Maternal serum endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 level and its correlation with severity of early-onset preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE), the primary pathology of which is endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, has long-lasting effects such as cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it was decided to investigate the maternal serum concentrations of EC-specific molecule-1 in patients with early-onset preeclampsia (E-PE). This study was conducted on 33 pregnant women with E-PE and 35 healthy pregnant women matched for gestational age. EC-specific molecule-1 level was measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The mean EC-specific molecule-1 concentrations were not significantly different between the groups (651.7 ± 632.2 pg/mL vs. 425.9 ± 263.0 pg/mL, p=.056). Among women with E-PE, the median EC-specific molecule-1 concentration did not differ significantly by disease severity (p=.115). EC-specific molecule-1 is not involved in the pathogenesis of E-PE. However, some studies in the literature report that EC-specific molecule-1 concentrations increased during the diagnosis of PE. Therefore, well-designed studies with a large sample are needed in cases of E-PE.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? There is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in early-onset preeclampsia (E-PE) which is linked with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial cell (EC)-specific molecule-1 stands out as an important marker in EC dysfunction related conditions such as preeclampsia. What the results of this study add? This study showed that EC-specific molecule-1 is not associated with the CVDs risk linked with endothelial dysfunction in E-PE. Additionally, there was also no significant relationship was detected between the severity of E-PE and EC-specific molecule-1 concentrations. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 is not involved in the pathogenesis of E-PE. Moreover, advantageous and easy-to-measure markers are needed in larger sample studies to better understand the aetiology of E-PE. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Analyses of soluble endoglin and matrix metalloproteinase 14 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the diagnosis and assessment of severity of early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia

Objective: Abnormal trophoblastic invasion and impaired placentation have a crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia (PrE). Trophoblastic cells are involved in invading the maternal decidua and remodelling of the spiral arteries with matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14). MMP-14 cleavage of endoglin releases its extracellular region, the soluble form of endoglin (s-ENG), into the maternal circulation. In PrE, there is a relationship between endothelial dysfunction and s-ENG concentration. The aim was to determine and compare the serum levels of s-ENG and MMP-14 in different groups of PrE patients and healthy subjects. Material and Methods: The study included 30 patients with late-onset preeclampsia (L-PrE) (group 1; gestational age >= 34 weeks), 33 patients with normal pregnancy (group 2; gestational age >= 34 weeks), 31 patients early-onset preeclampsia (E-PrE) (group 3; gestational age < 34 weeks), and 31 patients with normal pregnancy (group 4; gestational age <34 weeks). s-ENG and MMP-14 concentrations measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were compared. Results: In all groups, MMP-14 concentrations decreased with increasing gestational age. s-ENG concentrations were highest in the E-PrE group. In groups 1 and 3, 29 had mild PrE while 32 suffered severe PrE and s-ENG concentrations did not differ between mild and severe preeclampsia (p=0.133). However, there was a significant difference in MMP-14 concentration comparing mild with severe PrE (3.11 +/- 0.61 vs 3.54 +/- 1.00; p=0.047, respectively). There was no correlation between s-ENG and MMP-14 concentrations. Conclusion: MMP-14 and s-ENG concentrations can be predictive biomarkers for the diagnosis of PrE. Maternal serum MMP-14 concentration may be a biomarker for determining the severity of PrE

The impact of low molecular weight heparin on obstetric outcomes among unexplained recurrent miscarriages complicated with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism

Objectives: The association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and unexplained recurrent miscarriage is elusive. The recommendations for improving pregnancy outcomes in these patients keep changing based on the available evidence. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of low molecular weight heparin on obstetric outcomes of recurrent miscarriage patients complicated with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism. Material and methods: We reviewed medical records of 121 patients with a history of recurrent miscarriage complicated by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms, retrospectively. From among them, 68 patients were treated only with folic acid and iron. The remaining 53 patients were treated with folic acid, iron and prophylactic doses of low molecular weight heparin. The subsequent pregnancy outcomes of these patients were noted. Results: The live birth rate was higher in patients with anticoagulant therapy than in patients without anticoagulant therapy (48.5% vs. 69.8%, respectively, p: 0.015) and the congenital anomaly rate was lower in anticoagulant therapy group (17.6% vs. 3.8%, respectively, p: 0.022). The other obstetric outcomes were found to be similar between the two groups. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that low molecular weight heparin improved the live birth rates among unex­plained recurrent miscarriage patients complicated with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms. How­ever, the routine use of low molecular weight heparin did not improve the late pregnancy complications in these selected patients in the eastern region of our country. Further studies are needed to discriminate the effect of anticoagulation on the live birth rate of each of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism type

Relationship between maternal blood ceruloplasmin level, catalase and myeloperoxidase activity and neural tube defects

Objectives: The exact pathogenesis of neural tube defects (NTDs) is poorly understood. We aimed at evaluating maternal anti-oxidant capacity (ceruloplasmin level, myeloperoxidase and catalase activity) in pregnancies complicated by NTDs. Material and methods: Fifty-four mothers with NTD-affected pregnancies and 61 healthy mothers, matched for gestational age, were recruited. Maternal venous blood samples were obtained after detailed fetal ultrasound examination to measure myeloperoxidase, catalase activity and ceruloplasmin levels. The clinical characteristics of all participants were collected. Results: Maternal blood catalase activity was significantly lower in the study group (117.1 ± 64.8 kU/L) as compared to controls (152.2 ± 110.6 kU/L) (p = 0.044). Maternal blood ceruloplasmin levels were also significantly lower in the study group (180.5 ± 37.7 U/L) as compared to controls (197.9 ± 35.9 U/L) (p = 0.012). Myeloperoxidase activity was similar in both groups (112.6 ± 22.2 U/L vs. 113.6 ± 38.1 U/L) (p = 0.869). Conclusions: In the present study, maternal blood ceruloplasmin level and catalase activity were found to be lower in NTD-affected pregnancies as compared to healthy controls. Thus, it seems safe to conclude that impaired antioxidant capacity may play a role in the development of NTDs during pregnancy, in addition to the genetic, environmental and metabolic factors

Maternal serum ischemia-modified albumin as an oxidative stress biomarker in preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes

Objectives: To evaluate the maternal serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) concentration as an oxidative stress biomarker in pregnancies complicated by preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM) without maternal clinical infection and compare these results with healthy pregnancies. Material and methods: The present cohort study included 40 pregnancies complicated by PPROM and 49 similar gestational age healthy pregnancies in the third trimester of gestation. Maternal venous blood specimens were obtained at the day of first diagnosis. Maternal serum IMA level was assayed with an Albumin Cobalt Binding test. The subjects were followed up until delivery and perinatal outcomes were recorded. Results: The maternal serum IMA concentrations were significantly higher in the study group (0.56 ± 0.05 absorbance units) as compared to controls (0.54 ± 0.03 absorbance units) (p = 0.020). The maternal serum IMA concentrations were not significantly correlated with the initial maternal white blood cell count (r: 0.118, p = 0.269) and C-reactive protein levels (r: 0.066, p = 0.541). The maternal serum IMA concentrations were negatively correlated with gestational age at delivery (r: –0.248, p = 0.019), birthweight (r: –0.247, p = 0.020) and Apgar scores (r: –0.200, p = 0.049; r: –0.245, p = 0.020). The threshold value of maternal serum IMA concentration above 0.55 absorbance units indicated the pregnancy complicated by PPROM by 57.5% sensitivity and 57.1% specificity (Area under curve 0.613, confidence interval 0.50–0.73). Conclusions: The current study supported for the first time that there is an association between increased maternal serum IMA levels and the development of PPROM in the third trimester of gestation without maternal clinical infection. Elevated maternal serum IMA levels may alert the obstetrician about poor ongoing perinatal outcomes in the early phase of PPROM before increased maternal C-reactive protein and white blood cell count

S-08: Kronik Pelvik Ağrı Sebebi Olarak İliopsoas Sendromu: Bir Kadın Futbolcuda Tanıda Gecikmenin ve Başarılı Tedavisinin Tartışılması

AMAÇ Bu olgudaki amacımız bir kadın futbolcuda kronik pelvik ağrı sebebi olarak tespit edilen, egzersiz ve kinesiotape uygulaması ile başarılı tedavi edilen iliopsoas sendromu olgusunu sunmak ve tanıdaki gecikmenin sebeplerini tartışmaktır.OLGUSon 1 yıldır sağ kasık bölgesinde ağrı şikayeti olan 26 yaşında, 8 yıldır aktif futbol sporu yapan bayan hasta, çeşitli kliniklerde üreter taşı, inguinal herni, non-spesifik alt bel ağrısı ve osteitis pubis ön tanıları ile değerlendirilmiş. Yapılan muayene, laboratuvar ve görüntüleme incelemelerinde ağrıyı açıklayacak bir sorun tespit edilmemiş. Son olarak jinekoloji kliniğinde kronik pelvik ağrı tanısı konarak, analjezik ve oral kontraseptif tedavi denenmiş. Verilen tedaviye cevap vermeyen hasta, spor hekimliği bölümüne refere edilmiş. Hastada tek taraflı (sağ) kasık ağrısı, uzun süre oturduktan sonra kalktığında dik olabilmede zorluk ve bazen bu şikayetlerine eklenen alt bel ağrısı yakınmaları vardı. Bilateral alt ekstemite kuvvet muayenesi, tendon refleksleri normal olarak tespit edildi. Muayene bulguları: sağ iliopsoas kas trasesinde insersiyoya yakın bölgede derin palpasyonda hassasiyet, belde lordoz artışı, sol pelvik antero-superior tilt, sol kalçada piriformis trasesinde hassasiyet, sağda daha belirgin olmak üzere bilateral pozitif Thomas testi, sağ kalçada tüm yönlere doğru eklem hareket açıklığının son derecelerinde azalma. Kan, idrar, konvansiyonel grafi, USG ve MR incelemelerinde hastanın şikayetlerini açıklayacak patolojik bir sorun tespit edilemedi. İliopsoas sendromu tanısı konuldu. Tedavide günlük germe egzersizleri önerildi ve beşer gün aralarla kinesiotape uygulaması yapıldı (Resim 1). Ağrı düzeyi Vizüel Analog Skala (VAS) skoru ile değerlendirildi. Dördüncü seanstan sonra ağrının tamamen ortadan kalkması ile tedavi sonlandırıldı. Tedavinin bitiminden üç ay sonra hastanın aktif şikayeti olmadığı görüldü. TARTIŞMAKadınlarda kronik pelvik ağrı yönetiminde muskuloskeletal sebepler sıklıkla atlanmaktadır. Bu nedenle, başta spor yapan hastalar olmak üzere tüm hastalar da jinekolojik sebeplerin dışında iliopsoas sendromu gibi muskuloskeletal sebepler de akılda tutulmalıdır. Fonksiyonel bir problem olan İPS’nun, tanısı konulduğunda kinesiotape uygulaması ve germe egzersizi tedavisi ile hızlı ve anlamlı derecede tedavisi mümkün olabilmektedir

Comparison of topical lidocaine spray with forced coughing in pain relief during colposcopic biopsy procedure: a randomised trial

Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of local lidocaine spray (LS) compared to forced coughing (FC) for relieving the pain during colposcopically guided cervical biopsies (CGBs). The study was a randomised study, which included patients with abnormal cervical cytologic results requiring a colposcopic biopsy procedure. The patients were randomly assigned to either the 10% LS or the FC groups before the biopsy procedure. As a primary outcome, the pain was assessed by using a 10 cm visual analogue scale at the different steps during the procedure. Forty-four and 42 patients had CGBs using LS and FC, respectively. The age, parity, body mass index, history of previous curettage and vaginal delivery, smoking status and the number of biopsies were similar in both groups. The mean ± SD pain scores after the cervical biopsy were 3.25 ± 1.4 and 4.4 ± 1.3 in the LS and FC groups, respectively (p< .05). The operative time was longer in the LS than in the FC group (7.6 ± 1.4 vs. 5.2 ± 0.8, p: .004). No complication or adverse effect was observed in both groups. The present study showed that LS use can be recommended for pain relief during colposcopically directed cervical biopsy procedure with a superiority to the FC in the terms of pain and absence of any adverse reactions.Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? A colposcopic-guided cervical biopsy is a painful procedure and different techniques have been proposed to relieve this pain with conflicting results. Studies have demonstrated that a forced coughing is a good and easy method for relieving pain with some disadvantages. Local lidocaine spray (LS) is another option for pain relief during the biopsy procedure. However, no randomised study has compared these two methods yet. What the results of this study add? The results from this randomised study suggest that LS has superiority in terms of pain relief during the colposcopic biopsy procedure and has no adverse reactions. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The evidence from different studies showed some conflicting results regarding the pain relief methods during the colposcopic biopsy procedure. The local LS can be used in this procedure in routine clinical practice. However, further studies with larger samples and comparison of different methods are needed. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03100565

Cardiovascular evaluation and serum paraoxonase-1 levels in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of our study was to evaluate whether cardiovascular disease risks seen in adults with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) develop in adolescents with PCOS using conventional Doppler echocardiography (CDE) and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) or not. The other aim was to investigate the association of paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) level with cardiovascular parameters. 30 PCOS patients and 30 control patients were included in the study. All patients were evaluated with TDE and CDE. Paraoxonase-1 levels of both groups were studied. In CDE study, myocardial performance index (MPI) was higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (0.54 ± 0.11, 0.50 ± 0.12, p = .049, respectively). In the TDE study, early diastolic myocardial velocity (E)’/late diastolic myocardial velocity (A′) was lower in PCOS group than in the control group (2.07 ± 0.08, 2.44 ± 0.10, p = .008, respectively). PON-1 was higher in PCOS group than in the control group (26.81 ± 3.05, 18.68 ± 1.18, p = .011, respectively). Cardiovascular disease risks, which are among the long-term complications of PCOS, seem to begin from the early stage of PCOS. The high PON-1 level was thought to increase in response to increased oxidative stress in PCOS.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most commonly seen endocrinopathy in the adolescent age group. PCOS has detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system in the adult population which is reported in many studies. What the results of this study add? The result of this study showed that cardiovascular effects, which are among the long-term complications of PCOS, seem to begin from the early stage of PCOS. And also, serum paraoxonase-1 level increases in response to the oxidative stress in the adolescent with PCOS. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The cardiovascular system evaluation should be started in early phases of PCOS development in the adolescent age group. The potential role of oxidative effect of Paraoxonase-1 on the PCOS needs to be elucidated in further studies

Giant Thyroid Abscess Related to Postpartum Brucella Infection

Thyroid gland infection, although rare, may be a life threatening disease. Thyroid abscess, arising from acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST), is a rare clinic condition depending on widespread use of antibiotics. Infection may involve one or both lobes and abscess formation may not be apparent until late stage of the progress of illness. Thyroid left lobe is more often affected than the right one. Brucellosis, especially obvious in endemic areas, is a widely seen zoonosis around the world. Although brucella infection can affect many organs through various complications, thyroid gland infection is rare. We aimed to present ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of a case with an acute thyroiditis which rapidly developed and grew fast on the left half of the neck during the first postpartum month. As far as we know from literature reviewing, our case is the first case report of a thyroid abscess arising from brucella infection which is developed in first postpartum period with images of ultrasonography and MRI