and 25(OH)D levels in both infants and their mothers. Therefore, physicians should monitor not only iron but also vitamin D levels in infants who are breastfed by mothers who had prepregnancy anemia.

Erratum: Chlorogenic Acid Improves Neuroprotective Effect of PEP-1-Ribosomal Protein S3 Against Ischemic Insult

On page 173, the incorrect image which was not submitted by the author was mistakenly printed for Fig. 5 by a system error of the editing company.

Chlorogenic Acid Improves Neuroprotective Effect of PEP-1-Ribosomal Protein S3 Against Ischemic Insult

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) possesses various biological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities. In the present study, we examined the effect of CGA on the transduction efficiency of PEP-1-ribosomal protein S3 (PEP-1-rpS3) into cells and brain tissues, and its neuroprotective potential against ischemia/reperfusion. We found that, in the presence of CGA, the transduction efficiency of PEP-1-rpS3 into astrocytes and the CA1 region of the hippocampus was enhanced, compared to its transduction in the absence of CGA. Also, cell viability data demonstrated that the sample treated with CGA + PEP-1-rpS3 exhibited improved cell viability against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity more significantly than the sample treated with PEP-1-rpS3 alone. Also, in a gerbil ischemia model, data demonstrated that following the ischemic insult, the group treated with PEP-1-rpS3 + CGA showed markedly enhanced protection of neuron cells in CA1 region of hippocampus, compared to those treated with CGA or PEP-1-rpS3 alone. Taken together, these results suggest that CGA may improve the transduction efficiency of protein transduction domain (PTD) fusion proteins into target cells or tissues, thereby enhancing their therapeutic potential against various diseases.

A case of acardiac twin pregnancy with fetus survival after successful radiofrequency ablation of umbilical cord / 대한산부인과학회지

Acardiac twin is a rare anomaly that occurs 1% in monochorionic twins and 1 in 35,000 pregnancies overall. Acardiac twin, also known as twin-reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, involves a "pump" or donor twin perfusing a recipient or "acardiac" twin through vascular (usually arterial-arterial and venous-venous) anastomoses. Perinatal mortality rate for the pump twin has been reported to be 50~75%, mainly as a result of polyhydramnios, preterm labor, and congestive heart failure. Therefore, occlusion of the circulation to the acardiac twin has been recommended to improve perinatal outcome of the pump twin. Radiofrequency ablation of the acardiac twin effectively protects the pump twin from high-output cardiac failure and death. We report our experience in the treatment of patients with TRAP sequence using radio frequency ablation to stop perfusion to the acardiac twin.

Ultrasound-guided local injection of potassium chloride (KCl) and methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of cornual pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of local injection of potassium chloride (KCl) and methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of cornual pregnancy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of cornual pregnancy treated conservatively from 2005 through August 2007. Eight cases were identified and two cases were heterotopic interstitial pregnancy. All cases were managed with local injection of KCl or methotrexate under ultrasound guidance and 2 cases were treated with intra-muscular injection of MTX in combination. After the procedure all cases with cardiac activity was confirmed to be aborted by ultrasound. Also serial follow-up sonographic examination and serum beta-hCG measurement were performed. RESULTS: The mean initial beta-hCG level was 53,331.6 mIU/mL and ranged from 14,332 mIU/mL to 125,721 mIU/mL. Mean gestational age was 48.3 days from 40 to 65 days. All cases were aborted successfully and follow up beta-hCG were declined abruptly. Two cases of heterotopic pregnancy resulted in successful deliveries at full term. CONCLUSION: Cornual resection or hysterectomy should no longer be the first line of treatment for hemodynamically stable patients with cornual pregnancy. They can be successfully treated through local injection of MTX or KCl by ultrasound guidance.

One case of monoamniotic twin pregnancy with cord entanglement and fetus survival at 32+4 weeks after successful medical amnioreduction and intensive ultrasound surveillance / 대한산부인과학회지

Monoamniotic twin pregnancies are relatively rare, but perinatal mortality is high about 30-70%. The major cause of fetal death is cord accident, congenital anomalies, twin-twin transfusion syndrome, and intrauterine growth restriction. Especially cord entanglement occurs; perinatal mortality is about 50%. So the active management of monoamniotic twins to reduce the complication of cord entanglement is important. This is a case of monoamniotic twin pregnancy with cord entanglement and both fetuses survival by elective cesarean section at 32+4 weeks after medical amnioreduction and intensive fetal surveillance.

A Case of Fetal Bilateral Renal Agenesis Diagnosed by Transvaginal Ultrasonography / 대한산부인과학회지

Fetal bilateral renal agenesis is a lethal congenital anomaly characterized by bilateral pulmonary hypoplasia, deformities and death due to severe oligohydramnios. This syndrome is associated with malformations of genitourinary tract, cardiovascular system, vertebral bodies or imperforated anus in more than half of the affected individuals. An early and reliable prenatal diagnosis is extremely important because it may offer options for pregnancy termination as early as possible. The criteria for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis are severe oligohydramnios, nonvisualization of the bladder, empty renal fossae. But poor sonographic resolution of severe oligohydramnios makes it difficult to diagnose the disease. We present a case of bilateral renal agenesis diagnosed at the 18th weeks gestation by using Transvaginal Ultrasonography and Color Doppler.

Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Symptomatic Fibroids

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the potential usefulness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the management of uterine leiomyoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty nine patients (mean age; 40.3 years, age range; 31-52 years) who underwent UAE for symptomatic fibroids (with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and bulk-related symptoms) from January 2000 to December 2000 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 3.5 months (range: 1-8 months). The fibroids ranged in size from 2.0 cm to 13.2 cm with a mean size of 5.8 cm. We performed embolization using polyvinyl alcohol particles (250-710microgram). The improvement of the clinical symptoms was analyzed. Reduction of the uterine and predominant fibroid volumes was assessed using MRI. RESULTS: Symptom improvement for the menorrhagia (87.5%), dysmenorrhea (83.3%) and the bulk-related symptoms (79.2%) was reported. Complications included ovarian failure in four patients (5.8% of the total patients, mean age: 43.3 yrs) and infection in three patients (4.3% of the total patients) who underwent conservative management with intravenous antibiotics and analgesics. The volume reduction rate of the uterus and the predominant fibroids after uterine artery embolization were 36.3% and 56.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: UAE is a promising new treatment for symptomatic fibroids and may be a valuable alternative to hysterectomy.

Imaging Diagnosis of Fetal Abdominal Solid Tumor / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasonography is screening modality of choice and plays an important role in prenatal diagnosis of various diseases and neoplasm of fetus. Recently, Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used as a diagnosis tool to fetal disease. We would like to evaluate efficacy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of fetal abdominal solid tumor. METHODS: Among 2,055 cases of abnormal ultrasonography findings detected by prenatal ultrasonography from January 1996 and June 2002, a comparison between the diagnosis made by prenatal ultrasonography, fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), postnatal radiological studies and histopathologic studies was made in four cases with fetal abdominal solid tumor. RESULTS: The first case was diagnosed as adrenal tumor or hepatic tumor by US, hemangioedothelioma of liver by fetal MRI, and confirmed as hemangioendothelioma postnatally. The second case showed concordance with mesoblastic nephroma among the diagnosis made by US, fetal MRI, and postnatal histopathologic studies. The third case was diagnosed as extrathoracic pulmonary sequestration by US and MRI, and the same diagnosis was made by postnatal histopathologic studies. The fourth case was suspected as kidney tumor by US and was diagnosed as adrenal as adrenal neuroblastoma postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Fetal solid tumor is not a common disorder, but the location, size and orgin of tumor plays important role in the prognosis of neonatal period; additional workup by fetal MRI would improve the diagnosis of such tumors.

Prenatal Ultrasonograpy of Cystic Hygroma in Unusual Site / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Among 2,055 cases of abnormal findings detected by prenatal ultrasonography at Yonsei University College of Medicine from January 1996 to June 2002, the incidence and the site of cystic hygroma were evaluated. The clinical courses and postnatal prognosis were studied in four cases with cystic hygroma developed in unusual sites. Among 2,055 cases of abnormal ultrasonographic findings, 76 cases (3.70%) were diagnosed as cystic hygroma. Among 76 cases of cystic hygroma, 4 cases (5.3%) were detected in unusual sites; 1 case in mediastinum, 1 right axillary area, and 2 in anterolateral portion of neck. In cystic hygroma, prenatal accurate ultrasonographic findings including size and site of mass are important. Cystic hygroma developed in unusual sites are associated with perinatal complications including airway obstruction and compression of the surrounding organs. In giant cystic hygroma, cesarean section should be considered to avoid trauma and birth injury. After delivery, close observation and proper management are required.

Laparoscopic Management of Early Primary Abdominal Pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Abdominal pregnancy is a very rare case consisting 1% of ectopic pregnancy and occurring once in 372-9714 of normal pregnancies. However, the possibility of massive bleeding which is a main cause of maternal death can lead to the death rate of 5.1 in every 1000 cases and is certainly a difficult subject in proceeding laparoscopic procedures. Here we are reporting with a brief review, an experienced case where an abdominal pregnancy is successfully treated with laparoscopy without massive bleeding or any other complications.

Effect of Hysterectomy on Conserved Ovarian Function

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of premenopausal Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH) on the function of the remaining ovaries by reviewing the menopausal age in TAH treated patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 510 women who had previously undergone TAH, either with or without unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, due to benign disease at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, between Jan 1989 and Dec 1992. Out of the 510 women, the 94 who were throughly followed up were included in the study, and their menopausal age based on patient symptoms was compared to that of the control group. The mean menopausal age in TAH treated patients was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between age at operation and menopausal age. From this study, we could conclude that TAH accelerated ovarian dysfunction, and that the younger the patient was at the time of operation, the earlier the onset of menopause. It is hence apparent that women treated with TAH are at risk of early menopause and should receive adequate hormone replacement therapy.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Unexplained Elevation of Maternal Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Levels at Midtrimester / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the association between unexplained elevation of maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the second trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February 1995 and July 1999, we evaluated 1566 pregnant women who have underwent second trimester triple marker screening tests (alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol, human chorionic gonadotropin) and delivered at Severance Hospital, Yonsei Medical Center. Multiple pregnancies, abnormal fetal karyotypes, fetal anomalies, and abortions were excluded from the study. One hundred twenty-one women with hCG levels greater than 2.0 multiples of the median (MoM) were included in the study group while 1389 women with hCG levels less than 2.0 MoM served as the control group. Pregnancy outcomes were obtained from the delivery and neonatal records in our institution. Adverse pregnancy outcomes between the two groups were compared using chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Women with unexplained elevation of human chorionic gonadotropin levels were associated with statistically significant increased risks for preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the study and control groups with respect to preterm premature rupture of membranes, abnormal fetal heart rate tracing, abruptio placentae, intrauterine fetal death, and neonatal death. CONCLUSION: An unexplained elevation in human chorionic gonadotropin level in the second trimester may increase the risk for preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight but not for other adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm premature rupture of membranes, abnormal fetal heart rate tracing, intrauterine fetal death, or neonatal death.

Effect of Hysterectomy on conserved Ovarian function / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of premenopausal total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) on the function of remaining ovaries by reviewing the menopausal age in patients treated with total abdominal hysterectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 510 women previously treated with TAH or TAH with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO) due to benign disease at the department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, between Jan, 1989 and Dec, 1992. Out of 510 women, 94 women who were thoroughly follwed up were included in the study, and their meopausal age based on patients symptoms were compared to those of the control group. RESULT: Mean menopausal age in patients treated with TAH was 46.3+/-3.0 years and in the normal control group was 49.1+/-3.2 years. The mean age of menopause was significantly lowered in patients treated with TAH/TAH with USO (P< 0.001). There was positive correlation between age at operation and menopausal age. CONCLUSION: According to this study, TAH accelerated ovarian dysfunction, and younger the patient is at the time of operation, earlier the menopause. Therefore, woman treated with TAH is at risk of early menopause and should receive adequate hormone replacement therapy.