Can fetal abdominal visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous fat thickness be used for correct estimation of fetal weight? A preliminary study.

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of a new formula for the calculation of an estimated fetal weight (EFW) and to evaluate value of fetal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness on the prediction of birth weight. In this prospective study, fetal biometry, EFW, fetal VAT and SF thickness were measured in low-risk 37-41 gestational weeks pregnant women by ultrasonography. The linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between birth weight and obstetric measurements. It was found that the most important factors in the prediction of a birth weight were the abdominal circumference (AC), SF and VAT. The new formula for EFW was EFW=-2748.622+13.811*AC+56.795*SF+17.913*VAT According to the Hadlock 3 and the new formula, 92% and 95% of all fetal weight estimations were within 10% of actual birth weight, respectively. Measurement of VAT and SF thickness in prediction of fetal weight could reduce a weight estimation error. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? An accurate prediction of fetal weight during gestation provides useful information for assessing the fetal and newborn health status. As the detection of growth abnormalities is vital, there is a need for a reliable method of assessing birth weight during labour. Unfortunately, although different methods are available, a simple, quick and reliable method of assessing birth weight is still in debate. Fetal visceral adipose (VAT) tissue measurement is a new method which could be used for the correct estimation of fetal weight. Like adults, the VAT and subcutaneous fat tissue (SF) thickness could be correlated with the weight and body-mass index. What do the results of this study add? It was found that SF and VAT are important factors in the prediction of birth weight, like the abdominal circumference (AC). What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The measurement of VAT and SF thickness in prediction of fetal weight could reduce a weight estimation error.

Gene Expression Profiles of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Endothelin-1 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to observe the relationship between the gene expression profiles of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and endothelin (EDN)-1 and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study performed at a tertiary-care academic center; 108 patients with snoring and day-time sleeplessness were included in this study carried out in the Otolaryngology Department. All patients were evaluated with 1-night polysomnography (PSG). There were 63 patients with OSA and 45 patients without OSA. In the OSA group, the median apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 29.1; in the non-OSA group, the median AHI was 2.1. Blood samples were obtained from all 108 patients for the genetic analysis of the expression of TNF-α and EDN-1. PSG findings and gene expression levels were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The median (range) age was 46 (20-81) years, BMI 24.9 (15-49), EDN-1 gene expression 0.45 (0.02-67.88) pg/µL, and TNF-α gene expression 1.71 (0.08-59.52) pg/µL. We found that EDN-1 and TNF-α gene expression levels were significantly higher in the OSA group than in the control group (p = 0.009 vs. p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: EDN-1 and TNF-α gene expression levels were associated with the occurrence of OSA.

The Effect of Stress Incontinence Operations on Sexual Functions: Laparoscopic Burch versus Transvaginal Tape-O.

AIM: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has some negative emotional and physical effects on sexual functions. In this study, we aimed to question the effects of surgical treatment of stress incontinence on sexual function using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) form. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 77 sexually active women who were surgically treated for SUI between 2014 and 2015 at a university hospital. Tension-free transvaginal tape (TVT-O) operation and the laparoscopic Burch procedure were performed on 42 and 35 patients, respectively. Patients with isolated stress incontinence were included in this study. All patients enrolled were invited to fill out the PISQ-12 questionnaire before surgery and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean total postoperative PISQ-12 score in both TVT-O and Burch groups was significantly increased compared to the preoperative period (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). When the PISQ-12 scores were evaluated according to the subgroups, physical and partner-dependent scores significantly increased in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative period in the TVT-O group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Rate of the surgery success for SUI is positively correlated with the improvement of sexual functions. Minimally invasive methods in SUI surgery has been progressively increasing day-by-day. The lesser invasive approaches seem to replace the more invasive approaches in the near future.

Investigation of Demodex folliculorum frequency in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract: Background: Background: Demodex mites are acari that reside in the pilosebaceous unit of the skin and have been associated with skin disorders. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Demodex folliculorum (D. folliculorum) mites in polycystic ovary syndrome patients as well as to examine the relationship between Demodex infestation and the presence of acne and oily or dry skin types in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Methods: 41 polycystic ovary syndrome patients and 47 non-polycystic ovary syndrome control subjects were enrolled in the study. polycystic ovary syndrome was diagnosed according to the revised 2003 ESHRE/ASRM polycystic ovary syndrome Consensus Workshop Group diagnostic criteria. Microscopic examination of D. folliculorum mites was carried out by standardized skin surface biopsy. The result was considered positive when there were more than 5 mites per cm2. Results: D. folliculorum was positive in 53.7% of the polycystic ovary syndrome patients and 31.9% of the non-polycystic ovary syndrome group (p=0.052). Demodex positivity was significantly associated with acne (p=0.003) and oily skin (p=0.005) in the polycystic ovary syndrome patients but not in the controls. Study limitation: Our study is limited by the relatively small number of subjects and the observational nature of the study design. Conclusion: Demodex mites might have a role in acne pathogenesis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Anti-Demodex treatment may increase the response to treatment of acne. Further studies are indicated.

Factors affecting the rates of caesarean sections in cases with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term.

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the factors affecting the rates of caesarean section in cases with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in term pregnancies. Eighty-two term PROM patients who presented to Turgut Ozal University and Erzurum Nene Hatun Hospitals between 2012 and 2014 were included. The effects of demographics, nulliparity, active-latent phase durations, presence of meconium and chorioamnionitis, requirement of oxytocin and cervical dilation at the initial examination on C/S rates were assessed. The C/S rates were changed with the duration of active period and the duration of latent period. It was found that the presence of cervical dilation at the initial examination significantly reduced the risk for progress to C/S at a rate of 87.5%. C/S rates did not change with other variables. We conclude that the factors increasing the risk for C/S in PROM at term group are not different from the non-term PROM. Impact statement The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the factors affecting the rates of caesarean section (C/S) in cases with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in term pregnancies. The C/S rates were changed with the duration of active period and the duration of latent period. It was found that the presence of cervical dilation at the initial examination significantly reduced the risk for progress to C/S at a rate of 87.5%. We conclude that the factors increasing the risk for C/S in PROM at term group, are not different from the non-term PROM groups. Currently, the PROM is considered the start of a pathological process in both term and preterm pregnancies and also considered to increase the rates of caesarean sections. Studies on the management of PROM at term have concentrated rather on whether to intervene for accelerating the labour or spontaneous monitorisation. As found by the studies like this one in the literature, the factors having an impact on C/S rates in the cases of PROM at term are similar to those of non-PROM patients at term, may prevent clinicians from taking an invasive or aggressive approach towards the cases of PROM at term.

Investigation of Demodex folliculorum frequency in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Background: Demodex mites are acari that reside in the pilosebaceous unit of the skin and have been associated with skin disorders. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Demodex folliculorum (D. folliculorum) mites in polycystic ovary syndrome patients as well as to examine the relationship between Demodex infestation and the presence of acne and oily or dry skin types in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. METHODS: 41 polycystic ovary syndrome patients and 47 non-polycystic ovary syndrome control subjects were enrolled in the study. polycystic ovary syndrome was diagnosed according to the revised 2003 ESHRE/ASRM polycystic ovary syndrome Consensus Workshop Group diagnostic criteria. Microscopic examination of D. folliculorum mites was carried out by standardized skin surface biopsy. The result was considered positive when there were more than 5 mites per cm2. RESULTS: D. folliculorum was positive in 53.7% of the polycystic ovary syndrome patients and 31.9% of the non-polycystic ovary syndrome group (p=0.052). Demodex positivity was significantly associated with acne (p=0.003) and oily skin (p=0.005) in the polycystic ovary syndrome patients but not in the controls. STUDY LIMITATION: Our study is limited by the relatively small number of subjects and the observational nature of the study design. CONCLUSION: Demodex mites might have a role in acne pathogenesis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Anti-Demodex treatment may increase the response to treatment of acne. Further studies are indicated.

Ischemia-Modified Albumin May Be a Novel Marker for Predicting Neonatal Neurologic Injury in Small-For-Gestational-Age Infants in Addition to Neuron-Specific Enolase.

Aim This study aims to evaluate hypoxia/ischemia and oxidant stress, and negative neurodevelopmental outcomes in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. Material and Methods Two study groups were established as SGA and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants. SGA infants were allocated asymmetric and symmetric SGA infants. Serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined and oxidative stress indexes (OSI) were calculated in all groups. Results Overall, 83 infants were diagnosed SGA, and 85 infants were determined AGA. TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher and TAC levels were significantly lower in SGA group (p < 0.05). MDA and IMA levels were significantly higher in SGA group (p < 0.05). NSE levels in SGA infants were significantly higher (p < 0.05). NSE and IMA were significantly higher in symmetric SGA infants (p < 0.05). TOS, OSI, MDA, TAC levels were not significantly different in SGA infants with abnormal neurological findings (p > 0.05); NSE and IMA levels were significantly higher in SGA group with abnormal neurological findings (p < 0.05). Conclusion SGA infants expose to hypoxia and oxidative stress led to neuronal damage. We suggest that in addition to NSE, IMA blood levels might be a sensitive novel marker for predicting the severity of neuronal damage.

Galectin-3: A biochemical marker to detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?

PURPOSE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of arrhythmia. AF leads to electrical remodelling and fibrosis of the atria; however, the mechanism(s) remain poorly understood. Galectin-3 is a potential mediator of cardiac fibrosis. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between serum galectin-3 levels and paroxysmal AF. METHODS: Forty-six patients with paroxysmal AF and preserved left ventricular systolic function, and 38 age- and gender-matched control subjects, were involved in the study. Serum galectin-3 levels were analyzed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Serum galectin-3 levels (median 1.38 ng/mL; 1.21 ng/mL-1.87 ng/mL; p< 0.001) were significantly elevated in patients with paroxysmal AF compared with the control. Left atrial diameter was significantly higher in patients with paroxysmal AF (41.2±3.0 mm vs. 39.6±3.3 mm). Left atrial diameter was found to be significantly correlated with serum galectin-3 levels in patients with paroxysmal AF (r= 0.378, p= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum galectin-3 levels are significantly elevated and significantly correlated with left atrial diameter in patients with paroxysmal AF.

CRP, HbA1c, lipid, and biochemical parameters and their relation with maternal visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to find whether maternal visceral tissue (VAT) or subcutaneous fat tissue (SCFT) thicknesses are associated with CRP, HbA1c, lipid, and biochemical parameters in the first trimester of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety pregnant women were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI), VAT, and SCFT were measured. The best cut-off points for grouping subjects were found to be 4 cm for VAT and 2 cm for SCFT. Venous blood samples were collected. RESULTS: VAT was higher than 4 cm in all cases with high BMIs. High CRP and HbA1c were found in 45.5% and 18.2% of cases with VAT over 4 cm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Besides overall obesity, VAT thickness is the most important parameter. Decreasing obesity may prevent pathologies caused by inflammation during pregnancy as well as decrease the risk for future metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Hyperemesis gravidarum and its relation with maternal body fat composition.

The objective of this study was to determine if maternal body fat composition and body mass index were associated with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in the first trimester of pregnancy. Healthy pregnant women (n = 30) without nausea and vomiting (control group) and women with HG (n = 54; study group), all with singleton pregnancy at 6-14 weeks gestational age, were included. Body mass index was measured before and during pregnancy. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous fat thickness were measured during pregnancy. Comparison of the groups revealed that VAT and pre-pregnancy body mass index but not subcutaneous fat thickness were significantly higher in the HG group versus controls. VAT and pre-pregnancy body mass index predicted 83.8% and 67.1% of HG cases, respectively. VAT and pre-pregnancy body mass index were correlated with the development of hyperemesis gravidrum and hence could be considered as predictive markers for HG.

Nail alterations during pregnancy: a clinical study.

During pregnancy, cutaneous and appendageal alterations manifest and may cause concern in the subject. The nails may be affected by pregnancy. This study investigated the frequency and nature of nail changes occurring during pregnancy in 312 healthy, 18-40-year-old pregnant women in gestation weeks 16-40. After a routine obstetric examination at the obstetrics and gynecology clinic at the study institution, all subjects submitted to an examination of all fingernails and toenails. Only nail alterations that had developed during pregnancy were recorded. Any nail changes that had occurred before the start of gestation were not considered. Data were presented as percentages. The Shapiro-Wilk and chi-squared tests were used to make categorical comparisons. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. No nail pathologies were detected in 116 (37.2%) of the 312 subjects. The most commonly found nail change was leukonychia (24.4%). Ingrown toenail (9.0%) and onychoschizia (9.0%) represented the second most common nail changes. Rapid nail growth and subungual hyperkeratosis were observed in 6.7% and 4.2%, respectively, of subjects. When the alterations were evaluated according to gestational age, the most common nail pathology was leukonychia at both 14-28 weeks (16.3%) and 29-42 weeks (27.4%) of pregnancy. Leukonychia, onychoschizia, onycholysis, and brittle nail pathologies were frequently observed at 29-42 weeks of pregnancy (P = 0.047). A large proportion of nail changes that occur during pregnancy are benign and do not require treatment. However, these changes may cause significant cosmetic stress in women.

Effect of combined oral contraceptive use on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and ultrasound parameters in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: To investigate if there is an effect of combined oral contraceptive (COC) use on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: PCOS was defined by the 2003 Rotterdam criteria. All patients with PCOS were treated with a COC containing 0.035 mg ethinylestradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate for 6 months. Serum 25(OH)D levels, HOMA-IR, ovarian volume and antral follicule count were measured before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The median 25(OH)D levels were 9.40 (range 4.40-24.50) µg/l and 7.00 (5.00-13.50) µg/l before and after COC use, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D levels decreased after the treatment; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.055). CONCLUSION: This study seems to be the first prospective trial revealing the effect of COC use on serum 25(OH)D levels in women with PCOS. Although the decrease in serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with PCOS with the use of COC alone, did not reach to statistically significance level after 6 months treatment with COC.

Is There a Relationship Between Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Tissue Fibrillin-1 Levels?

PURPOSE: Pelvic organ prolapse is a multifactorial disorder in which extracellular matrix defects are implicated. Fibrillin-1 level is reduced in stress urinary incontinence. In Marfan syndrome, which is associated with mutations in Fibrillin-1, pelvic floor disorders are commonly observed. We hypothesize that Fibrillin-1 gene expression is altered in pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: Thirty women undergoing colporrhaphy or hysterectomy because of cystocele, rectocele, cystorectocele, or uterine prolapse were assigned to a pelvic prolapse study group, and thirty women undergone hysterectomy for nonpelvic prolapse conditions were assigned to a control group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted on vaginal tissue samples to measure the expression of Fibrillin-1. Expression levels were compared between study and control groups by Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni revision. RESULTS: Fibrillin-1 gene expression was not significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. Similarly, no significant correlation between Fibrillin-1 levels and grade of pelvic prolapse was found. Age over 40 years (P=0.018) and menopause (P=0.027) were both associated with reduced Fibrillin-1 levels in the pelvic prolapse group, whereas the delivery of babies weighing over 3,500 g at birth was associated with increased Fibrillin-1 expression (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The results did not indicate a significant reduction in Fibrillin-1 gene expression in pelvic prolapse disorders; however, reduced Fibrillin-1 may contribute to increased pelvic organ prolapse risk with age and menopause. Increased Fibrillin-1 gene expression may be a compensatory mechanism in cases of delivery of babies with high birth weight. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of these observations.

Effects of curcumin on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a significant problem following reperfusion treatment for ovarian torsion. It is generally caused by reactive oxygen species-induced damage. Antioxidant agents, such as curcumin, may protect ovaries from this adverse effect. The aim of the present randomized, controlled study was to evaluate the short-term protective effect of curcumin on a rat model of ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury. A total of 30 female Wistar albino rats, weighing 160-230 g, were divided into 2 groups depending upon the time of unilateral, left ovary ischemia/reperfusion (group 1, 2 h ischemia/2 h reperfusion and group 2, 4 h ischemia/4 h reperfusion). These groups were subdivided into 3 subgroups (sham, control and curcumin). The sham subgroups were not subjected to ischemia/reperfusion. Control and curcumin subgroups were performed under ischemia for 2 h plus 2 h reperfusion or 4 h ischemia plus 4 h reperfusion. Curcumin, 200 mg/kg, was intraperitoneally administered simultaneously with reperfusion to the curcumin subgroups. Serum nitric oxide (NO), NO synthase (NOS), xanthine oxidase (XO), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and histological scores were measured and compared between subgroups. For group 1, no significant differences were observed between NO, NOS, XO, TAS or TOS. The left ovary histological grade was significantly higher in the control and curcumin subgroups compared with the sham subgroup (P=0.036). For group 2, TOS was significantly higher in the control group compared with the sham and curcumin groups (P=0.023). However, TAS was also significantly higher in the control subgroup compared with the other 2 subgroups (P=0.005). Left ovary histological grade was significantly higher in the control and curcumin subgroups compared with the sham subgroup (P=0.038). No significant differences were observed between NO, NOS or XO between the group 2 subgroups. The results showed that curcumin exerted no major significant protective effect on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat ovary.

The effects of hypnotherapy during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy for pain and anxiety.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies evaluating the tolerance of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided needle biopsies showed that moderate-to-severe pain was associated with the procedure. Additionally, prebiopsy anxiety or rebiopsy as a result of a prior biopsy procedure is mentioned as factors predisposing to higher pain intensity. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effects of hypnotherapy during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy for pain and anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients presenting for TRUS-guided prostate needle biopsy were randomly assigned to receive either 10-min presurgery hypnosis session (n = 32, mean age 63.5 ± 6.1, p = 0.289) or a presurgery control session (n = 32, mean age 61.8 ± 6.8, p = 0.289). The hypnosis session involved suggestions for increased relaxation and decreased anxiety. Presurgery pain and anxiety were measured using visual analog scales (VAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS), respectively. In our statistics, p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Postintervention, and before surgery, patients in the hypnosis group had significantly lower mean values for presurgery VAS [mean 1 (0-8); p = 0.011], BAI (6.0 vs 2.0; p < 0.001), and HAS (11.0 vs 6.0; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that a brief presurgery hypnosis intervention can be an effective means of controlling presurgical anxiety, and therefore pain, in patients awaiting diagnostic prostate cancer surgery.

Gut satiety hormones and hyperemesis gravidarum.

UNLABELLED: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is described as unexplained excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Some gut hormones that regulate appetite may have important role in etiopathogenesis of HG and weight changes during pregnancy. In this study, levels of gut satiety hormones were evaluated in pregnant women with HG. METHODS: This prospective case-control study was conducted in 30 women with HG and 30 healthy pregnant women without symptoms of HG. Fasting venous blood samples were taken from all subjects for measurement of plasma gut hormone levels; obestatin (pg/mL), peptide YY (PYY), pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and cholecystokinin (CCK). RESULTS: Plasma PYY and PP levels were significantly higher in HG group. The most important parameter in diagnosis of HG was plasma PP level. Simple use of PP level led to the diagnosis 91.1 % of HG cases correctly. The single most important parameter in the prediction of HG was also PP level. CONCLUSION: Anorexigenic gut hormones might have important role in etiopathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum and weight changes during pregnancy.

Novel approach for pain control in patients undergoing prostate biopsy: iliohypogastric nerve block with or without topical application of prilocaine-lidocaine: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of a novel anesthetic technique called iliohypogastric nerve block (INB) for pain control in patients undergoing prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 59 consecutive patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound guided prostates biopsies were included in the study. Patients were randomized into four groups: (1) control, no method of anesthesia was administered, (2) intrarectal prilocaine-lidocaine cream application, (3) INB and (4) INB + intrarectal prilocaine-lidocaine cream application (combined group). Patients were asked to use a scale of 0-10 in a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire about pain during probe insertion (VAS 1) and prostate biopsy (VAS 2). RESULTS: The mean VAS 1 and VAS 2 scores were 0.7 and 4.9 for controls, 0.5 and 1.8 for INB, 0.5 and 2.6 for the intrarectal cream group, and 0.4 and 1.8 for the combined group. The mean VAS 1 scores were not different between groups. However, the mean VAS 2 scores were significantly lower in INB, prilocaine-lidocaine cream and combined groups compared to the control group (P < .001). In addition, the INB group had significantly lower VAS 2 scores compared to the cream application group (P = .03). On the other hand, there was no difference between the INB and combined groups (P = .8). CONCLUSION: Any form of anesthesia was superior to none. However, INB alone seemed to be superior to prilocaine-lidocaine cream application in patients undergoing prostate biopsy. Addition of prilocaine-lidocaine cream application to INB may not provide better analgesia. 

Relation between abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue thickness and inflammatory markers during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Subcutaneous abdominal fat thickness (SCFT) is important for predisposition to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to evaluate maternal SCFT and metabolic changes (such as insulin resistance and high inflammatory markers) during pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 92 pregnant women between 24-28 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study. The SCFT was measured by ultrasonography and patients were divided into 2 groups according to thickness of maternal SCFT and body mass index (BMI). Groups were compared with each other for oral glucose loading test (OGL) results, and for haematological, biochemical and fetal biometric parameters. RESULTS: After analysis of frequency for SCFT, the most appropriate cut-off value for grouping patients was found to be 15 mm for SCFT. In 48 cases SCFT was over 15 mm. High C reactive protein (CRP) was found in 47.9% (23) of cases with SCFT over 15 mm. Serum haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level was significantly correlated with SCFT thickness. The most important factors for determination of OGL level were found to be serum HbA1c level, BMI and SCFT. In obese subjects (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2)), levels of inflammatory markers and SCFT thickness were higher. The CRP and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels were significantly correlated with BMI and SCFT. CONCLUSIONS: High SCFT during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory marker levels and HbA1c. Pregnant women with thicker SCFT may be susceptible to the development of metabolic complications of pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertension, as well as risk of future metabolic and cardiovascular disease.

Effect of Hypericum perforatum on intraperitoneal adhesion formation in rats.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum for prevention of adhesion formation in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four female wistar rats underwent left uterine horn adhesion model. Rats were randomised into 4 groups. Group 1 (Control): Closure of abdominal incision without any agent administration. Group 2: Closure of incision after administration of intraperitoneal (i.p.) Ringer's lactate solution. Group 3: Closure of incision after administration of i.p. olive oil (diluent of H. perforatum). Group 4: Hypericum perforatum extract (Ecodab(®)) was administered i.p. before the closure of incision. Fourteen days later, relaparatomy was performed and surgical adhesion scores, inflammation and fibrosis scores were noted. Groups were compared according to these scores. RESULTS: There was statistical significant difference between ringer's lactate group and olive oil group according to surgical adhesion score (p = 0.009). However, groups were not different according to inflammation and fibrosis scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite antiinflammatory, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties of H. perforatum, our results revealed no positive effect of H. perforatum on the prevention of intraperitoneal adhesion formation.

Effect of underlying infertility factors on second trimester serum screening results.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether assisted reproductive technologies (ART) alone or an underlying cause of infertility has any effect on second trimester serum screening results. STUDY DESIGN: Second trimester serum screening results of ART pregnancies of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (IVF-P group) were compared with those of women who underwent ART due to malefactor infertility (IVF-M group) and of women who conceived spontaneously. RESULTS: Comparison of the groups for a-fetoprotein, beta-hCG, and beta-hCG multiples of the median (MoM) revealed a significant difference between the IVF-M and control groups. Comparison of groups for unconjugated estriol (uE3) and uE3 MoM levels revealed a statistically significant difference between the IVF-P versus the control groups. CONCLUSION: It seems advisable to use a population of ART pregnancies, preferably divided by type of treatment and the etiology of the infertility, when establishing median curves for second trimester serum screening markers.