Case Report: Upper limb superficial venous thrombosis associated with oral contraceptives mimicking soft tissue mass.

Background: Venous thrombosis associated with the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) occurs mostly in the deep veins of the lower extremity. A lesion of the upper extremity is rare, and the majority of thrombotic events that occur in the superficial vein of the upper extremity are caused by intravenous catheters. We present a rare case of superficial venous thrombus on the upper extremity in a woman with a history of long-term OC use. Case presentation: A 35-year-old woman, with an 8-year history of OC use, presented with a 2-year history of painfully palpable masses on her left forearm. The lesion mimicking soft tissue mass was confirmed to be superficial venous thrombi through ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Conservative treatment including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasoprotective agents, and aspirin was prescribed. Through consultation with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, it was confirmed that the current OCs could be discontinued, and the pain was almost relieved after conservative treatment. Conclusions: If thrombotic events occur in the superficial vein of the upper extremity without intravenous catheters, detailed medical history taking and the possibility of OCs should be considered.

Initial Experience of Articulating Laparoscopic Instruments for Benign Gynecologic Disease: A Single-Arm Multicenter Prospective Study (Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group 4002).

Laparoscopic surgery has evolved with technological advances in many aspects and increasing demand for its benefits in cosmetics, fast recovery, reduced complication rates and pain. However, it still possesses drawbacks such as limited surgical movement due to the nature of rigid laparoscopic instruments. In order to overcome such limitations, several laparoscopic jointed instruments have been developed. In this prospective multicenter, single-arm cohort study, we investigated the short-term safety and feasibility of the new articulating laparoscopic instruments in benign gynecologic surgery. A total of 113 patients who were diagnosed with benign gynecologic adnexal diseases underwent laparoscopic surgery with articulating laparoscopic instruments. Surgical outcomes, including intra/postoperative complication rates, operation time and estimated blood loss, as well as surgeon's subjective evaluation of the usage of the instruments, were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the articulating laparoscopic instruments had comparable usability and produced similar surgical outcomes to conventional laparoscopic surgery. The objective parameters, such as the operative time and complication rates, as well as the subjective parameters, such as the surgeon's own evaluation of the surgical instruments' usability, demonstrated potential benefits of the instruments in benign gynecological diseases. Overall, the study demonstrated that the use of this novel articulating device is feasible in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Corrigendum: Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes After Exposure to Alprazolam in Pregnancy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.854562.].

Ritodrine in external cephalic version: is it effective and safe?

OBJECTIVE: The external cephalic version (ECV) has been shown to lower the likelihood of cesarean section requirements among pregnant women with breech presentations. In the current study, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of ritodrine as a tocolytic for ECV. METHODS: A total of 407 pregnant women with breech presentations, who had no contraindications for ECV, were enrolled in this study. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of ritodrine use on the safety and efficacy of ECV. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 67.6%, and ritodrine use was associated with significantly higher odds of successful ECV after adjusting for confounders. Moreover, using ritodrine did not increase the risk of adverse effects, including temporary changes in fetal heart rate, need for elective or emergency cesarean section due to fetal distress during ECV, low Apgar scores, and perinatal mortality. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that using ritodrine as a tocolytic during ECV may increase the likelihood of ECV success and may not increase adverse perinatal outcomes.

Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes After Exposure to Alprazolam in Pregnancy.

Alprazolam is a commonly prescribed benzodiazepine for anxiety or panic disorder, even in pregnant women. Information on the safety of alprazolam during pregnancy is insufficient. We aimed to evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after exposure to alprazolam during pregnancy. A prospective study was conducted on 725 pregnancies from January 2000 to December 2019. Participants were recruited through the Korean Mother-Safe Program, a service providing information on drug-induced teratogenic risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Exposed (N = 96) and non-exposed (N = 629) women to alprazolam during pregnancy were selected and followed-up until delivery. Pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, still birth, low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, Apgar score (at 1 and 5 min), and malformations were measured and compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between alprazolam exposure and outcomes. The mean age was 32.9 (SD 4.0) years in the alprazolam-exposed group and 31.8 (SD 3.8) years in the unexposed group (p = 0.008). The alprazolam exposure group demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: spontaneous abortion (OR = 2.38; 95% CI 1.20-4.69), LBW (OR = 3.65; 95% CI 1.22-11.00), and Apgar score at 1 min ≤ 7 (OR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.02-4.67). There was no significant difference in congenital abnormalities between the exposure and non-exposure groups. Our findings confirmed that alprazolam exposure during pregnancy was significantly associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, and Apgar score at 1 min ≤ 7. Alprazolam during pregnancy should be appropriately regulated and monitored.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after periconceptional exposure to isotretinoin in Koreans.

OBJECTIVE: Isotretinoin should not be used during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. Most pregnant women exposed to isotretinoin choose voluntary pregnancy termination due to concerns about birth defects. However, birth outcome data supporting the termination of pregnancy are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after periconception exposure to isotretinoin. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. We evaluated pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after exposure to isotretinoin in 151 pregnant women. Among 1,026 callers at the Korean Teratology Information Service from 2001 to 2017 exposed to isotretinoin during the periconception period, 151 pregnant women who received counseling on teratogenic risk after visiting the clinic were included. RESULTS: Among the 151 participants who visited the clinic, only 42 were evaluated using ultrasonography until approximately 20 weeks of gestation. Ultimately, 23 patients were included in the study. The average gestation period during the last exposure to the drug was 2 weeks, and the average daily exposure dose was 12 mg. There were two cases of major birth defects in the exposure group. Spontaneous abortion rates were 17.7% and 8.7% in the exposure and nonexposure groups, respectively (P=0.035). There was no significant difference between the exposure and non-exposure groups in terms of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including birth defects, between the exposure and non-exposure groups. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate our findings.

Rupture-mediated large uterine defect at 30th gestational week with protruded amniotic sac and fetal head without fetal compromise after laparoscopic electromyolysis: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: We describe a case of a rupture-mediated large uterine defect, which occurred on the 30th gestation week presenting a protruding amniotic sac sac without fetal compromise after a laparoscopic electromyolysis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old woman in her 30th week of gestation (gravida 2, para 0) presented with whole abdominal and right lower quadrant pain at Sanggye Paik Hospital. Ultrasound examination showed normal amniotic fluid and placentation but with breech presentation. She had undergone laparoscopic right ovarian cystectomy due to endometriosis 5 years earlier. Cardiotocography revealed an intermittent variable deceleration and no uterine contraction. Magnetic resonance imaging ruled out acute appendicitis. Four hours later, we observed a protrusion of the amniotic sac with the fetal head through a large uterine defect on magnetic resonance imaging, and performed emergency cesarean section. A boy was delivered without fetal compromise. During the cesarean section, multiple myometric wall defects and thinning were identified. After reconstruction of the uterine wall, the flaccid uterus bled persistently; thus, a cesarean hysterectomy was performed. Packed red cells and frozen plasma were transfused. The mother and neonate had uneventful puerperal and neonatal courses, respectively. After cesarean hysterectomy, we were informed that the mother had undergone a combined laparoscopic electromyolysis during the laparoscopic right ovarian cystectomy. Three years later, the child showed normal neural development. CONCLUSIONS: Before myomectomy or electromyolysis, patients should be informed of the possibility of uterine rupture during subsequent pregnancies. If a pregnant woman has abdominal pain, clinicians should take a detailed history of uterine surgery and consider uterine rupture. Although, fortunately, the outcomes in this case were uneventful, urgent delivery is required when uterine rupture is diagnosed.

The rates of major malformations after gestational exposure to isotretinoin: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Isotretinoin is among the most notorious human teratogens, documented originally as causing up to 30% of malformations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the rates of major malformation (MM) among isotretinoin-exposed pregnant women over the years through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Eligible studies were searched and identified using various databases. Single-arm meta-analysis and meta-analysis of odd ratios among controlled studies were performed using Review Manager version 5.3. RESULTS: Ten eligible studies that combined 2,783 isotretinoin-exposed women were included in our study. The rate of MM weighted for the sample size was 15%. Three studies that included an unexposed comparison group were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio of MM for isotretinoin-exposed women was 3.76. After 2006, the pooled odds ratio of MM for isotretinoin exposure was significantly lower at 1.04. CONCLUSION: The current rate of MM in isotretinoin-exposed women was substantially lower after 2006.

How to approach the rupture of tubo-ovarian abscess during pregnancy: A case report and literature review.

We present the case of a 26-year-old multiparous woman who experienced rupture of a tubo-ovarian abscess during the second trimester of pregnancy. She presented with epigastric and right lower quadrant pain at 12 + 0 weeks' gestation. There were no other specific findings on the magnetic resonance imaging images. We recommended hospitalization to observe the changes in pain, but she refused confinement. About 3 weeks later, she revisited our emergency room at 15 + 4 weeks' gestation. She complained of worsening abdominal pain with fever. She underwent right salpingo-oophorectomy and appendectomy due to uncontrollable, severe abdominal pain without any obstetric abnormal condition. There was a rupture site in the right adnexa, which was covered with pus. The rupture of tubo-ovarian abscess during pregnancy is very rare. Therefore, obstetricians should carefully monitor the adnexal masses observed during pregnancy, which should be treated with caution, whether or not the patient is symptomatic.

Uterine alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in an elderly patient manifesting extremely poor prognosis; a rare subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) arising in the corpus uteri is an extremely rare condition with exceptionally rapid progression and poor prognosis. Furthermore, ARMS is primarily diagnosed in the pediatric population. Due to rarity of the disease, there are no standard treatment guidelines. A 90-year-old woman was presented with a huge pelvic mass causing dyspnea and abdominal distension. The patient underwent debulking surgery and was diagnosed with uterine ARMS by fresh specimen biopsy. Despite intensive postoperative care, the patient died on the eighth postoperative day. Here, we report a case of uterine ARMS that will add to our understanding of this exceptionally rare type of tumor.

Ovarian pregnancy rupture in second trimester manifesting mental change in pregnancy: a case report.

Ovarian pregnancies comprise approximately 3% of ectopic pregnancies. Moreover, ovarian pregnancies in the second trimester are extremely rare. We herein present a case of ruptured ovarian pregnancy in the second trimester. A 26-year-old Asian woman presented to our hospital complaining of an abrupt mental change. She was pregnant; however, she had not been receiving antenatal care. Her initial vital signs were unstable, and pelvic ultrasound revealed pelvic fluid collection. We analyzed the hemoperitoneum and performed exploratory laparotomy. When her abdomen was opened, we observed that her right ovary was ruptured. Placental cord insertion originated from the ovary, and a fetus was found in the pelvic cavity. The ovarian pregnancy was detected in a delayed state. Pregnant women require appropriate antenatal care, and pelvic ultrasound should be performed in the second trimester to ensure that the fetus is in the intrauterine cavity.

Le Fort partial colpocleisis as an effective treatment option for advanced apical prolapse in elderly women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of women with advanced apical prolapse who were treated with the obliterative LeFort partial colpocleisis (LFC) procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent LFC for advanced apical prolapse. We collected data for baseline patient characteristics, co-morbidities, severity of prolapse, operating time, intraoperative injuries, and postoperative complications. Subjective postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction levels were also assessed. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients underwent LFC during the study period. Median age of patients at operation was 76.0years. Mean operation time was 121.5 ± 31.9 min. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 ± 1.6 days. Postoperative complications, which were virtually all urinary symptoms, were present in 29.8% of patients, and 89.3% of patients have been in spontaneous remission. There was one case with perineal wound infection, one case of prolapse recurrence, and one case of de novo rectal prolapse after LFC. The objective success rate of the LFC procedure for all patients was 98.9% (94/95). Most (96%) patients were satisfied with the LFC results and pleased with the improvement in body image. CONCLUSION: The obliterative LFC procedure had a high success rate and was associated with minimal adverse events for the elderly patients with advanced apical prolapse. This procedure should be considered as a treatment option for the advanced apical prolapse in selected elderly women who do not want to conserve vaginal intercourse, as it offers improvement in quality of life and is associated with a low regret rate.

Ketogenic diet-induced extension of longevity in epileptic Kcna1-null mice is influenced by gender and age at treatment onset.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a leading cause of premature mortality in patients with epilepsy, and has been linked to multiple risk factors, including gender and early age at seizure onset. Despite the lack of a targeted therapy for SUDEP, it has recently been shown that a high-fat, low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) enhances longevity in the epileptic Kcna1-null (KO) mouse, a validated model of SUDEP. Here, we asked whether the KD-driven prolongation of lifespan in KO mice is dependent on sex and/or age at treatment onset. We found that as KO mice aged, their daily seizure frequency steadily increased, but had early demise by postnatal day (PD) 46.9±0.8. In KO mice started on the KD at PD30, longevity was extended to a mean of PD69.8±1.7, accompanied with improved seizure control. Interestingly, while seizure control on the KD was similar between male and female mice, KD-fed female KO mice survived longer than their male counterparts. Further, epileptic mice initiated on the KD at PD25 had longer lifespans compared to those placed on the KD starting at PD35. Collectively, these data further support the notion that the KD can retard disease progression and sudden death in KO mice, but that this beneficial action is influenced by gender and age at the start of treatment.

Delayed intestinal perforation and vertebral osteomyelitis after high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for uterine leiomyoma.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive uterine fibroid treatment option for patients who want to preserve fertility. However, according to several reports regarding ablation of solid tumors by HIFU, there are rare complications in patients with uterine leiomyomas, and overall data are still insufficient. Here, we report rare and major complications of HIFU, such as delayed intestinal perforation, uterine perforation with recto-uterine fistula, and osteomyelitis 29 days after the HIFU procedure to treat multiple myomas. Thus, we present a very serious case resulting from HIFU treatment of uterine fibroids and a review of the literature.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone protects learning and memory function in epileptic Kcna1-null mice.

ACTH, a member of the melanocortin family of peptides, is often used in the treatment of the developmental epileptic encephalopathy spectrum disorders including, Ohtahara, West, Lennox Gastaut and Landau-Kleffner Syndromes and electrical status epilepticus of sleep. In these disorders, although ACTH is often successful in controlling the seizures and/or inter-ictal EEG abnormalities, it is unknown whether ACTH possesses other beneficial effects independent of seizure control. We tested whether ACTH can ameliorate the intrinsic impairment of hippocampal-based learning and memory in epileptic Kcna1-null (KO) mice. We found that ACTH - administered in the form of Acthar Gel given i.p. four times daily at a dose of 4 IU/kg (16 IU/kg/day) for 7days - prevented impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP) evoked with high-frequency stimulation in CA1 hippocampus and also restored spatial learning and memory on the Barnes maze test. However, with this treatment regimen, ACTH did not exert a significant effect on the frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures. Together, our findings indicate that ACTH can ameliorate memory impairment in epileptic Kcna1-null mice separate from seizure control, and suggest that this widely used peptide may exert direct nootropic effects in the epileptic brain.

Increased Urinary Phthalate Levels in Women with Uterine Leiomyoma: A Case-Control Study.

We assessed the urinary concentration of 16 phthalate metabolites in 57 women with and without uterine leiomyoma (n = 30 and 27; respectively) to determine the association between phthalate exposure and uterine leiomyoma. To evaluate exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP); we calculated the molar sum of DEHP metabolites; ∑3-DEHP (combining mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP); mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP); and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate); ∑4-DEHP (∑3-DEHP plus mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate); and ∑5-DEHP (∑4-DEHP plus mono (2-(carboxylmethyl)hexyl) phthalate (2cx-MMHP)). The log transformed urinary levels of MEHP; MEHHP; 2cx-MMHP; ∑3-DEHP; ∑4-DEHP; and ∑5-DEHP in the leiomyoma group were significantly higher than those of controls. When we adjusted for age; waist circumference; and parity using multiple logistic regression analyses; we found log ∑3-DEHP (OR = 10.82; 95% CI = 1.25; 93.46) and ∑4-DEHP (OR = 8.78; 95% CI = 1.03; 75.29) were significantly associated with uterine leiomyoma. Our findings suggest an association between phthalate exposure and uterine leiomyoma. However; larger studies are needed to investigate potential interactions between phthalate exposure and uterine leiomyoma.