The relationship between first trimester systemic inflammatory markers and elevated uterine artery pulsatility index

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy leading to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The etiopathogenesis still remains unsolved, however, various theories currently become well-proved. The leading etiopathogenetic mechanisms are impaired placentation, and placental hypoxia, immune mechanisms, systemic inflammatory reaction, endothelial damage and maternal cardiovascular maladaptation. These mechanisms overlap and induce each other. There are some preventive interventions only if the patients at high-risk are identified timely. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the inflammatory pathway and placental insufficiency in the first trimester, utilizing the clinical markers of both. It also aims to find out a cheap and easy test to identify those who absolutely need to undergo a comprehensive risk assessment. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 28 patients with high uterine artery resistance (pulsatility index gt;90th centile) in the first trimester as study group and 67 patients with normal uterine artery resistance in the first trimester as control group. The two groups were compared in terms of risk factors for preeclampsia. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio as systemic inflammatory markers were compared between the groups. ROC analysis was performed to obtain a cut-off value for predicting high uterine artery pulsatility index. Results: Demographic data, anamnestic and examination risk factors for preeclampsia did not differ between the groups. However, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in the patients with uterine artery pulsatility index above 90th centile. A cut off value of 3.58 and 136.9 of Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio, respectively were determined for predicting first trimester uterine artery pulsatility index above 90th centile. Conclusions: Neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratio can simply be used to identify the patients who need referral for uterine artery doppler assessment. Keywords: preeclampsia, uterine artery, pulsatil flow, neutrophil, lymphocyte, placent

Predictive value of ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis of hypospadias: Hints for accurate diagnosis

This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of targeted ultrasound examination in prenatal diagnosis of hypospadias and to evaluate the predictive values of defined ultrasonographic findings of hypospadias. The cases diagnosed with hypospadias in our fetal medicine center were identified on an electronic database. The ultrasound reports, images and hospital records were reviewed retrospectively. The predictive value of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis and the predictive values of each sonographic finding were assessed according to the postnatal clinical examinations. Thirty-nine cases were diagnosed with hypospadias on ultrasound during the 6 years. Nine fetuses with missing postnatal examination records were excluded. Twentytwo of the remaining fetuses had their prenatal diagnosis of hypospadias confirmed in postnatal examinations, indicating a 73.3% positive predictive value. Normal external genitalia was detected in postnatal examinations of three fetuses. Five fetuses were diagnosed with other external genital abnormalities, including micropenis (n=2), clitoromegaly (n=2), and buried penis with bifid scrotum (n=1) in postnatal examinations. The positive predictive value of prenatal ultrasound for any external genital abnormality was 90%. Although the positive predictive value of ultrasound for genital anomalies is satisfying, it is slightly lower for the specific diagnosis of hypospadias. This reflects overlapping ultrasound findings of different external genitalia anomalies. Standardized, systematic evaluation of the internal and external genital organs, karyotyping and genetic sex determination are essential to achieve a precise prenatal diagnosis of hypospadias

Meningitis Due to Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 24A in a Child Vaccinated with 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

The introduction of conjugated pneumococcal vaccines into routine vaccination schedules resulted in a reduction in invasive pneumococcal disease due to vaccine strains. However, invasive pneumococcal diseases caused by non-vaccine strains have increased. Here, we present a fully vaccinated child with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, who suffered from meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 24A, a non-vaccine and very rare serotype. Longitudinal pneumococcal surveillance is important in monitorization of vaccine coverage and effectiveness and guidance for future vaccination programmes