Distribution of Presepsin, Krebs von den Lungen 6, and Surfactant Protein A in Umbilical Cord Blood.

Presepsin is an early indicator of infection, and Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) and Surfactant Protein A (SP-A) are related to the pathogenesis of pulmonary infection and fibrosis. This study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) of presepsin, KL-6, and SP-A levels and to evaluate the possible influence of neonatal and maternal factors on presepsin, KL-6, and SP-A levels in umbilical cord blood (UCB). Among a total of 613 UCB samples, the outliers were removed. The RIs for presepsin, KL-6, and SP-A levels were defined using non-parametric percentile methods according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines (EP28-A3C). These levels were analyzed according to neonatal and maternal factors: neonatal sex, gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), Apgar score, delivery mode, the presence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and pre-eclampsia. Presepsin, KL-6, and SP-A levels showed non-parametric distributions and left-skewed histograms. The RIs of presepsin, KL-6, and SP-A levels were 64.9-428.3 pg/mL, 43.0-172.0 U/mL, and 2.1-36.1 ng/mL, respectively. Presepsin, KL-6, and SP-A levels did not show significant differences according to sex, GA, BW, Apgar score, delivery mode, PROM, GDM, and pre-eclampsia. The median level and 97.5th centile RI of KL-6 showed a slight increase with increased GA. We established RIs for presepsin, KL-6, and SP-A levels in large-scaled UCB samples. Further investigation would be needed to determine the clinical significance.

Does the Summer Season Affect the Amniotic Fluid Volume during Pregnancy?

Amniotic fluid is crucial for the well-being of the fetus. Recent studies suggest that dehydration in a pregnant woman leads to oligohydramnios. We assessed the variation in the amniotic fluid index (AFI) during the summer and non-summer seasons and evaluated neonatal outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed electrical medical records of pregnant women who visited the Konkuk University Medical Center for antenatal care, between July 2005 and July 2019. A total of 19,724 cases from 6438 singleton pregnant women were included after excluding unsuitable cases. All AFI values were classified as 2nd and 3rd trimester values. Additionally, borderline oligohydramnios (AFI, 5-8) and normal AFI (AFI, 8-24) were assessed according to the seasons. The average AFI between the summer and non-summer season was statistically different only in the 3rd trimester; but the results were not clinically significant. In the 3rd trimester, the summer season influenced the increased incidence of borderline oligohydramnios. The borderline oligohydramnios group showed an increased small-for-gestational-age (SGA) rate and NICU admission rate. In the summer season, the incidence of borderline oligohydramnios was seen to increase. This result would be significant for both physicians and pregnant women.

Risk of Early Childhood Obesity in Offspring of Women with Preeclampsia: A Population-Based Study.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major disease of pregnancy, with various short- or long-term complications for both the mother and offspring. We focused on the body mass index (BMI) of offspring and compared the incidence of obesity during early childhood between PE- and non-PE-affected pregnancies. Women with singleton births (n = 1,697,432) were identified from the Korea National Health Insurance database. The outcomes of offspring at 30-80 months of age were analyzed. The effects of PE on BMI and the incidence of obesity in the offspring were compared. The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) offspring was higher in the PE group (n = 29,710) than that in the non-PE group (n = 1,533,916) (24.70% vs. 3.33%, p < 0.01). However, BMI was significantly higher in the PE-affected offspring than that in non-PE-affected offspring. After adjusting for various factors, the risk of obesity was higher in the PE-affected offspring (odds ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = 1.30-1.38). The BMI and incidence of obesity were higher during early childhood in the PE-affected offspring, even though the proportion of LBW was higher. These results may support the basic hypotheses for the occurrence of various cardiovascular and metabolic complications in PE-affected offspring. In addition, early-age incidence of obesity could influence PE management and child consultation in clinical applications.

The Uterocervical Angle Combined with Bishop Score as a Predictor for Successful Induction of Labor in Term Vaginal Delivery.

The objective of this study was to determine the value of uterocervical angle (UCA) in predicting successful induction of labor (IOL) in singleton pregnant women compared to the Bishop score and cervical length (CL). A total of 205 normal term, singleton labor-induction cases were analyzed. Successful IOL was defined as the onset of active labor of induction. A comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of UCA, Bishop score, and CL in predicting IOL. Compared to the non-successful IOL group, the women in the successful IOL group had significantly wider UCA (p = 0.012) and higher Bishop score (p = 0.001); however, the CL was not significantly different (p = 0.130). UCA alone did not perform better than the Bishop score when predicting successful IOL. However, UCA combined with the Bishop score showed higher performance in predicting IOL (combined UCA > 108.4° and favorable Bishop score as sensitivity of 44.6%, specificity of 96.0%, PPV of 96.2%, and NPV of 43.6; combined UCA > 108.4° or favorable Bishop score as sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 50.0%, PPV of 78.7%, and NPV of 61.9). In conclusion, UCA combined with Bishop score may be an effective sonographic method for predicting successful IOL.

Management of isolated oligohydramnios in Korea: a questionnaire-based study of clinical practice patterns among the members of the Korean Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this survey was to investigate the recommendations and clinical practice patterns of the Korean Society of Maternal and Fetal Medicine (KSMFM) members, regarding management of isolated oligohydramnios (IO). METHODS: From December 2018 to February 2019, questionnaires were e-mailed to the KSMFM members at 257 institutes that are listed by the Korean Statistical Information Services (KOSIS) as suitable labor premises. Responses to the seven questions on the management of IO, from diagnosis to treatment, were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 72 KSMFM members responded to this survey. Nearly all participants (90.1%) used the amniotic fluid index (AFI) as the primary method for estimating amniotic fluid volume. The majority of the participants (73.6%) believed that IO was a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including abnormal fetal heart rate (73.6%), need for cesarean delivery (58.3%), intrauterine fetal demise (52.8%), and meconium aspiration syndrome (50%). Almost 70% of the participants believed that induction of labor might decrease perinatal morbidities, and that late-preterm to early-term period (36-38 gestational weeks) was a suitable timeframe for delivery, if the fetus was sufficiently grown and antenatal testing revealed reassuring results. Less than half of the participants (47.2%) believed that maternal oral or intravenous hydration was a useful intervention for IO management. CONCLUSIONS: KSMFM members preferred labor induction at late-preterm to early-term, to decrease perinatal morbidity in cases of IO, although it was still uncertain whether labor induction improved the outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed regarding IO management.

Evaluation of maternal rhesus blood type as a risk factor in adverse pregnancy outcomes in Korea: a nationwide health insurance database study.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to investigate whether pregnancy outcomes are affected by maternal rhesus (Rh) status by comparing the primigravida pregnancy outcomes of Rh-negative women with those of Rh-positive women. METHODS: The study data were collected from the Korea National Health Insurance Claims Database and the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children. In total, 1,664,882 primigravida women who gave birth between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2014, were enrolled in this study. As the risk and severity of sensitization response increases with each subsequent pregnancy, only primigravida women were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to Rh status, and the pregnancy outcomes were compared. RESULTS: In total, 1,661,320 women in the Rh-positive group and 3,290 in the Rh-negative group were assessed. With regard to adverse pregnancy outcomes, there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of the prevalence of preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, abruptio placenta, placenta previa, and uterine artery embolization. A univariate analysis revealed that none of the adverse pregnancy outcomes were significantly correlated to Rh status (preeclampsia: odds ratio [OR], 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-1.23; postpartum hemorrhage: OR, 1.10, 95% CI, 0.98-1.24; abruptio placenta: OR, 0.80, 95% CI, 0.46-1.37; and placenta previa: OR, 1.08, 95% CI, 0.78-1.42). The adjusted ORs of postpartum hemorrhage and preterm birth did not significantly differ. CONCLUSION: Maternal Rh status is not associated with adverse outcomes in primigravida women.

Height of elevated fetal buttock for prediction of successful external cephalic version.

OBJECTIVE: To increase the rate of successful external cephalic version (ECV) and to minimize the complications, it is important to identify the predictors of success. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the height of the elevated fetal buttock (HOB) is a valuable predictor of successful ECV or not. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from August 2016 to June 2018. A total of 139 pregnant women with breech presentation were enrolled in the study. HOB from the maternal pubic symphysis was measured on ultrasonography. The predictability and cut-off value of HOB for successful ECV were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 139 patients, 114 (82%) had successful ECV. The adjusted odds ratio for multiparity, amniotic fluid index (AFI) >14 cm, and HOB >7.8 cm were 10.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57-74.94), 5.26 (95% CI, 1.06-26.19), and 10.50 (95% CI, 1.03-107.12), respectively. Areas under the curve (AUCs) for AFI, HOB, and parity were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.54-0.78), 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64-0.85), and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.62-0.76), respectively. HOB had the largest AUC, but there were no significant differences among the AUCs of other factors. The cut-off value of HOB was 6 cm. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the AUC of HOB was greater than that of parity and AFI, although it was not statistically significant. As HOB is a noninvasive and comprehensive marker to predict successful ECV, consideration of HOB would be helpful before conducting ECV. Further studies are needed.

Usefulness of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry as a predictor for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in women with prehypertension before 20 weeks gestation.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is major complication of maternal-fetal outcomes in obstetric field. Although HDP is mainly defined by high blood pressure, the information about the relationship between prehypertension (preHTN, 120-139mmHg and 80-89mmHg) and HDP development is limited. The objective of this study is to determine the usefulness of preHTN before 20 weeks gestation and uterine artery (UtA) Doppler velocimetry as a predictor of HDP. A total of 2039 singleton pregnant women who had received continuous prenatal care were included in this study. The participants were classified into 2 groups based on the highest blood pressure (BP) under 20 gestational weeks as defined by the Joint National Committee 7: Normotensive (n = 1816) and preHTN pregnant women (n = 223). All preHTN pregnant women were assessed using UtA Doppler velocimetry, and the numbers of preHTN assessments were recorded. The risk of HDP was assessed in the PreHTN groups through patient history and Doppler velocimetry. Compared to normotensive patients, a total of 223 preHTN patients had a higher risk of preeclampsia (OR: 2.3; CI: 1.2-4.3), gestational hypertension (OR: 3.3; CI: 2.0-5.4) and any HDP (OR: 3.0; CI: 2.0-4.5). In the preHTN group, 134 (60.1%) patients had preHTN measured at least twice and 89 (39.9%) patients had preHTN. The results showed that two or more preHTN measurements have high sensitivity for predicting HDP (OR: 1.9; CI: 1.0-3.1; sensitivity: 83.8%; specificity: 47.2%). Additionally, the combination of abnormal UtA Doppler velocimetry results and at least two preHTN measurements showed a high accuracy in predicting HDP (OR: 2.9; CI: 1.1-4.1; sensitivity: 67.6%; specificity: 98.4%). In conclusion, close BP monitoring and recording of every preHTN event are important for pregnant women with preHTN history, and UtA Doppler examination in those women during the 2nd trimester can be a further aid in determining the risk of HDP.

Incarceration of early gravid uterus with adenomyosis and myoma: report of two patients managed with uterine reduction.

Although gravid uterine incarceration is typically diagnosed during the early second trimester, we encountered two unusual cases in early pregnancy. A 34-year-old multiparous woman with adenomyosis presented at 7 + 2 weeks of gestation with increased urinary frequency and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. The uterine incarceration was successfully reduced by manual reduction and pessary insertion, and she delivered a normal infant at term. In the second case, a 31-year-old nulliparous woman with a large myoma complained of dysuria, acute urinary retention, and intense back pain at 6 weeks of gestation. Manual reduction was successful in the knee-chest position. Subsequent pessary insertion failed; however, a slight reduction in pain was achieved. After a week, the fetus spontaneously aborted. In summary, gravid uterine incarceration is a rare but potentially fatal condition for the fetus, and a suspicion of this condition in patients with urinary symptoms, especially urinary retention and pelvic pain, is important in the early gestation period.

A comparative analysis of maternal and fetal 25-hydroxyvitamin D in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum levels during pregnancy in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with neonatal 25(OH)D serum levels and to evaluate the relationship between maternal and fetal 25(OH)D in the two groups. METHODS: Between May 2014 and March 2015, 87 pregnant women were enrolled. The study population was divided into two groups, those with and without GDM (n = 32 and 55). All participants were surveyed about lifestyle and behavior. Maternal and umbilical venous blood samples were obtained. Serum from maternal blood was analyzed for 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3, and umbilical venous blood for 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, and 3-epi-25(OH)D3. RESULTS: The maternal serum level of 25(OH)D3 and the 25(OH)D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels in umbilical venous blood were significantly lower in women with GDM (p < .01 for all comparisons). The maternal blood levels of 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, and total 25(OH)D were positively correlated with their levels in umbilical venous blood in the total, normal, and GDM groups. CONCLUSIONS: The serum 25(OH)D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels of babies from mothers with GDM are lower than in pregnant women without GDM.

Effect of DJ-1 Downregulation on the Functions of the First Trimester Extravillous Trophoblasts.

DJ-1 ( PARK7) has been reported to be causative gene of Parkinson disease and also an oncogene. A loss in DJ-1 function can lead to cell death in neurodegenerative disease, or a gain of it can cause unregulated cell survival in cancer, respectively. DJ-1 protein is known to be expressed mainly in trophoblastic cells in the placenta with increased expression in the first trimester compared to later in term. However, its role in trophoblast regulation remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of DJ-1 regulation on a first trimester extravillous trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo. The effect of DJ-1 downregulation induced by small-interfering RNA on cell apoptosis, migration, and the pathway to regulate the cell function was assessed. Data of this study showed that DJ-1 downregulation increased apoptosis and reduced migration by regulating matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in HTR-8/SVneo cells under both ambient and oxidative stress. Changes in cell function were demonstrated to be at least partly dependent on the AKT/S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1) pathway. In summary, DJ-1 might play a protective role in maintaining trophoblastic cell functions through the AKT/S6K1-based pathway.

Port site infiltration of local anesthetic after laparoendoscopic single site surgery for benign adnexal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether local bupivacaine injection into the incision site after gynecologic laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) improves postoperative pain. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included consecutive 158 patients who had LESS for benign adnexal disease from March 2013 to December 2015. Chronologically, 82 patients (March 2013 to August 2014) received no bupivacaine (group 1) and 76 (August 2014 to December 2015) received a bupivacaine block (group 2). For group 2, 10 mL 0.25% bupivacaine was injected into the 20 mm-incision site through all preperitoneal layers after LESS completion. Primary outcome is postoperative pain score using the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: There was no difference in clinicopathological characteristics between the groups. Operating time (expressed as median [range], 92 [55-222] vs. 100 [50-185] minutes, P=0.137) and estimated blood loss (50 [30-1,500] vs. 125 [30-1,000] mL, P=0.482) were similar between the groups. Post-surgical VAS pain scores after 3 hours (3.5 [2-6] vs. 3.5 [2-5], P=0.478), 6 to 8 hours (3.5 [2-6] vs. 3 [1-8], P=0.478), and 16 to 24 hours (3 [2-4] vs. 3 [1-7], P=0.664) did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Bupivacaine injection into the trocar site did not improve postoperative pain after LESS. Randomized trials are needed to evaluate the benefits of local bupivacaine anesthetic for postoperative pain reduction.

Nationwide cervical cancer screening in Korea: data from the National Health Insurance Service Cancer Screening Program and National Cancer Screening Program, 2009-2014.

OBJECTIVE: The rates of participation in the Korean nationwide cervical cancer screening program and the rates of abnormal test results were determined. METHODS: The database of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) was used during the study period (2009-2014). RESULTS: The participation rate increased from 41.10% in 2009 to 51.52% in 2014 (annual percentage change, 4.126%; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.253-6.034). During the study period, women ≥70 years of age had the lowest rate of participation (range, 21.7%-31.9%) and those 30-39 years of age the second-lowest (27.7%-44.9%). The participation rates of National Health Insurance beneficiaries (range, 48.6%-52.5%) were higher than those of Medical Aid Program (MAP) recipients (29.6%-33.2%). The rates of abnormal results were 0.65% in 2009 and 0.52% in 2014, with a decreasing tendency in all age groups except the youngest (30-39 years). Every year the abnormal result rates tended to decrease with age, from the age groups of 30-39 years to 60-69 years but increased in women ≥70 years of age. The ratio of patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance compared with those with squamous intraepithelial lesions increased from 2.71 in 2009 to 4.91 in 2014. CONCLUSION: Differences related to age and occurring over time were found in the rates of participation and abnormal results. Further efforts are needed to encourage participation in cervical cancer screening, especially for MAP recipients, elderly women and women 30-39 years of age. Quality control measures for cervical cancer screening programs should be enforced consistently.

Association of Vac A- and Cag A-specific Helicobacter pylori strain infection with spontaneous preterm birth.

PURPOSE: To better understand the correlation between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seropositivity and spontaneous preterm birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 320 pregnant women were classified into two groups: normal control singleton pregnant group (n = 264) and singleton spontaneous preterm birth group (n = 56). Blood samples were collected at the time of delivery, and the H. pylori IgG, various virulence factors and systemic inflammation status were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Between the two groups, the serum H. pylori IgG, Cytotoxin-associated agntigen A (Cag A), Vacuolating cytotoxin A (Vac A) significantly increased in spontaneous preterm birth group than in the control group. Also, in preterm group, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a systemic inflammatory marker is statistically elevated at inflammatory status range. Whereas in the term pregnant group, hsCRP was normal range even though high incidence of H. pylori IgG seropositivity. Also, in the seropositive group, hsCRP is statistically correlated with H. pylori IgG, Cag A and Vac A. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between the presence of antibodies against H. pylori in maternal serum and the development of preterm birth. Furthermore, serology type of H. pylori with Vac A, Cag A relates to preterm birth even though high H. pylori prevalence rate.

The difference of lymphocyte subsets including regulatory T-cells in umbilical cord blood between AGA neonates and SGA neonates.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the regulatory T cells in cord blood of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates with those of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Umbilical cord blood was collected upon labor in 108 healthy full-term (between 37 and 41 gestational weeks) neonates, who were born between November 2010 and April 2012. Among them, 77 samples were obtained from AGA neonates, and 31 samples were obtained from SGA neonates. Regulatory T cells and lymphocyte subsets were determined using a flow cytometer. Student's t-test for independent samples was used to compare differences between AGA and SGA neonates. RESULTS: Regulatory T cells in cord blood were increased in the SGA group compared with normal controls (p=0.041). However, cytotoxic T cells in cord blood were significantly decreased in the SGA group compared with normal controls (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to compare the distribution of lymphocyte subsets including regulatory T cells in cord blood between AGA neonates and SGA neonates.

The significance of placental ratios in pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the placental weight, volume, and density, and investigate the significance of placental ratios in pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age (SGA), preeclampsia (PE), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-four pregnant women were enrolled from August 2005 through July 2013. Participants were divided into four groups: control (n=82), SGA (n=37), PE (n=102), and GDM (n=33). The PE group was classified as PE without intrauterine growth restriction (n=65) and PE with intrauterine growth restriction (n=37). Birth weight, placental weight, placental volume, placental density, and placental ratios including birth weight/placental weight ratio (BPW) and birth weight/placental volume ratio (BPV) were compared between groups. RESULTS: Birth weight, placental weight, and placental volume were lower in the SGA group than in the control group. However, the BPW and BPV did not differ between the two groups. Birth weight, placental weight, placental volume, BPW, and BPV were all significantly lower in the PE group than in the control group. Compared with the control group, birth weight, BPW, and BPV were higher in the GDM group, whereas placental weight and volume did not differ in the two groups. Placental density was not significantly different among the four groups. CONCLUSION: Placental ratios based on placental weight, placental volume, placental density, and birth weight are helpful in understanding the pathophysiology of complicated pregnancies. Moreover, they can be used as predictors of pregnancy complications.

Performance evaluation of Sysmex XN hematology analyzer in umbilical cord blood: a comparison study with Sysmex XE-2100.

BACKGROUND: The Sysmex XN (XN) modular system (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) is a new automated hematology analyzer equipped with different principles from its previous version, Sysmex XE-2100. We compared the performances of Sysmex XN and XE-2100 in umbilical cord blood (CB) specimens. METHODS: In 160 CB specimens, complete blood count (CBC) parameters and white blood cells (WBC) differentials were compared between the two analyzers. Their flagging performances for blasts, abnormal/atypical lymphocytes, immature granulocytes and/or left-shift (IG), and nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) counts were compared with manual counts. For the blast flagging, Q values by Sysmex XN were further compared with manual slide review. RESULTS: Sysmex XN and XE-2100 showed high or very high correlations for most CBC parameters but variable correlations for WBC differentials. Compared with XE-2100, XN showed significantly different flagging performances for blasts, abnormal/atypical lymphocytes, and IG. The flagging efficiency for blasts was significantly better on Sysmex XN than on XE-2100 (85.0% vs. 38.8%): Sysmex XN showed a remarkably increased specificity of blast flag, compromising its sensitivity of blast flag. Among the 24 specimens with blasts (range, 0.5%-1.5%), only one (4.2%) showed a positive Q value. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the remarkable differences of flagging performances between Sysmex XN and XE-2100 in CB specimens. The Sysmex XN modular system seems to be a suitable and practical option for the CB specimens used for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as well as for the specimens from neonates.

Significance of the platelet distribution width as a severity marker for the development of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the platelet distribution width (PDW) and other platelet indices as potential severity markers of preeclampsia (PE). STUDY DESIGN: A total of 935 pregnant women who had received continuous prenatal care and had undergone delivery were included. The participants were classified into 3 groups: healthy pregnant women (n=816), pregnant women with mild PE (n=59), and pregnant women with severe PE (n=60). Blood samples were collected during antenatal care or at the time of admission, and the platelet indices were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Among the three groups, the platelet count and plateletcrit decreased as the disease progressed. The mean platelet volume and the PDW, however, increased as the disease progressed. When compared to the levels of other platelet indices, the PDW showed significant elevation in the severe PE group. In the mild and severe PE groups, the PDW was statistically correlated with the mean arterial pressure (MAP) (r=0.231, p<0.05), whereas other platelet indices were not. In the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, the area under the curve of the PDW to predict severe PE was 0.74. CONCLUSIONS: Among platelet indices, the PDW is significantly higher in women with severe PE than in women with mild PE, and is positively correlated with the MAP. Therefore, the PDW can serve as a candidate marker for predicting the severity of PE.

Failed transarterial embolization of subserosal uterine arteriovenous malformation.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is rare but potentially life-threatening from excessive vaginal bleeding. All uterine AVMs reported to date have been found in the endometrial or myometrial layers. Here we present a patient with a subserosal type AVM on the fundus of uterus, which spontaneously ruptured.