Assessment of utero-cervical angle and cervical length as predictors for threatened preterm delivery in singleton pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cervix and the threat of preterm labor in singleton pregnancies between gestational weeks less than 37 and greater than 37 weeks in correlation with utero-cervical angle (UCA) and cervical length (CL) measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study with UCA and CL measurements in patients with threatened preterm labor (TPL). Primary outcome was differences in UCA and CL measurements in relationship to maternal characteristics and perinatal outcome between groups. Secondary outcome evaluated measurement results and influencing factors for delivery within 7 days, between 1 and 4 weeks and beyond 4 weeks. RESULTS: Overall 152 patients were divided into as study/preterm group (<37 weeks; n = 56) and the control/term group (≥37 weeks; n = 96). Mean gestational age at admission was similar in both groups (30.98 ± 2.83 vs. 30.36 ± 2.63 weeks, p = 0.149) with similar CL (33.9 ± 6.34 vs. 32.02 ± 8.88 mm, p = 0.132), but wider UCA in the preterm group (81.65 ± 16.81° vs. 99.21 ± 22.33°, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis for preterm delivery was significant for nulliparity and UCA measurement. The factor for delivering before 37 gestational weeks within 7 days was the gestational week at admission (p = 0.046). UCA and CL measurements were statistically significant for distinguishing patients for delivery within 7 days and beyond 4 weeks (p = 0.001 for CL and p = 0.0001 for UCA). NPV was found 92.5, 92.2, and 92.3 for UCA >105°, CL ≤30 mm, and Bishop score >3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combined measurement of TV UCA and CL represents stronger predictors for sPTB ultrasonographically, demonstrating the uterocervical sub-segment maturation before the active onset of labor.

Comparison of enhanced recovery protocol with conventional care in patients undergoing urogynecological surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on postoperative outcomes after urogynecological surgery is yet to be a matter of investigation. This study sought to evaluate this issue by comparing the patients who had conventional or ERAS--guided perioperative care for several clinical end-points including ambulation, length of hospital stay (LOS), readmissions, and postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 121 patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery were allocated to two study arms, ERAS protocol (Group E) or conventional care (Group C). Variables reflecting the restoration of appetite and bowel movements, bleeding events, other complications, LOS and readmissions were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The patients in Group C significantly received a more intensive intravenous fluid treatment compared to Group E (2,760 ± 656 vs. 1,045 ± 218 mL, P < 0.001). Time required for first flatus, first defecation, eating solid food, and ambulation (P < 0.001) were also longer in the former group of patients. Moreover, LOS was significantly reduced when the ERAS protocol was applied (2.5 ± 1.1 vs. 2.0 ± 0.6 days, P < 0.001). On the other hand, the two groups were similar with respect to the frequency of the postoperative complications, including surgical site infections, cardiovascular complications, non-specific abdominal pain, sub-ileus, blood loss and readmission rate. CONCLUSION: In our sample population, ERAS protocol led to early initiation of oral intake, early recovery of bowel function, early mobilization, and early discharge of patients without compromise in safety concerns after urogynecological surgery.

Pleth Variability Index-Based Goal-Directed Fluid Management in Patients Undergoing Elective Gynecologic Surgery.

Objectives: Data concerning the usefulness of pleth variability index (PVI)-based goal-directed fluid management (GDFM) in gynecologic surgery is limited.This study purposed to compare the impact of PVI-based GDFM to conventional fluid management (CFM) on intraoperative hemodynamics and lactate levels in subjects undergoing gynecologic surgery. Methods: This randomized and controlled trial was conducted on 70 patients undergoing elective gynecologic surgery. Subjects were randomly assigned to CFM or GDFM. Hemodynamic data and results of the arterial blood gas analysis, and total amount of the fluid infused were recorded throughout the surgery at 1-h intervals. Results: The amount of the total fluids was significantly higher in the CFM group compared to that of the GDFM group (p<0.001). Mean arterial pressure recorded at the 2nd h of the surgery was significantly lower in the CFM group compared to that of the GDFM group (p=0.047). While there were no significant differences between the baseline and the 2nd h lactate levels in the GDFM group, the lactate level significantly increased from baseline to the 2nd h in the CFM group (p=0.010). Conclusion: Implementation of PVI-based GDFM provides better intraoperative hemodynamic stability and lower lactate levels compared to the CFM in subjects undergoing gynecologic surgery.

The Manchester procedure combined with laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy by retroperitoneal tunneling

This video will demonstrate a minimally invasive technique, in which the Manchester procedure was combined with laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy by retroperitoneal tunneling in patients with uterine prolapse and cervical elongation who wished to preserve the uterus. The principle steps and techniques to complete the operation are dictated in the video. The prolapse surgery was performed uneventfully, and the uterus was restored to its anatomical position. During the two years of follow-up, there were no complications from the prolapse or mesh-related events. No prolapse recurrence was observed. This technique facilitates uterine-sparing surgery, results in less bleeding and shorter operative time, and we believe that it may reduce the recurrence of prolapse due to the elongation of the cervix.

Predicting previable preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPPROM) before 24 weeks: maternal and fetal/neonatal risk factors for survival.

We sought to compare maternal and neonatal risk factors in cases with previable premature rupture of membranes (pPPROM, between 14-24 weeks) for optimal counselling. Therefore, 192 pregnancies of 485 cases which met selection criteria and agreed to follow-up were retrospectively analysed. Mean gestational age at pPPROM was 20.45 weeks. Live births occurred in 171 cases, but 67 (39.2%) of them died in the neonatal period (neonatal death group) and 104 cases (60.8%) constituted surviving neonate group. Of the surviving neonates, 37 (33.7%) experienced at least one complication. Most seen maternal complications were chorioamnionitis (24.48%) and placental abruption (8.33%). Although amniotic fluid volume, length of pPPROM period, completing antibiotherapy and CRP values were significant, amniotic fluid volume and length of pPPROM showed also significance for multivariate regression analysis for maternal risk factors. Risk factors for birth were gestational age at pPPROM, gestational age at birth, new-born weight at birth, 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores, umbilical cord pH value and need for neonatal resuscitation. Furthermore, development of respiratory distress syndrome, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage and retinopathy of premature were additional risk factors for neonate. Of them, gestational age at birth, new-born weight at birth, respiratory distress syndrome and retinopathy of prematurity were also significant in multivariate regression analysis.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Management of previable premature rupture of membranes is controversial and there is no definite consensus on the approach. The factor that best predicts neonatal survival is the gestational age at birth (Deutsch et al. 2010).What do the results of this study add? Appropriate counselling for pPPROM cases is important especially during antenatal period (maternal factors) and postpartum period (neonatal factors). Maternal infection risk is increased with an increased latency period of PPROM. As the gestational age at birth increases, the survival rate increases and neonatal complication rates decrease. Other important determinants of neonatal survival and well-being are the presence of oligo-anhydramnios and latency period of previable PPROM to delivery.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Counselling the patient with previable PPROM about pregnancy complications and paediatric outcome is challenging because of the small size, different gestational age ranges, and retrospective nature of the multiple studies on this subject. The most important feature of our study was the relatively high number of patients compared to other series. Thus, we can counsel pregnant women with PPROM prior to 24 weeks of gestation about the maternal antenatal factors and neonatal postnatal factors with related outcomes and help make an informed decision regarding termination or conservative follow-up. Nevertheless, there is a need for larger multicentric prospective studies to validate our data and to establish the prognosis of previable PPROM for both mother and foetus.

Evaluation of immunomodulatory nutrients in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: Glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease infection rates, antibiotic use, and hospital length of stay. However, whether giving immunonutrients to critically ill patients is beneficial remains controversial. In our study, we aimed to look at the effectiveness of parenteral unsaturated (omega-3) fatty acids and amino acid glutamine in patients with serious conditions in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: The data of patients, who received parenteral amino acid glutamine and unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) in the ICU, were retrospectively analyzed. Eighty-four patients were classified with regard to the length of the immune modulatory nutrient treatment. Groups were constructed according to the length of the treatment in days: 9 days or more (Group I), 3-9 days (Group II), and <3 days (Group III). Demographic data, Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II Scores (APACHE-II), ICU and hospitalization periods, inotropic medication, 60th-day mortality, serum biochemistry, and bacterial culture results were recorded. 60th-day mortality, bacterial culture results, and number of days stayed in ICU were primary outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Demographic data of the patients and APACHE-II scores among the groups were not significantly different from each other. ICU stay length, hospitalization length, positivity in bacterial cultures, and use of inotropic agents were significantly higher in Group I compare with other groups. CONCLUSION: In the ICU, it was observed that patients with multiorgan failure using parenteral unsaturated fatty acids and amino acid glutamine had longer hospital and intensive care stay. It can be said that long-term use of antioxidants and immunonutrition does not have a beneficial effect in patients with multiple organ failure with high APACHE-II scores.

Impact of preconceptional serum thyroid stimulating hormone values ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 mIU/L on live birth rates following ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination treatment for unexplained infertility.

BACKGROUND: Contrary to overt hypothyroidism, the true impact of subclinical hypothyroidism on fertility has not been well established. This study aimed to investigate whether serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values between 2.5 and 4.5 mIU/L are associated with lower pregnancy rates compared to TSH levels between 0.3 and 2.5 mIU/L in women undergoing ovulation induction with gonadotropins and intrauterine insemination (IUI) for unexplained infertility. METHODS: Medical records of couples with unexplained infertility who underwent IUI treatment between January 2013 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of patients with serum TSH levels between 0.3-2.5 mIU/L and 2.5-4.5 mIU/L were compared. Primary outcome measures were clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. Secondary outcome measures were total dose of gonadotropin administration, duration of ovulation induction and miscarriage rate. RESULTS: A total of 726 euthyroid women who underwent 1465 cycles of ovulation induction with gonadotropins and IUI were included in the analyses. Patient and cycle characteristics of the two study groups were similar. No statistically significant differences could be detected in the clinical pregnancy (p = 0.74) and live birth rates (p = 0.38) between the two groups. Duration of ovulation induction, total gonadotropin dosage, number of follicles > 17 mm on the trigger day and the miscarriage rates were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: In euthyroid women undergoing ovulation induction with gonadotropins and IUI for unexplained infertility, the range of preconceptional serum TSH values between 2.5 and 4.5 mIU/L is not associated with lower pregnancy rates when compared to TSH levels between 0.3 and 2.5 mIU/L.

Investigation of fetal cardiac function using tissue doppler imaging in fetuses compromised by growth restriction.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate fetal cardiac systolic and diastolic function using the tissue Doppler technique in pregnancies with complications of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and to examine the relationship between FGR with umbilical artery Doppler parameters and fetal cardiac function in complicated pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 pregnant women with FGR complications and 46 pregnant women without FGR complications. Both groups were at 24-34 gestational weeks. Fetal cardiac examination was performed using pulsed Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in all pregnancies. In the analysis of myocardial tissue by tissue Doppler, the tracing obtained from the junction of the tricuspid valve annulus with the right ventricle was recorded by measuring the duration of the isovolumetric contraction wave (IVC), ejection time (ET), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVR). Furthermore, we calculated the myocardial performance index (MPI) and then measured and recorded the early diastolic annular rate. RESULTS: Based on the TDI studies, the mean IVC and IVR values were significantly longer and the ET values were significantly shorter in the study group than those in the control group. The study group also had significantly longer MPI measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Because TDI is a considerably more sensitive method than cardiac sonographic evaluation using pulsed Doppler, tissue Doppler parameters facilitate the detection of cardiac dysfunction at a relatively early stage. In addition, TDI and myocardial evaluation in fetuses with FGR can be noninvasively performed in clinical practice.

Unicentric Castleman disease; the laparoscopic en bloc resection of a hypervascular giant lymph node in the aortacaval zone

Unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) is a rare disease of the lymph nodes with unknown etiology, most commonly presenting as localized asymptomatic adenopathy incidentally discovered on radiographic imaging. The retroperitoneum is a rare site for UCD, where it can mimic malignant tumors. Complete surgical resection with disease-free margins is considered both diagnostic and curative. However, this may be challenging due to the high vascularity and close proximity of UCD to major vessels. A 42-year-old patient with a 46x44x26 mm mass in the aortocaval area at the level of the renal pelvis underwent surgery with the suspicion of metastatic lymphadenopathy. Laparoscopic excision of the mass was carried out and the histopathological examination revealed the presence of UCD. This video article aimed to demonstrate the surgical steps and techniques used to minimize hemorrhage during dissection of UCD. Laparoscopy is safe and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of UCD, provided the operating surgeons have a thorough knowledge of abdominal anatomy and are aware of the functions and limitations of surgical devices used during laparoscopy.

Abdominal Hysterectomy with a Uterine Manipulator Minimizes Vaginal Shortening: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the impact of adopting an uterine manipulator (UM) on the postoperative (VL) and female sexual function index (FSFI) in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy (AH) for benign gynecological disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hysterectomies were performed with the Richardson technique; two variations, a UM or digital guidance, in this technique were used during the colpotomy step. Subjects were randomized and allocated to either hysterectomy with UM guidance (study group) or conventional hysterectomy (control group). Pre- and postoperative VL and FSFI were recorded for each patient. Additionally, surgeons' and residents' satisfaction in locating the colpotomy site was also scored by the surgical team postoperatively. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the VL (10.2 ± 1.2 cm vs. 8.3 ± 0.7 cm, p < 0.001) and FSFI score (21.0 ± 4.1 to 17.1 ± 3.6, p < 0.001) between the pre-operation stage and three months post-operation in the control group. However, no such significant changes were observed in the study group. Additionally, surgeons' and residents' satisfaction scores (SSS) for locating the colpotomy site were significantly higher in the study group as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that implementation of an UM in AH prevented unintended shortening of the postoperative VL and avoided a decline in the sexual function as compared to the standard AH procedure. These benefits were probably due to the precise determination of the colpotomy site that resulted from the use of UM in AH.

Low-pressure pulmonary recruitment maneuver: equal to or worse than moderate-pressure pulmonary recruitment maneuver in preventing postlaparoscopic shoulder pain? A randomized controlled trial of 72 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The pulmonary recruitment maneuver (PRM) has emerged as an effective way of reducing post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP). However, the optimal lower pressure level for a PRM to reduce PLSP has not yet been investigated. AIM: To compare the efficacy of the low-pressure PRM with moderate-pressure PRM in preventing PLSP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two ASA I-II patients who were scheduled for gynecologic LS for non-malignant conditions were enrolled in this study. Group 1 included patients who received the PRM at a maximum pressure of 30-40 cm H2O in a semi-Fowler position and group 2 included patients who received the PRM at a maximum pressure of 15 cm H2O in a semi-Fowler position. The primary outcome of the study was the difference in PLSP between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in PLSP and wound pain VAS scores between patients receiving the PRM at 30 cm H2O and 15 cm H2O during postoperative pain monitoring (p < 0.05). The groups were also similar with respect to ambulation time (p = 0.215), length of hospital stay (p = 0.556) and the height of the pneumoperitoneum measured on chest X-ray (p = 0.151). CONCLUSIONS: The low-pressure PRM (15 cm H2O pressure) provides similar efficacy as the moderate-pressure PRM (30-40 cm H2O) in terms of PLSP, wound pain, height of pneumoperitoneum, time of ambulation and length of hospital stay. We suggest that lower maximal inspiratory pressure of 15 cm H2O might be preferred to avoid the potential complications of the PRM with higher pressures.

The effect of sacrospinous ligament fixation during vaginal hysterectomy on postoperative de novo stress incontinence occurrence: a prospective study with 2-year follow-up

Background/aim: To investigate the risk of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurrence in women who were treated for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) in addition to vaginal hysterectomy (VAH) and antero-posterior colporrhaphy (CAP) over a 24-month follow-up period. Materials and methods: A prospective randomized study was designed. Women without occult or obvious SUI were randomized into either one of the study groups: Group 1: VAH + CAP, and Group 2: VAH + CAP + SSLF. Postoperatively, the patients were reevaluated for de novo SUI occurrence. Results: A total of 150 women were analyzed [G1 = VAH + CAP (n: 77) and G2 = VAH + CAP + SSLF (n: 73)]. Mean age, parity, body mass index, menopausal status, and preoperative POP degree, grade 1 and grade 2-3 cystocele and rectocele frequencies were similar between the 2 groups. During follow-up period, de novo SUI developed in 7 patients (9.1%) of Group 1, and in 6 patients (8.2%) of Group 2 (P > 0.05). In Groups 1 and 2, POP recurrence occurred in 5 (6.4%) vs. 1 (1.3%) cases,respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients undergoing surgery for POP, the addition of SSLF did not result in an increased rate of de novo SUI. Careful patient selection, and informing the patients about the risks and benefits of the planned surgical procedure are essential steps in each case of POP.

Which Anti-Incontinence Surgery Option is Better in Patients Undergoing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy? Burch Colposuspension or Transobturator Tape Procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery and hysterectomy are often performed in the same session. The aim of this study was to determine which urinary incontinence surgery would be a better option for patients who would undergo a hysterectomy for various indications. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study included 65 patients who had undergone total laparoscopic hysterectomy and anti-incontinence surgery (TOT or Burch).A retrospective chart review was performed to record the patient data including demographic features, duration of operations, postoperative complete blood count values and post-void residual urine volumes. ICIQ-UI and UDI-6 interrogations related to urinary incontinence were compared pre- and postoperatively between two groups. RESULTS: There was no difference in demographic characteristics and menopausal status between groups. No significant difference was found between two groups in postoperative period for urinary incontinence scores (p>0,05). When the duration of operation was compared, the duration was significantly higher in the TOT group. And the hematocrit drop in the group with TOT was significantly higher (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Because the success rates of Burch colposuspension and transobturator procedures are similar, either of these two methods can be selected according to patient characteristics and surgeon experience. But Burch colposuspension seems to be more preferable in terms of blood loss and operation time than TOT.

Comparison of enhanced recovery protocol with conventional care in patients undergoing minor gynecologic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Data regarding the role of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in improving postoperative outcomes and postoperative compliance in patients undergoing gynecological surgery, in particular, minor laparoscopic and hysteroscopic gynecological procedures, are limited. AIM: To investigate the impact of the ERAS protocol on time to ambulation, length of stay (LOS), readmissions and postoperative complications in patients undergoing minor gynecological surgical procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 104 patients undergoing minor laparoscopic and hysteroscopic gynecological procedures were randomized to the ERAS protocol or conventional care. Time to defecation, ambulation, and solid food intake, bleeding and LOS were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: The amount of intravenous fluid administered in the perioperative (p < 0.001) and postoperative period (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in the conventional care group than in the ERAS group. In addition, time to first defecation (p < 0.001), time to eating solid food (p < 0.001), and time to ambulation (p = 0.008) were shorter in the ERAS group compared to the conventional care group. Length of stay was also significantly shorter in the ERAS group than in the conventional care group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of ERAS protocols provides shorter LOS, less fluid intake, early return of bowel function and early mobilization without an increase in complication rate in women undergoing minor laparoscopic or hysteroscopic gynecologic surgery.

Decidualized juvenile cystic adenomyoma mimicking a cornual pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the laparoscopic excision technique of a juvenile cystic adenomyoma and show how the decidualization of ectopic endometrial tissue can lead to the misdiagnosis of a focus of ectopic pregnancy. DESIGN: Description and step-by-step demonstration of the surgical procedure using a video recording (Canadian Task Force Classification 3). SETTING: Teaching and research hospital. PATIENT(S): A 27-year-old gravida 2 parity 1 patient with one previous caesarean delivery presented to the emergency department with symptoms of pelvic pain and delayed menses. Her beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 2,161 mIU/mL. On transvaginal ultrasonography the uterine cavity appeared empty without any signs of a gestational sac, and a 42×45 mm heterogeneous mass was observed on the right cornual area. An 18×21 mm cystic area was observed within the mass. A diagnosis of cornual pregnancy was made and two doses of systemic methotrexate treatment were administered. On the 12th day following medical treatment, the patient reported increasing abdominal pain and free fluid was observed in the pouch of Douglas on ultrasonography. The decision to perform laparoscopic cornual excision was made. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURE(S): On laparoscopic exploration a tubal ectopic pregnancy was observed within the left fallopian tube. The presence of two simultaneous ectopic pregnancies, located in the left fallopian tube and the right cornual area, was suspected. However, upon careful inspection, the right fallopian tube appeared normal and the mass initially thought to be a right cornual pregnancy appeared more like a degenerated fibroid. A left salpingectomy was performed and the excision of the mass in the right cornual area was planned. An incision was made over the mass and the cystic inner area containing chocolate-brown colored fluid was drained. As there was no pseudo capsule surrounding the mass, the diagnosis of focal adenomyosis instead of degenerated fibroid was made. No endometriotic foci were observed within the pelvis. Different from the enucleation of a fibroid, the mass was dissected from the middle into two halves until healthy myometrium was reached on the floor of the mass. The two halves of the mass were resected totally by dissecting the adenomyotic tissue from the myometrium starting from the caudal end towards the cranial end. The first layer of the remaining myometrial defect was sutured extracorporeally with No.1 polyglactan sutures. The second and third layers were sutured intracorporeally with V-loc sutures. The resected left fallopian tube containing the ectopic pregnancy and the adenomyotic mass were externalized through a posterior colpotomy incision. RESULT(S): The patient was discharged 24 hours postoperatively without any complications. A diagnosis of juvenile cystic adenoma was made upon histopathological examination. The patient reported subsiding of her dysmenorrhea on the postoperative third month. CONCLUSION(S): Juvenile cystic adenomyosis (JCA), is a rare form of focal adenomyosis which is usually located in close proximity to the uterine insertion of the round ligament, contains a cystic inner area larger than 1 cm and is encountered before the age of 30 years. Some authors reported JCA to be an accessory and cavitated uterine mass (ACUM) anomaly developing as a result of gubernaculum dysfunction. The only difference between the two conditions is reported to be the presence of a denser area of adenomyosis surrounding the cystic area lined with endometrium in JCA than in ACUM. This case has shown that decidual changes observed in ectopic endometrial tissue within an adenomyotic area may be misdiagnosed as a focus of ectopic pregnancy. Atypical endometriomas demonstrating decidual changes may also be misdiagnosed as ovarian malignancies. In non-emergency situations, waiting for the decidualization effect of ectopic endometrium to subside can help in the definitive diagnosis of such cases. Our technique for JCA excision is different from enucleation of a fibroid and may aid in the total resection and dissection of the adenomyotic tissue from healthy myometrium.

Evaluation of relationship between HbA1c levels and ovarian reserve in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

In organ or non-organ-specific autoimmune disorders, human ovary is usually the target of the autoimmune attack. We aimed to demonstrate the correlation between ovarian reserve and DM1, based on the view that women with type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) will have lower AMH levels secondary to poor glycemic control and autoimmune attacks. Ovarian functions of 42 patients diagnosed with DM1 who use insulin and 65 healthy volunteers were analyzed. Basal hormone and AMH levels were measured during the follicular phase. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose concentrations, HbA1c and C-peptide levels were evaluated. The mean antral follicle count (AFC) was significantly lower in DM1 patients than in healthy controls (p = .001). The AMH levels were lower in women with DM1 than in the controls (p = .001). The HbA1c values of DM1 patients, who formed the study group, was significantly higher than the control group. Ovarian reserve that is evaluated with serum AMH level is affected by poor glycemic control in type 1 diabetes. Due to the time of the autoimmune damage in the ovaries and the observable effects of this damage, more comprehensive and longer-term studies are needed to be conducted for the follow-up of reproductive abnormalities.

PAPP-A concentrations change in patients with gestational diabetes.

Our aim was to assess the relationship between gestational diabetes and glucose intolerance regarding maternal serum PAPP-A and free ß-hCG concentrations in first trimester pregnancies. This study was conducted on 278 women between 18-45 years old with singleton pregnancies. The subjects were divided into four groups, according to their 50 and 100 g OGTT results. Group 1 was the Control Group, Group 2 with positive 50 g OGTT results, but negative 100 g, Group 3 had gestational diabetes after testing with 50 g OGTT (≥180 mg/dl) or with 100 g OGTT. Finally Group 4 was made of women with a one single high glucose level after testing with 100 g OGTT. These groups were analysed in terms of OGTT results. In the GDM group, serum PAPP-A concentrations were significantly lower when compared with the Control Group's (p = 0.015). There was either no significant differences regarding free ß-hCG concentrations among the groups. GDM rate is 21.1%, the patients with GDM had significantly low concentrations of serum PAPP-A but their f ß-hCG concentrations did not change. Our results are supported by several studies. However, we need greater numbered studies for exact results.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is produced by the placenta in pregnancy. PAPP-A cleaves insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins. It would appear to have a role in regulating IGF bioavailability in pregnancy. This is important as the IGF axis plays a critical role in fetal growth, and placental growth and function during pregnancy. Some studies have reported that PAPP-A levels were impaired among women who subsequently developed GDM.What do the results of this study add? The patients with GDM had significantly low concentrations of serum PAPP-A but their free ß-hCG levels did not change.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? By looking at PAPP-A concentrations, we can predict patients that will be gestational diabetic and take precautions to protect the babies health, such as their diet or exercise.

The utility of pregnancy associated plasma protein-A MoM values in prediction of term respiratory distress syndrome.

This study aimed to investigate if the pregnancy associated plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) multiples of median (MoM) levels could be used as a marker for the early prediction of RDS. The present study was designed with data gathered from 1773 patients who were referred to our institution for first trimester fetal chromosomal anomaly screening. First trimester PAPP-A MoM values and postnatal RDS occurrences in these pregnancies were retrospectively analysed. Of the 1773 neonates that were included in the study, 28 were delivered at or beyond 37 weeks, and 42 were delivered less than 37 weeks of gestation. In the group of neonates at or beyond 37 weeks, the cut-off value for RDS prediction was determined as 1.02. For this cut-off value, sensitivity was 72.41% and specificity was 91.84%. The area under curve (AUC) was determined to be statistically significant (p < .01). In conclusion, it was determined that in neonates that were delivered at or beyond 37 weeks of gestation, RDS occurrence could be predicted at a significant rate by utilising PAPP-A MoM values.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the major global healthcare problems, and continues to effect newborns despite the improvements in diagnosis and treatments of the disease. Studies have shown that pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) has a critical role in cellular proliferation and differentiation, and it is closely associated with many physiological and pathological processes via regulation of local insulin like growth factor (IGF) concentrations. In majority of the past studies in the literature regarding PAPP-A values in pregnancies, the association between low values of PAPP-A MoM and maternal-fetal complications were investigated.What do the results of this study add? This study retrospectively examines the PAPP-A MoM levels and the occurence of RDS. In neonates that were delivered at or beyond 37 weeks of gestation, RDS occurrence could be predicted at a significant rate by utilising PAPP-A MoM values which was measured at the first trimester fetal anomaly screening test.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In the light of these findings, in order to reduce RDS related neonatal morbidity and mortality, pregnancies with PAPP-A MoM values greater than 1.02 at the first trimester fetal anomaly screening should be more closely followed up and a higher rate of suspicion should be kept for RDS occurrence.

Endometriomas with low-risk malignancy potential in ultrasonography with high human epididymis protein 4 and risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm: a cases series.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease that affects 5 to 15% of women of reproductive age. Data from large-cohort and case-control studies indicate an increased risk for ovarian cancers in women with endometrioma. Recently, as an ovarian cancer biomarker, human epididymal secretory protein E4 (HE4) has been increasingly investigated in the differentiating of endometrioma from ovary malignancy and in confirming the benign structure of the endometrioma. This case series study describes women who underwent surgery due to increased serum HE4 levels and higher Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) index, in whom the final pathology was reported as benign, although, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings showed features of "typical" endometrioma.

Elevation in optic nerve sheath diameter due to the pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg is associated to postoperative nausea, vomiting and headache in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement with ultrasound has emerged as a simple, non-invasive and reliable surrogate of invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) measurement. Increase in ICP might lead to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postoperative headache. Here, we aimed to evaluate the extent of change in ONSD, resulting from pneumoperitoneum (PP) and Trendelenburg (TP) position during the laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), by using ultrasonographic ONSD measurement. We also aimed to investigate the relation of ONSD with PONV and postoperative headache. METHODS: Sixty-one patients undergoing LH with general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective study. ONSD was measured at six time-points during the LH. The primary outcome of the study was the change in ONSD with the introduction of PP and TP. The relation of ONSD with PONV and postoperative headache were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: ONSD demonstrated an increasing trend from baseline to the 10th minute of the TP. A relative decrease occurred in ONSD following supine positioning which further decreased after the release of the PP. However, even after the release of the PP, the median ONSD was significantly higher compared to the baseline values (5.1 mm vs. 4.9 mm, P<0.01). Presence of PONV and headache were significantly correlated with the extent of the increase in ONSD from baseline to PP and from baseline to TP. ROC curve analysis revealed that a cut-off value of 5.85 mm for ONSD was predictive for PONV (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of PP and TP leads to a significant increase in ONSD during LH. The extent of the increase in ONSD during the procedure is significantly correlated with PONV and headache occurring within the first three hours of recovery.