Which treatment should we choose for tubo-ovarian abscesses? Results of an 8-year clinical training in a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVES: Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is inflammation of the pelvic organs, mainly originating from the lower genital tract and intestinal tract. Treatment options include antibiotic therapy, surgical drainage, and radiologically guided (interventional) drainage. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the treatment method to be chosen and thus to manage patients with tuba ovarian abscesses (TOAs) most accurately. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study, and patients who applied to a tertiary center diagnosed with tuba ovarian abscess (TOA) were included. TOA size (cm), pre-treatment C-reactive protein (CRP) value, pre-treatment white blood cell (WBC) value, previous operation type, postoperative complication, and antibiotics used were screened. RESULTS: 305 patients were included in the study, and medical treatment was applied to 140 patients, organ-sparing surgical drainage to 50 patients, and surgical treatment to 115 patients. TOA dimensions measured at the time of diagnosis were significantly lower in patients for whom only medical treatment was sufficient. Pre-treatment CRP levels, WBC levels, and length of stay were significantly lower in patients for whom only medical treatment was sufficient. There was no significant difference between the pre-and post-procedure CRP difference, antibiotics, and hospitalization time. CONCLUSIONS: Preferring minimally invasive treatment in cases requiring invasive treatment reduces the frequency of complications. Treatment of tuba ovarian abscesses (TOA) with minimally invasive methods will be more beneficial in terms of patient morbidity.

Fetal left ventricular myocardial performance index measured at 11-14 weeks of gestation in fetuses with an increased nuchal translucency.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an increase in nuchal translucency (NT) thickness on the myocardial performance index (MPI) in fetuses without cardiac anomaly in the first trimester and to determine whether a difference in MPI between those with and without trisomy 21 in these fetuses could be determined. METHODS: The study group consisted of 53 pregnancies complicated with increased NT thickness without any associated structural anomalies. Forty-six gestational age-matched pregnant women whose fetuses had normal NT thickness were enrolled as the control group. RESULTS: In the increased NT thickness group, the mean isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) value (0.050 ± 0.011 s) was significantly higher and the mean ejection time (ET) value (0.149 ± 0.010 s) was significantly lower than those values in the normal NT thickness group (0.045 ± 0.005 and 0.155 ± 0.009 s, p = 0.023 and p = 0.009, respectively). We found a significantly higher mean left MPI value in the increased NT thickness group (0.574 ± 0.153) versus the normal NT thickness group (0.487 ± 0.107, p < 0.001). Within the increased NT thickness group, the mean left MPI value was similar in the fetuses with normal karyotype and those with trisomy 21 (p = 0.419). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a significantly greater mean MPI value in the increased NT thickness group than in the normal NT thickness group. Within the increased NT thickness group, no differences in the left MPI value in the fetuses with normal karyotype and the fetuses with trisomy 21 were found.

The course of infection with the Delta variant of COVID-19 in pregnancy: analysis of clinical, laboratory, and neonatal outcomes

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of infection with the Delta variant of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on the clinical course, laboratory parameters, and neonatal outcome in pregnant women. Material and Methods: A total of 96 pregnant women who tested positive for the Delta variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 were retrospectively examined. The pregnant women were divided into three groups: Asymptomatic; non-severe; and severe. Age, obstetric history, symptoms and findings, blood tests, medication and vaccination history, clinical course, and perinatal outcome of pregnant women were analyzed. Results: Pregnant women who tested positive for the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 had an intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate of 9.4% and a mortality rate of 5.2%. Pregnant women in the severe disease group had significantly higher rates of preterm birth and cesarean section compared with the non-severe and asymptomatic group. Pregnant women in the severe group had high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at the time of admission. White blood cell count (WBC) and procalcitonin levels were increased in clinical follow-up in women in the severe group. Conclusion: The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 was found to increase mortality rates in pregnant women compared to pre-Delta variants of COVID-19. In pregnant women infected with the Delta variant, advanced gestational age at diagnosis, high CRP, WBC, and procalcitonin levels were significantly correlated with poor prognosis. Pregnant women infected with the Delta variant and with severe COVID-19 had an increased risk for preterm delivery and cesarean section. Although newborns of women with severe disease were found to have significantly higher rates of ICU admission, there was no significant difference in neonatal mortality rates. We recommend close monitoring of CRP, WBC, and procalcitonin levels, in addition to symptoms, in pregnant women infected with the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 and diagnosed in the third trimester.

A new and more effective feticide technique in late termination of pregnancy: potassium chloride injection into the interventricular septum of the fetal heart.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the efficacy and outcomes of fetal intracardiac intraventricular and interventricular septal potassium chloride (KCl) injections during the induced fetal demise process in a cohort of pregnant women with severe fetal abnormality who opted for late termination of pregnancy (TOP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 158 pregnant women who requested late TOP for severe fetal abnormality between 22 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Participants were randomly assigned with the simple randomization procedure to one of two feticide procedure groups: the intraventricular KCl injection group and the interventricular septal KCl administration group. We studied the clinical outcomes of both the feticide procedures. RESULTS: The median total dose of strong KCl was significantly lower in the interventricular septal KCl administration group (3 mL) than in the intraventricular KCl injection group (5 mL, p < 0.001). The median time to reach asystole and the median total duration of the procedure was significantly shorter in the interventricular septal KCl administration group (42 s and 85 s, respectively) than in the intraventricular KCl injection group (115 s and 150 s, respectively, p < 0.001). We detected a statistically significant correlation between the gestational week at feticide and the total dose of KCl (r = 0.705, p < 0.001), time to reach asystole (r = 0.653, p < 0.001), and total duration of the procedure (r = 0.683, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: KCl administered directly into the interventricular septum induces immediate and permanent fetal cardiac asystole with a 100% of success rate without comprising maternal safety. We did not observe any maternal complications related to the procedure in our cases. Since the consequences of failed feticide procedure are challenging for both parents and healthcare providers, and providers are also concerned about potential legal implications regarding an unintended live birth, it is crucial to guide a strict protocol to confirm permanent fetal cardiac asystole.

Serum autotaxin levels correlate with the severity of pruritus in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine autotaxin (ATX) concentrations in the serum of pregnant women complicated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and compare them with individuals with uncomplicated healthy pregnancies. METHODS: This prospective case-control study took place with 83 pregnant women. The study group included 43 pregnant women presenting with a singleton pregnancy diagnosed with ICP in their third trimester of pregnancy. The diagnostic power of the ATX variable was examined by receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the cut-off value calculated according to the Youden index was summarized with the related sensitivity and specificity points. RESULTS: The mean serum concentration of maternal ATX was significantly higher in the ICP cases (8.91 ± 2.69 pg/mL) compared to the pregnant women in the control group (3.59 ± 1.39 ng/mL, p < 0.001). According to the Youden index, a 5.80 ng/mL cut-off value of serum ATX concentrations can be used to diagnose ICP with 97.7% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity. A significant highly positive correlation was found between maternal serum ATX levels and maternal serum total bile acid levels (r = 0.633 and p < 0.001) and itch intensity, which was objectified by the visual analog scale score (r = 0.951 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Maternal serum ATX levels were significantly increased in ICP patients as compared with healthy pregnant women. Also, serum ATX activity was highly correlated with the itch intensity. We consider that ATX might represent a robust, accurate, and reliable circulating biomarker to diagnose ICP.

The reduced serum concentrations of ß-arrestin-1 and ß-arrestin-2 in pregnancies complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze maternal serum ß-arrestin-1 and ß-arrestin-2 concentrations in pregnant women complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and compare them with the normoglycemic uncomplicated healthy control group. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was conducted, including pregnant women complicated with GDM between 15 February 2021, and 31 July 2021. We recorded serum ß-arrestin-1 and ß-arrestin-2 concentrations of the participants. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to describe and compare the performance of diagnostics value of variables ß-arrestin-1, and ß-arrestin-2. RESULTS: The mean ß-arrestin-1 and ß-arrestin-2 levels were found to be significantly lower in the GDM group (41.0 ± 62.8 ng/mL, and 6.3 ± 9.9 ng/mL) than in the control group (93.1 ± 155.4 ng/mL, and 12.4 ± 17.7, respectively, p < .001). When we analyze the area under the ROC curve (AUC), maternal serum ß-arrestin-1 and ß-arrestin-2 levels can be considered a statistically significant parameter for diagnosing GDM. ß-arrestin-1 had a significant negative correlation with fasting glucose (r = -0.551, p < .001), plasma insulin levels (r = -0.522, p < .001), HOMA-IR (r = -0.566, p < .001), and HbA1C (r = -0.465, p < .001). ß-arrestin-2 was significantly negatively correlated with fasting glucose (r = -0.537, p < .001), plasma insulin levels (r = -0.515, p < .001), HOMA-IR (r = -0.550, p < .001), and HbA1C (r = -0.479, p < .001). CONCLUSION: ß-arrestin 1 and ß-arrestin 2 could be utilized as biomarkers in the diagnosis of GDM. The novel therapeutic strategies targeting these ß-arrestins may be designed for the GDM treatment.

The evaluation of the antepartum and intrapartum risk factors in predicting the risk of birth asphyxia.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the related antepartum and intrapartum factors of birth asphyxia among neonates born in a tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: A total of 45 singleton pregnant women who delivered live births with a gestational age of ≥35 weeks and their neonates who suffered from birth asphyxia from June 2016 to June 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Data regarding maternal demographic features, maternal laboratory values, pregnancy complications, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Significant risk factors associated with birth asphyxia were nulliparity (odds ratio [OR] = 5.357, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.169-24.950, p = 0.001), placental abruption (OR = 8.667, 95% CI = 2.223-33.784, p = 0.002), intrauterine growth restriction (OR = 1.394, 95% CI = 1.109-8.631, p = 0.012), the prolonged second stage of labor (OR = 6.121, 95% CI = 2.120-17.595, p = 0.001), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (OR = 7.615, 95% CI = 2.394-24.223, p = 0.001), bloody amniotic fluid (OR = 9.423, 95% CI = 2.885-35.232, p = 0.001), the presence of FHR category II (OR = 12.083, 95% CI = 7.081-48.849, p <0.001) and FHR category III before labor (OR = 15.500, 95% CI = 8.394-56.176, p <0.001). CONCLUSION: We identified that nulliparity, placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, the prolonged second stage of labor, meconium-stained or bloody amniotic fluid, and FHR tracings categories II and III were significantly associated with birth asphyxia.

Fetal intracranial hemorrhage: prenatal sonographic diagnosis criteria and postnatal outcomes

Objective: The aim of this study was to improve knowledge of prenatally diagnosed fetal intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), defining the ultrasound (US) examination results, the contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imagination (MRI) to the diagnosis, and the pregnancy outcomes, from a series of fetal ICH cases. Material and Methods: This retrospective, observational study included eleven fetuses diagnosed with ICH from April 2016 to August 2020. The data regarding the medical records, prenatal US and MRI findings, treatment, and prognosis of fetal ICH cases were collected from the hospital database and analyzed. Results: Fetal ICHs were grade 3 in six cases, and grade 4 in the remaining five cases. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 30.2 weeks. Nine (81.8%) of the cases were diagnosed in the third trimester and two (18.2%) in the second trimester. Fetal cranial MRI was performed in 7/11 (63.6%) following ultrasonographic diagnosis. MRI confirmed fetal ICH diagnosis and previous US findings regarding location and grade in all cases. Five patients (45.5%) diagnosed with grade 3 (n=1) and grade 4 (n=4) ICH underwent pregnancy termination. Of the remaining six cases, one (9.1%) diagnosed with grade 3 fetal ICH resulted in an intrauterine fetal demise. Four cases classified as grade 3 fetal ICH and one case with grade 4 fetal ICH were born alive at term. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of fetal ICH are diverse and have a wide spectrum of severity and prognostic implications. Fetal ICH cases were mainly detected in the third trimester, with a minority detected in the second trimester. These cases can be safely diagnosed and graded by US examination, but the underlying etiology frequently cannot be determined. Fetal cranial MRI may aid in diagnosis confirmation if this is unclear from US in order to provide appropriate counseling to the parents.

Clinical significance of prenatally diagnosed persistent left superior vena cava.

AIMS: The aim of our study was to investigate the persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) cases diagnosed in the prenatal period in our clinic and to compare the obstetric and genetic outcomes of isolated PLSVC cases with cases accompanied by other cardiac or extracardiac anomalies. METHODS: The cases diagnosed as PLSVC between January 2015 and January 2019 in our perinatology clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into two subgroups as isolated PLSVC and PLSVC accompanied by another anomaly. Furthermore, patients with extra anomalies were divided into three groups which are cardiac anomaly, extracardiac anomaly and those with both. The groups were compared in terms of genetic results and obstetric outcomes. RESULTS: 89 patients were included in our study. Cases with positive pregnancy outcomes were significantly higher in the isolated PLSVC group than with extra anomaly group (p < 0.001). No karyotype anomaly was observed in the isolated group. Pregnancy results were significantly worse (postpartum demise, termination of pregnancy, in utero demise) in with both cardiac and extracardiac anomalies group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of karyotype results (p = 0.535). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of PLSVC has gained importance and it can be made easier due to the fact that anatomic imaging can be performed in more detail. The isolated PLSVC cases have a very good prognosis. Obstetric outcomes vary according to the accompanying anomaly.

The comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes between planned and emergency cesarean deliveries in placenta previa patients without placenta accreata spectrum.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether a significant difference exists in maternal and fetal outcomes between planned cesarean delivery (PCD) compared to emergency cesarean delivery (ECD) in placenta previa (PP) patients without placenta accreata spectrum (PAS) in a tertiary referral hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 237 singleton pregnant women who were diagnosed with PP without PAS at the time of delivery. PP patients who were delivered at the scheduled time were included in the PCD group. Patients with PP delivered in an emergency setting before the scheduled date were assigned to the ECD group. We recorded demographic and clinical characteristics, maternal and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 237 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 157 patients (66.8%) underwent PCD, and 80 patients required ECD (33.2%). Patients' hospitalization and pre-discharge hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the ECD group (11.25 ± 1.97 g/dL and 9.74 ± 2.09 g/dL, respectively) than in the PCD group (10.77 ± 2.67 g/dL and 9.27 ± 2.70, p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively). While six patients (7.5%) were required intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the ECD group, no patient was required to follow up in ICU in the PCD group (p < 0.001). The hospital length of stay (LOS) was tended to be significantly longer in the ECD group (2.8 ± 0.7 days) than in the PCD group (2.4 ± 0.6 days, p < 0.001). Neonatal outcomes of birth weight, Apgar scores, NICU admission, and neonatal death were significantly better in the PCD group than in the ECD group. CONCLUSIONS: The PCD group has better maternal outcomes, including preoperative and discharge hemoglobin levels, ICU admission and hospital LOS, and better neonatal outcomes than the ECD group. Clinicians should pay regard to that scheduling the delivery to advanced pregnancy weeks has a failure possibility, and patients could not reach the scheduled day due to the emergency states.

Increased maternal serum aquaporin-9 expression in pregnancies complicated with early-onset preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate maternal serum aquaporin-9 (AQP9) concentrations in patients with early-onset preeclampsia and compare them with the uncomplicated control group with normal blood pressure. METHODS: This was a prospective case-control study including pregnant women who were diagnosed with early-onset preeclampsia between 200/7 -340/7 weeks of gestation. Demographic and clinical characteristics, complete blood count and biochemical parameters, and serum AQP9 concentrations were documented. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to illustrate the sensitivity and specificity performance characteristics of AQP9 and a cut-off value was estimated by using the Youden index. RESULTS: The mean serum concentrations of maternal AQP9 were significantly increased in the early-onset preeclampsia group (722.22 ± 211.80 pg/mL) than the control group (499.97 ± 68.89 pg/mL, p < 0.001). When we analyze the area under the ROC curve (AUC), the serum AQP9 value can be considered a statistically significant parameter for diagnosing preeclampsia. According to the Youden index, a 587.70 ng/mL cut-off value of serum AQP9 level can be used to diagnose early-onset preeclampsia with 80.0% sensitivity and 89.7% specificity. CONCLUSION: Maternal serum AQP9 concentrations were significantly increased in early-onset preeclampsia patients than healthy normotensive pregnant patients. We suggest that AQP9 might be a crucial biomarker of the inflammatory process in early-onset preeclampsia.

The combined effect of anti-D and non-D Rh antibodies in maternal alloimmunization

Objective: This study aims to investigate the distribution of antibodies that cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and compare the clinical outcomes of pregnancies affected by anti-D and anti-D combined with non-D Rh alloimmunization. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively searched and obtained the perinatal and neonatal data of patients with anti-D antibodies and anti-D combined with non-D Rh antibodies (anti-c, -C, -e, -E, and -Kell) from October 2015 to December 2018 at the University of Health Sciences Turkey, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses and adjusted odds ratios with their confidence intervals were used to define independent risk factors for non-D antibody positive. Results: The severe fetal hydrops rate was significantly higher in the anti-D combined non-D group (3/25, 12%) than in the anti-D group (1/128, 0.08%, p<0.001). The intrauterine transfusion (IUT) requirement in the anti-D combined non-D group (16/25, 64%) tended to be significantly higher than that in the anti-D group (5/128, 7.46%, p<0.001). The incidence of neonatal exchange transfusion, top-up transfusion, and postnatal phototherapy frequency in the anti-D combined non-D group was significantly higher than in the anti-D group. Conclusion: Anti-D combined with another non-D Rh alloantibody resulted in significantly higher HDFN rates than the anti-D alloimmunized pregnancies. Also, anti-D in association with non-D Rh antibodies resulted in more severe HDFN requiring more invasive treatment procedures, including IUT, neonatal exchange transfusion, or top-up transfusion.

Maternal serum IL-22 concentrations are significantly upregulated in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the serum IL-22 levels between preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) patients and the control group with intact membranes. We also hypothesized whether serum IL-22 upregulation might contribute to defense against inflammatory responses and improve the pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed this prospective case-control study between 24-34 weeks of pregnancy. We enrolled 40 singleton pregnant patients with PPROM and 40 healthy gestational age- and gravidity-matched patients without PPROM. The degree of association between variables and IL-22 were calculated by Spearman correlation coefficients where appropriate. Scatter plots were given for statistically significant correlations. ROC curve was constructed to illustrate the sensitivity and specificity performance characteristics of IL-22, and a cutoff value was estimated by using the index of Youden. RESULTS: Maternal serum IL-22 levels were significantly higher in PPROM patients (60.34 ± 139.81 pg/mL) compared to the participants in the control group (20.71 ± 4.36 pg/mL, p < 0.001). When we analyze the area under the ROC curve (AUC), the IL-22 value can be considered a statistically significant parameter for diagnosing PPROM. According to the Youden index, a 23.86 pg/mL cut-off value of IL-22 can be used to diagnosing PPROM with 72% sensitivity and 61.5% specificity. There was no positive correlation between serum IL-22 levels and maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) value, procalcitonin value, latency period, birth week, birth weight, and umbilical cord blood pH value. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal serum IL-22 levels were significantly higher in PPROM patients than healthy pregnant women with an intact membrane. We suggest that IL-22 might be a crucial biomarker of the inflammatory process in PPROM.

Blake's pouch cyst: Prenatal diagnosis and management.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present the characteristic features of 19 patients who were diagnosed as having Blake's pouch cyst (BPC) at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients diagnosed as BPC between 2015 and 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Follow-up examinations were performed using ultrasonography (US) every three weeks up to 35 weeks of gestation. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at the time of diagnosis or during follow-up in 13 patients. MRI or transfontanellar US was performed to confirm the diagnosis of BPC after delivery. Karyotype results of eight patients were recorded. RESULTS: Isolated BPC was observed in 9 (47%) patients, and associated anomalies were detected in 10 (53%) patients, including seven (36%) with the central nervous system and four (21%) with cardiac anomalies. Two fetuses had abnormal karyotype analysis as trisomy 21 and 13. The MRI report of eight patients was "differential diagnosis required for Dandy-Walker complex" and only in five (26%) patients, it was reported to be compatible with BPC. Spontaneous resolution was seen in four patients. Postnatal MRI was performed in five patients, and transfontanellar US in two patients, and all MRI and US results were consistent with BPC. During the neonatal period, abnormal neurologic development was observed in four (21%) patients, and one (5%) died. CONCLUSION: Although the prognosis of isolated BPC is very good with healthy neurologic development until advanced ages, death in the early neonatal period and abnormal neurologic development may be observed depending on the condition of the associated anomalies.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Double Aortic Arch: Associated Findings and Postnatal Clinical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to share our experience in the prenatal diagnosis and characteristics of double aortic arc and neonatal consequences. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 2153 fetal echocardiography reports between 2014 and 2019 years. Records of 14 fetuses with double aortic arc were examined. Prenatal and postnatal medical records, sonographic images, genetic reports, associated cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, and neonatal clinical results of affected fetuses were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: DAA was isolated in 9 of 14 (64.2%) cases, while the other five cases had cardiac or extracardiac accompanying ultrasound findings. Three of cases (21.4%) were associated with other heart pathologies, including ventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, and persistent left superior vena cava. In 10 cases (71.43%), the right aortic arch diameter was dominant. The left aortic arc was dominant in two cases and both arcs were symmetrical in the remaining two cases. 22q11 microdeletion was the only chromosomal abnormality and was detected in two of nine patients who accepted genetic analysis. Intrauterine fetal death occurred in two of the cases. After birth, in 58.3% (7/12) of the live born cases various degrees of symptoms. Surgical repair was performed with the division of the aorta to all symptomatic cases at different times according to severity of the complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Since it can cause severe respiratory distress in the postnatal period and may accompany chromosomal anomalies, it is important to provide antenatal diagnosis of double aortic arc and adequate counseling to the family.