Maternal serum procalcitonin levels in prediction of chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

INTRODUCTION: Chorioamnionitis is one of the most important maternal complications in the expectant management of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Procalcitonin (proCT), the precursor of the hormone calcitonin, is used to differentiate bacterial infections from non-bacterial ones. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of maternal serum procalcitonin levels in the early prediction of chorioamnionitis in women with PPROM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 76 pregnant women hospitalized due to PPROM at the maternal-fetal medicine unit of a tertiary center in Istanbul. Patients were followed up with white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and proCT levels every 2 days. The values of investigated parameters were recorded at the diagnosis of PPROM and at the time of delivery. The maximum values during the follow-up period were also recorded. RESULTS: Out of the 76 patients with PPROM, 15 (19.73%) developed clinical chorioamnionitis. No significant difference could be detected in the gravidity, parity, duration of hospitalization and gestational week at diagnosis between those patients who developed clinical chorioamnionitis and those who did not. The WBC at the time of hospital admittance and before delivery, and CRP levels before delivery were statistically higher in the chorioamnionitis group (p < 0.05). No difference in the proCT levels could be detected either at the time of hospital admittance or before delivery between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal proCT was not found to be predictive of chorioamnionitis. However, since there are reports in the literature that contradict these results, further studies are warranted to determine the true efficacy of proCT in the prediction of clinical chorioamnionitis.

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.

Do barbed sutures with different surface textures have different effects on adhesion formation and histological features? An experimental blinded study in an animal model.

BACKGROUND: The obstetrics and gynecology literature has expanded in recent years to include clinical trials assessing the use of barbed sutures. The difficulty of intracorporeal suturing continues to be a barrier to a wider use of laparoscopy. Although the use of barbed sutures has been shown to ease the process of laparoscopic suturing considerably, concerns have been raised regarding a potentially increased risk of adhesions or inflammation as a result of their use. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether differences in surface textures, resulting from the variations in the geometric configurations of barbs, lead to differences in intra-abdominal adhesion formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 27 non-pregnant female Wistar Hannover rats, weighing 200-250 g, with intact uteri were used as an adhesion formation model. The rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups: barbed suture group 1, barbed suture group 2 and control group (no intracorporeal suture). A 2-centimeter vertical incision was performed on the anti-mesosalpingeal side of one of the uterine horns. The incision on the uterine horn was reapproximated with a running suture, entailing 3 needle punctures and left untied at one end. Six weeks after the operation, intra-abdominal adhesion formations were investigated both clinically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Clinical adhesion scores and histopathological parameters in both the barbed suture groups were statistically significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the barbed suture groups regarding the adhesion scores. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 types of barbed sutures with different surface textures, used for myometrial closure, form a similar profile with respect to postoperative adhesion formation.

Advanced maternal age and risk of non-chromosomal anomalies: data from a tertiary referral hospital in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between non-chromosomal fetal anomalies of various organ systems and advanced maternal age. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was conducted in 387 women aged 20-53 years who underwent fetal karyotype testing due to positive prenatal test results or advanced maternal age at the Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital between September 2011 and March 2015. Fetuses with chromosomal anomalies were excluded from the study. The relationship between non-chromosomal anomalies and maternal age of women aged <35 or ≥35 years was studied. RESULTS: More than 80% (81.7%) of non-chromosomal anomalies were detected in patients aged <35 years, and 18.3% were found in those ≥35 years. There were no statistically significant differences found between the incidence of non-chromosomal anomalies in women aged over 35 years and those under 35 years. When congenital major anomalies were evaluated with respect to various organ systems, the risk of musculo-skeletal system anomalies decreased with advancing maternal age. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the <35 and ≥35-year age groups in the incidence of central nervous system, craniofacial, cardiac, gastrointestinal system, urogenital, respiratory, and limb anomalies. CONCLUSION: The incidence of non-chromosomal anomalies does not increase in fetuses of pregnant women aged over 35 years, in contrast to chromosomal anomalies.

Evaluation of cesarean scar after single- and double-layer hysterotomy closure: a prospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine if there is a difference in the size of the cesarean scar defect using saline infusion sonography (SIS) performed on the postoperative third month in patients who underwent single- or double-layered unlocked closure of their uterine incision during their first cesarean delivery. METHODS: This study was conducted as a prospective cross-sectional study between February 2015 and January 2016 in patients admitted to the labour ward of the Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital who subsequently underwent their first delivery by cesarean section. Patients with a previous history of cesarean delivery, preterm pregnancies less than 34 gestational weeks, patients lost to follow-up or those who had an IUD inserted after delivery were excluded from the study. Out of the 327 patients who underwent primary cesarean delivery, 280 were included into the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the single- (n:126) or double-layered (n:156) closure of their uterine incision. The maternal age, height, weight, obstetric and gynecologic histories, medical histories, indications for their cesarean delivery, technique of uterine closure, birth weight of the baby, duration of the cesarean delivery, need for extra suturing and transfusion were recorded. A Saline infusion sonography (SIS) was performed 3 months postoperatively to determine the presence, depth and length of the cesarean scar. The residual myometrial thickness overlying the scar defect and the fundal myometrial thickness were recorded. RESULTS: No difference was detected between the groups with respect to patient characteristics, whether the operation was elective or emergent, the type of anesthesia used, need for extra suturing, incidence of bladder injuries or uterine atony, need for blood transfusions, duration of labour or cervical dilatation and effacement between the two groups. No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups with respect to the length and depth of the scar defect. CONCLUSION: Single- or double-layered closure of the uterus does not seem to affect the size of the uterine scar defect detected on SIS 3 months following the first cesarean delivery.

The Relations Between HSG Proven Tubal Occlusion, Stimulated Intrauterine Insemination and Pregnancy Rate.

BACKGROUND: Tubal factor infertility is one of the main causes of female infertility. Although its sensitivity is low, hysterosalpingography (HSG) is remains the first-line method for evaluating tubal patency. AIMS: To compare pregnancy rates in patients with HSG proven proximal or distal unilateral tubal occlusion, and unexplained infertility undergoing both controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. METHODS: In total, 237 patients undergoing ovulation induction (OI) with gonadotropins and IUI were divided into two groups and evaluated. Study group consisted 59 patients with HSG proven unilateral tubal pathology, and 178 patients with unexplained infertility taken as control subjects. Cumulative pregnancy rate was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: Cumulative pregnancy rates after three cycles of OI and IUI were 15.25% in study group and 20.79% in control group. Pregnancy rates between two groups were not statistically significant. Although, pregnancy rates in patients with proximal tubal occlusion (21.8%) were higher than in those with distal tubal occlusion (7.4%), the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study data shows that, regardless of the HCG proven occlusion area, COS and IUI might be a preferred treatment modality in patient with unilateral tubal occlusion.

Predictive factors for pregnancy outcome following controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To establish predictive factors for positive pregnancy outcome in cases of controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital and comprised subjects having undergone ovulation induction cycles and intrauterine insemination between June 2010 and June 2015. Data was analysed in terms of various parameters affecting clinical pregnancy rates. SPSS 23 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 475 patients having undergone a total of 923 cycles. Pregnancy was established in 133(28%) patients. Univariate analysis of biological/clinical variables revealed the presence of secondary infertility, high endometrial thickness, antral follicle number, post wash total motile sperm count and midluteal progesterone levels following intrauterine insemination to be associated with positive pregnancy outcomes (p<0.05 each). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to establish factors that affected the pregnancy rate. The aetiology and type of infertility and high midluteal progesterone levels following intrauterine insemination were found to be statistically significant predictors of pregnancy (p<0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS: The best chance of pregnancy was found in cases with anovulatory infertility, a history of prior pregnancy, and high midluteal progesterone levels following treatment with gonadotrophins and intrauterine insemination.

Oocyte Cryopreservation as a Preventive Measure for Age-Related Fertility Loss.

The increased desire to achieve higher educational, career, or financial goals and not having met a suitable partner are the main reasons why women are postponing parenthood to later stages in life. Not being aware of the age-related decline in fertility and the presence of novel and effective fertility preservation strategies are contributing factors to the increased incidence of childlessness at later stages of life. Oocyte cryopreservation has recently been introduced as a means of increasing the probability of motherhood at advanced ages, should attempts at natural conception fail. It is likely to be the most effective when performed in patients younger than 35 years with a good ovarian reserve. Preconceptional counseling of women by medical professionals, education of young adolescents at schools, organization of public health campaigns, and presentation of fertility health information through the media are strategies suggested to increase public awareness on the age-related decline in fertility and avoid its possible consequences.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist triggering of oocyte maturation in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) have gained increasing attention in the last decade as an alternative trigger for oocyte maturation in patients at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). They provide a short luteinizing hormone (LH) peak that limits the production of vascular endothelial growth factor, which is the key mediator leading to increased vascular permeability, the hallmark of OHSS. Initial studies showed similar oocyte yield and embryo quality compared with conventional human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) triggering; however, lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates were alarming in GnRHa triggered groups. Therefore, two approaches have been implemented to rescue the luteal phase in fresh transfers. Intensive luteal phase support (iLPS) involves administiration of high doses of progesterone and estrogen and active patient monitoring. iLPS has been shown to provide satisfactory fertilization and clinical pregnancy rates, and to be especially useful in patients with high endogenous LH levels, such as in polycystic ovary syndrome. The other method for luteal phase rescue is low-dose hCG administiration 35 hours after GnRHa trigger. Likewise, this method results in statistically similar ongoing pregnancy rates (although slightly lower than) to those of hCG triggered cycles. GnRHa triggering decreased OHSS rates dramatically, however, none of the rescue methods prevent OHSS totally. Cases were reported even in patients who underwent cryopreservation and did not receive hCG. GnRH triggering induces a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) surge, similar to natural cycles. Its possible benefits have been investigated and dual triggering, GnRHa trigger accompanied by a simultaneous low-dose hCG injection, has produced promising results that urge further exploration. Last of all, GnRHa triggering is useful in fertility preservation cycles in patients with hormone sensitive tumors. In conclusion, GnRHa triggering accompanied by appropriate luteal phase rescue protocols is a relatively safe option for patients at high risk for OHSS.

Tetanus and diphtheria immunity among term and preterm infant-mother pairs in Turkey, a country where maternal and neonatal tetanus have recently been eliminated.

UNLABELLED: The aim of our study was to investigate the anti-tetanus and anti-diphtheria antibody titres and the placental transfer of these antibodies in a group of vaccinated and unvaccinated mothers and their term or preterm offsprings. Anti-tetanus and anti-diphtheria toxoid IgG antibodies were measured quantitatively by ELISA in 91 infant-mother pairs. Protective concentrations of anti-tetanus and anti-diphtheria were found in 58.3 and 50% of mothers in the unvaccinated group and 94.5 and 85.5% of the mothers in the vaccinated group. Protective concentrations were found in 63.9 and 50% of cord samples, respectively, in the unvaccinated group and in 96.4 and 85.5% of cord samples, respectively, in the vaccinated group (p = 0.0001). There were no differences in the maternal and cord geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of anti-toxoid antibodies between those who received two doses or one dose of Td. The GMCs of maternal and cord anti-tetanus and anti-diphtheria were statistically similar between preterm and term groups. Placental transfer ratios (TR) for anti-tetanus and anti-diphtheria were 175 and 150%, respectively, in the preterm group and 213 and 178%, respectively, in the term group. There was a strong correlation between maternal and cord anti-toxoid antibody levels. Maternal vaccination was the only predictor of having protective concentrations of anti-toxoid antibodies in cord blood. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccinating pregnant women with at least one dose of Td would confer protection for both the term and preterm infant-mother pairs. Therefore, health personnel caring for pregnant women have the responsibility to emphasize the importance of Td vaccination to avoid missed immunization opportunities.

The risk of ectopic pregnancy following GnRH agonist triggering compared with hCG triggering in GnRH antagonist IVF cycles.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in GnRH agonist triggered IVF cycles with intensive luteal support versus hCG triggered IVF cycles. METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective cohort analysis of women who underwent IVF treatment employing GnRH agonist or recombinant hCG (rhCG) triggers during 2-year period. The medical charts of women who achieved pregnancies were reviewed and their demographic characteristics, infertility reasons and IVF data were recorded. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between the triggering medication used to stimulate final oocyte maturation (GnRHa or rhCG) and EP, with adjustment for important confounders: the day of embryo transfer (ETD), the etiology of infertility and estrogen level at the time of triggering. RESULTS: The number of metaphase II oocytes, fertilized oocytes and good quality embryos were significantly higher in the GnRH agonist triggered group compared with the hCG triggered group (p < 0.001 for all). The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in the hCG triggered cycles were 38.6 and 31.1 %, respectively and 24.7 and 22 %, respectively in the triptorelin triggered cycles. The ectopic pregnancy rates were 5.3 % in the triptorelin triggered group and 1.4 % in the hCG triggered group. The trigger medication and the day of embryo transfer were found to have a significant effect on the probability of developing ectopic pregnancy (p = 0.028, p = 0.046 respectively). However, the estrogen level was not found to have a significant effect on the probability of developing ectopic pregnancy (p = 0.447). CONCLUSIONS: The reasons for higher ectopic pregnancy rates in GnRH agonist triggered cycles relative to hCG triggered cycles may be the decreased receptivity of the endometrium due to insufficient luteal support and higher implantation potential of embryos in correlation with a higher number of good quality embryos obtained in these cycles.

Comparison of 3-dimensional versus 2-dimensional laparoscopic vision system in total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: We compare the results of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) operations conducted using standard 2-D and 3-D high definition laparoscopic vision systems and discuss the findings with regard to the recent literature. METHODS: Data from 147 patients who underwent TLH operations with 2-D or 3-D high definition laparoscopic vision systems in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, during 2 year period between December 2010 and December 2012, were reviewed retrospectively. TLH operations were divided into two groups as those performed using 2-D, and those performed using 3-D high definition laparoscopic vision systems. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in the operation times (p = 0.037 < 0.05). The mean operation time of the 2-D laparoscopy group (134.2 ± 61.8 min) was higher than the 3-D laparoscopy group (116.8 ± 38.5 min). No statistically significant difference was found between the 2-D and 3-D groups with respect to major, minor and total complication rates (p = 0.641 > 0.05). The operation time among obese patients was significantly shorter in those in the 3-D laparoscopy group than those in the 2-D group (p = 0.041 < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Recent literature indicates that 3-D laparoscopy vision system needs to be utilized more often and a higher number of ex vivo and in vivo studies have to be conducted. Furthermore, we believe that the prevalent problems encountered during laparoscopy can be overcome by the development of real-time vision devices and the appropriate training of the laparoscopists. 3-D high definition laparoscopic vision system will help to improve surgical performance and outcome of patients undergoing gynecological minimal invasive surgery.

Blood serum and seminal plasma selenium, total antioxidant capacity and coenzyme q10 levels in relation to semen parameters in men with idiopathic infertility.

In this case-control study, we aimed to evaluate the serum and seminal plasma levels of Selenium (Se), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) and determine their relationship with sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in men with idiopathic infertility. A total of 59 subjects were enrolled in the study. Forty four patients were diagnosed with idiopathic male infertility and had abnormal sperm parameters, and 15 subjects had normal sperm parameters with proven fertility. Serum Se, semen Se, and semen TAC levels were significantly different in the fertile and infertile groups (p<0.01, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). However, serum TAC, serum, and seminal plasma CoQ-10 levels did not differ between fertile and infertile groups. When the levels of the measured parameters were compared in serum and seminal plasma, serum levels of Se were found to be correlated positively with the semen levels in all subjects included into the study (N=59) (r=0.46, p<0.01). A relationship was found between neither serum and semen levels of TAC nor between serum and semen levels of CoQ-10. Correlations among measured serum and semen parameters with sperm parameters demonstrated that both the serum and semen levels of Se were correlated positively with spermatozoa concentration, motility, and morphology. Additionally, seminal plasma levels of TAC correlated positively with all these sperm parameters. On the other hand, seminal plasma levels of CoQ-10 correlated only with sperm morphology but not with concentration or motility. No relationship was observed between serum levels of TAC or serum levels of CoQ-10 and sperm parameters. In conclusion, serum and seminal plasma Se deficiency may be a prominent determinant of abnormal sperm parameters and idiopathic male infertility. Measurement of serum Se levels may help determine nutritional status and antioxidant capacity in infertile patients, which may help distinguish those patients who will benefit from supplementation therapy.

Emergency peripartum hysterectomy in a tertiary Istanbul hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, indications, outcomes and complications of emergency peripartum hysterectomy performed after cesarean and vaginal deliveries. METHOD(S): We analyzed retrospectively 28 cases of emergency peripartum hysterectomy operations performed between February 2001 and February 2007 at the Istanbul Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, which is a teaching hospital operating under the Turkish Ministry of Health. The indications, risk factors and the associated complications were compared with control groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATA version 7.0 statistical package (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). RESULT(S): The overall incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy at our hospital is 0,37 in 1,000 deliveries. Abnormal placental adherence and uterine atony comprised 85% of the indications for peripartum hysterectomy. Postoperative maternal morbidity occurred in 15 cases (54%). Most had a febrile morbidity and depression. Seven patients underwent postpartum histerectomy due to consumptive coagulopathy. There was one maternal mortality (4%) and five perinatal mortalities (18%). The maternal death was due to consumptive coagulopathy after placental abruption. All patients had to receive blood transfusions. The median number of postoperative hospitalization days was 7. CONCLUSION(S): Peripartum hysterectomy is still a dramatic life-saving operation with high risks. The most common reason for abnormal placental adherence is previous uterine procedures.