Anatomical assessment of the trabecular structure of the alveolar bone in periodontal disease by fractal analysis method.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis, which can cause loss of bone support of the teeth, is of great importance. The use of fractal analysis method is being investigated in order to differentiate periodontal disease radiographically. Fractal analysis presents the degree of complexity in the structure of fractal objects as a numerical data, and has been used to measure changes in trabecular bone. The aim of this study was to compare the trabecular bone fractal dimension (FD) values of patients with periodontitis and gingivitis using panoramic radiographs, and to evaluate the possible relationship between age and gender with fractal dimension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Panoramic radiographs of 64 patients with gingivitis and 64 patients with periodontitis were evaluated retrospectively in the study. Using the radiographs of the patients, FD values measured from the trabecular bone were calculated with the box-counting method in the Image J programme. The FD values of both groups were compared. In addition, the relationship between age and gender parameters and FD values was evaluated within the groups. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, the calculated average FD value of the patients in the gingivitis group was 1.195, while the calculated average FD value of the patients in the periodontitis group was 1.196. No statistically significant difference was observed between the FD values of the gingivitis group and the periodontitis group (p > 0.05). No statistically significant correlation was observed between FD values and age and gender (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant results were obtained for the calculated mean FD values of the patients in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups.

Comparison of maternal-neonatal results of vaginal birth after cesarean and elective repeat cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal-neonatal results in women who underwent vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and elec-tive repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a two-year retrospective cohort analysis, 423 patients with a history of prior cesarean section, singleton pregnancy with cephalic presentation and gestational age of 37-41 weeks were investigated. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of 195 patients desiring VBAC and undergoing a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) attempt and 228 patients undergoing an ERCD were compared. RESULTS: While the TOLAC attempt was successful in 141 patients (72.3%), it was unsuccessful in 54 patients. No statistically significant difference was determined between VBAC and ERCD patients regarding uterine rupture, dehiscence, post-partum hemorrhage, the need for a blood transfusion and wound site infection (p > 0.05). When the post-partum neonatal outcomes were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between VBAC and ERCD groups regarding the prevalence of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), respiratory distress, sepsis and birth injury (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The maternal and perinatal outcomes of our study may be encouraging in favor of VBAC particularly in countries with higher cesarean rates. We think that the option of VBAC should be offered more frequently for selected appropriate patients in created safe environments.

Combined use of oestradiol and progesterone to support luteal phase in antagonist intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles of normoresponder women: a case-control study.

We evaluated the effect of combined use of oral oestrogen (E2) and vaginal progesterone (P) to support luteal phase in antagonist intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. We analysed data from 176 patients who underwent ICSI cycles with antagonist protocol. P 90 mg vaginal gel once a day and micronised E2 of 4 mg/day, were started from the day of oocyte pick up and continued to the 12th day of embryo transfer. Group 1 (n = 79) patients received E2 + P for luteal phase support. In group 2 (n = 97) patients, only P 90 mg vaginal gel was used for luteal phase support. There were no significant differences between group 1 and group 2 patients in terms of clinical pregnancy rates (PRs) (26.58% vs. 20.62%, p = .352), early pregnancy loss rates (6.33% vs. 6.19%, p = .969), incidence of luteal vaginal bleeding (8.86% vs. 8.25%, p = .885) and implantation rates (22.8% vs. 16.9%, p = .298). In conclusion, our study showed no beneficial effect of addition of E2 to luteal phase support on clinical PR in antagonist IVF cycles.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Luteal phase deficiency is defined as a disruption in progesterone and oestrogen production after ovulation. It is clear that, luteal phase supplementation to improve the outcomes in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles is mandatory. As an iatrogenic complication of assisted reproductive technique, decreased luteal oestrogen and progesterone levels lead to decreased pregnancy rates (PRs) and implantation rates.What the results of this study add? In this study, we aimed to present the role of luteal phase oestrogen administration in GnRH antagonist cycles. A total of 176 cases received progesterone vaginal gel form for luteal phase support. Study group received 4 mg oral oestradiol hemihydrate in addition to progesterone. Compared to previous studies, our study consisted of larger number of patients and we used oestradiol through oral route. We found out that luteal oestradiol support did not improve the clinical PR.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study showed no beneficial effect of addition of oestradiol to luteal phase support on clinical PR in antagonist IVF cycles.

Thiol-disulfide homoestasis in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction.

Aim: To investigate the role of dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis in preeclamptic and idiopathic fetal growth restricted (FGR) pregnancies. Material and method: In this prospective case-control study, a total of 110 singleton pregnancies with FGR (study group) (51 preeclamptic and 59 idiopathic FGR's cases) were compared with 68 healthy pregnant controls at the same gestational weeks (control group). For serum disulfide-thiol homeostasis, a newly used method described by Erel and Neselioglu was used. Results: Serum native thiol and total thiol levels were lower in FGR pregnancies (285.63 ± 55.92 µmol/L, 324.41 ± 44.18 µmol/L, respectively) than control group (324.41 ± 44.18 µmol/L, 362.98 ± 51.43 µmol/L, p < .001, p = .004, respectively). In subgroup analysis, only preeclamptic FGR's have lower native and total thiol levels (254.41 ± 59.55, 324.41 ± 44.18 µmol/L, respectively) compare to both idiopathic FGR's and control's. There was no difference in native and total thiol levels with idiopathic FGR's with controls. Idiopathic FGR's have higher levels of disulfide than preeclamptic FGR's (21.72 ± 17.72 versus 16.80 ± 11.20 µmol/L). The serum albumin and total protein levels were positively and spot urine protein/creatinine ratio, 24-h urine protein levels were negatively correlated with native thiol and total thiol levels. Conclusion: The balance of thiol-disulfide homeostasis was shifted and native and total thiol levels were decreased only in preeclamptic FGR pregnancies. The serum disulfide level was increased in idiopathic FGR pregnancies compare to preeclamptic FGR pregnancies which may be a sign of oxidative stress in idiopathic FGR pregnancies with normal thiol pool.

Uterine torsion of 720 degrees in the third trimester of pregnancy and accompanying bladder torsion: a case report.

Partial rotation of the uterus not more than 45 degrees to the right is considered to be normal. Since all cases are not reported, the incidence of uterine torsion in pregnancy is not known exactly. In the literature, there have been reports of cases with uterine torsion ranging from 45 to 720 degrees. This is a case report of uterine torsion of 720 degrees with accompanying bladder torsion, developing after two caesarean sections, and developing of uterine atony after the operation.

Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Embryo Transfers of Cases with and without Catheter Rotation during Its Withdrawal.

OBJECTIVE: To compare embryo transfer (ET) technique based on catheter rotation during its withdrawal in cases with unexplained infertility in a prospective, randomized trial (NCT03097042). METHODS: Two hundred intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients undergoing ET with cleaving or blastocyst-stage fresh embryos were randomized into 2 groups: cases with (n = 100), and without (n = 100) catheter rotation during its withdrawal. Groups were matched for age and some clinical parameters. A soft catheter was used to transfer a single embryo with catheter rotation during its withdrawal in the study group and without rotation in the control. The use of a stiff catheter or tenaculum was not needed in any case. Groups were compared in terms of cycle characteristics and clinical pregnancy rates. RESULTS: Pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the study group (41 vs. 26%, p = 0.04). Clinical pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in the study group (39 vs. 25%, OR 1.9 [1.1-3.5], p = 0.05). On the other hand, the ongoing pregnancy rate was similar between the 2 groups (33 vs. 23%, p = 0.2). CONCLUSION: Catheter rotation during its withdrawal may be associated with increased pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates; however, the difference in ongoing pregnancy rates did not reach statistical significance.

Comparison of readmission rates between groups with early versus late discharge after vaginal or cesarean delivery: a retrospective analyzes of 14,460 cases.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to show the readmission rate of cases with and without early discharge following vaginal or cesarean delivery. METHODS: After exclusion of cases with pregnancy, delivery and neonatal complications, a total of 14,460 cases who delivered at Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training and Research Hospital were retrospectively screened from hospital database. Subjects were divided into two groups as Group 1: early discharge (n = 6802) and Group 2: late discharge (n = 7658). Groups were compared in terms of readmission rates and indications for readmission. RESULTS: There were 6802 cases with early discharge whereas the remaining women were discharged after 24 h for vaginal delivery and 48 h following cesarean delivery on regular bases. Among cases with early discharge, 205 (3%) cases readmitted to emergency service with variable indications, while there were 216 (2.8%) readmitted women who were discharged on regular bases. Most common indication for readmission was wound infection in both groups. Neonatal sex distributions were similar between groups (p > .05), where as there was a higher rate of cesarean deliveries in Group 2 (p < .05). Furthermore, cesarean rate was significantly higher in readmitted women with early discharge (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Similar readmission rates were observed in groups with early and late discharges following vaginal or cesarean delivery without any mortality or permanent morbidity and cost analyses revealed 68 Turkish liras lower cost with early discharge.

Planned cesarean hysterectomy versus modified form of segmental resection in patients with placenta percreta.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare some clinical characteristics of two different management alternatives in pregnants with placental invasion anomalies. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study of all patients who delivered with invasive placentation between January 2016 and May 2017. We included only the patients with placental invasion anomaly and planned cesarean section. RESULTS: Fifty-one pregnants met the inclusion criteria. Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 29 patients and segmental resection in 22. Major intraoperative and postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups. There were significant differences between the groups with regard to gravidity, pre- and post-operative hemoglobin concentrations, number of packed red blood cell transfused, and operation time (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: An initial fertility conserving surgical procedure is an option in patients with extensive invasive placentation with lesser transfusion requirement and shorter operative time compared to cesarean hysterectomy.

Area under the curve of temporal estrogen and progesterone measurements during assisted reproductive technology: Which hormone is the main determinant of cycle outcome?

AIM: Is there any relationship between estrogen and progesterone concentrations during assisted reproductive technology (ART)? Which hormone is the main determinant of impaired endometrial receptivity? METHODS: This study was conducted from July to December 2016 at the in vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection unit at Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training and Research Hospital. A total of 289 women who underwent ART were prospectively screened and areas under the curve of temporal estrogen (AUCEM) and progesterone measurements (AUCPM) were calculated for each participant. Women were included if they had regular menstrual cycles, normal serum prolactin levels and had not received hormone treatment within three months. ART was indicated in all patients for unexplained infertility. Patients were divided into two groups: with (n = 90) and without (n = 199) embryo implantation. The relationship between the two AUCs and ART success was assessed in terms of embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: Implantation was successful in 90 (31.1%) women, and a fetal heart rate was detected in 83 (28.7%) cases. There was a significant correlation between AUCEM and AUCPM (r = 0.525, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed significant associations between failure of implantation, lack of clinical pregnancy and AUCEM (beta coefficient = 0.311, P < 0.001; beta coefficient = 0.297, P < 0.001, respectively) after adjusting for AUCPM. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that the degree of endometrial estrogen exposure is the main factor functioning as a detrimental effect of ovarian stimulation on endometrial receptivity.

Serum substance P concentrations to predict oocyte maturation index and clinical pregnancy.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of serum substance P (SP) concentrations on oocyte maturation and clinical pregnancy. METHODS: Ninety-three women with unexplained infertility underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Antagonist protocol was started for each participant and at the day of oocyte pick up, serum samples were obtained from each participant to assess SP concentrations, and these concentrations were utilized to predict mature/total oocyte ratio and clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: SP concentration was a significant predictor for mature/total oocyte ratio > 0.75 and clinical pregnancy. In correlation analyses, maturation index was significantly correlated with FSH (r= -0.226, p = 0.03), estradiol (r = 0.239, p = 0.021), peak estradiol (r = 0.414, p < 0.001), and substance P (r = 0.796, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, number of immature (beta coefficient = -0.379, p < 0.001), mature oocyte (beta coefficient = 0.473, p < 0.001), SP concentration (beta coefficient = 0.723, p < 0.001) and maturation index (beta coefficient = -0.387, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with clinical pregnancy. CONCLUSION: SP concentrations at the day of oocyte pick up may be used to predict clinical pregnancy and may be an indirect indicator for cycle outcome in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

The outcomes of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation/intrauterine insemination in patients with unilateral tubal occlusion on hysterosalpingograph.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pregnancy rates of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in patients with one-sided tubal occlusion on hysterosalpingography (HSG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent COH/IUI were enrolled into this retrospective cohort study. The patients with one-sided tubal occlusion diagnosed under HSG who met the inclusion criteria were accepted into the study group. The control group consisted of patients with unexplained infertility. The outcomes of COH/IUI were compared between the study and control groups. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients in the study group (n=44) and control group (n=53) who underwent COH/IUI treatment were included into study. The biochemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates were similar between patients with unilateral occlusion diagnosed under HSG and those with unexplained infertility. The spontaneous pregnancy rate within one year was higher in patients with normal HSG than in patients with unilateral tubal occlusion, but the difference did not show statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Infertile patients with one-sided tubal occlusion in HSG can be managed as with patients with unexplained infertility and normal HSG findings. In addition, COH/IUI may be considered as the first-line treatment option in the management of these patients.

A 34-week ovarian pregnancy: case report and review of the literature.

Advanced ovarian pregnancy is a quite rare condition. Due to the high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, early and accurate diagnosis is vital. Lack of sufficient data led us to search the literature and compile available data on the topic. A 33-year-old woman presented with acute abdomen at 34 weeks of gestation. She underwent laparotomy, which revealed a live foetus surrounded by an intact amnion membrane located in the left adnexal area. The patient delivered a live female infant. Heavy bleeding from the placenta necessitated salpingo oophorectomy. Histological examination of the removed tissue confirmed the ovarian pregnancy. Because of the substantial risk of adverse outcomes, this condition should be borne in mind, especially in cases presenting with acute abdomen during pregnancy.