Evaluation of Perinatal and Neonatal Outcomes of Syrian Refugees Compared to Turkish Population: A Snapshot During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The perinatal and neonatal outcomes of Syrian refugees during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate these outcomes. METHODS: Turkish (n = 303) and Syrian refugees (n = 303) who delivered in our hospital between June 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 were included in the study. Demographic, perinatal, and neonatal data were obtained by retrospectively evaluating hospital records. RESULTS: Adolescent pregnancy was more common in Syrian refugees (p < 0.001). The rates of antenatal visits, performed combined test, triple test, quadruple test, fetal anatomy ultrasound, and glucose tolerance test were lower in all refugees (p < 0.01). Furthermore, there was no difference in the mode of delivery, Hb after delivery, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, stillbirth, and fetal anomaly (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Despite poorer antenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic, Syrian refugee pregnant women had similar perinatal and neonatal outcomes compared with the Turkish pregnant population.

What are the advantages of clock position method to determine fetal heart axis for inexperienced resident physicians? A comparative study

Objective: Residency training programs are challenging for young physicians with heavy workloads. Although ultrasonography (USG) is an imaging method that is frequently used in obstetrics practice, some basic USG skills can be acquired late in this intensive learning process. Likewise determining the fetal heart axis is an elementary evaluation but can turn into a challenging and time-consuming process, especially for inexperienced clinicians. Material and Methods: Pregnant women between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation were recruited. Two observers assessed the axis of fetal heart by standard, Bronshtein and clock position methods. Fetal heart axis evaluation times were compared. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreements of the three methods were measured. One factor learning rates were calculated. Results: A total of 31 pregnant patients between the ages of 18 and 40 years were included in the study. Fetal heart axis evaluation time by the clock position method was shorter than the Bronshtein and standard method in both observers. Furthermore diagnostic accuracy for both observers was 100% with the clock position method, while this fell to 100% in observer-1 and 96.8% in observer-2 using the Bronshtein method. The clock position method was learned faster than either of the other methods. Conclusion: Clock position method is an easy and feasible method for inexperienced resident physicians in terms of learning and application to determine the fetal heart axis. The advantages of this method increase when patient numbers are higher.

The effect of dydrogesterone on sexual function in endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent chronic disease, which is commonly regarded as a disease of reproductive-aged women. We aimed to evaluate the sexual function with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women with endometriosis who received dydrogesterone for 6 months. A total of 79 women with endometriomas were recruited in the study group and received 10 mg dydrogesterone tablets orally for 6 months. FSFI and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for each patient before and after treatment were recorded. When before treatment VAS scores and after treatment VAS scores (5.7 ± 1.27, 3.97 ± 1.01, respectively) were compared, a significant decrease was observed (p = .001). A significant increase in mean orgasm scores (3.23 ± 0.6 vs. 3.57 ± 0.65, p = .01) and means satisfaction scores (3.85 ± 0.48 vs. 4.10 ± 0.38, p < .001) were observed. In addition, means desire scores were also significantly higher following treatment (p = .01). In conclusion, this study showed that FSFI scores were increased after 6 months of dydrogesterone treatment in patients with endometriosis. Desire, satisfaction, orgasm and pain scores improved significantly, and sexual dysfunction decreased after treatment.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with severe dysmenorrhoea, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, painful gastrointestinal symptoms and sub-fertility are among the symptoms. These symptoms can be responsible for a significant decrease in the quality of life scores of the patients. Dydrogesterone is a synthetic progesterone derivative, which suppresses oestrogen levels and ovulation. Dydrogesterone's effect on pain relief in endometriosis patients has already been shown, but it's role on the sexual dysfunction observed in women with endometriosis has not yet been questioned.What do the results of this study add? To the best of our knowledge this is the first study showing the effects of dydrogesterone on sexual function in patients with endometriosis.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Dydrogesterone can safely be used in medical treatment of endometriosis not only for pain relief but also patients with additional complaints such as sexual dysfunction can benefit from this treatment. Future studies with larger cohorts and long-term follow-ups are needed to validate our results.

The possible association between neonatal morbidities and amniotic fluid pH and electrolyte levels in infants of preeclamptic mothers.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome associated with increased perinatal mortality characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. An increasing number of studies have been published on the effect of preeclampsia on neonatal morbidities. However, there is no study regarding the possible effect of preeclampsia on amniotic fluid pH and electrolytes. The aim of this study was to determine the possible role of amniotic fluid pH and electrolytes for the prediction of and/or association with preeclampsia and neonatal morbidities. METHODS: This was a prospective, case-control study. During cesarean section (C/S), 1 ml of amniotic fluid was aspirated before incision of membranes. Amniotic fluid pH and electrolytes were analyzed by blood gas machine and biochemistry laboratory concurrently. Maternal and neonatal demographic features and clinical outcomes, presence of respiratory morbidities were all recorded. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid pH, sodium and gestational age were found to be independent risk factors for preeclampsia. Subgroup analysis revealed that in early onset preeclampsia group mechanical ventilation duration, duration of 02 therapy, sepsis and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) were higher than infants in control group born before 32 gestational weeks. Also, in the early onset preeclampsia group pH and potassium were higher compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that reported the value of amniotic fluid electrolyte analysis for the prediction of preeclampsia and neonatal morbidities in term and preterm infants. However, more studies including a larger number of infants are required to confirm the role of amniotic fluid analysis to predict preeclampsia and/or neonatal morbidities.

Ovarian reserve in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the autoimmune effects of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on the fertility potential of women by evaluating ovarian reserves of AS patients. METHODS: A total of 104 patients, 52 in the AS group (study group) and 52 in the control group were included in the study. Ovarian reserve was evaluated by serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC) and baseline serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. RESULTS: The mean serum AMH levels were significantly lower in the study group when compared to the controls (2.203 ± 1.110 vs. 1.188 ± 0.891, p < 0.001). In addition, the mean AFC was also significantly lower in the study group. (10.67 ± 1.81 vs. 9.54 ± 2.50, p = 0.009). Mean FSH levels were calculated to be 6.72 ± 1.14 in the study group and 7.21 ± 1.22 in the control group. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.781). CONCLUSION: This study shows that AS like several other autoimmune conditions has an adverse effect on the female fertility potential. Therefore, an early start and long-term management of AS patients who have fertility desire is recommended. Serum AMH levels can be used in monitoring ovarian reserve and in early detection of reproductive decline of AS patients. CLINICALTRIAL NUMBER: NCT04209881.

The utility of amniotic fluid pH and electrolytes for prediction of neonatal respiratory disorders.

Background: Amniotic fluid (AF) is a complex structure with a changing content by gestation. Lower genomic expression of Na channels in airways was shown to be associated with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The aim of this study was to determine the possible role of amniotic fluid pH and electrolytes for prediction of neonatal respiratory morbidities.Methods: This was a prospective controlled cohort study. During C-section, 1 ml of AF was aspirated before incision of membranes. AF pH and electrolytes were analyzed by blood gas analyzer. Maternal and neonatal demographic features and clinical outcomes, respiratory morbidities were all recorded.Results: AF Na and K values were significantly higher in all infants with respiratory morbidities compared with those who did not develop respiratory findings. AF Na value was significantly higher in preterm neonates with RDS as well as in term neonates with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). AF pH did not show any significant difference for prediction of respiratory morbidities in term and preterm infants.Conclusion: This is the first study that reported the value of AF Na and K levels for prediction of respiratory morbidities in term and preterm infants. However, further studies including larger number of infants are required to confirm the role of AF analysis to predict neonatal respiratory morbidities. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) number: NCT02813954.

Decline in ovarian reserve may be an undiagnosed reason for unexplained infertility: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Unexplained infertility refers to the absence of a definable cause for a couple's failure to achieve pregnancy. Reproductive aging plays a role in pathogenesis of unexplained infertility. We investigated the results of ovarian reserve tests in unexplained infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups: unexplained infertility (n = 148) and male factor infertility (n = 112). Follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, inhibin b levels and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were evaluated. Antral follicle count and ovarian volume measurements were performed. RESULTS: The demographic variables were comparable. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were higher in the unexplained infertility group than the male factor infertility group, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.071). Estradiol levels, inhibin b concentrations and ovarian volume showed no difference between groups. However, antral follicle count was significantly lower in the unexplained infertility group than the male factor infertility group (p = 0.023). The median anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations were significantly lower in the unexplained infertility group 1.42 (0.4-6.2) than in the male factor infertility group (2.04 (0.64-8.2); p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although anti-Müllerian hormone values and antral follicle count were higher than the low thresholds, a statistically significant decline of ovarian reserve in the unexplained infertility group was found in the present study. This might be an undiagnosed reason for unexplained infertility.

Hysteroscopic evaluation of tubal peristaltic dysfunction in unexplained infertility.

It has been realised that rhythmic peristalsis of the ostia and tubes can be observed during hysteroscopy. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of tubal peristaltic dysfunction in unexplained infertility (UI). Hysteroscopy was performed in 35 women with UI and in 37 healthy fertile women. Bilateral tubal peristalses were assessed hysteroscopically by the observation of methylene blue injection and its transport to the Fallopian tubes. Tubal patency was evaluated with laparoscopic chromopertubation. Two women in control group (6.67%) and eight women in UI group (30.77%) had no tubal peristalsis, at least one tube with normal tubal patency. The difference was statistically significant (p = .019). Tubal peristaltic dysfunction may be a hidden cause of subfertility in women with bilateral patent Fallopian tubes. There is a definite need for larger trials to identify tubal peristaltic dysfunction as a cause of UI. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Unexplained infertility has no identified pathophysiologic basis. It has been realised that rhythmic peristalsis of the ostia and tubes can be observed during hysteroscopy. What do the results of this study add? Tubal peristaltic dysfunction was detected in two tubes (3.70%) in a control group and nine tubes (19.57%) in women with unexplained infertility, when the tubes were patent. The difference was statistically significant (p = .012). What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In cases of bilateral patent Fallopian tubes such as in unexplained infertility, tubal peristaltic dysfunction may be a hidden additional cause of subfertility.

The effectiveness of double incision technique in uterus preserving surgery for placenta percreta.

BACKGROUND: Placenta percreta is a life-threatening condition that places patients at risk of massive bleeding. It necessitates very complicated surgery and can result in mortality. Caesarean hysterectomy is the accepted procedure worldwide; however, recent studies discussing conservative treatment with segmental resections have been published. Foetal extraction and segmental resection can be performed through the same incision (single uterine incision) or through two different incisions (double uterine incision). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and results of the double incision technique. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with a diagnosis of placenta percreta who underwent conservative surgery were included. Segmental resection was performed via single incision in ten patients and double incision in twelve patients. RESULTS: There was no difference between the patients who underwent segmental resection via single and double incision in terms of age, gravida, number of previous caesarean deliveries, gestational age at delivery, or rate of elective surgeries. The operation time, transfusion requirement, intensive care unit admission, total hospitalization and success of conservative surgery were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the outcomes of our study, double uterine incision allows for the safe extraction of the foetus during uterus-preserving surgery in patients with placenta percreta without worsening the results compared to single uterine incision. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02702024 , Date of registration: February 26, 2016, retrospectively registered.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume, red cell distribution width and plateletcrit in preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) have all been recognized as systemic inflammatory response (SIR) markers. Our aim was to evaluate changes in NLR, PLR, RDW, MPV and PCT in preeclampsia and their use in predicting the severity of PE. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included 219 patients. Of them, 27 had mild PE, 82 had severe PE, and 110 were healthy, normotensive pregnant patients. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in NLR between the groups (p=0.423). Both PLR and PCT were lower in the patients with severe PE than in the control group, and these differences showed a statistical significance (p=0.007 and p<0.001). On the other hand, both RDW and MPV were statistically higher in the patients with severe PE compared to the control group (p=0.011 and p<0.001). ROC analyzes were used to examine the ability of markers to predict those with severe PE from those with mild PE. Areas under the curve for NLR, PLR and RDW were not statistically significant (p=0.636, 0.104 and 0.36, respectively). For MPV and PCT, the values of area under the curve were 0.641 and 0.712, respectively, and the p values for these parameters statistically differed (p=0.028, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: MPV or PCT may be clinical useful markers in the prediction of severe PE. Further, prospective multicenter studies are warranted to better reveal the association between SIR markers and PE.

The utility of first trimester uterine artery Doppler, placental volume and PAPP-A levels alone and in combination to predict preeclampsia.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the detection of pre-eclampsia (PE) by integrating uterine artery Doppler, placental volume, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels in the first trimester. We prospectively recruited 602 women that underwent 11-13weeks' aneuploidy screening. The mean pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine arteries and the placental volume were measured by ultrasonography. Measurement of PAPP-A levels has been performed at the same day of ultrasonographic examinations. The 90th percentile of uterine artery PI and the 10th percentile of placental volume and PAPP-A levels were used as cut-offs. Uterine artery PI, placental volume, and PAPP-A levels had similar sensitivities in predicting PE (53.66%, 63.41%, and 70.73%, respectively). Use of the parameters in combination had better sensitivity. If one parameter was positive, the sensitivity was 92.68% with 85.20% specificity. If at least two parameters were positive, the sensitivity was 85.37% with 98.89% specificity. In conclusion, the combination of increased PI of uterine artery with low placental volume and low PAPP-A levels in the first trimester achieved better results than either test alone in the prediction of PE.

Contraceptive failure with Copper T380A intrauterine device (IUD): A single tertiary center experience.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the risk factors of pregnancy with Copper (Cu)T380A IUD and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study evaluating the risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of 81 patients who conceived with CuT380A IUD in situ. RESULTS: Four ectopic pregnancies and 77 intrauterine pregnancies were detected. Twenty-six pregnancies (33.76%, 26/77) were terminated according to maternal desire. Twenty-five patients (32.46%, 25/77) whose IUDs were removed constituted the Removed IUD Group, and the remaining 26 patients constituted IUD Left in situ Group. Term pregnancy rates (76% vs. 20.8%, p=0.002) were significantly higher in the Removed IUD Group compared with the IUD Left in situ Group. Abortion rates (16% vs. 53.84%, p=0.008) were detected significantly higher in the IUD Left in situ Group. CONCLUSION: The main result of our study was that pregnancy with CuT380A in situ is a significant risk factor for adverse perinatal outcome. Adjusting the scheduled follow-ups for checking the IUD seems to be important in order to prevent accidental pregnancy.

The relationship between expectation, experience and perception of labour pain: an observational study.

The present study was aimed to assess the relationship between pain expectation before labour, labour pain and pain perception after the labour. Pregnant women were asked to rate their pain level on a standard continuous visual analogue scale at various time points. Pain expectancy (PE), labour pain (LP) and postpartum pain perception (PPP) scores were calculated. The final study group was composed of 230 pregnant women after exclusions. Mean age of pregnant women was 26.2 ± 5.79. The mean PE, LP, and PPP scores were 70.11 ± 18.82, 75.72 ± 19.2 and 65.84 ± 19.56, respectively. The difference among pain scores was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between PE and LP or PE and PPP scores (p = 0.27 and p = 0.21). The correlations were statistically significant (p = 0.01 or p = 0.01). In addition, there was a positive correlation between LP and PPP scores (p = 0.87) and the correlation was statistically significant (p = 0.01). This study showed that, if pregnant women had lower expectations of pain before the labour, they indeed experienced lower amount of pain during the labour.

Successful laparoscopic management of a rare complication after embryo transfer: ovarian pregnancy. A case report and up-to-date literature review.

Ovarian pregnancy (OP) after embryo transfer is very rare. Due to the rarity and the asymptomatic nature, there are still difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. The traditional operative treatment for OP has been oophorectomy. However, the desire to maintain reproductive capability and improvements in laparoscopy have more recently led to conservative laparoscopic techniques. This rare complication could be diagnosed early and managed by a conservative laparoscopic approach. Here we present a survey of the literature and a case of successful laparoscopic management of ovarian pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer. The current case is the first case in the literature in which ovarian pregnancy occurred after a single embryo transfer. We also summarize the literature about management of ovarian pregnancy after embryo transfer.

Fetal anterior abdominal wall thickness may be an early ultrasonographic sign of gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate standard biometric measurements, such as biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), abdominal circumference (AC), estimated fetal weight (EFW) and anterior abdomen wall thickness (AAWT) in fetuses complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at the time of GDM screening, and to compare the results with healthy pregnant controls. METHODS: A total of 124 pregnant women between 26 and 28 weeks' gestation were included in the study. These patients were divided into two groups based on their 75-g oral glucose tolerance test results. The study group consisted of 55 pregnant women with GDM, and 69 healthy pregnant women constituted our control group. RESULTS: The study groups did not differ with respect to the mean BPD, FL, AC and EFW; however, the mean AAWT was significantly higher in the GDM group, 4.07 ± 0.46 mm versus 3.28 ± 0.37 mm in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The only fetal sonographic measurement found to significantly differ between the study groups was the AAWT in 26 weeks at the time of gestational diabetes screening, suggesting that measuring the AAWT may have a role in the evaluation of fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes.

The utility of tumor markers and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio in patients with an intraoperative diagnosis of mucinous borderline ovarian tumor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of tumor markers and complete blood count to increase the diagnostic accuracy to detect malignant cases that are intraoperatively reported as mucinous borderline ovarian tumors (BOT). STUDY DESIGN: Patients who underwent laparotomy at our gynecologic oncology clinic between 2007 and 2015 for evaluation of an adnexal mass with an intraoperative frozen section report of mucinous BOT were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to the final pathological diagnoses (malignant, borderline and benign), and were compared in terms of tumor marker levels and complete blood count parameters. Significant parameters were evaluated together with frozen section results, and were assessed for diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were included in the study. Of these, 41 patients had borderline, 11 patients had benign, and 11 patients had malignant mucinous ovarian tumors. Patient age, menopausal status, hemoglobin, platelet and lymphocyte counts were similar among the groups (p>0.05). On the other hand, white blood cell, neutrophil counts and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly higher in malignant cases (p<0.05). Similarly, CA125 and CA19-9 were significantly higher in malignant group (p<0.05). When evaluated with the frozen section results, CA19-9 and NLR had the highest sensitivity to detect mucinous cancers (81 and 78 percent, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients who have an intraoperative frozen section diagnosis of borderline mucinous ovarian tumors, CA19-9, NLR and CA125 were significant predictors of malignancy. In light of larger future studies, we believe that integrating these parameters into routine clinical practice may decrease the rate of under diagnosis.

Dynamic collagen changes in cervix during the first trimester and decreased collagen content in cervical insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in cervical collagen during the first trimester of pregnancy and to evaluate the collagen deficit in cases with a previous diagnosis of cervical insufficiency (CI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cervical punch biopsies were obtained from 66 patients divided into three groups: patients with recurrent abortions due to CI (CI group; n = 8); first-trimester abortion group (study group; n = 37), subdivided into three groups according their gestational week (<7, 7-9 and 9-12 weeks), and patients with cervical biopsy due to gynecologic reasons (control group; n = 12). Collagen quantity was determined by a biochemical method that measured the levels of hydroxyproline (HOP) in dry cervix tissue. RESULTS: The HOP concentrations were significantly higher at lower gestational ages (p = 0.001). Collagen quantity was lowest in the CI group compared with other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study shows collagen component of cervix decreases as pregnancy advances through the first trimester. Cervical collagen concentration is lower in women with a history of CI compared to controls who has not a history of CI.

Azoospermia Type Does Not Affect Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Results When Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction Is Performed.

Objective: To investigate the effect of azoospermia type on fertilization and clinical pregnancy rates when microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is performed for sperm retrieval in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Study Design: STUDY DESIGN: Patients who underwent microdissection TESE for NOA and conventional TESE for obstructive azoospermia (OA) were included in the study. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) results were compared between groups. Results: The mean ages in the 2 groups were similar. FSH and LH levels in the NOA group were significantly higher than those of the OA group. Between groups there was no statistically significant difference in testosterone levels. The sperm retrieval rate was 58.56% in NOA. Fertilization and clinical pregnancy rates were similar for patients with NOA and OA. Conclusion: In patients with NOA, microdissection TESE accurately determines active spermatogenesis areas via the high identification power of the operative microscope. From these areas surgeons can collect healthier spermatozoa, which can result in better ICSI outcomes, the results of which are similar to those with OA.

Saline Infusion Sonography Can Improve Outcome in Subsequent ICSI Cycles When No Intrauterine Pathology Is Detected.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the benefits of saline infusion sonography (SIS).due to its endometrial injury effect on outcomes of subsequent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a retrospective anal- ysis of 398 patients under- going ICSI cycles. The bio- chemical and clinical preg- nancy rates of 45 patients who underwent SIS prior to starting an ICSI cycle were compared to those of controls. RESULTS: Endometrial thickness was significantly higher in patients who underwent SIS (p=0.016). The biochemical pregnancy rate was statistically significant- ly higher in the SIS group than in the control group (p=0.040). The clinical pregnancy rate was 55.56% in patients who underwent SIS, while it was only 39.09% in the control group. The difference was statistically sig- nificant (p=0.037). CONCLUSION: .SIS can be used to assess the endome- trial cavity prior to ICSI cycle; moreover, SIS might be associated with improved outcomes when no intrauterine pathology is detected. Confirmation of this finding via future robust randomized trials is needed and would be useful to further guide clinical practice.