Does the presence of anhydramnios affect the duration of medical abortion?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine whether anhydramnios affected the duration of medical abortion in cases with various indications as compared to cases with normal amniotic fluid volume. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who were admitted to our clinic because of medical abortion between January 2010-December 2013 were included in this retrospective study. A total of 32 pregnant women with anhydramnios (study group) and 67 pregnant women with normal amniotic fluid volume but with fetal abnormality (control group) were included in the study. Patient age, gravidity, parity, gestational age, previous delivery route, and duration of the abortion were recorded. RESULTS: Mean duration of the abortion in the study group was 71.93 ± 47.51 h as compared to 79.08 ± 52.62 h in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of duration of the abortion (p = 0.516). Also, we found no statistically significant differences in duration of the abortion with regard to previous delivery route (p = 0.220). CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences between the study group and controls in terms of duration of the abortion. In addition, neither parity nor previous delivery route affected the duration of the abortion.

Can the ductus venosus doppler predict the hemoglobinopathies?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the ductus venosus doppler between 11-13+6 (week-day) in pregnant women with hemoglobinopaties and its relation with fetal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 pregnant women with hemoglobinopathies and 100 healthy pregnant women were included in our study. Ultrasonography (USG) was performed to all pregnant women and the ductus venosus doppler (DVD) flows were evaluated. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean hemoglobin level was significantly lower in hemoglobinopathy group (9.7 ± 0.7) than control group (10.67 ± 0.82) (P<0.001). There was a significant relationship between Vmax, Vmin, S/D and reverse 'a' wave in fetuses with hemoglobinopathies. Vmax, Vmin and S/D parameters were higher in the group of hemoglobinopathies (respectively mean value, 31.3 ± 1.66, 8.90 ± 0.81, 2.97 ± 0.49). Reverse 'a' wave was detected especially in all fetuses with sickle cell anemia. There was no significantly relationship between the groups in terms of PI, RI and HR. In a logistic regression analyses, fetal hemoglobinopathy was independently associated with Vmin (ß = 1.07, P = 0.001), S/D (ß = 2.61, P = 0.001) and reverse 'a' wave (ß = 2.46, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with hemoglobinopathies had changed ductus venosus doppler values in compared to normal pregnant women. Maternal anemia may cause this doppler changes. Furthermore all fetuses with sickle cell anemia (n = 5) had abnormal ductus venosus doppler findings. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between abnormal ductus venosus doppler findings and fetuses diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.

Protective effects of colchicine in an experimental rat endometriosis model: histopathological evaluation and assessment of TNF-α levels.

OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease observed in reproductive period. The aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of colchicine, widely used to treat many inflammatory diseases, in an experimental rat endometriosis model. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental endometriosis was constituted with implantation of autogenous endometrial tissue. Rats were divided randomly into 2 groups as colchicine group (n = 8) and control group (n =8). Although oral 0.1 mg/kg colchicine was administered 4 weeks to the colchicine group, the same amount of saline solution was administered to the control group. Before and after 30 days of treatment period, peritoneal and tissue tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), the volumes and histopathological properties of the implants were evaluated. RESULTS: Although the implant volume decreased significantly in the colchicine group (89.2 ± 13.4 mm(3) to 35.2 ± 4.5 mm(3), P < .05), the implant volume increased in the control group (85.1 ± 14.2 mm3 to 110.3 ± 10.5 mm(3), P < .05). When compared to the control group, the colchicine group had significantly lower histopathologic sores (1.4 ± 0.2 vs 2.6 ± 0.4, P < .001). Although peritoneal fluid TNF-α levels were significantly decreased in the colchicine group (45.2 ± 5.3 pg/mL vs 12.1 ± 5.2 pg/mL, P < .001), the peritoneal fluid TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the control group after the treatment (44.2 ± 3.5 pg/mL vs 61.3 ± 12.2 pg/mL; P < .001). Tissue TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the colchicine group when compared to the control group (45.4 ± 8.6 pg/mL vs 71.3 ± 11.2 pg/mL; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Colchicine resulted in regression of endometrial implant volumes in experimental rat endometriosis model and decreased peritoneal and tissue TNF-α levels.

Zofenopril attenuates injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion on rat ovary.

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of zofenopril in an experimental model of ovarian torsion in rats with histologic and biochemical assessments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental procedures were performed on 35 female rats (Wistar albino). Rats were randomly divided into five groups as: sham (sham operated, n = 7); vehicle group 1 (torsion-detorsion, n = 7) with 2 h ischemia and 2 h reperfusion; vehicle group 2 (torsion-detorsion, n = 7) with 2 h ischemia and 5 days' reperfusion; zofenopril group 1 (torsion-detorsion, n = 7) with 2 h ischemia, 2 h reperfusion and a signal dose of oral 15 mg/kg zofenopril; and zofenopril group 2 (torsion-detorsion, n = 7) with 2 h ischemia, 5 days' reperfusion and 5 days' oral 15 mg/kg zofenopril. A scoring of histopathologic evaluation was performed on the ovaries according to congestion, bleeding, edema, and cellular degeneration. Biochemical assessments included catalase, tissue malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl. RESULTS: Compared with the vehicle groups, histopathologic scores, tissue malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels, which reflect oxidative stress markers, were significantly lower in the zofenopril groups. Furthermore, catalase levels were significantly increased in the zofenopril group. CONCLUSION: Our study results revealed that zofenopril attenuates injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion on rat ovary.

Relationship of red cell distribution width with the presence and severity of preeclampsia.

AIM: Although the relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) and hypertension has been well documented, there is an absence of data on the association between RDW and preeclampsia. In the present study, we have aimed to investigate the correlation of RDW with preeclampsia and its severity. METHODS: The study population consisted of 52 (35 mild and 17 severe) patients with preeclampsia and 50 control pregnancy patients. For the entire study population, baseline RDW was measured using an automatic blood counter. RESULTS: Although there were no significant differences between the preeclampsia group and the control group in terms of hemoglobin and platelet counts, the RDW (14.1 ± 1.1 vs 16.9 ± 1.7, P < .001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria, white blood cell, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group. Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed that RDW levels were significantly increased in patients with severe preeclampsia when compared to the patients with mild preeclampsia (18 ± 1.5 vs 16.4 ± 1.5, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our study results revealed that RDW levels were associated with both the presence and the severity of preeclampsia.

Malouf syndrome with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and cardiomyopathy: two-case report and literature review.

Malouf syndrome is a very rarely encountered syndrome which was first diagnosed in 1985 upon the examination of two sisters, with findings of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, dilated cardiomyopathy, blepharoptosis, and broad nasal base. Later on, Narahara diagnosed another sporadic case with the same findings. A survey of relevant literature leads us to three women cases in total. Here we present two cases of Malouf syndrome and literature review.

Relation of inflammatory markers with both presence and severity of hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to determine the newly introduced systemic inflammation marker, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) patients and to investigate the association between severity of the disease and NLR. METHOD: The study population consisted of 55 pregnant patients with HG and 50 pregnant women without complaints matched for gestational age as a control group. The HG patients were grouped as mild (n = 16), moderate (n = 19) and severe (n = 20) according to Modified Pregnancy- Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea Scoring Index Questionnaire. Furthermore, hsCRP, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and NLR were evaluated with complete blood count. RESULTS: The HG group had significantly higher NLR values compared to the control group (2.69 +/- 1.81 vs 1.97 +/- 1.34, p = 0.004). HsCRP levels were significantly higher among HG patients compared to the control group (1.95 +/- 2.2 vs 0.56 +/- 0.30, p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant increases in NLR and hsCRP values with increased HG severity (p < 0.001, p = 0.002). The correlation analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between NLR and hsCRP levels (r: 0.703, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that NLR and hsCRP levels are increased in HG disease compared to gestational age matched control group subjects. Furthermore, NLR and hsCRP values are correlated with severity of disease. NLR could be used as a marker for both presence and severity of hyperemesis gravidarum.

Increased density of Demodex folliculorum mites in pregnancies with gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of Demodex in patients with gestational diabetes and the impact of glucose regulation on Demodex density in gestational diabetes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 33 patients with gestational diabetes and 30 pregnant women without gestational diabetes (control group). The age, parity, gestational age, and BMI of the study group were recorded and the patients were divided into 2 groups, i.e. those with regulated and unregulated glucose levels, according to their postprandial 1st- and 2nd-hour glucose values. A standardized skin surface biopsy method was used to determine if patients had Demodex folliculorum infestation (>5 mites/cm(2) of skin). RESULTS: Patients with gestational diabetes had a statistically significantly higher Demodex density compared to the control group (24.2 vs. 3.3%; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of gestational diabetes patients with unregulated glucose levels had a higher Demodex density compared to those in the regulated subgroup (6/19 vs. 2/14; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that the Demodex density was increased in gestational diabetes patients. Further, poor glucose regulation could be the mechanism responsible for the increased Demodex density in gestational diabetes patients with unregulated glucose levels compared to those with regulated glucose levels.

Evaluation of Mean Platelet Volume values in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is an important indicator of platelet activation. It is known that MPV increases in patients with coronory artery disease, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our aim was to measure the MPV in lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: The present study was designed to examine the platelet function by measuring MPV in non-obese women with PCOS. A total of 50 outpatients with PCOS were included. The control group consisted of 50 healthy subjects. Serum platelet, MPV, and white blood cell (WBC) levels were compared and evaluated retrospectively in all participants. These values were compared by statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant difference in between groups regarding MPV (p═0.357), WBC (p═0,414) and platelet (p═0,666). CONCLUSION: There are studies implying MPV increase in PCOS patients, in our patients MPV levels did not correlate with PCOS except for patients with obesity. We think that PCOS itself has no effect on MPV levels and obesity changes MPV levels.

Mature cystic teratomas in our series with review of the literature and retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Mature cystic teratomas are the most common benign ovarian neoplasms. Our aim is to analyse these cases by pathologic and clinical findings in our centre with the view of updated knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, 50 case reports diagnosed as mature cystic teratoma (or dermoid cyst) in Mustafa Kemal University Pathology Laboratory between 2005 and 2010 have been reviewed. RESULTS: Of 50 cases, the findings on mature cystic teratomas were as follows: the number of tumours located at the right ovary was 22, the left ovary, 23, with 5 cases bilaterally. Age range was 14-58 with mean rate 35.4. In two cases, tumour markers were high, one case presented with torsion; one case was obtained incidentally during delivery. CONCLUSION: Mature cystic teratomas are benign neoplasms with low malign transformation rate. Our series are low in number but our findings show the dynamic nature of these tumours.