The Effects of Micronized Progesterone and Cabergoline On a Rat Autotransplantation Endometriosis Model: A Placebo Controlled Randomized Trial

Aim The etiology of endometriosis is complex and various theories have been postulated. Endometriosis pathogenesis involves genetic susceptibility, immunologic alterations and inflammatory prerequisite pathways. In this pilot experimental animal study we wanted to investigate the effects of cabergoline and micronized progesterone on a rat endometriosis model. Material and methods All rats were provided and housed in the animal laboratory of the Experimental Research Center of Bezmialem Vakif University. This was a placebo controlled randomized trial. The endometriosis model consisted of autotransplantation of endometrial tissue on 21 adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Endometriosis formation by second-look laparotomy was confirmed 8 weeks later. After measuring the endometriosis implant area the rats were randomized into three intervention groups: cabergoline treatment group, micronized progesterone treatment group and the control group. Four weeks after treatment, a third laparotomy was performed to remeasure implant volumes. Endometriotic implants were obtained for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Results After 4 weeks of treatment endometriosis implant sizes diminished in all groups. There was no statistically significant difference regarding implant size volume before and after treatment among the groups. The peritoneal histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed no difference with regards to IL-6 and TNF-α staining among groups. Conclusion We conclude that oral treatment of cabergoline and micronized progesterone for 4 weeks was not statistically effective in endometriotic implant regression. However, we believe further studies are warranted. Treatment for longer durations or via different routes may be investigated in further studies. When ethically applicable other mammals may be considered such as baboons

Intraoperative Complications and Conversion to Laparatomy in Gynecologic Robotic Surgery

Introduction In this study our objective was to document complications encountered during our initial experience with the robotic system and also state the cases in which conversion to laparotomy was necessary. Material and Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of robotically performed gynecological and gynecologic oncology procedures at a single center from July 2016 to July 2018. Patient demographics and preoperative indications were obtained from the electronic medical records. Results The patients had a mean age of 53.6 years (range, 25–84 years). The operative time ranged from 1 h and 50 min to 9 h (mean, 5 h and 2 min). Most of the complications were managed within minutes and with robotic assisted suturing when necessary. Five patients out of 83 patients needed a surgical conversion from robotic surgery. Conversion rate was 6.02%. Conclusion During the study period we were able to manage complications uneventfully without requiring conversion to laparotomy most of the time. Vascular complications encountered during robotic surgery can be managed without requiring conversion to laparatomy

Incidence and outcomes of eclampsia: a single-center 30-year study

Objective: We aimed to determine the incidence of eclampsia at Erciyes University Hospital which is a tertiary referral center situated at central Anatolia. Additionally, we investigated eclampsia-associated maternal and perinatal outcomes for the 30-year study period. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all women who were diagnosed with eclampsia and admitted to the Erciyes University Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from January 1985 to December 2015. Improvement in management gained over time was determined by comparing the results of the years 2005–2015 with data which were already published from years 1985–1999 and 2000–2004. Results: Eclampsia prevalence was 289/46,928 (% 0.61). Maternal age at the time of diagnosis did not differ statistically; however, gestational age at diagnosis and birth weight decreased significantly throughout the years (p < 0.005). The perinatal mortality rate showed a slight decrease throughout the years (p = 0.238). Maternal mortality rate also decreased throughout the years; it was 1.7% in 2005–2009 and 0 % in 2010–2015 (p = 0.246). Conclusion: The prevalence of eclampsia cases has decreased over the years. Maternal mortality attributed to eclampsia has also declined. The early diagnosis and treatment of eclampsia have resulted in the increase of premature deliveries. The perinatal mortality rate showed a slight decrease throughout the years (p = 0.238); however, it is not at a desirable rate compared to developed countries

The utility of detecting ovulation to predict success in ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination cycles — a prospective observational study

Objectives: The success of ovulation induction-intrauterine insemination (OI-IUI) procedures may be limited by the absence of ovulation detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the empirical use of ultrasonography and luteal phase progesterone (P4) as ovulation indicators and determine its effect on pregnancy outcome in OI-IUI cycles. Material and methods: This prospective observational study, which was performed in a university setting, included 107 women with unexplained infertility. Following OI, IUI was performed 36 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). P4 was measured 72–96 hours after hCG. At the same time, the appearance of ovaries and signs indicative of ovulation, which are decreased follicle dimensions, irregularity of follicular walls, and the presence of free fluid in the Douglas pouch, were noted. Results: In 58 patients (54.2%), ovulation was detected at the P4 level of &gt; 10 ng/mL. Eighty-nine patients had ultrasound images suggestive of ovulation. However, only 50 of these were confirmed ovulation as indicated using P4. Implantation was observed in a total of 13 patients (12.1%). All patients were in the ovulation detected group with P4 &gt; 10 ng/mL (AUC: 0.750; p = 0.004). P4 of &gt; 21.5 ng/mL detected successful ovulation and was strongly associated with implantation with 77% sensitivity and 61% specificity (OR: 9.9; 95% CI: 2.4–41.2). Body mass index (BMI) &gt; 23.9 kg/m2 was a reliable anovulation indicator as a secondary outcome (AUC: 0.696; p = 0.02). Conclusions: In 45.8% of the patients, ovulation did not occur even with OI treatment. The association of progesterone measurement and ovarian ultrasound scanning between 72 and 96 hours after hCG treatment can be used to detect ovulation. In doing so, we can find the optimal treatment for patients with infertility in their next cycle

Age May Be the Only Variable Effecting Microhematuria Prevalance in Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objective: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of microscopic hematuria in women with pelvic organ descent and compare the results in terms of severity and accompanying urinary symptoms. We hypothesized that microhematuria incidence would be higher in advanced prolapse and accompanying urinary symptoms. Study Design: Women who presented to our clinic from January 2013 to July 2016 were analyzed using our electronic medical record system. Those who were classified in the system under the "N81: female genital prolapse" code were included. Records were checked to certify that samples were acquired properly. Urogynecological examinations were performed by specialist gynecologists and documented according to the international continence society classification system. After ruling out urinary tract infections urinalysis was performed by an integrated system composed of an urine strip analyzer and a sediment autoanalyzer. Results: Gravidity, parity, menopause onset, smoking status and presence of systemic disease were similar for both groups. Women in the hematuria group were older (p<0.001). Hematuria prevalance was greater ininternational continence society Stage 3-4 anterior prolapse and total prolapse (p=0.03) compared to early stage prolapse. However after logistic regression analysis; age was the only factor left in association with hematuria. Conclusions: Women who were older and with advanced stage prolapse ( ≥ international continence society stage 3) were more likely to have microscopic hematuria. Urine tests are requested routinely in the work-up of urogynecological patients. As the prevalance is microhematuria is high in this population; we believe that evidence based algorithms should be set as guidelines when hematuria is encountered in patients with organ prolapse

Clinical and metabolic characteristics of Turkish adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical, endocrine, metabolic features and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MBS) in Turkish adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the differences in metabolic parameters between adolescent PCOS with or without the presence of polycystic ovaries (PCO) on ultrasound. Subjects (n = 77) were classified into two groups: oligomenorrhea (O) and clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism (HA) (n = 38), without PCO and O + HA with PCO (n = 39). The control group consisted of 33 age-matched adolescents. Adolescents with PCOS had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and levels of LH, LH/FSH ratio, triglyceride, insulin, HOMA-IR, free androgen index and lower levels of SHBG and FSH. After adjustment for BMI, LH, LH: FSH ratio remained significantly higher. Adolescents with PCOS had a higher prevalence of MBS. No significant differences in lipid profiles, insulin levels and insulin sensitivity in both the PCOS groups were seen. HDL-C levels were lower in the O + HA + PCO group compared to the controls. BMI may be the major contributing factor in the development of metabolic abnormalities in adolescents with PCOS.Impact statement Many studies have investigated the effect of PCOS on metabolic and cardiovascular risks. It is thought that PCOS increases metabolic and cardiovascular risks. Increase in metabolic and cardiovascular risks associated with PCOS may be handled with early diagnosis and early intervention of PCOS in adolescents, although the diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents could be hard because of the features of PCOS overlapping normal pubertal physiological events. However, early identification of adolescent girls with PCOS may provide opportunities for prevention of well-known health risks associated with this syndrome and reduction of long-term health consequences of PCOS by reducing androgen levels and improving metabolic profile. Our results also support that BMI may be the major contributing factor in the development of metabolic abnormalities in adolescents with PCOS

Dental health dispositions of pregnant women: A survey from a hospital clinic in Istanbul

Dental hygienic habits should be maintained in pregnancy despite challenges. We aimed to study the dental attitudes and habits of pregnant women. The patients attending our hospital clinic were invited to fill out a structured questionnaire categorised into three major domains: (1) general oral hygiene status, (2) dental habits, and (3) dental attandence both during pregnancy and prior to pregnancy. Four hundred and seventy four women agreed to participate. Mean age of participants was 28 (18–43). While 184 (38%) women reported brushing twice a day, only 98 (20%) women claimed using floss and or mouth rinse. Fifty-nine (12.4%) women had a dental visit in their current pregnancy and 24 (5.1%) received professional treatment. Obstetric care givers should convey the importance of dental care to their patients. We suggest that dental health should be improved antenatally, and be assessed in detail by dental health care providers.Impact Statement Poor oral health conditions have shown to be associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially in low-income countries and regions. There is escalating evidence to support the lack of awareness among pregnant women about health consequences and long term risks associated with poor oral hygiene. Our results showed that dental hygienic practices of pregnant women are disconcerting in Turkey. The need for inter-professional collaboration among obstetric healthcare providers and dental specialistis is crucial for conveying to women the importance of dental care in pregnancy and beyond

Preliminary evaluation of foetal liver volume by three-dimensional ultrasound in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

The aim of the study was to assess the standard foetal biometric measurements and foetal liver volume (FLV) in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at the time of GDM screening and to compare the results with foetuses in normal pregnancies. Ninety-seven pregnant women with normal singleton uncomplicated pregnancies between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation were allocated into GDM (+) (n: 33) and GDM (−) (n: 64) groups based on their 75 g oral glucose tolerance test results. Foetal biometric measurements and FLV measurements of the groups were compared. Although there were no significant differences in the standard biometric measurements between the two groups, FLV was significantly higher in the women with GDM (p < .01). The ROC analysis implied that with a cut-off value of FLV of 32.72 cm3 for GDM prediction, the sensitivity was 78.8% and specificity was 56.3%. We suggest that FLV measurements during the second-trimester ultrasound scanning may be a tool for the prediction of GDM in the obstetric population.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? GDM is an important pregnancy disease, because of its possible foetal and maternal complications. Besides the standard biometric measurements, some other foetal body dimensions such as the anterior abdominal wall thickness, skinfold thickness, adipose tissue thickness, Wharton’s jelly thickness, foetal liver length and foetal liver volume (FLV) have been evaluated as ultrasound parameters of glycaemic control. While the evaluation of foetal liver dimensions has a role in identifying foetal growth acceleration, previous studies addressed patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus rather than gestational diabetes mellitus, utilised two-dimensional ultrasound and did not argue the diagnostic value of these findings. What do the results of this study add? In our study, besides the standard biometric measurements, the FLV measurements were evaluated by a three-dimensional ultrasound. Although there were no significant differences in the standard biometric measurements between the GDM (+) and GDM (−) groups, the FLV was significantly higher in women with GDM. The FLV was found to be a potential predictive factor for GDM. The ROC analysis implied that as a cut-off value of FLV of 32.72 cm3 for GDM prediction, the sensitivity was 78.8% and the specificity was 56.3%. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practise and/or further research? Screening for GDM with oral glucose tolerance test within the limited weeks of gestation may not always be feasible. On the other hand, the mid-trimester ultrasound scanning is done almost in all pregnancies. Accordingly, FLV measurement might be an alternative method for the GDM diagnosis

Effects of fetal cardiac anomalies on ductus venosus and aortic isthmus doppler profiles

To demonstrate the blood flow profiles of fetuses with cardiac anomalies at the level of Ductus venosus (DV) and Aortic isthmus (AI) to evaluate the effects of fetal cardiac anomalies on these profiles, and how these profile changes contribute to cardiac anomaly screening studies as a marker