Sexual Dimorphism in the Buccolingual Dimensions of Permanent Anterior Teeth in the Young Iranian Population.

Objective: Evaluation of sexual dimorphism is a crucial concern for anthropologists, forensic scientists, and archaeologists. Teeth have been used as an alternative tool to determine sex in forensic anthropology. However, it is necessary to use data specific to a particular population, as different populations exhibit varying degrees of sexual dimorphism. This study aimed to determine the sexual dimorphism in the buccolingual dimensions of permanent anterior teeth in the young Iranian population. Materials and methods:A total of 100 students (50 females and 50 males) participated in the current study. A total of 1200 permanent anterior teeth were examined. The buccolingual dimension of all anterior teeth was measured using Vernier Calipers with a calibration of 0.01 mm. Data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test and paired sample T-test, and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:The mean values of the buccolingual dimension of the maxillary canines on the right and left sides (13, 23) were statistically greater in males than females (P=0.04, P=0.03) and had the greatest percentage of sexual dimorphism (4.08% and 5.26%, respectively). Conclusion:The buccolingual dimension of Iranian canines could be used as a reliable material to identify gender in forensic studies, and the degree of sexual dimorphism varies among different populations. Therefore, it is essential to use the relevant data samples for each population. It was concluded that Europeans had the greatest amount of sexual differences in the anterior teeth, while Iranians had the least amount of sexual dimorphism in the anterior teeth.

COVID-19 in Pregnant Patients at Term: Evolution of Coagulation Factors in Mild Forms throughout the Pandemic: Conventional Analysis and Logistic Regression.

Aim: The evolution of coagulation factors in pregnant patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic is still debated. However, few studies have been carried out to evaluate the silent alterations of blood values in mild forms of the disease. Methods:A total of 153 pregnant patients with an asymptomatic form of COVID-19 and 306 healthy pregnant patients, who were admitted for delivery in our hospital between April 1, 2020 and March 1, 2022, were studied. The blood values harvested closest to the time of delivery were considered. Results:There was a significant variability in values of fibrinogen, prothrombin time, though these were still within normal limits. Conclusions:Pregnant patients with mild forms of COVID-19 displayed some blood alterations, even if they were asymptomatic for COVID-19.

Kisspeptin Serum Levels in Patients with Endometriosis, New Research Pathways Regarding Female Infertility.

Introduction:Endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, therefore leading to a chronic inflammatory reaction, adhesions development, scar tissue and a distorted pelvic female anatomy, most of the times leading to female infertility. Kisspeptin represents a neuropeptide thought to have an essential role in the reproductive functions of both female and male patients. Recently, positive correlations with kisspeptins were noticed in patients diagnosed with endometriosis. Materials and methods: Our study was performed between January 2021-March 2022 in "Elena Doamna" Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology Iasi, Romania. It was a prospective case-control study and included two groups of patients. Both groups consisted in female patients aged between 18 and 45 years, with a body mass index (BMI) between 18,5-30 kg/m2 and similar medical data. Patients in the study group had primary or secondary infertility and endometriosis, while the control group consisted of women with no reproductive issues who had healthy regular menstruations and at least one child. All patients agreed to participate in our study and signed the consent form. Clinical examination, pelvic ultrasound and hormonal dosages were performed. We tested the levels of LH, FSH, kisspeptin, estradiol, prolactin, testosterone, insulin and the glycemic levels in both groups during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. Results: We managed to enroll eight patients with endometriosis in the study group and an equal number of patients in the control group. There were significant differences between serum kisspeptin levels, but not also between other hormonal dosages. All patients in the study group had medical evidences of endometriomas but none of them had been subjected to laparoscopy. Conclusion:When considering our study, we regarded the first attribution given to kisspeptin, the one of a metastasis suppressor, and concluded that the high serum values of kisspeptin in patients with endometriosis represented a compensatory-adaptive mechanism needed to constrain future spread of endometriomas in early stages of this pathology.

The postpartum uterine ultrasonographic scale in assessment of uterine involution after cesarean section in treated thrombophilia pregnant patients at term.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a prothrombotic condition which can be abnormally exaggerated in women with thrombophilia. METHODS: In a prospective study, patients who delivered at term, by cesarean section, between 1 October 2017 and 1 December 2021, who already had a diagnosis of thrombophilia before coming to our hospital, were included in the study group (n = 80). A similar number of nonthrombophilia patients (n = 80) without any history of thrombotic events, age- and para-matched with the study group, were included in the control group. The postpartum uterine ultrasonographic scale (PUUS) values, in the first 24-48 h, were correlated with the patients' data. RESULTS: The P-LCR (platelet large cell ratio), was significantly higher in the treated thrombophilia group (p = 0.042). There was no correlation between PUUS and complete blood count values, coagulation factors, maternal characteristics, or fetal outcomes, except for postpartum neutrophils (p = 0.047) and postpartum platelet count (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum uterine involution was not significantly different, after cesarean section, between treated thrombophilia patients and nonthrombophilia patients. Involution correlated only with postpartum neutrophils and postpartum platelet count.

Brixia and qSOFA Scores, Coagulation Factors and Blood Values in Spring versus Autumn 2021 Infection in Pregnant Critical COVID-19 Patients: A Preliminary Study.

(1) Background: From the recent variants of concern of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in which the delta variant generated more negative outcomes than the alpha, we hypothesized that lung involvement, clinical condition deterioration and blood alterations were also more severe in autumn infection, when the delta variant dominated (compared with spring infections, when the alpha variant dominated), in severely infected pregnant patients. (2) Methods: In a prospective study, all pregnant patients admitted to the ICU of the Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital with a critical form of COVID-19 infection-spring group (n = 11) and autumn group (n = 7)-between 1 January 2021 and 1 December 2021 were included. Brixia scores were calculated for every patient: A score, upon admittance; H score, the highest score throughout hospitalization; and E score, at the end of hospitalization. For each day of Brixia A, H or E score, the qSOFA (quick sepsis-related organ failure assessment) score was calculated, and the blood values were also considered. (3) Results: Brixia E score, C-reactive protein, GGT and LDH were much higher, while neutrophil count was much lower in autumn compared with spring critical-form pregnant patients. (4) Conclusions: the autumn infection generated more dramatic alterations than the spring infection in pregnant patients with critical forms of COVID-19. Larger studies with more numerous participants are required to confirm these results.

Kisspeptin Variations in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-A Prospective Case Control Study.

Background and objectives: Kisspeptin, also named metastin, showed important roles in initiating the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and is an essential factor in the development of polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS). Several research studies noticed associations between kisspeptin levels and patients with anovulatory cycles due to PCOS with an increased LH/FSH ratio. The aim of our study was to bring scientific evidence regarding the correlation between high kisspeptin and luteinizing hormone values in subfertile women due to PCOS. Materials and Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted in "Elena Doamna" Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology between 4 January 2021 and 1 March 2022. All patients agreed to participate in our study, had ages between 18 and 45 years old, and had a body mass index between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2. The study group consisted of subfertile patients with PCOS and menstrual disturbances, including amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. The control group consisted of healthy patients with ovulatory cycles and no other reproductive or endocrinology pathologies. During the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle, patients had blood samples taken with the dosage of kisspeptin, LH, FSH, estradiol, insulin, glycemic levels, testosterone, and prolactin. Pelvic ultrasounds and clinical examinations were performed as well. Results: Significant differences were observed in kisspeptin, LH, FSH, and estradiol levels between patients with PCOS and the control group. After the univariate analysis, PCOS was significantly associated with increased kisspeptin, increased LH, and decreased FSH. There was no significant association between PCOS, estradiol, prolactin, and insulin. Conclusions: kisspeptin serum values are higher in subfertile PCOS patients, supporting the hypothesis that an over-stimulation of the KISS1 system might cause the hyper-stimulation of the HPG-axis.

The Additional Role of the 3-Vessels and Trachea View in Screening for Congenital Heart Disease.

Background and Objectives: Although frequent and associated with high mortality and morbidity rate, congenital heart disease (CHD) has a suboptimal prenatal detection rate, with significant variation according to the scanning protocol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the 3-vessels and trachea view (3VT) in detecting CHD, with or without the use of Color Doppler, with an emphasis on major CHD. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 1596 unselected pregnant patients presenting at 11-37 weeks of gestation for a routine anomaly scan. We selected all CHD cases, and we analyzed the performance of the 4-chamber (4C) and 3VT view in detecting CHD. Results: A total of 46 fetuses with CHD were identified, yielding a 2.86% overall incidence, and 0.87% for major CHD. Grayscale 4C detected 47.8% of all CHD, going up to 71.7% by adding grayscale 3VT, with no major CHD remaining undetected by combining grayscale 4C and 3VT. Conclusions: Grayscale 4C and 3VT views are effective in detecting major CHD, thus proving their utility even in a low resource setting.

Treatments in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Effects on Kisspeptin Serum Levels.

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common and multifactorial pathology among young women of reproductive age and one of the main causes for female infertility. Most patients are referred to a gynecologist due to specific symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, facial or body acne and inability to obtain a pregnancy. Lately, kisspeptin, a neuropeptide produced in the anterior region of the hypothalamus that seems to modulate the GnRH secretion and therefore the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian axis (HHO-axis), has been considered responsible for PCOS occurrence. Objectives:The aim of our study was to observe the changes in hormonal balances and kisspeptin serum levels in patients with PCOS after treatment with myo-inositol and vitex. Materials and methods:A prospective clinical study was conducted by us, between 4 January 2021 and 1 March 2022, in "Elena Doamna" Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iasi, Romania. After obtaining the subjects' informed consent and agreement to participate, we identified 14 patients with PCOS and primary or secondary infertility, who underwent laboratory investigations during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycles, testing for kisspeptin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, insulin, blood sugar levels and prolactin. An abdominal-pelvic scan and full body examination were also performed. Patients, in accordance with their gynecologists' recommendation, preferred a medical therapy consisting of myo-inositol 750 mg/day and vitex 400 mg/day. After three months of treatment, patients agreed to have a second check up to see if any changes occurred. Results:We found significant positive differences when considering kisspeptin, estradiol, FSH and prolactin serum values. There was no significant difference in testosterone and insulin serum levels; on the other hand, we observed an increase in LH serum levels. The mean ovarian volume before treatment was 14.0 for the right ovaries and 13.8 for the left ovaries. After treatment and the recommended lifestyle changes, we noticed a decrease in the mean ovarian volume (13.5 for the right ovaries and 13.4 for the left ovaries). Discussions and conclusions: The etiology of PCOS, which is considered a multifactorial pathology, remains unclear. Multiple studies have been conducted and are still exploring the role of kisspeptin as an etiologic factor for PCOS associated with infertility. Our study showed a decrease in kisspeptin values after the use of myo-inositol and vitex in patients with PCOS, therefore supporting the long-standing theory that kisspeptin might have an essential role in the development of PCOS.

The Rare Case of a COVID-19 Pregnant Patient with Quadruplets and Postpartum Severe Pneumonia. Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background and Objectives: The multiple pregnancies associated with COVID-19 is a new and difficult condition to manage. The prognosis for rapid deterioration after the cesarean delivery is difficult to assess and needs close interdisciplinary follow-up due to pregnancy and postpartum-related changes. Materials and Methods: We report the case of a 37-year-old primigesta primipara patient who was admitted to "Elena Doamna" Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 33 weeks and 3 days of gestation with high-grade multiple pregnancies (triplets) for threatened premature birth associated with COVID-19. The patient had a history of surgically corrected atrial septal defect during childhood and currently is known to have paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Tocolysis was ineffective and the decision to perform a cesarean operation was made. The diagnosis was established: primigesta, primipara, at 34 weeks of gestation, high-grade multiple pregnancy with triplets, intact membranes, threatened premature birth, surgically corrected atrial septal defect, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, infection with COVID-19. The patient underwent a cesarean intervention and treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia. The intervention took place at 33 weeks and 4 days of gestation resulting in four newborns with weights between 1400 g and 1820 g and Apgar scores between 6-8. All newborns were transferred to a third-degree Neonatology ICU service due to their prematurity. The fourth newborn was not identified in any of the ultrasounds performed during pregnancy. During the postpartum period, the patient had a fulminant evolution of COVID-19 pneumonia, with rapid deterioration, needing respiratory support and antiviral treatment. Discussions: Managing high-risk obstetrical pregnancies associated with COVID-19 requires a multidisciplinary team consisting of obstetricians, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and infectious disease doctors. Conclusion: Our case is the first to our knowledge in Romania to present an association of high-grade multiple pregancy with COVID19 moderate form, rapidly evolving postpartum, needing rapid intensive care admission, and specific treatment with Remdesivir, with good post-treatment evolution.

Rare Case of Smooth Muscle Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential - Clinical Case.

Introduction: Smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) still represents a medical and surgical challenge, being rare and hard to diagnose. Normally STUMP consists in a multitude of uterine tumors that do not meet the current histologic criteria for a specific malignant or benign tumor. Clinical, imagistic and laboratory investigations seem to only raise the presumptive diagnosis in these cases, the diagnosis being confirmed during histological examination of the post hysterectomy/myomectomy specimen. Case report: We present the case of a 50-year-old female patient who was examined for the first time for pelvic pain and sensation of increased pressure in the lower abdomen in June 2020. A gynecology consultation was performed, during which a large uterine mass was felt on vaginal digital examination combined with pelvic palpation. Further pelvic ultrasound examination revealed a voluminous tumor of the left ovary. Then, a magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which showed a large pelvi-abdominal tumor of probable ovarian origin with a mixt tissue type and cystic structure, the presence of pathological abdominal and pelvic lymph nodes, ascites with a suspicion of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The patient was referred to a tertiary center and the multidisciplinary team recommended surgical treatment. A total hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and stadial lymphadenectomy was performed. After surgery, the patient had a favorable evolution and was discharged five days after the intervention in a good health condition. Macroscopic and histological examinations of the biopsy pieces showed morphological aspects of uterine smooth muscles tumors with uncertain malignancy potential/STUMP and multiple uterine leiomyomas. Discussion:Due to the rarity of these tumors, the scientific literature needs to be constantly updated in order to help physicians to correctly identify and treat this pathology. It is highly recommended to identify tumors with a high malignancy potential, so that the follow up will be sufficient to discover and treat recurrences before they become life-threatening. Conclusion:Smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential remains a difficult diagnosis due to uncertainty between malignancy and benign features. Treatment approaches are difficult in these cases and must always be in accordance with the patients' desire to maintain their reproductive functions and fertility. Recurrence of STUMP has been reported, therefore a close follow up of these patients must always be performed.

Postpartum Uterine Ultrasonographic Scale: a novel method to standardize the assessment of uterine postpartum involution.

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality. Various methods can be used to evaluate the postpartum uterine cavity volume. This work aims to introduce a simple method for uterine postpartum cavity volume evaluation, called Postpartum Uterine Ultrasonographic Scale (PUUS), which could be used routinely. In this prospective study, 131 consecutive Caucasian patients were evaluated by using the PUUS method. The mean age was 27.72 years (ranging from 15 to 42). Patients were examined in the same time intervals: within the first 24-48 hours after delivery in case of vaginal delivery, and within the first 48-72 hours, in case of cesarean delivery. Patients with PUUS grades 2, 3, or 4 were reexamined daily until the PUUS grade declined to 1 or 0. The PUUS method evaluated the length of the endometrium of the uterine cavity occupied by blood or debris, from grade 0 (no blood) to grade 4 (over three-quarters of the endometrial length occupied by blood/debris). The PUUS grade of uterine involution varied with the day of examination, gestation, and parity. In this article, a novel method of evaluating uterine postpartum involution titled PUUS is introduced. This method standardized uterine cavity involution in a numerical fashion. We hope that the PUUS scale could further be used to decrease the morbidity and mortality of women due to postpartum hemorrhage.

The Importance of the Novel Postpartum Uterine Ultrasonographic Scale in Numerical Assessments of Uterine Involution Regarding Perinatal Maternal and Fetal Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Uterine involution assessments are critical for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. Various methods have been used worldwide. METHODS: The PUUS (Postpartum Uterine Ultrasonographic Scale) method evaluates, by transabdominal ultrasonography, the length of the endometrium of the uterine cavity occupied by blood or debris, from grade 0 (no blood) to grade 4 (over three-quarters of the endometrial length occupied by blood/debris). A total of 131 consecutive patients admitted for delivery in the Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital in Iasi, Romania, were prospectively evaluated using the PUUS method. The mean age was 27.72 years old, and they were examined during the first 24-48 h after vaginal delivery, or in the first 48-72 h after cesarean delivery. For patients with a PUUS grade greater than 1, re-examination was preformed daily in the following days, until the PUUS grade decreased to 1 or 0. RESULTS: By standardizing uterine involution in a numerical fashion, we precisely demonstrate that uterine involution varied with the method of delivery (vaginal/cesarean) and with the number of vials of oxytocin received intrapartum, but not with the number of vials of ergometrine maleate received, and not with the origin of the parturient (rural/urban).

Complete Blood Count Peculiarities in Pregnant SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients at Term: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: During viral outbreaks, pregnancy poses an increased risk of infection for women. METHODS: In a prospective study, all patients admitted for delivery at term to Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital in Iasi, Romania, between 1 April 2020 and 31 December 2020 were included. There were 457 patients, divided into two groups: group 1, SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (n = 46) and group 2, SARS-CoV-2-negative patients (n = 411). Among other tests, complete blood count was determined upon admittance, and the following values were studied: white blood cell count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, red blood cell distribution width, hematocrit, platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit, and platelet large cell ratio. RESULTS: in pregnant SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at term, there was a significant decrease in white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte count, and an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, compared to healthy pregnant women at term, although all still within normal limits. None of the other components of the complete blood count or fetal outcomes studied was significantly influenced by SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant patients at term.

Management of an Intrauterine Device Migration Resulting in a Pregnancy - Clinical Case.

Intrauterine devices (IUD) are one of the most commonly used methods of contraception worldwide. The long term effect makes it desirable by most patients. The insertion of an IUD is not difficult as a technique but it involves multiple complications such as uterine perforation and migration into the abdominal cavity, urinary bladder perforation, fistula formation, bowel perforation and intra-abdominal adhesions. We present the case of a 31-year-old female patient (para=4) with a medical history of an IUD insertion during her postpartum period in February 2018. In April 2019, during her normal follow up consultation, the speculum examination did not detect any IUD strings and the abdominopelvic ultrasound showed no signs of the device inside the uterine cavity. A subsequent X-ray identified the device in a horizontal position in the pelvic region. The patient was scheduled for surgical intervention, but in the meantime she became pregnant. Decision to continue with the pregnancy was taken and surgery was delayed until the postpartum period. In August 2020, a laparoscopic surgical procedure was performed; during the intervention, the IUD was identified in the anterior rectal wall with only the strings exiting the wall. Therefore, a visceral surgeon advice was required. The device was removed by continuing the laparoscopic intervention. The patient was given antibiotic treatment and had a favorable evolution. Although IUD is thought to be an easy and accessible method of contraception, complications such as uterine perforation must always be taken in consideration and well explained to all patients.