Can failure be predicted in methotrexate treatment with the modified parameter?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to increase the prediction of success of single-dose methotrexate therapy in ectopic pregnancy patients with modified parameters obtained from complete blood count and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) parameters. In this way, it was aimed to predict patients whose methotrexate treatment may fail and rupture, to avoid unnecessary methotrexate treatment, to shorten the duration of hospital stay and to reduce patient mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 233 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy between January 1, 2017, and March 01, 2022, in the obstetrics and gynecology service of a tertiary center were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean of ß-hCG was 1976 in the methotrexate group and 2358 in the surgery group (p < 0.05). The ROC curve determined the effect of BW (ß-hCGxWBC/1000) and BP (ß-hCGx1000/PLT) markers in diagnosing patients who will need surgery in ectopic pregnancy. The areas under the ROC curve for ß-hCG, BW and BP were 0.86, 0.99 and 0.94, respectively (p < 0.05). ß-hCG > 2139.03, BW > 30.96 and BP > 10.17 values were significantly associated with the need for surgery in ectopic pregnancy patients (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a 1-unit increase in BP caused a statistically significant 1.77-fold increase in surgical need in patients with ectopic pregnancy. In contrast, a 1-unit increase in BW caused a 2.34-fold increase in surgical need (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study results showed that BW and BP values together with ß-hCG are effective in predicting ectopic pregnancy patients who may undergo surgery.

Maternal and neonatal consequences of cystocele and rectocele in the delivery process.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of cystocele and rectocele on the stages of vaginal birth and maternal and newborn outcomes. A total of 672 multiparous pregnant women between the ages of 18 to 40 who underwent normal vaginal delivery in our tertiary center between November 2022 and February 2023, were included in this prospective study. Among the participants, 348 (51.8%) had no abnormalities, 78 (11.6%) had rectocele only, 112 (16.7%) had cystocele only, and 134 (19.9) had both cystocele and rectocele. Patients with the coexistence of cystocele and rectocele experienced a notably extended duration for both the first stage and second stage of labor, although the extension in the second stage was not statistically significant. Among the maternal complications, the development of maternal laceration and chorioamnionitis was significantly more common in the patient group with cystocele and rectocele compared to the other groups. When the groups were assessed for postpartum bleeding, while the bleeding risk increased from the normal group to the rectocele + cystocele group, this increase was not statistically significant. There was no difference between the groups in terms of neonatal outcomes. The delivery time of pregnant women with cystocele and rectocele, in the absence of additional risk factors, was determined to be significantly longer than that of the control group. We think that these patients should receive more vigilant monitoring, and this criterion should be kept in mind when assessing the indication for a cesarean section.

The impact of maternal electrolyte and albumin levels on the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancies.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of maternal albumin and serum electrolyte levels on the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate (SDMtx) therapy for ectopic pregnancies. Building on previous research, recommendations are provided to enhance the success of SD-Mtx therapy in the management of ectopic pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Conducted at a tertiary center gynecology clinic, the study included 353 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and treated with SD-Mtx from 2012 to 2023. Patients who responded positively to SD-Mtx treatment comprised Group 1 (n=313), while those requiring surgical intervention due to failed SD-Mtx therapy constituted Group 2 (n=40). Through the hospital's digital database, patient data including complete blood count, biochemistry, and hormone test results were retrospectively examined. Results: The mean ß-hCG value was 1996 IU/mL for Group 1 in contrast to 2058 IU/mL for Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference in ß-hCG levels between the two groups. Notably, Group 1 patients exhibited lower serum magnesium levels but higher potassium levels compared to Group 2 patients, with statistically significant differences. Furthermore, Group 1 patients had higher albumin levels than those in Group 2, with a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Successful SD-Mtx treatment was associated with lower maternal serum magnesium levels and higher potassium and albumin levels. Considering electrolyte levels before administering SD-Mtx and addressing any imbalances could potentially enhance treatment success. Additionally, restoring low albumin levels might improve the efficacy of SD-Mtx treatment for ectopic pregnancies. While this study suggests these trends, further extensive studies with a larger sample size are necessary to establish more definitive evidence.

Association of subclinical markers of inflammation with preterm premature rupture of membranes and adverse neonatal results: a case control study.

AIM: The study aims to investigate the relationship between subclinical inflammatory factors, which are known to be closely related to inflammation, with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and adverse postpartum outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The case control type study was conducted between January 1, 2021, and January 2022. 525 pregnant women, including 272 PPROM and 253 normal patients, were added to the study. RESULTS: There was a positive relationship between PPROM and PCT (platelet crit), MPV (mean platelet volume), NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and MLR (monocytes to lymphocyte ratio) values. ROC analysis, PCT > 0.19, MPV > 8.78, NLR > 2.82, and MLR > 0.24 were significantly related to improved risk of PPROM (P < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, a one-unit rise in PCT resulted in a 3.9-fold rise in RDS risk and a one-unit increase in NLR resulted in a 1.6-fold significant rise in sepsis risk (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: NLR and PCT parameters were found to be related to adverse neonatal outcomes.