Relationship Between Polycystic Ovarian Morphology and Ectopic Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the presence of polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) in patients with ectopic pregnancy (EP) and to find out the value of sonographic appearance of ovaries on the earlier diagnosis of EP. METHODS: In the current case-control study, thirty five patients with EP were recruited to evaluate ovarian sonographic morphology whereas 35 gestational age-matched women with healthy intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) were the controls. After ovarian sonography, ultrasound images were analyzed offline for ovarian area, ovarian volume, follicle number per cross section, and follicle distribution pattern. A questionnaire about the presence of hirsutism and menstrual irregularity prepared as well. Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare continuous variables between 2 groups and categorical data were evaluated by using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, where appropriate. Multiple logistic regression was used to find out the risk factors for EP. RESULTS: Mean gravidity and parity were significantly higher in the EP group compared to IUP group (p<0.05). PCOM was found to be significantly higher in the study group (51.4% vs. 20%, p=0.006). Logistic regression analysis showed that multiparity (OR=8.635; 95% CI, 1.653-45.104) and PCOM image on ultrasound (OR=19.081; 95% CI, 1.139-319.560) were found to be significantly associated with EP. CONCLUSION: PCOM is more prevalent among women diagnosed with EP. This study demonstrates that PCOM assessed by transvaginal ultrasound may reflect EP in women with EP suspicion and may therefore serve as a clinical marker to assess EP.

Levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 in hyperemesis gravidarum.

Objective: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a gut-derived peptide has been reported to have insulin-like effects. Our aim is to examine GLP1 levels in hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG). Materials-methods: The study population consisted of 2 groups: Group 1 (control subjects) consisted of 22 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies in the first trimester. Group 2 consisted of 22 singleton pregnancies complicated by HEG. Glucose and GLP1 levels were determined. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit for Glucagon like Peptide 1 (GLP1) was used (Uscn, Life Science Inc.). Results: No significant differences in maternal age, gestational age and gravida were observed between hypermetric and control groups. Maternal serum GLP1 levels were significantly higher in HEG compared with control group (P = 0.004). Conclusion: The results of our study revealed that the presence of increased GLP1 levels in women with HEG could contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Our results indicated that increased GLP1 levels may be associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. The limitation of our study was the restricted number of patients. Large prospective and randomized studies are required to evaluate the effect of GLP1 levels on hyperemesis gravidarum.

Does the anti-Müllerian hormone truly reflect ovarian response in women with endometrioma?

In this study, our aim was to determine which factor is more correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved in patients with endometrioma compared with controls undergoing in vitro fertilisation-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) cycles: antral follicle count (AFC) or anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). A total of 60 women with endometrioma and a control population of 60 women without endometrioma in the same period were randomly selected underwent the injection IVF-ICSI treatment. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of age (28.78 ± 3.49 vs. 29.52 ± 2.47, p = .187), body mass index (23.62 ± 2.05 vs. 23.91 ± 2.11, p = .449), duration of infertility [(3 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-3), p = .139)], AMH level (1.52 ± 0.51 vs. 1.32 ± 0.92, p = .133), duration of stimulation [(9 (9-10) vs. 10 (9-10), p = .135)], total gonadotropin dose [(2750 (2262.5-3337.5) vs. 2770 (2680-3562.5), p = .125)], endometrial thickness [(10 (10-11) vs. 10 (9-11), p = .463)], fertilisation rates (67.20 ± 18.04 vs. 62.28 ± 17.13, p = .123), grade I embryo (43.3% vs. 30%, p = .185), clinical pregnancy rates (40% vs. 26.7%, p = .123), and the perinatal outcomes between the groups. The AFC was higher in the controls than in those with endometrioma (9.20 ± 1.80 vs. 6.32 ± 2.04, p < .001). The number of oocytes retrieved was also higher in the controls than in those with endometrioma [(7 (6-8) vs. 4 (4-5.75), p < .001)]. We found that women with endometrioma had a significantly lower number of oocytes retrieved than the controls despite the same AMH levels in both groups. AFC is a better marker of ovarian response than AMH in women with endometrioma undergoing IVF-ICSI. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Utilising the ovarian reserve is important in the success of ovarian stimulation and in evaluating the success of assisted reproductive technologies. The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level and the antral follicle count (AFC) are widely used in the prediction of ovarian functional reserve and response. However, no perfect marker exists in the evaluation of ovarian reserve and ovarian response. What do the results of this study add? Our study demonstrated that women with endometrioma have a significantly lower number of oocytes retrieved than the controls, despite the same AMH levels in both groups; which strongly suggests that AFC is a better reflection of ovarian response than AMH in women with endometrioma undergoing an in vitro fertilisation-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI). What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This important issue has been reviewed and discussed for years, however, the conclusions are still controversial. Additional research is needed to understand which ovarian reserve test could better predict ovarian response outcome?

Serum levels of phthalates and bisphenol-A in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: Phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA) may pose a risk for human reproduction. Adverse effects of endocrine disturbing chemicals on animal ovaries have been proposed previously. This study was designed to measure the concentrations of phthalate diesters or their metabolites in serum to evaluate their relevance with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). METHODS: This study was designed as a cross sectional and case-control study. The study group consisted of 30 women diagnosed with POI whereas 30 healthy fertile women without any systemic diseases were recruited as a control group. The two groups were matched with respect to age and body mass index and tobacco smoking. Serum phthalate diesters and BPA levels were measured in both groups. RESULTS: The mean serum level of mono-buthyl phthalate (MBP) was statistically significantly higher in POI group than in control group (8.45 ± 4.2 vs. 5.0 ± 3.47 ng/mL, p < .001). Other serum phthalate metabolites and BPA concentrations were similar among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of BPA and phthalate metabolites are increased in women diagnosed with POI. However, MBP is the most significant one among them. MBP may be a contributing risk factor in the development of POI.

Levels of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 are Decreased in Macrosomic Neonates from Non-Diabetic Mothers.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a gut-derived peptide with insulin-like effects. Our aim was to analyze cord blood GLP-1 levels of macrosomic and appropriate-gestational-age (AGA) neonates from non-diabetic mothers. A case-control study was conducted with 22 term macrosomic neonates (birth weight≥4000 g) and 22 AGA (birth weight>10th percentile and<4000 g) pregnancies. Cord blood GLP-1 levels of neonates were measured. There were no significant differences in maternal age, gestational age and gravida between the 2 groups. Umbilical cord blood GLP-1 levels were significantly lower in macrosomic neonates (6.9±2.9 pg/mL) compared with control group (10.3±3.7 pg/mL) (p=0.002). Binary logistic regression analysis showed only the maternal BMI to be an independent statistically significant predictor of macrosomia (odds ratio=2.459; 95% CI, 1.170-5.170; P=0.018). The results of our study revealed decreased GLP-1 levels in macrosomic neonates, and maternal BMI was an independent predictor of macrosomia.

First and Second Trimester Biochemical Markers in Maternal Epilepsy: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Our aim is to investigate whether the maternal serum levels of first and second trimester serum analytes are altered in women with epilepsy in pregnancy. METHODS: Maternal serum biochemical markers (estriol, alpha-fetoprotein [AFP], human chorionic gonadotrophin [hCG], free ß hCG, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A) were compared in a series of 122 pregnant women with epilepsy and in a cohort of 122 normal pregnant women. The serum samples were obtained between 11-13 6/7 weeks and 16-18 weeks gestation. RESULTS: Second trimester serum estriol levels, expressed as multiples of the median (MoM), in the epileptic group (1.55 ± 0.77 MoM) were significantly higher than those in the control patients (1.13 ± 0.40 MoM) (p < 0.001). Of the women with epilepsy, 66.3% (n = 81) were exposed to antiepileptic drugs. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that otherwise uncomplicated pregnant epileptic women had higher second trimester (18-20 weeks of gestation) estriol levels compared to non-epileptic pregnant women.

Age-stratified analysis of tumor markers and tumor characteristics in adolescents and young women with mature cystic teratoma.

BACKGROUND: Serum tumor markers are widely used for the preoperative evaluation of an adnexal mass. Elevations of cancer antigen (CA) 125 and CA 19-9 have been reported in patients with mature cystic teratoma (MCT). The aim of the study is to investigate the relation of serum tumor markers with tumor characteristics in young women with MCT. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 157 patients under the age of 35 who underwent laparoscopic surgery for ovarian MCT. Patients were divided into two age groups: Group I (n = 80): adolescents/young adults (aged 13-25 years) and Group II (n = 77): women aged 26-35 years. Data were analyzed for serum tumor markers, tumor size, and bilaterality. RESULTS: The rates of elevated CA 125 and CA 19-9 were 10.7% and 31.5%, respectively, for Group I, and 13.9% and 26.5%, respectively, for Group II. The bilaterality rate was higher in Group II compared to Group I (19.5% vs. 8.8%, respectively, p = 0.04). Serum CA 125 and CA 19-9 elevations were not related to tumor size in Group I. In Group II, elevated levels of CA 125 were also unrelated to tumor size. However, significant elevation in CA 19-9 levels was observed when tumor size was larger than 4 cm in this age group (p = 0.004). Elevated CA 125 and CA 19-9 levels were not significantly associated with the presence of bilateral MCT in either group. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that elevations of CA 19-9 are associated with larger tumor size in women aged 26-35 years, but not in adolescents/young adults. However, elevated serum CA 125 levels are not related to tumor size in either age group.

Body Mass Index Effects Kruger's Criteria in Infertile Men.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between sperm parameters and body mass index (BMI) in the male spouses with infertility complaints, who had reffered to our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The male spouses from 159 couples reffering to our clinic because of infertility, during a six-month period, were included in the study. In this prospective case control study, the included men were categorized as non-obese (BMIP<25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) according to their BMIs. The assessed sperm parameters consisted of; sperm concentration, Kruger morphology, progressive motility level, and volume pH levels. The statistical significant level was set as less than 0.05. RESULTS: The assessed group consisted of 159 patients applying to our clinic with infertility symptoms. Fifty-three non-obese, 53 overweight and 53 obese men were eligible for the study. There was statistically significant differences in sperm volume (P<0.001), progressive motility (P<0.001), postwash sperm count (P<0.001) and Kruger (P<0.001) morphology among the patient groups grouping according to the BMI levels. CONCLUSION: In this study, increased BMI was associated with decreased semen quality, affecting volume, concentration, and motility. further studies with a wider range of prospective cases need to be conducted in order to investigate the effects on male fertility in more detail.

Sirtuin 1 Levels in Recurrent Implantation Failure / Níveis de sirtuína 1 em falhas recorrentes de implantação

Abstract Sirtuin 1 has an important role in cellular processes, including apoptosis and cellular stress. The purpose of this study was to assess serum sirtuin 1 levels in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). In this cross-sectional study, we included 28 women with RIF, 29 healthy women who had conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF), and 30 women with a 1-cycle failure of IVF as controls. Human serum nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1/SIRT2L1) levels were detected using a commercial colorimetric kit. Recurrent implantation failure patients have higher sirtuin 1 levels than non-pregnant women and healthy pregnant women, but this difference did not reach statistical significance due to the low number of patients in our study. These higher sirtuin 1 levels may result from the inflammation imbalance of RIF patients. The only statistically significant correlation found was between age and sirtuin (r = 0.277, p = 0.009).

Resumo A sirtuína 1 tem importante função nos processos celulares, incluindo a apoptose e o estresse celular. O objetivo deste estudo é o de avaliar níveis de sirtuína 1 em mulheres com falhas recorrentes de implantação (FRI). Neste estudo cruzado, incluímos 28 mulheres com FRI, 29 mulheres saudáveis que deram à luz por fertilização in vitro (FIV) bem-sucedida, e 30 mulheres com 1 ciclo de FIV malsucedido como controle. Os níveis de sirtuína 1 em soro humano de desacetilase dependente de dinucleotídeo de nicotinamida adenina (DNA) (SIRT1/SIRT2L1) foram detectados usando um kit colorimétrico comercial. Pacientes com FRI tiveram níveis de sirtuína 1 superiores às pacientes grávidas e aos controles, mas esta diferença não atingiu significância estatística devido ao baixo número de pacientes envolvidos. Estes níveis mais altos de sirtuína 1 podem ser resultado da inflamação desigual em pacientes com FRI. A única correlação estatisticamente significante encontrada foi entre idade e sirtuína (r = 0,277, p = 0,009).

Sirtuin 1 Levels in Recurrent Implantation Failure.

Sirtuin 1 has an important role in cellular processes, including apoptosis and cellular stress. The purpose of this study was to assess serum sirtuin 1 levels in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). In this cross-sectional study, we included 28 women with RIF, 29 healthy women who had conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF), and 30 women with a 1-cycle failure of IVF as controls. Human serum nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1/SIRT2L1) levels were detected using a commercial colorimetric kit. Recurrent implantation failure patients have higher sirtuin 1 levels than non-pregnant women and healthy pregnant women, but this difference did not reach statistical significance due to the low number of patients in our study. These higher sirtuin 1 levels may result from the inflammation imbalance of RIF patients. The only statistically significant correlation found was between age and sirtuin (r = 0.277, p = 0.009).

A sirtuína 1 tem importante função nos processos celulares, incluindo a apoptose e o estresse celular. O objetivo deste estudo é o de avaliar níveis de sirtuína 1 em mulheres com falhas recorrentes de implantação (FRI). Neste estudo cruzado, incluímos 28 mulheres com FRI, 29 mulheres saudáveis que deram à luz por fertilização in vitro (FIV) bem-sucedida, e 30 mulheres com 1 ciclo de FIV malsucedido como controle. Os níveis de sirtuína 1 em soro humano de desacetilase dependente de dinucleotídeo de nicotinamida adenina (DNA) (SIRT1/SIRT2L1) foram detectados usando um kit colorimétrico comercial. Pacientes com FRI tiveram níveis de sirtuína 1 superiores às pacientes grávidas e aos controles, mas esta diferença não atingiu significância estatística devido ao baixo número de pacientes envolvidos. Estes níveis mais altos de sirtuína 1 podem ser resultado da inflamação desigual em pacientes com FRI. A única correlação estatisticamente significante encontrada foi entre idade e sirtuína (r = 0,277, p = 0,009).

The effect of Ramadan fasting on sirtuin and visfatin levels.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine how Ramadan fasting effects serum Human NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1/SIR2L1) and visfatin levels during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients were included in this case-control study. The patient group consisted of 18 pregnant women who were Ramadan fasting. Another healthy 18 pregnant women with matching pregnancy weeks and ages formed the control group. Blood samples were obtained from the patients for biochemical analyses and serum adipokine level measurements. RESULTS: The mean sirtuin and visfatin levels in fasting pregnant women were 2.87 ± 0.95 and 60.18 ± 19.49 ng/mL, respectively, while the mean serum sirtuin and visfatin levels in the control group was determined to be 4.28 ± 1.45 and 23.26 ± 6.18 ng/mL, respectively. A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups (p = 0.002, p = 0.0001). A correlation analysis provided a negative correlation between number of fasting days and sirtuin levels (r = 0.45, p = 0.005) and a positive correlation with visfatin levels (r = 0.73, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: As a result, while the serum sirtuin 1 level of pregnant women decreased due to fasting in Ramadan, we determined that their visfatin levels increased and this increase was in correlation with the days of fasting.

First trimester biochemical markers in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the first trimester serum markers and nuchal translucency (NT) measurements in twin pregnancies in our population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of all double tests that were performed in our hospital over a three-year period. Out of them, we selected all twins and compared them with a group of three times as many singleton controls. NT measurements and the first trimester serum markers from 49 twin pregnancies were compared to those of 147 pregnant women with normal singleton pregnancy RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in age, gestational age and maternal weight between the two groups (p > 0.05). We found similar NT measurements in the two groups. The median MoM of Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A) and fß-hCG levels in twins were statistically significantly higher than those in singleton pregnancies. Twelve percent of the twins (12.2%) were the result of assisted reproduction technologies. IVF versus naturally conceived pregnancies showed similar MoM of PAPP-A (2.2 vs. 1.2, respectively) and fß-hCG (Mann-Whitney U; p = 0.195 and p = 0.958). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that median PAPP-A and fß-hCG levels for twins were less than twice those of singleton values.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS SEEMS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH INFLAMMATION.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with inflammation by comparing serum levels of human chitinase-3-like pro- tein 1 (YKL-40), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). This case control study included 29 pregnant women with GDM and 29 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance matched for age (± 2 years) and pre-pregnancy body mass index (± 2 kg/m²). The YKL-40/CHI3L1 levels were measured, and NLR and PLR investigated. There were no statisti- cally significant differences in maternal age, gestational age, gravidity and parity. Higher YKL-40 levels were recorded in pregnant women with GDM compared to control subjects (203 (65-300) ng/ mL vs. 159.2 (14-290) ng/mL, p = 0.007). NLR and PLR were significantly higher in GDM com- pared with control group. In conclusion, GDM is associated with high levels of YKL-40, NLR and PLR, which indicate inflammatory status.

Serum sirtuin 1 levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective of the study is to determine the human nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1 level in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This cross-sectional study included 24 patients aged 20-38 years, who were diagnosed to have PCOS (patient group). The control group included 16 age- and body mass index-matched healthy female volunteers. The patients and controls were compared in terms of pre-prandial blood glucose, the homoeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, and cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), C-reactive protein (CRP) and sirtuin 1 levels. The mean sirtuin 1 level in the patient group (6.67 ± 2.29 ng mL(-1)) was significantly higher than that in the control group (4.69 ± 1.85 ng mL(-1)) (P = 0.007). Correlation analysis showed that there were no significant differences between the groups in fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR index or cholesterol, triglyceride, HD, LDL and CRP levels. The sirtuin 1 level, which is associated with inflammation, the immune system and insulin metabolism, was higher in the PCOS patients than in the healthy controls.

Factor XII (Hageman) levels in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factor XII levels in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in a tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: Women who were referred to our hospital for two consecutive abortions or three abortions in between 2007 and 2013 were included in this retrospective observational study. Women were further grouped according to factor XII levels, as <60% and ≥ 60%. RESULTS: Mean factor XII level was 109.1 ± 35.7% (range: 9-200). Ninety-three (7.4%) women had factor XII levels < 60%. Mean factor XII level was 44.8 ± 13.1, and levels ranged between 9 and 60 in this group. Only one woman had factor XII level < 10 %. Remaining 1164 (92.6%) women had factor XII levels ≥ 60%. Mean factor XII level was 114.3 ± 31.7, and levels ranged between 60.3 and 200 in this group, while 1015 (72.4%) women had factor XII levels within the normal range (60%-150% [100% = 30 µg/mL]). CONCLUSION: Decreased activity of F-XII was diagnosed in 7.4% of women with RPL. We concluded factor XII deficiency that might be a rare but significant factor for RPL, and should be evaluated in women who are investigated for recurrent pregnancy loss.

Mid-trimester maternal serum and amniotic fluid biomarkers for the prediction of preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation.

AIM: Our purpose was to evaluate the predictive value of maternal serum and amniotic fluid biomarkers that were obtained at the time of genetic amniocentesis for preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). METHODS: A prospective cohort analysis was conducted in 107 singleton pregnancies that underwent amniocentesis at 16-22 weeks according to standard genetic indications. Maternal blood and amniotic fluid obtained from genetic amniocentesis were tested for glucose, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ceruloplasmin, ferritin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Ninety-four pregnancies were followed until delivery. RESULTS: Of the 94 patients, 16 (18.1%) delivered before 37 weeks and seven (7.5%) delivered a baby below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Amniotic fluid glucose levels were significantly lower in patients with preterm delivery than term deliveries (P = 0.01). Median amniotic fluid ferritin and IL-6 levels and mean amniotic fluid ALP levels were higher in the preterm group but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Mean maternal ALP and LDH levels tended to be insignificantly higher. Only median maternal blood ferritin levels in the IUGR group were found to be higher than patients who were appropriate for gestational age (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Low amniotic fluid glucose levels are associated with risk of preterm delivery, whereas high maternal blood ferritin levels increase the risk for IUGR. Although this result is significant and notable, there is not enough clinical evidence to recommend their use as a screening test for preterm delivery and IUGR in routine practice.

Outcome of intrauterine pregnancies with intrauterine device in place and effects of device location on prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the outcome of pregnancies with retained or removed intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the effect of IUD location on pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective cohort study, we searched 27,578 records of women who had CuT380 IUD inserted, and 144 pregnancies with IUD were analyzed. IUDs were removed from 114 patients and retained for 30 patients. RESULTS: The combined risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth and preterm premature rupture of membranes) was 36.8% in the IUD-removed group and 63.3% in the IUD-retained group [p<.01; relative risk (RR)=2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-3.3]. Newborns of the IUD-retained women had significantly lower Apgar scores and significantly higher admission rate to the neonatal intensive care unit (p=.01; RR=10.8; 95% CI 1.04-111.6 and p<.01; RR=4.5; 95% CI 1.5-12.9, respectively). There were more miscarriages and adverse pregnancy outcome when the IUD was retained (16.9% vs. 66.7%) in patients with an IUD in low-lying position (p<.01; RR=3.9; 95% CI 1.8-8.6). CONCLUSION: Women who conceived with an IUD in place and chose to continue the pregnancy without removing the IUD need close follow-up, as there appears to be higher risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcome. Furthermore, when the IUD is retained in the low-lying position, there is increased risk of miscarriage and adverse pregnancy outcome compared to removal of the IUD. Future randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the outcome of pregnancies with retained or removed IUD. IMPLICATIONS: In this study, we have evaluated the IUD location and its effect on pregnancy outcome in women with a retained or removed IUD. This study is the first to investigate the relationship between IUD location and pregnancy outcome in women who conceived with an IUD. We need evidence from a collaborative multicenter randomized trial to answer the question of whether the IUD should be removed in case of pregnancy.

Clinical outcomes of early postplacental insertion of intrauterine contraceptive devices.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy, safety and, thus, advantages and disadvantages, of early postplacental intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. METHODS: IUDs were inserted within 10 min after postplacental expulsion in term pregnancy both in vaginal and cesarean deliveries via a ring forceps. Of the 276 patients enrolled, 235 were included in the study. Recipients were scheduled for examination before hospital discharge and at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after postplacental insertion. RESULTS: The percentages of women returning for a follow-up visit were 221 (94%), 210 (89%) and 183 (78%) at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months, respectively. Among IUD acceptors, 74% of the cases had vaginal deliveries and 26% had cesarean deliveries. Continuation rates were relatively high, 87.6% and 76.3%, at 6 and 12 months, respectively, after postplacental insertion of IUD. In this study, the 1-year cumulative expulsion rate with TCu 380A device was 12.3%, which may be regarded as a standard expulsion rate for immediate postplacental insertion of similar models of IUDs. CONCLUSION: The evidence from this study suggests that immediate postplacental insertion of CuT 380 models is an effective, useful, safe, convenient and low-cost procedure for early postpartum contraception.