VEGF I/D variant and preeclampsia risk in Turkish women: a case-control study.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a systemic vascular disorder, is caused by an imbalance of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors that directly affect endothelial function. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (called VGF), a pro-angiogenic factor associated with endothelial dysfunction, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of PE. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between -2549 insertion/deletion (I/D) variant in the VEGF promoter region and PE in pregnant women in Turkey. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with PE and 118 healthy pregnants were recruited. To genotype the VEGF I/D variant, the PCR method was used. The results of analyses were evaluated for statistical significance. The weight of the PE group was found to be higher before and after pregnancy than the control group (p = 0.009, p = 0.012, respectively). The birth weight, and Apgar score (1 min and 5 min) of the PE group was lower than that of the control group (p= <0.001, p= <0.001, p= <0.001, respectively). The mean 24-h urine protein, ALT and AST levels in the PE group were higher than the control group (p= <0.001, p= <0.001, p= <0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference between the patients and the controls in terms of VEGF I/D genotype and allele distribution. There was no deviation from HWA for VEGF I/D variant in patient and control groups. In the patients carrying D/D genotype and the D allele had low gestational week and birth weight. Knowing the risk factors for PE is very important for its prevention and treatment. In conclusion, for the first time, our results supported that the VEGF I/D variant is not a risk factor for the development of PE in a group of Turkish populations. But VEGF I/D variant D/D genotype associated with low gestational week and birth weight while I/D genotype seems to be protective from high systolic blood pressure.

The impact of maternal electrolyte and albumin levels on the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancies.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of maternal albumin and serum electrolyte levels on the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate (SDMtx) therapy for ectopic pregnancies. Building on previous research, recommendations are provided to enhance the success of SD-Mtx therapy in the management of ectopic pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Conducted at a tertiary center gynecology clinic, the study included 353 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and treated with SD-Mtx from 2012 to 2023. Patients who responded positively to SD-Mtx treatment comprised Group 1 (n=313), while those requiring surgical intervention due to failed SD-Mtx therapy constituted Group 2 (n=40). Through the hospital's digital database, patient data including complete blood count, biochemistry, and hormone test results were retrospectively examined. Results: The mean ß-hCG value was 1996 IU/mL for Group 1 in contrast to 2058 IU/mL for Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference in ß-hCG levels between the two groups. Notably, Group 1 patients exhibited lower serum magnesium levels but higher potassium levels compared to Group 2 patients, with statistically significant differences. Furthermore, Group 1 patients had higher albumin levels than those in Group 2, with a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Successful SD-Mtx treatment was associated with lower maternal serum magnesium levels and higher potassium and albumin levels. Considering electrolyte levels before administering SD-Mtx and addressing any imbalances could potentially enhance treatment success. Additionally, restoring low albumin levels might improve the efficacy of SD-Mtx treatment for ectopic pregnancies. While this study suggests these trends, further extensive studies with a larger sample size are necessary to establish more definitive evidence.

The effect of surgical procedure on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing emergency peripartum hysterectomy: a retrospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of surgical procedure on the operation's results in patients undergoing emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH). METHODS: The records of patients who underwent EPH due to postpartum hemorrhage between 2010 and 2020 in two tertiary centers with a high crude delivery rate were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical data were compared according to the EPH type. RESULTS: During the study period, 115,709 births occurred in these two centers. EPH was administered for 181 (1.6%) of these patients. Sixty-seven (37%) of the EPH cases involved subtotal EPH (SEPH), and 114 (63%) were total EPH (TEPH). Surgical time (107.3 ± 17.6 vs. 134.2 ± 32.3 min, p < 0.001), erythrocyte transfusion count (2.6 ± 1.3 vs. 4.3 ± 6.2, p < 0.001), ureter injury (0.0 vs. 7.9%), bladder injury (1.5 vs. 28.1%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (1.5 vs. 9.6%), need for relaparotomy (4.5 vs. 14%), and intensive care unit admission (19.4 vs. 52.6%) were found to be higher in the TEPH group compared to the SEPH group (p < 0.05). In addition, the total length of hospitalization was longer in the TEPH group (4.5 ± 2.3 vs. 6.1 ± 4.6 day, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: According to the results, if the bleeding in peripartum hemorrhage requiring EPH can be controlled with SEPH, attempting to remove the cervix completely may be associated with increased surgical time, blood transfusion need, and surgical complications.

The effect of carbamazepine, which increases oestrogen destruction, on the endometriotic implants; an experimental rat model.

We planned this experimental study to investigate the effect of carbamazepine (CMZ) on the endometriotic implants. Rats were randomised into four groups after endometriosis surgery. Drinking water was given to the sham group, 0.2 mg/kg oestradiol valerate (EV) to the EV group, 100 mg/kg/day CMZ to the CMZ group, and 0.2 mg/kg EV and 100 mg/kg/day CMZ to the EV-CMZ group. The endometrium of the rats using CMZ stained more intensely with cytochrome P450-3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. No endometrial hyperplasia was found in these rats. Endometriotic implants weight was found to be higher in these rats. There was no difference between the groups in terms of staining of the endometriotic implants with CYP3A4 enzyme. Endometriotic implants were less stained with the CYP3A4 enzyme than the endometrium. According to our results, CMZ does not increase the destruction of oestrogen in the endometriotic implants, unlike the endometrium. It may even cause the lesion to enlarge.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent, progressive disease. Carbamazepine (CMZ) is known to increase oestrogen degradation by activating the cytochrome P450-3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. CMZ can be used in the treatment of endometriosis because it increases oestrogen breakdown in tissues.What do the results of this study add? CMZ can protect the endometrium against hyperplasia by increasing the amount of CYP3A4 enzyme in the endometrium. This effect could not be demonstrated in the endometriotic implants. The presence of CYP3A4 enzyme less in the endometriotic implants than in the endometrium may explain this situation. In addition, the fact that CMZ does not increase the enzyme in the endometriotic implants may contribute to this situation.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? CMZ may not be a suitable alternative in the treatment of endometriosis. However, it may protect against endometrial hyperplasia. Clinical studies are needed for this effect.

Carbamazepine protects the endometrium against negative effects of estrogen in rats.

Carbamazepine (CMZ) increases estrogen metabolism by inducing cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4). We investigated whether CMZ is protective against endometrial hyperplasia (EH). We used 32 female Wistar albino rats divided into four equal groups: the control group received drinking water, the estradiol valerate (EV) group was given EV, the CMZ group was given CMZ, and the EV + CMZ group was given both EV and CMZ. After 30 days the uteri of the rats were removed and serum estrogen and progesterone levels were measured, and endometrial tissue characteristics were evaluated. CYP3A4 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Serum estrogen levels were lowest in the EV group and highest in the CMZ group. Serum progesterone levels were similar among all groups. Glandular density, a proxy measure of EH, was highest in the EV group and lowest in the EV + CMZ group. EH was detected in six of eight rats (75%) in the EV group and two of eight rats (25%) in the EV + CMZ group. Immunohistochemical staining revealed no significant difference in CYP3A4 expression among the four groups. CMZ reduced the negative effect of high dose estrogen that is not balanced by progesterone on the endometrium in rats. The effect likely is probably due to the CYP3A4 enzyme activator effect. CMZ may be protective against EH in high risk women, although confirmation is required.

Can complete blood count parameters that change according to trimester in pregnancy be used to predict severe preeclampsia?

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of changes over time in complete blood count (CBC) parameters to estimate the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Data on 161 severe preeclampsia patients and 161 healthy pregnant patients who met the study criteria of pregnant women whose CBC had been measured at 10-12, 22-24 and 28-30 weeks of pregnancy were compared. In the preeclampsia group, an increase in the mean platelet volume (MPV) value and a decrease in the number of platelets were statistically significant in the transition from the second to the third trimester. MPV and lymphocyte counts were more significant in the third trimester and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were more significant in the second trimester. We found that evaluation of the changes in lymphocyte, MPV and NLR values in three different trimesters of pregnancy rather than a single trimester was more meaningful to predict severe preeclampsia.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Studies have shown that MPV and NLR can predict preeclampsia. However, a clear cut off value could not be determined. The reasons for this may be that the gestational week during which the measurement is made is not standard and the patient groups are not homogeneous.What the results of this study add? In this study, CBC parameters at different stages of the preeclampsia process were compared in the severe preeclampsia group. According to our results, lymphocytes, NLR and MPV can be used to predict severe preeclampsia. In addition, NLR measurements in the second trimester and MPV and lymphocyte measurements in the third trimester were found to be more significant in predicting severe preeclampsia.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In order to predict severe preeclampsia, instead of a single measurement of CBC parameters, new calculations should be made that add change over time.

The effect of clomiphene citrate on oxidative stress parameters in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

This study aimed to examine the possible association between the oxidative stress parameters and clomiphene citrate resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome. The demographic data, hormone profiles and oxidant and antioxidant values of 50 clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome patients (Group 1), 32 clomiphene citrate-sensitive polycystic ovary syndrome patients (Group 2) and 87 non-polycystic ovary syndrome patients (Group 3) were compared. The average age, follicle-stimulating hormone, oestradiol, thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin values of the three groups were found to be homogeneous. Ferroxidase, catalase and myeloperoxidase levels were determined to be lower in the clomiphene citrate-resistant group compared to clomiphene citrate-sensitive and non-polycystic ovary syndrome groups (p < .001). As a result, Polycystic ovary syndrome patients with clomiphene resistance had lower antioxidant (catalase and ferroxidase) levels compared to those who were sensitive to clomiphene and who did not have polycystic ovary syndrome. The myeloperoxidase levels also demonstrated the same trend, which might be due to a compensation mechanism.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? In the literature, there are many studies evaluating the association between PCOS and oxidative stress. No research related to antioxidants in clomiphene citrate-sensitive and clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS patients was found in the relevant literature.What do the results of this study add? In this study, the antioxidants catalase and ferroxidase were found to be lower in PCOS women compared to non-PCOS; however, they were the lowest in clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS women. Interestingly, myeloperoxidase, which is a part of oxidative stress, was also found to be higher in the non-PCOS group.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study contributes to the literature because it is the first to compare the relation between CC and oxidant and antioxidant markers. These markers will be a guide for PCOS management in patients with CC-R.

The parameters affecting the success of uterus-sparing surgery in cases of placenta adhesion spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the parameters affecting the treatment success of conservative surgery in cases with placental invasion anomaly. METHODS: Archive files and digital image records of 67 patients with placental invasion anomaly were studied. The patients were divided into two groups, a conservative surgery group and a cesarean hysterectomy group. Demographic data, cervical length, placental localization, placental surface area adhering to previous cesarean section line, preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values, transfused blood products, and surgical complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In the conservative surgery group, the cervical length was longer (p < .001) and the surface area of the placenta in the previous cesarean scar line was smaller (p < .001). For cervical length, the sensitivity and specificity values were 97 and 81%, respectively, when the cut-off value was 35.5 mm. When the cut-off value for the placental surface area in the previous cesarean scar line was 85.5 cm2, the sensitivity and specificity values were 68 and 72%, respectively. In the caesarean hysterectomy group, the preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values were lower (p < .001, p = .003, respectively), and the amount of transfused erythrocyte suspension and fresh frozen plasma were higher (p < .001, p = .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this study, it was concluded that the presence of the nondestructive intact cervical tissue, in the cases with placental invasion anomaly and/or the small size of the placental surface area adhering to the previous cesarean scar line, increase the feasibility of conservative surgery.

Unscarred uterine rupture and subsequent pregnancy outcome - a tertiary centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, etiology and obstetric outcomes of rupture in unscarred uterine rupture and in those with a history of uterine rupture MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hospital records of women who had delivered between May 2005 and May 2017 at a tertiary center were examined retrospectively. Data on patients with unscarred uterine rupture in pregnancy who had undergone fertility-preserving surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, 185,609 deliveries occurred. Of those, unscarred uterine rupture has occurred in 67 women. There were no ruptures reported in nulliparous women. The rupture was observed in the isthmic region in 60 (89.6%) patients and in the fundus in 7 (10.4%) patients. Thirty-eight (56.7%) patients had undergone a total or subtotal hysterectomy, and 29 (43.3%) patients had received primary repair. Ten patients had reconceived after the repair. Of these, eight patients who had a history of isthmic rupture, successfully delivered by elective C-section at 36-37 wk. of gestation, and two experienced recurrent rupture at 33 and 34 wk. of gestation, respectively. Both patients had a history of fundal rupture, and their inter-pregnancy interval was 9 and 11 mo., respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of rupture in unscarred pregnant uteri was found to be one per 2,770 deliveries. Owing to the high morbidity, regarding more than half of the cases with rupture eventuated in hysterectomy, clinicians should be prudent in induction of labour for multiparous women since it was the main cause of rupture in this series. Short inter-pregnancy intervals and history of fundal rupture may confer a risk for rupture recurrence. Those risk factors for recurrence should be validated in another studies.

Risk factors for relaparotomy after cesarean section due to hemorrhage: a tertiary center experience.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the risk factors for relaparotomy after cesarean section (RLACS) due to bleeding.Material and methods: In this retrospective descriptive case-control study, women who underwent RLACS only for bleeding between 2008 and 2019 at a single tertiary center were examined (the center oversees approximately 25,000 deliveries per year). Maternal characteristics, postoperative findings, and surgical features were compared with a control group that included non-complicated cesarean sections (CS). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for relaparotomy.Results: Relaparotomy complicated 0.07% (n = 40) of CS during the study period (n = 58,095). When compared with the control group, age, parity, estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative pulse, blood replacement, and length of hospital stay were statistically higher in patients undergoing relaparotomy, whereas their postoperative systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found to be low. A history of pelvic surgery, the need for intensive care, and complications were more frequent in patients undergoing relaparotomy. When CSs were grouped according to 8-h periods of the day, it emerged that relaparotomies were mostly performed on the patients who underwent CS after working hours. Time interval during the day of the CS [OR: 2.59 (1.10-6.12)] and high postoperative pulse rate [OR: 1.58 (1.28-1.96)] were found to be independent risk indicators for RLACS (AUC: 0.97).Conclusions: Monitoring vital signs in the postoperative period and increasing the number of physicians and nurses during off-hours in hospitals working with on-call duty procedures as determined by the Ministry of Health will reduce the incidence rate of relaparotomy, maternal morbidity, and mortality due to hemorrhage.

The effect of vaginal bleeding and non-spesific pelvic pain on pregnancy outcomes in subchorionic hematomas cases.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical differences and factors affecting early pregnancy outcome in the first and early secondtrimester subchorionic hematoma cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study involved with the retrospective analysis and evaluation of 81 cases diagnosed withsubchorionic hematoma. The patients were grouped according to the gestational periods, symptoms at the time of admission,ratio of surrounding hematoma to the gestational sac, and whether there was a pregnancy loss. The groups werecompared according to the clinical features and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: The ratio of surrounding hematoma to the gestational sac in the group with pregnancy loss was significantly higher(p = 0.002). When the cut-off value was 35.5%, it could determine the possibility of a complication in pregnancy with 70%sensitivity and 75% specificity. Nonspecific pelvic pain were significantly higher in the pregnancy loss group than in theother group. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of these two parameters on the pregnancyoutcome. Although the presence of non-specific pelvic pain is more in the group with pregnancy loss; there was no effectof on pregnancy outcome (p = 0.141). The risk of pregnancy loss increased 4.5 fold if the ratio of ScH to gestational sacwas above 35% (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: In the cases of subchorionic hematoma, we concluded that when the ratio of surrounding hematoma tothe gestational sac increased and when it was accompanied by nonspecific pelvic pain, the hospitalization period of thepatients increased and the ratio of pregnancy loss was higher.

Can clomiphene citrate resistance be predicted by RDW-CV levels in infertile women with PCOS?

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether red blood cell distribution width coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) and mean platelet volume (MPV) levels can predict clomiphene citrate resistance (CC-R) in infertile, anovulatory females with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A total of 89 infertile patients who were admitted to a tertiary center diagnosed with non-obese PCOS were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group comprised 53 non-obese patients with PCOS and CC-R, and the second group included 36 non-obese patients with PCOS and CC-S. RDW-CV, RDW-SD, and MPV values, along with routine whole blood count parameters were compared between the groups. RESULTS: RDW-CV values were found to be significantly higher in the patients with CC-R compared to those with CC-S (P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were found to be 69%, 58.1%, 34.5%, and 12.5%, respectively, at an RDW-CV level of 12.85. The odds ratio was calculated as 3.077 (95% CI 1.245-7.603) in terms of the cut-off point. CONCLUSION: We think that RDW-CV which is a marker of inflammation is a simple, cheap, and accessible marker for the prediction of CC resistance.

Factors associated with complications of vaginal hysterectomy in patients with pelvic organ prolapse - a single centre's experience.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to examine the predisposing factors that play a role in the development of complications in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis was performed on data provided from 239 patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy due to uterine prolapse at a single centre between January 2008 and August 2018. Complications were defined according to Clavien-Dindo classification of complications. The patients were divided into two groups: with and without complications. We built a model using multivariable logistic regression to examine the relationships between complications and five candidate predictors. RESULTS: Intra/postoperative complications developed in 30 patients, and the complication rate was found to be 12.5%. 87.2% of the reported complications were classified as Grade ≤ 2 according to Clavien-Dindo system. It was found that complications were associated with factors such as intraoperative concurrent salpingo-oophorectomy [Odds ratio (OR): 1.24 (1.1-1.4)], low preoperative haemoglobin [OR: 0.96 (0.94-0.98)], uterine weight [OR: 2.69 (2.62-2.76)], and long operation time [OR: 1.04 (1.02-1.07)]. History of pelvic surgery was not found to increase complication rate [OR: 1.11 (0.96-1.27), p = 0.13]. Our multiple logistic regression model correctly classified 74% of participants within the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative anaemia, large uterus and concomitant adnexectomy were found to be factors associated with complications during and after vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse.

Assessment of oxidative stress markers in cord blood of newborns to patients with oxytocin-induced labor.

AIM: We aimed to measure the extent of oxidative stress experienced during labor by the neonates of pregnant women undergoing induced or spontaneous birth and to compare the effects of induced labor on fetal well-being. METHODS: Sixty-four healthy pregnant women referring to the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dicle University Medical Faculty between October 2010 and May 2011 were included in this comparative study. Pregnant women undergoing induced labor by oxytocin were group 1 and those without labor induction were group 2. Post-partum Apgar score was calculated at 1 and 5 min and measurements of weight and height of the neonates were carried out. After the fetal cord was clamped, 5 cm3 blood was drawn into a plain tube without anticoagulant. The samples were centrifuged at 5000 r.p.m. for 5 min. Separated sera were transferred to Eppendorf tubes and were stored at -80 C° until the analysis time. RESULTS: The complete blood counts and biochemistry results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in regards to diseases between the two groups. Nitric oxide and asymmetrical dimethylarginine values of the two groups were not significantly different; however, there were statistically significant differences in the malondialdehyde, paraoxonase, total antioxidative status, and total oxidative status values of the two groups (respectively, P = 0.005, P = 0.006, P = 0.008, and P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: We observed that oxytocin-induced labor increases stress markers but does not affect Apgar scores. Oxidative stress in pregnant women may trigger antioxidative mechanisms. Prospective studies in larger cohorts are needed to better understand the impact of oxytocin-induced labor on pregnant women and neonates.

Uterine rupture revisited: Predisposing factors, clinical features, management and outcomes from a tertiary care center in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predisposing factors, modes of clinical presentation, management modalities and fetomaternal outcomes of uterine rupture cases at a tertiary care center in Turkey. METHODOLOGY: A 14-year retrospective analysis of 61 gravid (>20 weeks of gestation) uterine rupture cases between January 1998 to March 2012 was carried out. RESULTS: The incidence of ruptured uteri was calculated to be 0.116%. Persistence for vaginal delivery after cesarean was the most common cause of uterine rupture (31.1%). Ablatio placenta was the most common co-existent obstetric pathology (4.9%). Bleeding was the main symptom at presentation (44.3%) and complete type of uterine rupture (93.4%) was more likely to occur. Isthmus was the most vulnerable part of uterus (39.3%) for rupture. The longer the interval between rupture and surgical intervention, the longer the duration of hospitalization was. Older patients with increased number of previous pregnancies were likely to have longer hospitalization periods. CONCLUSION: Rupture of gravid uterus brings about potentially hazardous risks. Regular antenatal care, hospital deliveries and vigilance during labor with quick referral to a well-equipped center may reduce the incidence of this condition.

Alteration of peripheral blood cells in tubal ectopic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether mean platelet volumes and leukocyte counts are altered significantly in patients with tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of mean platelet volumes and leukocyte counts of 138 TEP patients, diagnosed between 2005 and 2012, and the control group consisting of 72 pregnants was performed. Patients with TEP were further subdivided into 2 subgroups composed of 72 ruptured and 66 non-ruptured cases. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume was found to be larger in patients with TEP (whether ruptured or non-ruptured) when compared to controls (p = 0.007). However no significant difference could be observed between the ruptured or non-ruptured cases (p = 0.89). With respect to leukocytosis, the TEP group with tubal rupture had significantly higher white blood cell numbers when compared to the non-ruptured TEP and the control groups (p = 0.022 and p < 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Mean platelet volume seems to be higher in ectopic pregnancy and this finding evokes a possible role of increased platelet activity in the pathophysiology Leukocytosis may occur more apparently in EP cases with tubal rupture. However, further prospective, controlled and with a larger sample size studies must be conducted to find clues on the correlation between the clinical entities and laboratory findings.

Misoprostol-induced termination of second-trimester pregnancy in women with a history of cesarean section: a retrospective analysis of 56 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectivity and safety of misoprostol induced termination of pregnancy in the second trimester in women with a history of previous caesarean section. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case records from the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care center between January 2009 and February 2012 was performed. Data derived from 219 women, who underwent a second trimester termination of pregnancy, was analyzed in terms of demographics, clinical findings, laboratory and procedural data. The study group consisted of 56 women with a previous caesarean section and the control group was composed of 163 women without such a history. Termination of pregnancies was conducted by administration of misoprostol at doses of 50-600 mcg intravaginally or by surgical evacuation in cases of failure of medical measures. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of demographics such as age, menarche, number of pregnancies or live births, smoking habit and co-morbidities. Necessity for blood transfusion (p = 0.05) and additional procedure for abortion (p = 0.056) were found to be similar in both groups. However laparotomy (p = 0.004), uterine rupture (p = 0.016), hysterotomy (p < 0.001) were performed more frequently in the study group; while abortion was more likely to occur within 24 hours in the control group (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Medical abortion must be carefully used for the termination of second trimester pregnancies in women with a history of CS. Increased possibility of uterine rupture and requirement of interventions such as laparotomy or hysterotomy is more likely in these patients.