Effect of cord clamping time on neonatal vitamin B12, folate and urinary iodine concentration.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomised study was to investigate whether early or late clamping of the cord influences the status of micro-elements and thyroid hormone levels in newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study participants were randomised into two groups: Group 1, in which cord clamping was performed within 10 s (n = 32) and Group 2, in which clamping was performed at the 60th second (n = 28). Sociodemographic parameters were recorded; maternal and neonatal levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulant hormone (TSH), urinary iodine concentration levels (UIC) folate and vitamin B12 were measured. RESULTS: Of the maternal and neonatal thyroid hormone values examined, a significant difference was determined between the groups only in respect of the FT4 and FT3 values of the newborns in the first 24 hours (p = 0.037, p = 0.009, respectively). The FT4 values in the first 24 hours were determined to be lower than normal in 15.6% (n: 5) of the newborns in Group 1 and in 0% of Group 2. The FT3 values in the first 24 hours were determined to be lower than normal in 62.5% (n: 20) of the newborns in Group 1 and in 28.5% of Group 2. Vitamin B12 values below the normal limit were determined at a significantly higher rate in Group 1 (p = 0.009). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the maternal and neonatal vitamin B12 levels (r: 0.334, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Late clamping of the umbilical cord may contribute to erythrocyte synthesis by allowing passage of vitamins such as B12 and folic acid to the newborn.

Follicular flushing using double lumen needle yields more oocytes in mono-follicular poor responders.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of follicular flushing (FF) with double lumen needle and direct follicular aspiration with single lumen needle in terms of oocyte yield in mono-follicular responder patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques (ART). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective 'quasi-experimental' study was carried out in an IVF center. Infertile women 18-42 years of age with diminished ovarian reserve who revealed a single follicle >17 mm on the day of oocyte retrieval were included in the study. Follicular flushing up to 8 times was performed in FF group using an 17-G double lumen needle. Direct follicular aspiration using a 17-G single lumen needle without FF was performed in direct aspiration group. Total numbers of collected oocytes, metaphase 2 oocytes, fertilization and pregnancy rates were compared among groups. RESULTS: A total of 206 women underwent oocyte retrieval procedure; 106 women were assigned to FF and 100 women into direct aspiration arm. Overall oocyte retrieval rate was 50.4% in all cases. The total oocyte retrieval rate was higher (65/106, 61.9%) in FF group, than in direct aspiration group (39/100, 39%, p = 0.001). Metaphase 2 oocyte rate was also higher in FF group (47/106, 44.3% vs 29/100, 29% p = 0.04). Fertilization rates, total number of patients with a cleavage stage embryo and grade 1 cleavage embryo were similar among the groups (p>0.5). Numbers of positive hCG, ongoing pregnancy and miscarriage rates were similar among groups. CONCLUSION: Follicular flushing using double lumen needle in mono-follicular responder patients with diminished ovarian reserve yields more oocytes and mature oocytes than direct aspiration of follicles.

The Relationship between Vitamin D and Vasomotor Symptoms During the Postmenopausal Period.

BACKGROUND: During the postmenopausal period, hot flashes are frequent symptoms and might impact quality of life. Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in this period. This study aims to assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and hot flashes. METHODS: Two hundred ten postmenopausal women were recruited. The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of postmenopausal women with hot flashes (n = 104), and Group 2 included the participants without hot flashes (n = 106). RESULTS: The comparison of the two groups concerning vitamin D level showed that 52 patients Group 1 had vitamin 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL, whereas only 25 patients in Group 2 (p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and menopause duration, there was also a significant difference between groups (21.65 vs. 34.17, respectively, p < 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, one unit decrease of vitamin 25(OH)D (1 - 0.941 = 0.059) increased the risk of hot flashes by 5.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The decreases of vitamin D levels were significantly associated with hot flashes in postmenopausal women independent of age and menopause duration.

Evaluation of the relationship between sexual functions and depressive symptoms among pregnant patients during the second trimester.

PURPOSE: Pregnancy is a process during which anatomical, physiological, and emotional changes occur. During this process, the sex lives of couples can be affected. Possible depressive symptoms and female sexual dysfunction can affect the relationship between partners, pregnancy-delivery process, and as a result, the newborn. The objective in the present study was to evaluate the relationship of female sexuality during pregnancy with sociodemographic parameters and depressive symptoms. METHODS: 150 pregnant women during the second trimester of their pregnancy and age-matched 150 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Sociodemographic data were recorded. "Female Sexual Function Index" (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual functions and "Beck Depression Inventory" (BDI) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms. The data were analysed using SPSS 23 statistical software. The results were interpreted with "Independent Samples t Test", Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U analysis and Chi-square test, and a p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: It was detected that FSFI score of the pregnant group was lower compared to that of the non-pregnant group (16.953 ± 8.24; p = 0.000). There was no difference between the groups in terms of BDI scores (p = 0.100). There was no relationship between the FSFI score and the BDI score in the pregnant group (r = - 0.087; p = 0.144). CONCLUSION: It was found that female sexual dysfunction occurs in pregnant women, depressive symptoms remained unchanged when compared to non-pregnant women and sexual functions remain unaffected.

A multilateral investigation of the effects of zinc level on pregnancy.

BACKROUND: The relationship between maternal zinc level and birth weight, birth week, delivery type, garvida, maternal age, etc., contribute to diagnosis and clinical follow-up. METHOD: Multivariate investigated for data of 275 patients were obtained during their pregnancy periods until birth. 3 cc blood samples were centrifuged for 15 minutes at 2500 g within a period of 30 minutes and were stored at -80°C until the time of analysis. The zinc levels of the patients were found to be within the range of 49-129 µg/dL. Patients were divided into 8 groups according to their zinc levels (49-59, 60-69, …, 120-129) and the relationships of zinc level with the parameters related to the mode of delivery, week of delivery, birth weight, age, early membrane rupture, live-stillbirth, and gravid were statistically analyzed to determine differences between the groups. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the live births and stillbirths with a 95% confidence level regarding the zinc level. The zinc level affected the live-stillbirth status; patients with a zinc level of 49-59 µg/dL had stillbirths, the live birth rate for 59-69 µg/dL was approximately 50%, whereas it was approximately 88% for in the patients with a zinc level of 109-119 µg/dL. All patients with a zinc level of 119 µg/dL and above had live births. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that zinc supplementation may be an appropriate treatment for the pregnant women with low zinc levels to provide the realization of live births.