Subjective Quality of Life of Women in the Perinatal Period: A Post Covid-19 Pandemic Exploration in North Macedonia.

Subjective quality of life could be considered one of the indicators of health behavior and wellbeing of women in the perinatal period. Accordingly, the aim of this paper was to examine how women in perinatal period perceive quality of life in various domains. Its relationship to age, number of pregnancies, course of pregnancies, and method of delivery and experience with Covid-19 pandemic was investigated, as well. Our sample consisted of 366 pregnant women in any period of pregnancy who came in for regular outpatient examinations and control, those who were hospitalized due to pathological pregnancy or due to the need for intensive care, as well as women in their postnatal period, one year after delivery, who were seeking professional advice from a gynecologist. The majority were aged 20 to 30 years (53.8%). The findings showed that assessed domains of subjective quality of life were related to a variety of experiences with the Covid-19 pandemic. The results are presented and discussed in detail. Implications and limitations are given, as well.

Clinical Importance of Low Level of PAPP-A in First Trimester of Pregnancy - An Obstetrical Dilemma in Chromosomally Normal Fetus.

BACKGROUND: A variety of recent evidence exists about the clinical implication of low level of Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) in pregnancy. This glycoprotein is a protease, which releases the Insulin-like growth factor from IGFBP 4. Its role is a trophoblastic invasion of decidua, stimulation of cell mitosis and differentiation. It has an immunosuppressive effect in the placenta, inhibition of coagulation and complex role for integration of all these processes in the placenta. Level of PAPP-A (under 0.4 MoM-Multiple of Medians) in first-trimester screening in chromosomally and morphologically normal fetuses, could influence fetal weight, preeclampsia, premature birth and stillbirth. As a result of the complications mentioned above, there is implication on timing, mode of delivery and condition of the newborn. AIM: The study aims to evaluate the influence of low PAPP-A, measured in the first trimester on the outcome of pregnancy, with accent disorders which are the result of placental insufficiency. Also, gestational week, mode of delivery and condition of newborn secondary underlying conditions will be evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After given information and consultation about the expectation from the screening, pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy were tested for First Trimester Screening to estimate the risk for Trisomy 21, 13, 18- the most frequent chromosomopathies. After exclusion of chromosomopathies and congenital malformations, one hundred and fourteen patients enrolled in the study. The target group (n = 64) with PAPP-A below 0.4 MoM and control group (n = 50) with PAPP-A equal and above 0.4 MoM. An assessment of mode and time of delivery and presence of small for gestational age newborns, preeclampsia, premature birth and newborn condition at delivery was made. RESULTS: The percentage of the patients delivered in term was similar between the target group (n = 64) and the control group (n = 50), 82.81% vs 82.0% respectively. The rate of cesarean section was 29.7 % in the target group vs 32% in the control group. A significant difference was found about elective vs urgent cesarean section in favour of the target group. The difference was present about the complication in pregnancy before delivery, 56% vs 22%, p = 0.023, which were the main indication for cesarean section. The difference in newborn outcome was not significant. CONCLUSION: There is a difference in frequency of complications, in the cases with PAPP-A under 0.4 MoM, such as premature birth, preeclampsia compound with SGA fetuses versus the control group. The difference for SGA newborn and premature birth among the groups has statistical significance. The patients delivered with cesarean section were with the main indications SGA or elevated blood pressure, often occurred combined with prematurity. Apgar score and birth weight were similar in target and control group, but the newborns with a birth weight under 2500 g. were more frequent in the target group. Because these results did not show another significance among two groups, probably lower cut-off is needed, combining with another test (Doppler of uterine arteries in the first trimester, biochemical test). Presence of other diseases which could hurt placental function should be emphasised.

The Connection of the Level of Estradiol in Serum and Obesity with the Endometrial Bleeding in Postmenopausal Women.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausis is a period that begins one year after the last menstrual period. Abnormal uterine bleeding could be of different origins. AIM: This study aimed to determine the association of serum estrogen hormone levels and obesity with the occurrence of endometrial bleeding in post-menopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective clinical study involving 120 postmenopausal patients treated at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics-Skopje, divided into two groups: control and study. The control group consisted of 40 postmenopausal patients without endometrial bleeding, hospitalised and operated due to urogenital pathology. The study group consisted of 80 patients with endometrial bleeding who were divided into three subgroups according to the thickness of the endometrium: from 5-8 mm, 8-11 mm and above 11 mm. In all subjects, estradiol and BMI was determined. RESULTS: Estradiol levels were statistically higher in the study group compared to control while statistically significant difference among the three subgroups according to the thickness of the endometrium about the levels of estradiol in blood is not found. About BMI, the results showed that there was no statistical significance between the two examined groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with endometrial bleeding have increased levels of estradiol and are at increased risk of endometrial cancer about controls, the likelihood of endometrial cancer significantly increases by 1,108 times.

The outcome of Pregnancy with Fetal Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor.

BACKGROUND: Fetal intracranial tumours are very rare. The overall incidence is 0.34 per one thousand live birth newborns. According to the new classification of central nervous system tumour (2016), a primitive neuroectodermal tumour of (PNETs) is an embryonal tumour group; these are tumours with high malignancy and belong to group IV (WHO). In our case, we will present a case of PNETs in 28 gestation week old fetus, diagnosed antenatally and confirmed postnatally. CASE REPORT: We present the third pregnancy in 29 years old patient, with two previous term deliveries of healthy newborn. She came to University clinic at 27+3 gestational week for fetal hydrocephalus. After an ultrasound and MRI scan, possibilities were explained to the parents. During the medico-ethical counselling, explain to the parents the need for operation and the possibility of postoperative adjuvant therapy, quality of life with potential future disabilities. They choose to terminate the pregnancy. Postmortem the diagnosis was PNETs. Summary of analysis: peripheral neuroectodermal tumour with ganglion and neuronal differentiation. CONCLUSION: Antenatal management depends on the gestational week in the time of diagnosis and the decision of parents. If the lesion is before viability fetus, it should be offered termination of pregnancy. Another important factor is the mode of delivery, because of increased intracranial pressure although this aggressive combined modality of treatment, recurrence is often. Tree year of survival is between 53% and 73% when the adjuvant radiotherapy is included. For that, they should be diagnosed as soon as possible before achieving fetal viability. Only 18% of those tumours presenting in the first year of life are diagnosed before or at delivery.

Obstetric Outcome in Pregnant Patients with Low Level of Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A in First Trimester.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), is a protease which releases Insulin-like growth factor. The role of this factor is stimulation of cell mitosis, differentiation and trophoblastic invasion of deciduas. Identification of patients with low PAPP-A (under 0.4 MoM in the first trimester has an influence on birth weight, attenuation of fetal growth, preeclampsia, birth and fetal demise. AIM: The main issue in the study is evaluating an influence of PAPP-A, calculated in the first trimester on the unfavourable outcome of pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy pregnant women with singleton pregnancy underwent first-trimester biochemical screening. The target group were women with PAPP-A below 0.4 MoM, and in control group, PAPP-A were over 0.4 MoM. There was an assessment of the influence on the mode of delivery, gestational week, the presence of intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, temporary birth, intrauterine fetal demise and newborn condition. RESULTS: In target group, consisted of 35 patients, 16 were delivered at term. From 28 to 37 g.w.- were 7 patient, 22-28 g.w.- 4 and 8 patients were under the 22 g.w (all with fetal demise) there were 19 pretemporary deliveries - 9 with Cesarean Section (SC). In the target group: 5 newborn were with IUGR, 6 women had preeclampsia, 1 had placental abruption. In control group were 35 patients: 28 delivered at term, 9 with SC, 26 vaginal deliveries; with IUGR were 4 newborns. Two newborns were hypertrophic. CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference in unfavourable outcome in the cases with PAPP-A under 0.4 Mom, particular in the group, with a PAPP-A value under 0.2 MoM. The patients delivered with SC with the main indications in utero hypoxia, growth restriction and elevated blood pressure had PAPP-A between 0.3-0.4 MoM. The patients with intrauterine fetal death and placental abruption in the most of the cases have PAPP-A value under 0.2 MoM. There is a need to be aware in these pregnancies to achieve the preventions of adverse outcome, to decrease perinatal morbidity and mortality.

"Bladder Effect" - An Urodynamic Parameter to Distinguish Subtypes of Urinary Incontinence in Women.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as the involuntary loss of urine that represents a hygienic or social problem to the individual. The aetiology is multifactorial. The diagnosis of UI is important because it can result in the application of appropriate therapy. Urodynamics is a golden standard, without which every UI diagnosis is insufficient. AIM: The goal of this study was, based on urodynamic results, to prove the existence of evident differences between the subtypes of UI. METHODS: Eighty patients with UI were evaluated (50 with urinary stress incontinence-USI and 30 with detrusor instability-DI) according to a standard evaluation protocol. Exclusion criteria were: mixed UI and diseases that simulated UI. All patients were 36-65 years of age (mean 56). The following parameters were measured: maximal and average flow, maximal and average voiding pressure. These parameters were compared between both groups, to determine the diagnostic significance of the parameter "Bladder Effect" (BE). It is a product of the urine flow and the pressure during voiding. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference with a high confidence interval. Mean BEmax was 577 units in the patient group with USI, and 1014 in the DI group. Similarly, BEav was 313 units in the USI group, and 499 units in the DI group, with a significant difference and a high interval of confidence. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results of the study suggested that BE could be a useful diagnostic parameter to distinguish between USI and DI.

Impact of socio-demographic factors on the delayed diagnosis and advanced stage presentation of patients with invasive cervical cancer in Macedonia.

AIM: The study aims to establish certain socio-demographic factors associated with delayed presentation (i.e. advanced stage at diagnosis) in patients with invasive cervical cancer in Macedonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted with patients already diagnosed and treated for invasive cancer of the uterine cervix who came in for their regular annual check-up at the University Radiotherapy and Oncology Clinic, Medical Faculty, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Macedonia. The data were collected by interviewing the participants using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were recruited in the study. Eight of them were excluded from further analysis due to incomplete data. Close to 72% of the patients analysed presented with advanced stage disease, while 28.04% of the patients were diagnosed with early stage disease. The univariate analysis and Chi-square statistics showed that the patients had a higher probability of being diagnosed with advanced stage disease if they had a low monthly income (p = 0.01), had lower degrees of education (p < 0.001), had an unsatisfactory level of genital hygiene (p < 0.001) and had no family history of invasive cervical cancer in first degree female relatives (p = 0.003). DISCUSSION: The results from the study could be utilized to identify the population at risk which should be targeted for implementation of specialized educational programmes for familiarizing the population with the nature of the disease which in turn would increase the level of consciousness as a step towards implementing a national screening programme.

The influence on coagulation of transdermal estrogen hormone replacement therapy as a preoperative preparation of the tissue before vaginal hysterectomy.

In 32 postmenopausal patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy due to the presence of uterine prolapse at the Department of Uro-gynaecology and Pelvic Floor Disorders in the Clinic of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical School, Skopje in the period from 1st January 2002 to 1st January 2003, and who were preoperatively treated with transdermal estradiol 50 microg/day during 14 days the following parameters of the coagulating status were estimated: prothrombin time (PT) that is expressed in: absolute value, percentage and INR; activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT Pathrombin SL); thrombin time and platelets number before and after hormone replacement therapy. After 14-day transdermal estrogen therapy, the parameters: PT, PT%, PT INR, aPTT Pathrombin SL didn't expressed significant changes, the thrombin time expressed significant extension, and the platelets expressed a significant decrease. According to our results, the transdermal estrogens might not have any influence on the hepatic synthesis of coagulating factors till the step of prothrombin formation. They might have an essential influence on the step of prothrombin transformation into thrombin, as well as on the process of megacaryocytes segregation into platelets.