The Effect of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Diagnosis and Severity on Depression Sensitivity.

ABSTRACT: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is thought to be associated with depressive disorder. In our study, the depression susceptibility of female patients with PMDD was assessed using the depression sensitivity scale, which is different from previous studies. The study was conducted on 32 PMDD patients aged 18-40 years who applied to the psychiatry outpatient clinic and 30 healthy controls. The mean age of women diagnosed with PMDD was similar ( p = 0.467). The probability of having a family history of PMDD was significantly higher in the PMDD group than in the control group (χ 2 = 11.182, p = 0.001). Previous psychotropic drug use (χ 2 = 8.862, p = 0.003) and family history of mental illness (χ 2 = 5.995, p = 0.014) were significantly higher in PMDD patients compared with the control group. The sociodemographic questionnaire, the Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity (LEIDS), and the Premenstrual Assessment Form were administered to the participants. No significant difference was found between the patient and healthy groups regarding LEIDS scores ( r = 0.75, p > 0.05). In patients with PMDD, the clinical severity of PMDD was found to increase susceptibility to depression ( r = 0.460, p < 0.01). It was revealed that PMDD severity was associated with susceptibility to depression rather than PMDD diagnosis.

Maternal serum ischemia-modified albumin as an oxidative stress biomarker in preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the maternal serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) concentration as an oxidative stress biomarker in pregnancies complicated by preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM) without maternal clinical infection and compare these results with healthy pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present cohort study included 40 pregnancies complicated by PPROM and 49 similar gestational age healthy pregnancies in the third trimester of gestation. Maternal venous blood specimens were obtained at the day of first diagnosis. Maternal serum IMA level was assayed with an Albumin Cobalt Binding test. The subjects were followed up until delivery and perinatal outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The maternal serum IMA concentrations were significantly higher in the study group (0.56 ± 0.05 absorbance units) as compared to controls (0.54 ± 0.03 absorbance units) (p = 0.020). The maternal serum IMA concentrations were not significantly correlated with the initial maternal white blood cell count (r: 0.118, p = 0.269) and C-reactive protein levels (r: 0.066, p = 0.541). The maternal serum IMA concentrations were negatively correlated with gestational age at delivery (r: -0.248, p = 0.019), birthweight (r: -0.247, p = 0.020) and Apgar scores (r: -0.200, p = 0.049; r: -0.245, p = 0.020). The threshold value of maternal serum IMA concentration above 0.55 absorbance units indicated the pregnancy complicated by PPROM by 57.5% sensitivity and 57.1% specificity (Area under curve 0.613, confidence interval 0.50-0.73). CONCLUSIONS: The current study supported for the first time that there is an association between increased maternal serum IMA levels and the development of PPROM in the third trimester of gestation without maternal clinical infection. Elevated maternal serum IMA levels may alert the obstetrician about poor ongoing perinatal outcomes in the early phase of PPROM before increased maternal C-reactive protein and white blood cell count.

Energy drinks may affect the ovarian reserve and serum anti-mullerian hormone levels in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Energy drinks have an impact on concentration levels, physical performance, speed of reaction, and focus, but these drinks cause many adverse effects and intoxication symptoms. The main goal of this study was to determine the effect of energy drink consumption on ovarian reserve and serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Wistar albino rats (n=16) were included and randomized into two groups (n=8). Serum AMH levels were checked before and after energy drinks were given. Eight weeks later, the ovaries and uteruses of the rats were analyzed histopathologically. The number of follicles in the ovaries was counted. RESULTS: The total number of the preantral plus small antral follicles, which show the ovarian reserve, was decreased at the end of eight weeks in both the control group and the energy drink group. There was a statistical difference between them (p=0.021). Also, there was a statistically significant difference in the initial/final AMH (ng/mL) reduction levels between the control group and the energy drink group (p=0.002). AMH levels were decreased more in the energy drink group. CONCLUSION: The consumption of energy drinks can lead to a decrease in ovarian reserve and AMH values and may cause weight gain.

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Pregnant Women with Hepatic Cirrhosis.

AIM: The reproductive hormone levels and systemic physiology of women with hepatic cirrhosis are altered. Existing data have indicated the adverse effects of cirrhosis on both the mother and the fetus. Pregnancy is successful in most of the patients with chronic liver disease. But maternal and fetal complication rates are still high for decompensated hepatic cirrhosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical features, etiological factors, medications, morbidity, mortality, and obstetric outcomes of pregnant women with hepatic cirrhosis. METHODS: Pregnant women, who were diagnosed with maternal hepatic cirrhosis and followed up in our clinic between 2014 and 2017, were retrospectively evaluated. The pregnant women that had been followed up for hepatic cirrhosis were classified as compensated disease and decompensated disease. Eleven cases were included in this period. RESULTS: The mean age of cases was 33.5 ± 5.5 years. The mean gravida number was 3.2 ± 1.1, and the mean parity number was 1.7 ± 1. Six cases were in the compensated cirrhosis stage, and 5 cases were in the decompensated cirrhosis stage. A pregnancy with decompensated cirrhosis was terminated after the fetal heart sound was negative in the 9th week of pregnancy. Spontaneous abortus occurred in one case (<20 weeks). The mean gestational week of the 9 cases was 33.3 ± 6.2. Two of the 9 cases delivered birth vaginally. Seven cases delivered by cesarean section. The mean first- and fifth-minute APGAR scores were 6.6 ± 1.41 and 8.2 ± 1.56, respectively. The mean birth weight was 2303 ± 981 g. Among 9 cases with live birth, 6 had compensated cirrhosis and 3 had decompensated cirrhosis. In the second trimester, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to all patients in terms of esophageal varices. Endoscopic band ligation was performed in 3 cases with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The postpartum mortality did not occur. Discussion. Pregnancy is not recommended for patients with hepatic cirrhosis due to high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The pregnancy course of cases with cirrhosis changes according to the stage of liver injury and severity of disease. Although the delivery method is controversial, delivery by cesarean section is recommended for patients with esophageal varices by the reason of bleeding from varices after pushing during labor. The bleeding risk must be kept in mind as coagulopathy is common in hepatic diseases. The maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality rates have been decreased by the current developments in hepatology, prevention of bleeding from varices with drugs and/or band ligation, improvement in liver transplantation, and increasing experience in this issue.

Shear-wave elastography - virtual touch tissue quantification of fetal placentas with a single umbilical artery.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the elasticities of fetal placentas with a single umbilical artery using the Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification (VTTQ) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women with fetuses with a single umbilical artery (SUA) and pregnant women with fetuses having three vessel cord (3VC) at 18-22 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the research. The placentas were evaluated and divided into three equal parts as the inner 1/3 of the placenta (fetal edge), the outer 1/3 of the placenta (maternal edge) and the central 1/3 of the placenta (central part). Shear-wave velocity (SWV) measurements were used in the elastographic evaluation of placentas by VTTQ. RESULTS: Forty pregnant women were included in the study (n = 20 SUA, n = 20 three vessel cord pregnant women). The placental Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (VTTQ) of the placenta regarding SWV measurement values of the fetal edge of the placenta in the fetuses with SUA and the control group were 0.876 and 0.957 m/sec, respectively. A significant statistical difference was found between the groups regarding the measurement of the stiffness of fetal placenta (p = 0.021). There was no significant difference between the measured stiffness values of the central or outer region of the placentas. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found lower SWV scores for the fetal edge of the placenta with SUA. This finding may reflect tissue elasticity level, and we hope that the use of the VTTQ technique may contribute to predicting the pregnancy-related morbidities of fetuses with SUA in the future.

Ghrelin does not change in hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVES: Ghrelin levels can play an important role in maintaining the energy balance of pregnant women. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between HG and Ghrelin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 female patients admitted to the VAN Yüzüncü Yil University, Gynecology and Obstetrics Department were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 included 25 pregnant women with HG, Group 2 included 25 healthy pregnant women. RESULTS: The two groups showed similarities in terms of age, gravidity, B-HCG and gestational age. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the Ghrelin levels (p = 0.867). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there is no difference between Ghrelin levels and HG during pregnancy. Increased Ghrelin in previous studies was attributed to low oral intake. Another study reported lower Ghrelin levels are not the result of, but are rather the cause of, reduced oral intake during. The balancing of these two conditions does not lead to a change in the level of Ghrelin.

Analysis of factors affecting outcomes of pregnancy complicated by Echinococcus: an algorithm for approach and management.

PURPOSE: The management of hydatid disease (HD) co-occurring with pregnancy remains a challenge for physicians. We aimed to determine factors that were related to fetal and maternal outcomes in HD complicated pregnancies and then develop an approach/treatment algorithm. METHOD: All patients at the participating hospitals were first analyzed to determine whether they had HD. Only patients diagnosed with HD during the course of their pregnancy were included. Certain cyst-related factors (diameter, localization, increase in size, and viability) and certain pregnancy-related factors (treatments, gestational week, maternal co-morbidities, and delivery type) were investigated. Nonlinear principal component analysis (NPCA) was performed to determine the relationships between the categories of variables. RESULTS: Out of 12,926 pregnancies, 27 cases were diagnosed with HD. In 13 cases, each developed at least one fetal problem. Using Albendazol in first trimester, presence of an active cyst, increased diameter by more than 1 cm during pregnancy and a cyst diagnosed in the second trimester were associated with at least one fetal problem. According to the NPCA results, cyst diameter when first diagnosed was related to fetal outcomes; a cyst greater than 10 cm was associated with "at least one fetal problem". Cysts 5-10 cm in diameter were in a neutral position, while 2-5 cm in diameter were in the "no problems" group. CONCLUSIONS: HD mostly affects fetus. If cyst-related and pregnancy-related variables are optimal, close follow-up on a monthly is the best course of action. However, in high-risk conditions, percutaneous interventions or surgery should be considered.

Are the skin scar characteristics and closure of the parietal peritoneum associated with pelvic adhesions?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the abdominal scar characteristics and closure of the peritoneum were associated with pelvic adhesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone cesarean section between December 2015 and February 2016 were assessed prospectively in terms of age, gravida, body mass index, number of living children, number of cesarean sections, time passed since the last cesarean section, closure status of the peritoneum in the last cesarean section, presence of other diseases, smoking status, location of incision in the abdomen (medial, pfannenstiel) scar dimensions (length, width), scar status with respect to skin (hypertrophic, flat, depressive), scar color [color change/no color change (hyperpigmented/hypopigmented)], adhesion of bowel-omentum-uterus, omentum-anterior abdominal wall, uterus-anterior abdominal wall, uterus-bladder, bladder-anterior abdominal wall, fixed uterus, and uterus-omentum-anterior abdominal wall in abdominal exploration. RESULTS: One hundred five pregnant women who had undergone previous ceserean section surgery by the same physician, were at least in their 30th gestational week, had surgery notes about their previous operation, and had no chronic diseases were included in the study. Age, gravida, body mass index, number of children, number of cesarean sections, time passed since the previous cesarean section, closure/non-closure of peritoneum in the previous cesarean section, and smoking status had no effect on pelvic adhesions. Intraabdominal adhesion was not found to be associated with scar length [odds ratio (OR): 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-2.2; p=0.02], depressive scar (OR: 9.3, 95% CI: 3.2-27.2; p<0.001), or hypopigmented scar [OR: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.003-0.11; p<0.001]. CONCLUSION: Adhesions following surgical operations are of great importance due to complications for the patient, complications in relaparotomy, and high costs. Depressive and hypopigmented abdominal scars may be associated with pelvic adhesions. We believe that closure or non-closure of the parietal peritoneum is not associated with pelvic adhesions.

Use of ARFI elastography in the prediction of placental invasion anomaly via a new Virtual Touch Quantification Technique.

We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of placental elasticity in predicting a placental invasion anomaly with the Virtual Touch Quantification (VTQ) technique. Pregnant women in the third trimester with suspected placental invasion anomaly were enrolled into the research (n = 58). The placenta was evaluated and divided into three equal parts as foetal edge (inner 1/3 of placenta), maternal edge (outer 1/3 of placenta) and the central part (central 1/3 of placenta). Shear wave velocity (SWV) measurements were used in the elastographic evaluation of placentas by VTQ. We performed the measurements at the different regions of placenta for sampling the variety areas of the placenta. Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography scores were significantly higher in the group in which an invasion was detected during the surgery of patients with preoperative placental invasion suspicion. A significant difference in the measurements of the inner, central and outer third of the placenta between the groups was found (p < .001). In this study, we have shown higher SWV scores of placental measurements of the patients with preoperative suspected anomalies and an invasion detected during their surgery. These findings may reflect an event at the tissue elasticity level and we hope that the use of the VTQ technique may contribute to an early prediction of placental invasions before surgery in the future via new research. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Placenta invasion anomalies (PIA's) are characterized by haemorrhages which can threat the mother's life. Placental invasion anomalies are among the most important causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis is very important condition in reducing the mortality and morbidity. Gray scale ultrasonography (US) is mostly used in early diagnosis of PIA's. Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography (ARFI) is a new elastographic ultrasonography technic. We aimed to evaluate a new method in the early diagnosis of PIA's using ARFI technique. There is no study in the diagnosis of PIA's by ARFI in the literature to our knowledge. We think that this original study will contribute to the literature. What do the results of this study add? We showed the accuracy of ARFI in determination of PIA's. ARFI scores were significantly higher in the group in which invasion was detected during surgery of patients with preoperative placental invasion suspicion. What are the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our findings may reflect an event at the tissue elasticity level and we hope that the use of VTQ technique may contribute to early predict of placental invasions before surgery in the future via new researches. Early diagnosis of placental invasion anomalies may reduce mortality and morbidity.

Maternal serum calponin 1 level as a biomarker for the short-term prediction of preterm birth in women with threatened preterm labor.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of maternal serum calponin 1 level in the prediction of delivery within 7 days among pregnancies complicated with threatened preterm labor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible women who presented at 24-34 weeks of gestation with threatened preterm labor underwent sampling for serum calponin 1 level and cervical length measurement. They were followed up until delivery prospectively and the perinatal outcomes of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: Of 73 women included in the study, 36 women delivered within 7 days and 37 women delivered beyond 7 days after admission. The maternal serum calponin 1 level was significantly high in women who delivered within 7 days (p: 0.031). The threshold value of 2 ng/mL for maternal serum calponin 1 predicted delivery within 7 days with 61.1% sensitivity and 62.2 specificity (area under curve, 0.658, confidence interval 0.53-0.79). The general accuracy values for maternal cervical length measurement (≤25 mm), serum calponin 1 level (>2 ng/mL) and the combination of two tests to predict delivery within 7 days was found to be 64.4%, 61.6% and 72.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The maternal serum calponin 1 level may be a useful biomarker in short-term prediction of preterm birth among pregnancies complicated with threatened preterm labor, in addition to cervical length measurement.

Amniotic fluid oxidant-antioxidant status in foetal congenital nervous system anomalies.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the oxidant-antioxidant status of amniotic fluid in pregnant women with foetal congenital malformations of the central nervous system. Methods We studied pregnant women with foetal congenital nervous system anomalies at 16-22 weeks' gestation (n = 36). The control group (n = 30) consisted of pregnant women at the same gestational age who underwent amniocentesis, resulting in a normal karyotype. We analysed glutathione, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels in amniotic fluid. Enzyme activation was measured by spectrophotometry. Results The demographic features of the groups were similar in terms of age, parity, body mass index, and gestational weeks. We detected lower glutathione and catalase levels in the foetal congenital anomaly group than in the control group. We detected higher malondialdehyde levels in the foetal congenital anomaly group than in the control group. Conclusion In the organism, the rate of formation of free radicals and their rate of removal are balanced, and this is called oxidative balance. As long as oxidative stability is achieved, the organism is not affected by free radicals. This fact should be kept in mind to avoid any type of teratogenic agent that could lead to congenital disorders.

Two Years Follow-Up of Patients with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding after Insertion of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the long-term treatment of heavy menstrual blood loss in women unrelated to intrauterine pathology. METHODS: One hundred and six parous women aged 33-48 years with recurrent heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) participated in this study. The women were followed up for 24 months and were assessed for intensity of bleeding both for pre- and post-insertion periods. An LNG-IUS was inserted in each patient within 7 days of the start of menstrual flow. The women were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months following the insertion of the intrauterine device. RESULTS: One hundred and two women completed the follow-up period and had a significant reduction in the amount of menstrual blood loss. The LNG-IUS was well tolerated by all women. Pre-treatment of the use of the LNG-IUS, endometrial biopsy patterns for irregular proliferative endometrium and for atypical simple hyperplasia were 34/106 (32.08%) and 61/106 (57.55%) respectively and after treatment no abnormal pathologic findings were determined (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the LNG-IUS is effective for significantly reducing the amount of menstrual blood loss in women with HMB.

The maternal thiol/disulfide homeostasis does not change in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the maternal thiol/disulfide homeostasis in pregnant women complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and to compare the results with healthy pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort study consisted of thirty-nine pregnancies complicated by PPROM and 44 gestational age-matched healthy pregnancies in the third trimester of gestation. Maternal serum samples were obtained at the day of diagnosis, and thiol/disulfide profiles were measured by using an automated assay method. The patients were followed till delivery, and perinatal outcomes were noted. RESULTS: The maternal native thiol (319.9 ± 30.5 µmol/L versus 305.1 ± 49.2 µmol/L, p: .100), total thiol (379.2 ± 38.8 µmol/L versus 363.6 ± 56.4 µmol/L, p: .142) and disulfide (29.7 ± 11.7 µmol/L versus 29.3 ± 10.1 µmol/L, p: .864) levels were similar between the groups. Maternal disulfide/native thiol, disulfide/total thiol and native thiol/total thiol ratios were similar between the groups (p: .610, p: .565 and .562, respectively). The maternal serum thiol/disulfide profiles were not significantly correlated with maternal serum C-reactive protein, white blood cell count values and ongoing pregnancy outcomes (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that there was not any disturbance in maternal thiol/disulfide homeostasis in pregnancies complicated by PPROM at the time of initial diagnosis. Follow-up studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm our results.

The maternal serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis is impaired in pregnancies complicated by idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction.

PURPOSE: To investigate the maternal serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis in pregnancies complicated by idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and to compare the results with healthy pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive cohort study included 55 pregnant women complicated by idiopathic IUGR and 57 similar gestational aged healthy pregnant women in the third trimester of gestation. Maternal serum samples were collected at the day of diagnosis and the thiol/disulfide homeostasis was measured by using an automated assay method. The patients were followed up until delivery and perinatal outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Maternal serum native thiol (308.1 ± 40.7 µmol/L vs. 282.4 ± 60.6 µmol/L) and total thiol (346.8 ± 48.1 µmol/L vs. 324.0 ± 62.2 µmol/L) concentrations were significantly lower in IUGR group compared with healthy controls (p: .010 and p: .032, respectively), whereas disulfide (19.3 ± 8.7 µmol/L vs. 20.8 ± 7.8 µmol/L) concentrations were similar between the groups (p: .350). Maternal serum disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were higher in IUGR group compared with healthy controls (p: .014 and p: .017, respectively), whereas native thiol/total thiol ratio was significantly lower in IUGR group compared with healthy controls (p: .016). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there is an impaired maternal thiol/disulfide homeostasis in pregnancies complicated by idiopathic IUGR during the third trimester of gestation.

The impact of low molecular weight heparin on obstetric outcomes among unexplained recurrent miscarriages complicated with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism.

OBJECTIVES: The association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and unexplained recurrent miscarriage is elusive. The recommendations for improving pregnancy outcomes in these patients keep changing based on the available evidence. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of low molecular weight heparin on obstetric outcomes of recurrent miscarriage patients complicated with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 121 patients with a history of recurrent miscarriage complicated by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms, retrospectively. From among them, 68 patients were treated only with folic acid and iron. The remaining 53 patients were treated with folic acid, iron and prophylactic doses of low molecular weight heparin. The subsequent pregnancy outcomes of these patients were noted. RESULTS: The live birth rate was higher in patients with anticoagulant therapy than in patients without anticoagulant therapy (48.5% vs. 69.8%, respectively, p: 0.015) and the congenital anomaly rate was lower in anticoagulant therapy group (17.6% vs. 3.8%, respectively, p: 0.022). The other obstetric outcomes were found to be similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that low molecular weight heparin improved the live birth rates among unex-plained recurrent miscarriage patients complicated with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms. How-ever, the routine use of low molecular weight heparin did not improve the late pregnancy complications in these selected patients in the eastern region of our country. Further studies are needed to discriminate the effect of anticoagulation on the live birth rate of each of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism type.

What should the optimal intrauterine pressure be during outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy? A randomized comparative study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare lower and higher uterine filling pressures during outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five women eligible for outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy were included in this randomized double blind comparative study. The subjects were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (n = 80) underwent surgery with lower intrauterine filling pressures (30, 40, and 50 mmHg) and group 2 (n = 81) underwent surgery with higher filling pressures (70, 80, and 100 mmHg). The primary outcome measure was adequate visibility during the procedure. The secondary outcome measure was pain perceived by the patient during and 30 min after the procedure. RESULTS: In total, 161 patients completed the trial. Group 2 had significantly higher adequate visibility than group 1 (71/80, 88.75% in group 1 and 79/81, 97.5% in group 2, P = 0.008). There was a trend toward increase in pain scores with higher pressures during the procedure. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of visual analog scale pain scores measured 30 min after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Lower uterine filling pressure was associated with lower pain scores with a higher trend towards inadequate visibility. It appears that higher filling pressure can be used for performing office hysteroscopy, but it is associated with higher pain scores.

Relationship between maternal blood ceruloplasmin level, catalase and myeloperoxidase activity and neural tube defects.

OBJECTIVES: The exact pathogenesis of neural tube defects (NTDs) is poorly understood. We aimed at evaluating maternal anti-oxidant capacity (ceruloplasmin level, myeloperoxidase and catalase activity) in pregnancies complicated by NTDs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four mothers with NTD-affected pregnancies and 61 healthy mothers, matched for gestational age, were recruited. Maternal venous blood samples were obtained after detailed fetal ultrasound examination to measure myeloperoxidase, catalase activity and ceruloplasmin levels. The clinical characteristics of all participants were collected. RESULTS: Maternal blood catalase activity was significantly lower in the study group (117.1 ± 64.8 kU/L) as compared to controls (152.2 ± 110.6 kU/L) (p = 0.044). Maternal blood ceruloplasmin levels were also significantly lower in the study group (180.5 ± 37.7 U/L) as compared to controls (197.9 ± 35.9 U/L) (p = 0.012). Myeloperoxidase activity was similar in both groups (112.6 ± 22.2 U/L vs. 113.6 ± 38.1 U/L) (p = 0.869). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, maternal blood ceruloplasmin level and catalase activity were found to be lower in NTD-affected pregnancies as compared to healthy controls. Thus, it seems safe to conclude that impaired antioxidant capacity may play a role in the development of NTDs during pregnancy, in addition to the genetic, environmental and metabolic factors.

Maternal serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis in pregnancies complicated by neural tube defects: report of a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and evaluate the maternal serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis in pregnancies complicated by neural tube defects (NTD) via a novel method. METHODS: Seventy-three pregnant women with NTD (study group) and seventy-one healthy control pregnant women (control group) were included in the study. A new and fully automated method was used to measure plasma native thiol, total thiol and disulfide levels, based on the reduction of dynamic disulfide bonds to functional thiol groups by sodium borohydrate. RESULTS: The study and control groups were gestational age-matched. There were no statistical differences in demographic variables regarding age, gravidity, parity and body mass index. The serum native thiol levels (-SH) were 360.5 ± 50.3 and 353.3 ± 31.0 µmol/l in study and control groups, respectively, which was not statistically different (p = 0.308). The native thiol/total thiol, disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were not statistically significantly different (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results show that maternal serum thiol/disulfide homeostatis does not change in pregnancies complicated by NTD. Larger further studies are required to evaluate the relation of oxidative stress and development of NTD.

An analysis on the roles of angiogenesis-related factors including serum vitamin D, soluble endoglin (sEng), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the diagnosis and severity of late-onset preeclampsia.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of proangiogenic factors including serum vitamin D and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and anti-angiogenic factors including soluble endoglin (sEng) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) in the diagnosis and severity of late-onset preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at Yuzuncu Yil University Research and Education Hospital Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. The study included a patient group of 40 women with late-onset preeclampsia who were pregnant at ≥32 weeks of gestation according to the last menstrual period (LMP) or ultrasonographic fetal biometric measurement and a control group of 40 healthy pregnant women who presented to our clinic for routine pregnancy examination and were at the same age and gestational period with those in the patient group. The two groups were compared in terms of maternal age, gravida, parity, week of gestation, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, total protein in spot urine sample, 24-h urine protein, white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), platelet count, urea, creatinine, liver function tests (AST, ALT, LDH), vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, 1,25(OH) vitamin D3, sEng, sFlt1, and VEGF levels, mode of delivery, the infant APGAR score at 1 and 5 min after delivery, and infant weight at delivery. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of age, gravida, parity, week of gestation, serum vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 and VEGF levels, and infant weight at delivery (p > 0.05). Systolic/diastolic blood pressure, total protein in spot urine sample, 24-h urine protein, WBC, Hgb, serum urea, creatine, AST, ALT, and LDH were significantly higher in the preeclamptic group compared to the healthy group (p < 0.05). However, thrombocyte level and the APGAR score at 1 and 5 min after delivery were significantly lower in the preeclamptic group compared to the healthy group (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between serum sEng, sFlt1, VEGF, vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 levels. The sEng level was higher in the women with severe preeclampsia compared to the women with mild preeclampsia (p < 0.05) and no significant difference was observed in serum sFlt1, VEGF, vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 levels between the subgroups of preeclampsia (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both sEng and sFlt1 levels are remarkably high in patients with late-onset preeclampsia; however, only sEng may be a useful tool in the determination of the severity of preeclampsia.

Local resection may be a strong alternative to cesarean hysterectomy in conservative surgical management of placenta percreta: experiences from a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and describe a surgical approach for uterine preservation and management of postpartum hemorrhage in placenta percreta. METHODS: We analyzed the data of patients who were diagnosed with placenta percreta prenatally and subsequently underwent cesarean section in which local resection technique was used to manage postpartum hemorrhage and uterine preservation at our tertiary care center between 2013 and 2016. The technique includes local resection of placental invasion site and suturing the new uterine edges. RESULTS: The technique of local resection described above was successful in preserving the uterus and stopping the bleeding in 8 of 12 cases. The diagnosis of placenta percreta in all cases was confirmed intraoperatively and postoperatively by histological examinations. Four cases were resorted to hysterectomy. The mean number of transfused erythrocyte suspension was 4.8 ± 2.6. One complication of bladder injury was encountered in which treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Local resection of percreta site is an effective, safe and fertility preserving approach that can be applied to manage the postpartum hemorrhage and preservation of uterus in patients with placenta percreta.