Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after different axillary treatments in women with breast cancer: a 1-year longitudinal cohort study.

PURPOSE: As life expectancy continues to rise, post-treatment health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer patients becomes increasingly important. This study examined the one-year longitudinal relation between axillary treatments and physical, psychosocial, and sexual wellbeing and arm symptoms. METHODS: Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received different axillary treatments being axilla preserving surgery (APS) with or without axillary radiotherapy or full axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with or without axillary radiotherapy were included. HRQoL was assessed at baseline, 6- and 12-months postoperatively using the BREAST-Q and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-BR23). Mixed regression models were constructed to assess the impact of axillary treatment on HRQoL. HRQoL at baseline was compared to HRQoL at 6- and at 12-months postoperatively. RESULTS: In total, 552 patients were included in the mixed regressions models. Except for ALND with axillary radiotherapy, no significant differences in physical and psychosocial wellbeing were found. Physical wellbeing decreased significantly between baseline and 6- and 12-months postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.035) and psychosocial wellbeing decreased significantly between baseline and 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.028) for ALND with axillary radiotherapy compared to APS alone. Arm symptoms increased significantly between baseline and 6 months and between baseline and 12 months postoperatively for APS with radiotherapy (12.71, 13.73) and for ALND with radiotherapy (13.93, 16.14), with the lowest increase in arm symptoms for ALND without radiotherapy (6.85, 7.66), compared to APS alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Physical and psychosocial wellbeing decreased significantly for ALND with radiotherapy compared to APS alone. Shared decision making and expectation management pre-treatment could be strengthened by discussing arm symptoms per axillary treatment with the patient.

Relationship between kisspeptin levels in the third trimester and late-onset fetal growth restriction: A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate whether maternal serum kisspeptin levels are associated with late-onset FGR and contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes. METHOD: In this case-control study, a total of 90 pregnant women admitted to the perinatology clinic were enrolled. Forty-five of them were diagnosed with FGR and 45 women with healthy pregnancies formed the control group. Maternal serum levels of kisspeptin 1 were compared. RESULTS: Median kisspeptin1 serum levels were higher in the group of patients with FGR according to gestational age than in the control group [79.4(3.9-230.2) pg/mL vs. 39.8(0.4-188.3) pg/mL; p = 0.001]. The optimal cut-off value for kisspeptin1 was 30.32 pg/mL, with a positive predictive value of 64.6% (95% CI; 0.54-0.86), negative predictive value of 87.5% (95% CI; 0.44-0.72), positive likelihood ratio 1.75 (95% CI; 1.31-2.32), negative likelihood ratio 0.14 (95% CI; 0.04-0.44). DISCUSSION: Kisspeptin1 differed significantly in late-onset FGR compared with the control group. This difference from the control group can be used to estimate late-onset FGR.

Intramural Healthcare Consumption and Costs After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) Study.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global public health problem and a leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability. The increasing incidence combined with the heterogeneity and complexity of TBI will inevitably place a substantial burden on health systems. These findings emphasize the importance of obtaining accurate and timely insights into healthcare consumption and costs on a multi-national scale. This study aimed to describe intramural healthcare consumption and costs across the full spectrum of TBI in Europe. The Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) core study is a prospective observational study conducted in 18 countries across Europe and in Israel. The baseline Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was used to differentiate patients by brain injury severity in mild (GCS 13-15), moderate (GCS 9-12), or severe (GCS ≤8) TBI. We analyzed seven main cost categories: pre-hospital care, hospital admission, surgical interventions, imaging, laboratory, blood products, and rehabilitation. Costs were estimated based on Dutch reference prices and converted to country-specific unit prices using gross domestic product (GDP)-purchasing power parity (PPP) adjustment. Mixed linear regression was used to identify between-country differences in length of stay (LOS), as a parameter of healthcare consumption. Mixed generalized linear models with gamma distribution and log link function quantified associations of patient characteristics with higher total costs. We included 4349 patients, of whom 2854 (66%) had mild, 371 (9%) had moderate, and 962 (22%) had severe TBI. Hospitalization accounted for the largest part of the intramural consumption and costs (60%). In the total study population, the mean LOS was 5.1 days at the intensive care unit (ICU) and 6.3 days at the ward. For mild, moderate, and severe TBI, mean LOS was, respectively, 1.8, 8.9, and 13.5 days at the ICU and 4.5, 10.1, and 10.3 days at the ward. Other large contributors to the total costs were rehabilitation (19%) and intracranial surgeries (8%). Total costs increased with higher age and greater trauma severity (mild; €3,800 [IQR €1,400-14,000], moderate; €37,800 [IQR €14,900-€74,200], severe; €60,400 [IQR €24,400-€112,700]). The adjusted analysis showed that female patients had lower costs than male patients (odds ratio (OR) 0.80 [CI 0.75-1.85]). Increasing TBI severity was associated with higher costs, OR 1.46 (confidence interval [CI] 1.31-1.63) and OR 1.67 [CI 1.52-1.84] for moderate and severe patients, respectively. A worse pre-morbid overall health state, increasing age and more severe systemic trauma, expressed in the Injury Severity Score (ISS), were also significantly associated with higher costs. Intramural costs of TBI are significant and are profoundly driven by hospitalization. Costs increased with trauma severity and age, and male patients incurred higher costs. Reducing LOS could be targeted with advanced care planning, in order to provide cost-effective care.

Dutch normative data of the sexual distress scale and the body image scale.

PURPOSE: Sexual health is an important contributing factor for health-related quality of life, but research in this domain is scarce. Moreover, normative data are needed to interpret patient-reported outcome measures on sexual health. The aim of this study was to collect and describe normative scores of the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and the Body Image Scale (BIS) from the Dutch population and assess the effect of important demographic and clinical variables on the outcome. As the FSDS is also validated in men, we refer to it as SDS. METHOD: Dutch respondents completed the SDS and BIS between May and August 2022. Sexual distress was defined as a SDS score > 15. Descriptive statistics were calculated to present normative data per age group per gender after post-stratification weighting was applied. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of age, gender, education, relationship status, history of cancer and (psychological) comorbidities on SDS and BIS. RESULTS: For the SDS 768 respondents were included with a weighted mean score of 14.41 (SD 10.98). Being female (OR 1.77, 95% CI [1.32; 2.39]), having a low educational level (OR 2.02, CI [1.37; 2.39]) and psychological comorbidities (OR: 4.86, 95% CI [2.17; 10.88]) were associated with sexual distress. For the BIS, 696 respondents were included. Female gender (ß: 2.63, 95% CI [2.13; 3.13]), psychological comorbidities (ß: 2.45, 95% CI [1.43; 3.47]), higher age (ß: -0.07, 95% CI [-0.09; -0.05]), and a high educational level (ß:-1.21, CI: -1.79 to -0.64) were associated with the non-disease related questions of the Body Image Scale. CONCLUSION: This study provides age- and gender-dependent normative values for the SDS and the non-disease related questions of the BIS. Sexual distress and body image are influenced by gender, education level, relationship status and psychological comorbidities. Moreover, age is positively associated with Body Image.

Health care utilization and outcomes in older adults after Traumatic Brain Injury: A CENTER-TBI study.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is increasingly common in older adults aged ≥65 years, forming a growing public health problem. However, older adults are underrepresented in TBI research. Therefore, we aimed to provide an overview of health-care utilization, and of six-month outcomes after TBI and their determinants in older adults who sustained a TBI. METHODS: We used data from the prospective multi-center Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) study. In-hospital and post-hospital health care utilization and outcomes were described for patients aged ≥65 years. Ordinal and linear regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and mental health symptoms six-months post-injury. RESULTS: Of 1254 older patients, 45% were admitted to an ICU with a mean length of stay of 9 days. Nearly 30% of the patients received inpatient rehabilitation. In total, 554/1254 older patients completed the six-month follow-up questionnaires. The mortality rate was 9% after mild and 60% after moderate/severe TBI, and full recovery based on GOSE was reported for 44% of patients after mild and 6% after moderate/severe TBI. Higher age and increased injury severity were primarily associated with functional impairment, while pre-injury systemic disease, psychiatric conditions and lower educational level were associated with functional impairment, lower generic and disease-specific HRQoL and mental health symptoms. CONCLUSION: The rate of impairment and disability following TBI in older adults is substantial, and poorer outcomes across domains are associated with worse preinjury health. Nonetheless, a considerable number of patients fully or partially returns to their preinjury functioning. There should not be pessimism about outcomes in older adults who survive.

Determination of the Discriminating Concentration Towards Permethrin for Surveying Resistance in Amblyomma americanum.

Amblyomma americanum Linnaeus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is ubiquitously present throughout the southeastern United States and is capable of vectoring several pathogens. White-tailed deer are the main host for adult A. americanum. However, this tick species is a generalist that will feed on most vertebrates, including humans, deer, livestock, and pets. Management of this species can be challenging due to a lack of cost-effective strategies. Acaricides are often utilized, however, this may lead to pesticide resistance. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) larval packet test (LPT) was performed on susceptible A. americanum to determine the lethal concentration (LC) and discriminating concentration (DC) values for permethrin. The FAO LPT was used at these pre-established values to compare levels of resistance in ticks collected from a captive deer farm and wild areas representing high and low permethrin exposure settings, respectively. Resistance ratios (RR) calculated from the LC values for the ticks collected from farmed and wild deer ranged between 1 and 2. A. americanum collected from farmed and wild deer were not found to be resistant, however, some samples had slightly elevated RRs as compared to the susceptible laboratory strain, which may suggest tolerance development. Although the A. americanum sampled in this study were not resistant to permethrin, the DC calculated in this study will allow for rapid evaluation of resistance in a permethrin resistance monitoring program such that alternate management strategies can be adopted if resistance is detected.

Prediction Models for Future High-Need High-Cost Healthcare Use: a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In an effort to improve both quality of care and cost-effectiveness, various care-management programmes have been developed for high-need high-cost (HNHC) patients. Early identification of patients at risk of becoming HNHC (i.e. case finding) is crucial to a programme's success. We aim to systematically identify prediction models predicting future HNHC healthcare use in adults, to describe their predictive performance and to assess their applicability. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE® All, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception through January 31, 2021. Risk of bias and methodological quality assessment was performed through the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). RESULTS: Of 5890 studies, 60 studies met inclusion criteria. Within these studies, 313 unique models were presented using a median development cohort size of 20,248 patients (IQR 5601-174,242). Predictors were derived from a combination of data sources, most often claims data (n = 37; 62%) and patient survey data (n = 29; 48%). Most studies (n = 36; 60%) estimated patients' risk to become part of some top percentage of the cost distribution (top-1-20%) within a mean time horizon of 16 months (range 12-60). Five studies (8%) predicted HNHC persistence over multiple years. Model validation was performed in 45 studies (76%). Model performance in terms of both calibration and discrimination was reported in 14 studies (23%). Overall risk of bias was rated as 'high' in 40 studies (67%), mostly due to a 'high' risk of bias in the subdomain 'Analysis' (n = 37; 62%). DISCUSSION: This is the first systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42020164734) of non-proprietary prognostic models predicting HNHC healthcare use. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity. Most identified models estimated a patient's risk to incur high healthcare expenditure during the subsequent year. However, case-finding strategies for HNHC care-management programmes are best informed by a model predicting HNHC persistence. Therefore, future studies should not only focus on validating and extending existing models, but also concentrate on clinical usefulness.

Comparison of the Kisspeptin levels in early onset preeclampsia and late-onset preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal Kisspeptin plays role in cell migration which is responsible for trophoblast invasion. We aimed to investigate the role of Kisspeptin as an invasion marker in the early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia cases. STUDY DESIGN: In this case-control study, 125 patients were included: 20 patients with early-onset preeclampsia and 20 gestational-age-matched healthy controls; 45 patients with late-onset preeclampsia and 40 gestational-age-matched controls). Maternal plasma Kisspeptin concentration was measured and compared in groups regarding the presence of early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia. RESULTS: In the late-onset PE group, significantly higher maternal plasma Kisspeptin values were observed compared with the control group at > 34 weeks of gestation (68.7 ± 93.4 pg/ml vs 68.5 ± 57.9 pg/ml; p = 0.004). Before the 34th week of gestation, plasma Kisspeptin levels did not show a significant difference when patients with early-onset PE and gestational-age matched controls were compared (66.8 ± 87.9 pg/ml vs 48.5 ± 91.3 pg/ml; p = 0.56). CONCLUSION: Plasma Kisspeptin levels were significantly higher in women with late-onset preeclampsia, while no significant difference was observed in early-onset preeclampsia when compared with healthy gestational age-matched controls. The role of Kisspeptin proteins is still not clearly defined in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Do fetuin-A/apha2-Heremans Schmid-glycoprotein levels have an association with recurrent pregnancy loss?

OBJECTIVE: Fetuin-A is a hepatokine which is previously found related to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to investigate if recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is associated with increased fetuin-A levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum fetuin-A concentrations were measured and compared in 30 non-pregnant women with a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriage, 29 women who had a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriage and were admitted to our clinic due to miscarriage during the study period and 30 fertile women who have no history of miscarriage or any other pregnancy complications with at least two previous healthy children. RESULTS: The median serum fetuin-A levels of group I, II, and III were 59.45, 62.73, and 44.52, respectively (p=.065). Serum fetuin-A levels significantly increased in group II compared to group III (p=.011). No significant differences in the levels of fetuin-A of group I compared to either group II (p=.433) or group III (p=.268). CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of RPL is still a subject that is not clarified. Fetuin-A levels may have a relationship with RPL.

Newborn Hearing Screening Results of Infants Born To Mothers Who Had COVID-19 Disease During Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Viral infections are known to be a risk factor for neonatal hearing loss. COVID-19 infection has been reported to affect hearing test results in one small sample sized study. We aimed to investigate the incidence the risk of neonatal hearing loss in infants of mothers who had COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, regarding their trimesters, by evaluating the neonatal hearing screening results. DESIGN: In this retrospective case-control study, neonatal hearing test results of 458 women with a history of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy were compared with 339 women who gave birth before the pandemic. Data of pregnant women who attended the COVID-19 outpatient clinic of the emergency service of a tertiary pandemic hospital and who had confirmed infection with a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test were determined from the hospital's records and their neonatal hearing screening results were analyzed from the national database. Neonates born before <34 weeks, and with reported risk factors in the database such as congenital anomaly or known TORCH infection during pregnancy were excluded. The screening tests, Automated Auditory Brainstem Response or Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE), were used for screening, and patients who failed the first screening were reevaluated at least 2 weeks apart with a second screening. RESULTS: The incidence of failed second screening was 1.3% in the COVID-19 group and 2.9% in controls, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups according to the final screening results on the second test. Among the 458 mothers, 8 were infected in first trimester, 126 in second trimester, 127 in third trimester but did not deliver within 15 days after infection and 197 were positive at birth. Six neonates in the infected group failed the second screening (3 [2.4%] in the second trimester, 1 [0.8%] third trimester, and 2 [1.0%] positive at birth). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 infection during pregnancy was not found to be a risk factor for hearing loss, according to the newborn hearing screening results.

The effect of the birth method on changes of the prepartum and postpartum dimensions of perineal body.

OBJECTIVE: The perineal body is critical for maintaining the integrity of the pelvic floor, especially in females as it can be injured during vaginal delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of childbirth on perineal body dimensions by using a transperineal 2D ultrasound. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study was performed in a tertiary obstetric care center. A total of 172 term pregnant women who delivered either by cesarean section or vaginal delivery were enrolled in the study. All demographic data and information were collected prospectively. The perineal body was measured in length, height, perimeter, and area. Mode of delivery was classified into four categories, including prelabor cesarean section, cesarean section during the first stage of labor, the first vaginal delivery, and more than one previously vaginal delivery. A postpartum evaluation was performed after 6 weeks. RESULTS: Among the 172 women, 40 (23.3 %) had a history of cesarean section (CS) and they delivered with scheduled CS, 40 (23.3 %) women delivered by primary CS during active labor, 48 (27.9 %) women had the first vaginal delivery, 44 (25.6 %) women who delivered vaginally had a history of at least one vaginal delivery. The postpartum perineal body measurements were significantly lower in terms of length, perimeter, and area in all pregnancy groups. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy and delivery change perineal body dimensions, significantly. Cesarean section does not completely protect against changes in perineal body morphology.

Copper and levonorgestrel containing intrauterine devices: comparison of their effect on oxidative stress markers.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress by measuring the thiol-disulfide balance in women who use either T380A or LNG-IUD as a contraceptive method. Material and method: The study included two groups; 30 women with LNG-IUD and 30 women with copper-IUD. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis as a marker of oxidative stress was analyzed before the IUD insertion and on the 6th month after insertion. Results: The LNG-IUD group had similar native thiol levels with Cu-IUD (293.1 ± 43.5 µmol/l vs. 290.4 ± 42.4 µmol/l respectively, p = 819). In the copper-IUD group total thiol levels were higher than LNG-IUD group (345.5 ± 58.2 µmol/l vs. 319.5 ± 52.4 µmol/l, p = .031). A significant increase was observed after 6 months in LNG-IUD patients in terms of disulfide/native thiol (7.9 ± 4.4% vs. 11.2 ± 2.6%, p = .006), disulfide/total thiol (6.2 ± 1.8% vs. 8.7 ± 1.9%, p = .004) and Native thiol/total thiol (87.1 ± 12.1% vs. 82.3 ± 8.2%, p = .004) levels. After 6 months in copper-IUD patients, disulfide (22.3 ± 7.3 µmol/l vs. 27.5 ± 6.9 µmol/l respectively, p = .006), disulfide/native thiol (7.7 ± 3.8% vs. 9.8 ± 2.4% respectively, p = .007), disulfide/total thiol (6.4 ± 2.03% vs. 8.2 ± 1.8% respectively, p = .007) and native thiol/total thiol (86.3 ± 9.4% vs. 83.8 ± 10.6% respectively, p = .007) levels were increased. Conclusion: An increase in oxidative stress markers were observed in both groups. Studies evaluating the long term subclinical risks of IUD's are needed to understand the outcomes of the increased oxidative stress.

Echogenic particles in the amniotic fluid of term low-risk pregnant women: does it have a clinical significance?

In this study, we aimed to analyse the clinical features of the third-trimester pregnant women, with echogenic amniotic fluid and to compare their obstetric and neonatal outcomes with pregnant women with normal amniotic fluid echogenicity. This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary antenatal care centre. A total of 560 term (37-42 weeks of gestation) singleton women; 280 with echogenic particles in amniotic fluid and 280 with clear amniotic fluid, who delivered within 24 h after the ultrasound scan were evaluated. The women in the two groups were similar in terms of age, parity, body mass index, foetal birth weight, and gestational age. More patients in the particulate amnion group had lower Apgar scores (<7) in 1st and 5th minutes than controls (p = .006, p = .031 respectively) however the rate of admission to neonatal intensive care was similar. Vernix stained amniotic fluid was more common in the study group (48.8%, p = .031), the rate of meconium-stained amniotic fluid was similar in the study and control groups (9.6-9.2%, p = .881). The primary caesarean section rate was higher in women with particulate amnion (18.4%, p = .037). Echogenic particles in the amniotic fluid in the third trimester could not be attributed to meconium, however, higher rates of primary caesarean section may require further attention.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Previous studies showed that high-density intra-amniotic particles were possibly related to vernix caseosa, intra-amniotic bleeding, and meconium. The number of study groups in these studies was also limited.What do the results of this study add? Additional to other previous studies, we found an increased rate of intra-amniotic echogenic particles in male foetuses.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The presence of echogenic particles on ultrasound was not related to increased risk for the presence of meconium. Significantly more neonates born to mothers with intra-amniotic echogenic particles tended to have lower Apgar scores (<7), however, this significant difference did not affect the need for NICU admission. The presence of echogenic particles in the amniotic fluid of the third-trimester pregnant women could not be attributed to meconium and adverse perinatal outcomes, however, the higher rates of primary caesarean section may require further attention.

Identifying the risk factors and incidence of Asherman Syndrome in women with post-abortion uterine curettage.

AIM: To evaluate the risk factors and incidence of Asherman Syndrome in women with post-abortion uterine evacuation and curettage. METHODS: A total of 2546 patients who had surgical abortion (uterine evacuation and curettage) before the 20th gestational week with indications of missed abortion, anembryonic pregnancy, incomplete abortion, and elective curettage in a tertiary antenatal care center were recruited. The patients were called and surveyed for their symptoms; including infertility, oligo-amenorrhea and recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation and abnormal placentation as criteria of Asherman Syndrome. Diagnostic (office) hysteroscopy was performed for 177 who had one of those complaints. RESULTS: The incidence of Asherman Syndrome was 1.6% (n = 43/2546). History of ≥3 abortions was the main factor that increased the risk of Asherman Syndrome for by 4.6 times. Use of vacuum aspiration or sharp curettage, premedication for cervical priming, and having a pregnancy >10th gestational weeks were not risk factors for Asherman Syndrome. CONCLUSION: When the diagnosis was based on presence of symptoms who underwent uterine instrumentation, the incidence of Asherman Syndrome was found to be 1.6%. Repeated abortions were the main risk factor for Asherman Syndrome and avoiding from repeated uterine instrumentations may have a role in prevention.

Different pre-analytical techniques and the results of 50 g oral glucose challenge tests.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyse the pre-analytical process and its effect of 50 g of oral glucose challenge test results for screening gestational diabetes mellitus. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The 50 g oral glucose challenge test was performed to 30 pregnant women, and the blood was collected as two samples for three tubes containing; serum separating jell (SSJ), sodium fluoride-potassium oxalate (NaF - KOx) and sodium citrate-containing tube. The first samples of the three tubes were centrifuged within 30 minutes, and second samples were centrifuged after 60 minutes and were analysed. One sample in SSJ tube and was analysed in the same day according to hospitals routine practice. The results were compared. RESULTS: Among the 30 samples, the mean decrease in glucose levels was highest in the SSJ tube (0.38 mmol/L), followed by 0.16 mmol/L in Na citrate tube and 0.14 mmol/L in NaF-KOx tube. The hospital routine assessment with SSJ was 6.36 ± 1.90 mmol/L. The <30 and >60 minutes glucose results were 6.80 ± 1.88 mmol/L vs 6.42 ± 1.97 mmol/L for SSJ, 5.95 ± 1.60 mmol/L vs 5.78 ± 1.51 mmol/L for Na Citrate and 6.90 ± 1.86 mmol/L vs 6.75 ± 1.90 mmol/L for NaF-KOx mg/dL groups, respectively, and both the changes within time and the results between the tubes showed a statistically significant difference (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In cases with longer assessment time and with different blood sample tubes, the clinician should also keep in mind that, especially with results under but close to the cut-off levels, an underdiagnosed gestational diabetes might be present.

Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Once a woman is diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), two strategies are considered for management; life-style modifications and pharmacological therapy. The management of GDM aims to maintain a normoglycemic state and to prevent excessive weight gain in order to reduce maternal and fetal complications. Lifestyle modifications include nutritional therapy and exercise. Calorie restriction with a low glycemic index diet is recommended to avoid postprandial hyperglycemia and to reduce insulin resistance. Blood glucose levels, HbA1c levels, and ketonuria are monitored to analyze the efficacy of conservative management. Pharmacological treatment is initiated if conservative strategies fail to provide expected glucose levels during follow-ups.Insulin has been the first choice for the treatment of diabetes during pregnancy. Recently, metformin has been used more commonly in diabetic pregnant women in cases when insulin cannot be prescribed, after its safety has been proven. However, a high percentage of women, which may be up to 46% may require additional insulin to maintain expected blood glucose levels. The evidence on the long-term safety of other oral anti-diabetics has been lacking yet.Women with diet-controlled GDM can wait for spontaneous labor expectantly in case there are no obstetric indications for birth. However, in women with GDM under insulin therapy or with poor glycemic control, elective induction at term is recommended by authorities.The women who have GDM during pregnancy should be counseled about their increased risks of impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome.

Maternal Serum Haptoglobin Levels as a Marker of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of maternal serum haptoglobin levels in patients presenting with preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) during the second and the third trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: In this case control study, 60 patients were recruited (30 pregnant women with PPROM between 26-34 weeks of gestation and 30 healthy, gestational-age-matched pregnant women without PPROM). White blood cell count (WBC), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), sedimentation rate, and haptoglobin levels were measured. RESULTS: The mean age, gestational week, gravida, and parity of the 2 groups were statistically comparable (P>0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of haptoglobin values (p<0.001). The mean haptoglobin level was 115.5+33.1(mg/dl) in the PPROM group and 66.5+42.6 (mg/dl) in the control group. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine whether the level of haptoglobin alone could diagnose PPROM as an independent marker. It was shown that the level of 94.5 mg/dL for haptoglobin could indicate the diagnosis of PPROM with 80% sensitivity and specificity CONCLUSION: Maternal serum haptoglobin levels may be a diagnostic marker for suspected PPROM cases when membrane rupture diagnosis is not accurate based on physical examination and other diagnostic tests.

Correlation of Maternal Neck/Waist Circumferences and Fetal Macrosomia in Low-Risk Turkish Pregnant Women, a Preliminary Study.

Goals: Our aim in this study was to determine if the maternal neck and waist circumference measured in the first three months of pregnancy were effective in prediction of fetal macrosomia.Material and methods In this retrospective cohort study; body mass index, neck circumference (NC) and waist circumference (WC) was measured in low risk pregnant women at 11-13+6th weeks of pregnancy.Results Among the 361 women, 8% of newborns were over 4000 grams. The rate of fetal macrosomia increased with the increased NC and WC. In ROC analysis, optimum cutoff value of NC was >36.5 cm to predict fetal macrosomia with 68.97% sensitivity and 66.97% specifity and for WC it was >88 cm with 62.07% sensitivity and 61.26% specifity.Conclusion Risk of fetal macrosomia increased with the increased maternal NC and WC.

Anemia in pregnancy: it's effect on oxidative stress and cardiac parameters.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the changes in cardiac functions by echocardiography and oxidative stress markers in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia. METHOD: A total of 100 patients (pregnant women with IDA n = 34, healthy pregnant women n = 33, non-pregnant control group n = 33) were enrolled. Demographic data, serum thiol-disulfide and ischemia modified albumin levels, and echocardiographic parameters were compared. RESULTS: Native thiol (NT) (p < .001) and Total Thiol (TT) (p < .001) levels as antioxidant markers; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < .001), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (p < .001) were significantly decreased in the IDA group compared to healthy pregnant women and non-pregnant controls. Adjusted IMA ratios were significantly increased in the IDA group (p =.001). A significant negative correlation was determined between adjusted IMA and LVEF (r = -0,4226; p =.016), a significant positive correlation was determined between thiol levels and TAPSE (r = 0.361; p =.041) in IDA group, no correlation was observed in healthy pregnant women and healthy non-pregnant control group. CONCLUSION: Anemia in pregnanc may trigger oxidative stress and increased OS may be related to changes in cardiac functions. The possible cardiovascular impact should be considered in pregnant women with anemia and clinicians should not neglect to refer these patients to cardiology in clinical practise.