Outcomes of pregnancies diagnosed with absent or abnormal fetal gallbladder in a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the ultrasonographic characteristics and outcomes of fetuses with atypical and non-visualized fetal gallbladder in our tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on cases in which the fetal gallbladder was not visualized or exhibited atypical characteristics at our institution over a four-year period. The patients were divided into two groups: absent gallbladder and atypical gallbladder. The groups with isolated and additional anomalies were analyzed according to their ante- and postnatal characteristics. RESULTS: The study comprised 78 patients (37 absent, 41 atypical gallbladder). In the isolated fetal absence of gallbladder group, the gallbladder was visualized in three of 13 patients during antenatal ultrasonographic follow-up and in half of the remaining 10 patients during postnatal follow-up. In the postnatal period, five newborns with absent isolated gallbladder are being followed up with suspicion of biliary atresia and isolated gallbladder agenesis. In the absence of a gallbladder with an additional anomaly group, 58% of fetuses died during the intrauterine and neonatal period. Fetuses in the isolated atypical gallbladder group are being followed as healthy after birth. Pregnancies with atypical gallbladder appearance and additional anomalies resulted in 33% neonatal death, 12% intrauterine demise, and 25% termination of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: In instances where the fetal gallbladder is not consistently discernible, it is imperative to exercise caution with regard to the possibility of biliary atresia. In the event that the fetal gallbladder exhibits unusual characteristics, a meticulous examination for the presence of additional anomalies is recommended.

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in pregnancy and the role of delta hemoglobin index: A case-control study from a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) on pregnancies and the role of the delta hemoglobin indices in the evaluation of treatment effectiveness. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted with 23 ITP and 115 low-risk pregnancies. Obstetric outcomes (fetal growth retardation (FGR), preterm delivery) and neonatal outcomes (weights, APGAR scores, NICU admissions, thrombocytopenia) were recorded. ITP group was subgrouped based on the platelet ratio at the admission for delivery and evaluated the impact of platelet ratios on blood loss amounts at delivery by using delta hemoglobin indices. RESULTS: Eleven patients received treatment during pregnancy. The gestational age at birth and fetal APGAR scores were lower, and the preterm delivery and FGR rates were higher in the ITP group. Four newborns (17.4%) had thrombocytopenia. There were two postpartum hemorrhages. Newborn platelet counts did not correlate with maternal platelet counts. The study showed no difference in delta hemoglobin counts between the ITP and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: ITP is associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. The presented study showed by using the delta hemoglobin indices that, hemorrhagic complications could be prevented with appropriate management. Neonatal thrombocytopenia should be considered for all ITP patients.

The role of the lower uterine segment thickness in predicting preterm birth in twin pregnancies presenting with threatened preterm labor.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between the lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness and the onset of labor in dichorionic twin pregnancies experiencing threatened preterm labor. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included dichorionic twin pregnancies between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation, presenting with symptoms of preterm labor. The LUS thickness and mid-anterior wall thickness were measured via transabdominal ultrasonography, cervical length, and posterior cervical lip thickness were measured transvaginally. The presence of the cervical sliding sign and funneling findings were recorded. RESULTS: Among the patients with an onset of labor before the 34th week, the mean LUS thickness was 3.8 ± 0.9 mm, compared to 4.6 ± 1.1 mm in those with an onset of labor at or after 340/7 GW, indicating a statistically significant difference (p=0.012). Similarly, accepting the GW threshold as 350/7 weeks, a statistically significant difference was found in the mean LUS thickness, which was 4.0 ± 1.0 mm in those with an earlier onset of labor and 4.7 ± 1.0 mm in those with a later onset of labor (p=0.022). While univariate analysis indicated that the LUS thickness was a significant predictor (p=0.017 for <34 GW and p=0.028 for <35 GW), multivariate analysis showed a reduced effect (p=0.04 and p=0.06, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LUS was significantly thinner in pregnancies with an onset of labor before the 34th and 35th GW. The measurement of the LUS thickness can be considered an alternative method for predicting spontaneous preterm birth in dichorionic twin pregnancies.

Reply to ''The Association of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), Systemic Immune-Response Index (SIRI), and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) with Cesarean Scar Pregnancy (CSP)''.

We have read the correspondance written by Jin et al. with great interest. It is an honor for us to be followed by high quality academicians around the world. We want to thank the authors for their interest on our manuscript and in our opinion the manusript will be much more improved after our reply to the concerns underlined by Jin et al.All of the blood samples were collected before the administration of MTX in the present study. Cases with chronic diseases or infections that may affect the complete blood cell indices were excluded from the study. Thus, complete blood cell indices evaluated in the present study were not affected by the mentioned factors.We hope our reply will be sufficient to relieve the concerns of the readers. Thank you very much for your interest.

Cervical sliding sign; does it have a contribution in cases of threatened preterm labor in singleton pregnancies with intact membranes?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contribution of the cervical sliding sign to conventional cervical length measurement in patients at risk of preterm labor. METHODS: The study, performed as a prospective cohort study, included patients admitted to a tertiary research hospital with a diagnosis of threatened preterm labor. The participants were divided into two groups: those who gave birth before and after 37 weeks of gestation. The clinical and demographic characteristics, cervical length, presence of a short cervix (SC), and cervical sliding sign (CSS) were compared between the groups. Furthermore, correlation and regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between the presence of a SC, the presence of CSS, and the coexistence of these two findings with preterm delivery, as well as the interval between the symptoms and delivery being less than four weeks. RESULTS: The study included 77 patients who delivered prematurely and 65 patients who delivered at term. The following variables were significantly lower in the preterm delivery group: cervical length, gestational age at delivery, neonatal weight, and time between the first examination and delivery (p = 0.003, <0.001, <0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). A higher percentage of women in the preterm delivery group exhibited a diagnosis of a SC, the presence of CSS, and the coexistence of both conditions (p = 0.002, 0.012 and 0.018, respectively). The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that the odds ratios for preterm delivery were 3.3 in the presence of a SC alone, 2.67 in the presence of CSS alone, and 2.85 in the association of both findings (p = 0.003, 0.013 and 0.021 respectively). The odds ratios for delivery in less than four weeks were 3.08 in the presence of a SC alone, 3.4 in the presence of CSS alone, and 3.54 in the association of both findings (p = 0.004, 0.002 and 0.005 respectively). CONCLUSION: In singleton pregnant women presenting with threatened preterm labor, the presence of CSS is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery and a decreased presentation-to-delivery interval. However, its contribution to conventional cervical length measurement appears to be relatively limited.

Ultrasonographic assessment of the fetal heart in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: Pulsed wave Doppler, M-mode, and tissue Doppler imaging prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the fetal heart using pulsed wave Doppler, M-mode, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in cases of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at a single tertiary center and included 35 patients with ICP and 70 healthy pregnant women at 28-36 weeks of pregnancy. Among the patients with ICP, 26 had serum bile acid (SBA) levels less than 40 µmol/L and nine had SBA levels of 40 µmol/L or greater. Pulsed wave Doppler, M-mode, and TDI evaluations were performed on the patients to assess fetal cardiac function. RESULTS: The ICP group exhibited significantly higher myocardial performance index (MPI) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), but similar isovolumetric contraction time (ICT). The tricuspid and mitral valve E, A, and E/A ratios were significantly reduced in the ICP group. The TDI parameters showed significantly reduced tricuspid and mitral valve E'/A' ratios in the ICP group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The E/E' ratio was significantly increased in the ICP group (P < 0.001). According to the M-mode Doppler findings, tricuspid and mitral annular plane systolic excursion values were significantly decreased in the ICP group (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, MPI and IRT were significantly higher in the severe ICP group. CONCLUSION: ICP might induce changes in the fetal heart during the early systolic and diastolic phases. The detection of these early changes using M-mode and TDI during the antenatal period can provide valuable insights into the condition of the fetus.

Development of a nomogram for fetal Evans Index.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the fetal Evans Index and establish a nomogram for fetuses without any additional fetal anomalies detected during the prenatal period. METHODS: We conducted our research at Ankara City Hospital, including 894 patients who were admitted and evaluated between gestational weeks 16-40. These patients had no fetal anomalies detected in subsequent gestational weeks. Descriptive data, such as age, gravidity, parity, and body mass index (BMI), were recorded. Gestational week and Evans Index (mean, median, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and percentile) were also documented. The Evans index was calculated as the ratio between the maximal width of the frontal horns and the maximal width of the inner diameter of the cranium. RESULTS: We evaluated 894 fetuses in pregnant women had no fetal anomalies detected throughout the pregnancy. The evaluation took place at different gestational weeks, and a nomogram for the Evans Index was created. CONCLUSIONS: It is relevant for clinicians and researchers to be aware of the range of fetal Evans Index values across different gestational weeks as a prognostic criterion.

The role of the cerebro-placental-uterine ratio in predicting composite adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the role of the cerebro-placental-uterine ratio (CPUR) in predicting composite adverse perinatal outcomes (CAPO) in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, case-control study was conducted at a tertiary hospital with 110 cases of PIH, including 70 patients with preeclampsia and 40 with gestational hypertension, and 110 healthy controls. The middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA-PI), umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI), and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) were measured, and the cerebro-placental ratio (CPR=MCA-PI/UA-PI) and CPUR (CPR/UtA-PI) were calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The role of CPUR in predicting CAPO in preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. RESULTS: The CPR and CPUR values were lower in the PIH group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CAPO had a negative correlation with CPR and CPUR (p < 0.001). Univariate regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of CAPO was increased four times by a low CPR value and six times by a low CPUR value. In the ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value of CPR in predicting CAPO was 1.33 with 74 % sensitivity and 66 % specificity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.778; p < 0.001) in PIH. For CPUR, the optimal cut-off value was 1.32, at which 82 % sensitivity and 79 % specificity in predicting CAPO (AUC=0.826; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CPUR was determined to be successful with high sensitivity in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in the presence of PIH. In addition, CPUR was more effective in predicting CAPO in patients with preeclampsia compared to gestational hypertension. CPUR can be used to predict adverse outcomes in patients with PIH.

Aggregate index of systemic inflammation: A novel systemic inflammatory index for prediction of neonatal outcomes and chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of the Aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) in predicting admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and chorioamnionitis. METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study with pregnant women who were diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in the Department of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital between January 1, 2021, and June 1, 2023 (n = 357). The patients were categorized into subgroups: (1) cases with (n = 27) or without (n = 330) chorioamnionitis, (2) admission (n = 182) or no admission (n = 175) to NICU; (3) gestational age at birth <28 weeks or 28 weeks or longer; and (4) gestational age at birth <34 weeks or 34 weeks or longer. AISI values were compared between the subgroups, and cut-off values for AISI were determined to predict adverse outcomes. RESULTS: AISI values were significantly higher in the admission to NICU group compared with the no admission to NICU group (707.0 vs 551.2) (P < 0.05). AISI values were also significantly higher in the chorioamnionitis group compared with those without chorioamnionitis (850.3 vs 609.4) (P < 0.05). AISI levels were significantly higher in cases delivered before 28 weeks of gestation compared with the cases delivered at 28 weeks of gestation or later (945.6 vs 604.9) (P < 0.05), and were also significantly higher in cases delivered before 34 weeks of gestation compared with the cases delivered at 34 weeks of gestation or later (715.5 vs 550.1) (P < 0.05). Optimal cut-off values of AISI were found to be 626.19 (74.1% sensitivity, 52.8% specificity), 506.09 (68.9% sensitivity and, 47.7% specificity), and 555.1 (69.8% sensitivity, 48.1% specificity) in predicting NICU admission, chorioamnionitis, and delivery before 28 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: The novel inflammatory marker AISI may be used in the prediction of chorioamnionitis and NICU admission in PPROM cases. SYNOPSIS: Aggregate index of systemic inflammation may be used as a novel marker in predicting high-risk for chorioamnionitis and neonatal intensive care unit admission in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

The association of umbilical cord blood oxidative stress with maternal iron deficiency anemia: A tertiary center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the levels of oxidative stress markers in the umbilical cord blood between pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and low-risk controls. METHODS: The sample consisted of 131 patients, including 55 pregnant women with IDA and 76 controls with similar demographic characteristics. Participants were selected from patients delivered at ≥37 weeks. We compared the two groups in terms of the native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels measured in pregnant women's umbilical cord venous blood. RESULTS: The native thiol and total thiol values were statistically significantly lower in the anemia group, and the disulfide and IMA values were statistically significantly higher in the IDA group (P < 0.001). Perinatal outcomes were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: In the present study, pregnant women with IDA had lower native and total thiol values and higher disulfide and IMA values in umbilical cord blood. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy may be a potential cause of increased oxidative stress.

The Association of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), Systemic Immune-Response Index (SIRI), and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) with Cesarean Scar Pregnancy (CSP).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), Systemic Immune-Response Index (SIRI), and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) with Cesarean Scar Pregnancy (CSP) METHODS: This prospective case-control study was conducted in Ankara City Hospital perinatology clinic between 2022 and 2023. The diagnosis of CSP was made by transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound. NLR, SII, and SIRI values were compared between those diagnosed with CSP (n=23) and healthy pregnancies (n=126) at the time of first admission. RESULTS: The study group had significantly higher NLR, SII, and SIRI values compared to the controls. Optimal cut-off values were 3.79 (69 % sensitivity, 78.2 % specificity), 1180.6 (76.7 % sensitivity, 72.7 % specificity), and, 1.9 (83.3 % sensitivity, 72.7 % specificity) for NLR, SII, and SIRI, respectively. When NLR, SII and SIRI values were compared between CSP cases and pregnant women who had previous history of cesarean section but did not have CSP, significantly higher SII values were observed in the CSP group. The optimal cut-off value of SII was found to be 804.4 in predicting CSP among cases with previous history of cesarean delivery (73.9 % sensitivity, 66.2 % specificity). CONCLUSION: SII, SIRI, and NLR may be useful in predicting cesarean scar pregnancy in pregnant women.

Assessment of the fetal thymic-thoracic ratio in pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis: a prospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the fetal thymic-thoracic ratio (TTR) in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). METHODS: This prospective case-control study was conducted in a single tertiary center. The sample consisted of 86 pregnant women at 28-37 weeks of gestation, including 43 women with ICP and 43 healthy controls. TTR was calculated for each patient using the anterior-posterior measurements of the thymus and intrathoracic mediastinal measurements. RESULTS: The median TTR value was found to be smaller in the ICP group compared to the control group (0.32 vs. 0.36, p<0.001). The ICP group had a greater rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (p<0.001). Univariate regression analysis revealed that lower TTR values increased the possibility of NICU admission six times (95 % confidence interval: 0.26-0.39, p=0.01). A statistically significant negative correlation was detected between TTR and the NICU requirement (r: -0.435, p=0.004). As a result of the receiver operating characteristic analysis, in predicting NICU admission, the optimal cut-off value of TTR was determined to be 0.31 with 78 % sensitivity and 67 % specificity (area under the curve=0.819; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We determined that the fetal TTR may be affected by the inflammatory process caused by the maternal-fetal immune system and increased serum bile acid levels in fetal organs in the presence of ICP. We consider that TTR can be used to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with ICP.

The role of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) in the first trimester for the prediction of superimposed preeclampsia: A case-control study from a tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the role of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) in the prediction of superimposed preeclampsia in chronic hypertensive pregnancy group in the first trimester. METHODS: The present retrospective case-control study was conducted on 258 pregnant women, including 75 patients in the isolated chronic hypertension group, 92 in the superimposed preeclampsia group, and 91 low-risk pregnant women in the control group. APRI1 was calculated from routine blood test results in the first antenatal visit, and APRI2 was calculated from prelabor routine blood test results. APRI indices and other blood count parameters were evaluated and compared between groups and with the literature. RESULTS: APRI1 was lower in the superimposed preeclampsia group than in the control and chronic hypertension groups, with p-values < 0.001. In the first trimester, platelet counts were higher in the superimposed preeclampsia group than in the hypertension and control groups. APRI2 was increased in the superimposed preeclampsia group compared to the control and chronic hypertension groups, with p-values 0.001 and 0.002, respectively. The optimal cut-off value for APRI1 was 0.036 (sensitivity 65.2 %, specificity 83.7 %), and for APRI2, it was found to be 0.057 (sensitivity 67.4 %, specificity 52.0 %) to predict superimposed preeclampsia. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study evaluating APRI in predicting superimposed preeclampsia in the first trimester. Increased platelet counts and lower APRI were found to be valuable indices for predicting superimposed preeclampsia. Further studies are needed to determine the utility of APRI in clinical practice.

Utility of the cerebro-placental-uterine ratio in predicting composite adverse perinatal outcomes in pregestational diabetes: A prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To examine the cerebro-placental-uterine ratio (CPUR) in pregnant women with pregestational diabetes and determine its role in predicting adverse prenatal outcomes. METHODS: This prospective, cohort study conducted at a tertiary hospital included 65 patients with pregestational diabetes (25 with type1 diabetes, 40 with type2 diabetes) and 130 low-risk patients in the control group. The cerebroplacental (CPR) ratio and the CPUR were calculated. Composite adverse perinatal outcome (CAPO) is defined as the presence of any of the following: (1) Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, (2) Apgar at 5 min <7, and (3) umbilical cord arterial pH <7.10. The relationship of CPR and CPUR with CAPO was investigated. RESULTS: CPR and CPUR were significantly lower in the pregestational diabetes group than in the control group. The NICU admission was higher in the case group. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, the optimal cut-off value of CPUR was 1.46 (AUC = 0.72, p = 0.003, 80% sensitivity, and 69% specificity) to predict CAPO and the optimal cut-off value of CPUR was 1.50 for NICU admission (AUC = 0.70, p = 0.013, 77% sensitivity, and 66% specificity). CONCLUSION: Low CPUR values were found to be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in women with pregestational diabetes. With the increasing number of studies, CPUR is expected to be utilized more widely in routine obstetric practice.

Prenatal diagnosis and outcomes for fetuses with suspected pelvic kidney.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of demographic characteristics and postnatal outcomes of patients with suspected fetal pelvic kidney diagnosis followed in a tertiary center. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in Ankara Bilkent City Hospital perinatology clinic between 2020-2023. Demographic features, prenatal ultrasound findings, and postnatal outcomes were reported. RESULTS: Pelvic kidney localization was on the left in 11(55 %) patients, on the right in 7(35 %), and bilateral in 2(10 %) patients in prenatal ultrasonography. The gender of the 12(60 %) fetuses were male and 8(40 %) of them were female. The pelvic kidney was an isolated finding in 8(40 %) fetuses, additional findings were present in the remaining 12(60 %) fetuses. Pelvic kidney was confirmed postnatally by ultrasound in all 18 fetuses. However two cases with prenatal ultrasound findings resulted in intrauterine fetal demise and the final diagnosis could not be confirmed as the parents refused autopsia. Cases were divided into 3 groups according to postnatal follow-up duration as 0-12 months (n = 7), 12-24 months (n = 7) and 24-44 months (n = 4). Atrial septal defect was the most common accompanying abnormality in the postnatal period (n = 4). Smaller kidney size (n = 7), vesicoureteral reflux (n = 3), and impaired renal function (n = 3) were the most common postnatal complications. CONCLUSION: Pelvic kidney can be diagnosed in fetal abnormality screening ultrasound and postnatal follow-up should be performed closely for the assessment of renal functions.

Can System Inflammation Response Index or Systemic Immune Inflammation Index predict gestational diabetes mellitus in the first trimester? A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate System Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) and Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII), which are the inflammatory indices, for the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the first trimester. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary center from April 2023 to September 2023. Ninety-four pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 107 healthy pregnant women were included. The two groups were compared according to first-trimester SIRI and SII values. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off levels of SII and SIRI in predicting GDM. RESULTS: Significantly higher first-trimester SII and SIRI values were present in the gestational diabetes group (P < 0.001). Optimal cut-off values in the prediction of gestational diabetes were found to be 1.58 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.71, 67% sensitivity, 65% specificity, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-0.78, P < 0.001) and 875 (AUC 0.70, 66% sensitivity, 65% specificity, 95% CI 0.63-0.77, P < 0.001) for SIRI and SII, respectively. Neutrophil counts, mean platelet volume (MPW), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) were significantly higher in the GDM group (P < 0.001, P = 0.02, P = 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Novel inflammatory indices SII and SIRI may be useful in the prediction of GDM in the first trimester, but their utility in the prediction of insulin requirement is questionable. They may be used as additional tools in routine clinical practice.

The utility of combined utero-cervical index in predicting preterm delivery in pregnant women with preterm uterine contractions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of a novel ultrasound index "combined utero-cervical index (CUCI)" in the prediction of preterm delivery. METHODS: The present prospective cohort study was conducted in Ankara Bilkent City Hospital Perinatology Clinic between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2023. Pregnant women with uterine contractions between 24 and 36th gestational weeks but did not have dilatation or effacement were included. CUCI was calculated as: (utero-cervical angle)/(anterior cervical lip thickness + fundal thickness + lower uterine segment thickness + cervical length). In the presence of cervical funneling, one point was added to the final result. A ROC analysis was conducted to determine the potential of CUCI in predicting delivery <37 weeks of gestation, <34 weeks of gestation, and <4 weeks after the first admission to the hospital for uterine contractions, respectively. RESULTS: Optimal cut-off values of CUCI were found to be 1.4 (67.1% sensitivity, 67.2% specificity) for predicting delivery at <37th weeks, 1.7 (72.7% sensitivity, 65.7% specificity) for predicting delivery at <34th weeks, and 1.4 (62.5% sensitivity, 61.7% specificity) for predicting delivery at <4 weeks. CONCLUSION: CUCI may be used in the prediction of preterm delivery for pregnant women admitted to hospital with preterm uterine contractions.

Systemic Inflammation Response Index and Systemic Immune-inflammation Index for Prediction of Pregnancy Loss: a Case-control Study.

The systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) have recently been investigated as new prognostic markers for obstetric morbidities. However, there are few studies on their predictive role in patients with pregnancy loss. Predicting miscarriages may be useful to support and prevent selected cases.The aim of this study was to investigate the role of SIRI and SII in the prediction of pregnancy loss. A total of 800 patients were included in the retrospective case-control study at a tertiary hospital.Group 1 consisted of 200 patients who had a pregnancy loss for the first time; group 2 consisted of 200 patients with recurrent pregnancy loss; the control group consisted of 400 patients who had a healthy pregnancy. The groups were compared in terms of maternal characteristics, SIRI and SII. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine optimal cut-off values for SIRI and SII in predicting pregnancy loss. SIRI and SII were higher in the group with recurrent pregnancy loss than in the control group (p < 0.001).SIRI was higher in the first pregnancy loss group than in the control group (p < 0.001).To predict recurrent pregnancy loss, optimal cut-off values were 1.57 (80% sensitivity, 70% specificity) and 924.12 (74% sensitivity, 57% specificity) for SIRI and SII, respectively. For first pregnancy loss prediction, the optimal cut-off value was 1.38 for SIRI, with 75% sensitivity and 60% specificity. SIRI and SII may be used as inflammatory markers to predict recurrent pregnancy loss. High SIRI values can also help to predict first pregnancy loss.

Evaluation of maternal serum thiol and ischemia-modified albumin levels in cases of placenta previa: A case-control study in a tertiary center.

AIM: We aim to compare the maternal serum thiol and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels between pregnant women with placenta previa and those with uncomplicated pregnancies and to determine whether changes in these levels were useful in predicting cases of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP). METHODS: Fifty-five pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa according to the diagnostic criteria (case group) were compared to 100 women with uncomplicated pregnancies of similar demographic characteristics (control group). The patients with placenta previa were further divided into two subgroups: AIP (n = 20) and placenta previa without invasion (n = 35). The maternal serum native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and IMA levels of the groups were evaluated. RESULTS: The native thiol, total thiol, and IMA values were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The disulfide values were similar between the study and control groups (p = 0.488). When the AIP and placenta previa without invasion groups were compared, the levels of native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and IMA were similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal serum thiol and IMA levels were lower in placenta previa cases compared to the control group. However, these parameters were not useful in predicting AIP cases.

A novel predictive marker for placental abruption with composite adverse outcomes: creatinine-fibrinogen ratio.

PURPOSE: To develop a new cost-effective marker named creatinine-fibrinogen ratio (CFR) for the prediction of composite adverse outcomes (CAO) in placental abruption cases. METHODS: A total of 109 placental abruption patients (30 with adverse outcomes, 79 without adverse outcomes) were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Patients with at least one of the features listed below were included in the abruption with CAO group: requirement of blood product transfusion (erythrocyte suspension, fresh frozen plasma, pooled thrombocyte, thrombocyte apheresis), development of acute kidney injury or disseminated intravascular coagulation, and need for intensive care unit. Laboratory parameters and CFR values at admission to the hospital were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Higher creatinine and lower fibrinogen levels were found in the CAO group (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001 respectively). The CFR value of the CAO group was significantly higher (p < 0.001). In the ROC curve analysis performed to investigate the value of CFR in CAO prediction, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated as 0,802 (95% CI 0.709-0.895, 77% sensitivity, 65% specificity). CONCLUSION: CFR seems to be a practical marker for the prediction of CAOs in pregnant women with ablatio placenta.