Diagnostic performance of two ultrasound techniques for the detection of cleft palate without cleft lip: axial-transverse and equal sign.

OBJECTIVE: There is no study that compares the diagnostic performance of ATV and ESV techniques in detecting cleft palate. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of two ultrasound techniques: axial-transverse (ATV) and "equal sign" view (ESV), in detecting fetal cleft palate without cleft lip. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from March 2019 to January 2022 in a tertiary referral hospital. Secondary palates were assessed with ATV and ESV by two experienced fetal medicine specialists who were blinded to each other's ultrasound findings. Final diagnosis was done according to postnatal physical examination. The sensitivity and specificity of the two techniques were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 311 pregnancies which met the study criteria were evaluated. Postnatal physical examination showed that 13 (0.4%) neonates had cleft palate only (CPO). According to final diagnosis the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for ATV were 100%, 98.7%, 76.4%, 100% and 100% for ESV were 76.9%, 97.8%, 58.9% and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ATV in 2D ultrasound provides higher sensitivity and specificity than ESV in detecting CPO.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios in pregnant women with familial mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between maternal serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) and pregnancy outcomes in women with familial mediterranean fever (FMF). BACKGROUND: FMF exists worldwide, it primarily affects Mediterranean countries METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 269 pregnant women, who underwent a routine prenatal follow-up and delivery in our hospital from 2016 to 2020. Clinical and demographic data, including age, gravida, parity, abortus, proteinuria in the first trimester, NLR, obstetrical complications, gestational age at delivery, birthweight were retrieved from the patients' medical records. Data from 67 pregnant women with FMF and 202 healthy pregnant women were compared. RESULTS: Patients with FMF showed higher rates of preeclampsia and primary caesarean delivery; however, there were no differences between the groups in terms of other obstetric complications or adverse neonatal outcomes. In both the FMF and control groups, NLRs in the third trimester were significantly higher than those in the first trimester. Additionally, patients in the FMF group demonstrated higher NLRs than patients in the control group in the third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: The NLRs are a haematological parameter that can be used to predict subclinical inflammation and the effects of ongoing subclinical inflammation on the pregnancy outcomes in women with FMF (Tab. 4, Ref. 39).

Association between basal proteinuria levels and pregnancy outcomes in familial Mediterranean fever.

We aimed to investigate whether proteinuria in the first trimester of pregnancy in Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients has an impact on pregnancy outcome and perinatal and neonatal outcome of pregnancies. A total of 66 pregnant with FMF were compared with healthy controls at the same gestational weeks. Patients with FMF had a higher antenatal hospitalisation rate (34.8% vs. 6.1%, respectively, p < .01) and higher rate of 2 or more miscarriages. FMF patients with or without obstetric complications also had a similar amount of 24-h urine proteinuria in the first trimester. Patients on colchicine therapy during pregnancy had more frequent attacks in pregnancy (59.3% vs. 18.2%, respectively, p: .012). The rates of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, foetal anomalies, small for gestation age neonates and primary caesarean rate were similar between groups. In conclusion; FMF had no significant impact on pregnancy. Neither attacks in pregnancy nor basal proteinuria were associated with adverse outcomes.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterised by inflammation of the serosal, synovial and cutaneous tissues with recurrent attacks. One of the most serious complications of FMF is amyloidosis that can cause end-stage renal disease. Outcomes of FMF on pregnancy have been analysed by only few studies. Amyloidosis based on the initial renal function may adversely affect pregnancies. It has been reported that FMF patients with renal amyloidosis may suffer pregnancy complications to a greater extent.What do the results of this study add? There have been few studies on the correlation between FMF, proteinuria and pregnancy outcomes. In our study we found that FMF had no significant impact on pregnancy. Neither attacks in pregnancy nor basal proteinuria were associated with adverse outcomes.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study suggested that FMF had no relationship between pregnancy outcomes. However, our study population is relatively small. It will contribute to comprehensive studies involving a larger population. Future studies should be performed to investigate the effects of basal proteinuria in pregnancy with FMF.

In-vivo Intradermal Delivery of Co-57 labeled Vitamin B-12, and Subsequent Comparison with Standard Subcutaneous Administration.

Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) deficiency in humans is a worldwide problem emanating from varied causes such as insufficient dietary intake or malabsorption of the micronutrient due to an underlying condition (absence or failure of intrinsic factor, atrophic gastritis, post-operative bariatric surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, cobalt deficiency etc.). As oral supplementation is limited by its bioavailability due to the absorptive property of intrinsic factor, clinicians often prescribe parenteral forms of administration to replenish diminished levels rapidly. The gold standard in parenteral delivery of cobalamin is subcutaneous and/or intramuscular injections. The relatively large molecular size of cobalamin (1355.39 Da) makes passive transdermal patch-based delivery via the stratum corneum quite challenging. Hence, the primary goal of this study is to investigate the feasibility of intradermal (ID) delivery of Vitamin B-12 via an almost painless microneedle injection and subsequent comparison with standard subcutaneous (SC) delivery. This work reports on a custom-made microneedle device built from a commercial insulin needle and it's use to perform ID delivery of Co-57 radiolabeled Vitamin B-12 in-vivo in rabbits. The pharmacokinetic profile and bioavailability were studied and compared with SC delivery. It is the first comprehensive study, to our best knowledge, that compares a micronutrient (eg. Vitamin B-12) delivery via ID and SC routes in-vivo. While the bioavailability for the SC route is found to be slightly higher compared to the ID route (99% vs. 96%), the Tmax for both are almost identical. Thus, ID delivery of Vitamin B-12 using a microneedle injection could be a viable and minimally invasive alternative to existing parenteral options.

Villitis of unknown aetiology: Clinical implications in preterm population.

Villitis of unknown aetiology (VUE) is a chronic inflammatory process of chorionic villi which is reported to occur in up to 15% of term placentas. The present study aimed to investigate the association between VUE and perinatal complications in a population who delivered before term. Patients with VUE had a significantly higher rate of intrauterine growth restriction than the control group (47.1% vs. 20.6%, p < 0.01). In addition patients with VUE had a higher rate of deliveries due to absent diastolic flow on umbilical artery doppler than the control group (17.6% vs. 4.4%, p: 0.03). The rate of spontaneous preterm birth or pre-eclampsia was similar in patients with VUE and control groups. The present study provides some evidence that VUE is associated with abnormal perinatal outcomes in pregnant women who give birth before term.

Effect of maternal cervical bacterial colonization on neonatal outcome in high-risk pregnancies: results from a tertiary maternity center in Turkey.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the morbidity and mortality of neonates born to pregnant women with positive and negative cervical cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The demographic and clinical features of mothers included in this study, along with details of the microorganisms isolated on maternal cervical cultures and the number of days between a positive cervical culture and delivery were recorded. Neonates were stratified into two groups based on cervical culture results of their mothers--Group 1, positive cervical culture; Group 2, negative cervical culture. RESULTS: A total of 216 women who delivered 242 infants were included in the study. Group 1 consisted of 90 neonates while Group 2 had 152 newborns. The difference between the groups with demographic characteristics was statistically insignificant. Mean levels of the acute phase reactants, CRP, and IL-6, obtained six hours after delivery were significantly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05 for C-reactive protein (CRP) andp < 0.001 for IL-6). Although there was no difference between groups in terms of duration of respiratory support, mean duration of hospitalization, as well as mortality rate were significantly higher in Group 1 (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Women diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy should be treated with antibiotics immediately after a positive cervical culture result, and delivery should be delayed until the success of antibiotic treatment can be evaluated. Early initiation of maternal antibiotic therapy is associated with shorter durations of hospital stay for newborns. Close follow-up of mothers with high-risk pregnancies and extension of treatment duration are critical for determining prognosis in newborn infants.

Multiple repeat cesarean delivery is associated with increased maternal morbidity irrespective of placenta accreata.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the perinatal morbidity associated with multiple repeat cesarean deliveries (CD) and, thus, to achieve a body of evidence for the current practice of discouraging pregnancy after undergoing three CDs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study prospectively reviewed a total of 500 women who consecutively underwent CD between January 1, 2009 and April 1, 2009. The patients were allocated into four groups based on the number of CDs they had undergone (Group 1: first CD, Group 2: second CD, Group 3: third CD, Group 4: fourth CD). Data related with their demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded as well as their perioperative characteristics and clinical characteristics of the neonates born to them. Cochran-Armitage test for trends and Spearman rank correlation analysis test was used to evaluate the trend of perioperative complications and neonatal outcome with the increasing number of CDs. RESULTS: The mean age, gravidity and parity were significantly higher in groups 2-4 than those of the women who had their first CD (Group 1). The average operation time and mean delivery time as well as severe adhesions, bowel injury increased significantly with the number of CD. Neonatal characteristics were similar among groups except for a trend towards a decrease in the rate of meconium stained and a trend towards increase in the rate of neonatal sepsis with the increasing number of CD. CONCLUSIONS: We have found positive correlation between the maternal morbidity and the number of CDs. The occurrence of adhesions emerges as the most significant indicator of maternal morbidity, eventually leading to the neighboring organ injury and prolonged operation time.

Preoperative prediction of poor prognostic parameters and adjuvant treatment in women with pure endometrioid type endometrial cancer: what is the significance of tumor markers?

UNLABELLED: Summary PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The study was conducted to determine whether preoperative serum levels of cancer antigen (CA) 125, CA15- 3, CA19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are associated clinicopathologically with poor prognostic parameters and adjuvant treatment requirements in women with pure endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of EEC cases that were treated between January 2008 and January 2011. The association between preoperative tumor markers and prognostic parameters, recurrence risk, and adjuvant treatment requirements were investigated. Following univariate analyses, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for each marker to assess their capacity to predict prognostic parameters and need for adjuvant treatment. RESULTS: A total of 166 EEC cases were identified. Mean CA125, CA15-3, and CA19-9 levels were higher in cases that required adjuvant treatment (p < 0.05). CA125 had significant power for prediction of extrauterine disease, tumor size > two cm, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), deep myometrial invasion, cervical involvement, adnexal involvement, positive cytology, lymph node metastasis, and adjuvant treatment requirement. CA15-3 was a significant marker for adjuvant treatment prediction. CA19-9 could predict deep myometrial invasion, cervical involvement, and adjuvant treatment requirement. However, CEA and AFP did not have adequate capacity to predict any of the poor prognostic parameters and adjuvant treatment requirements. CONCLUSIONs: CA125 is currently one of the most important preoperative markers for identifying EEC cases that exhibit postoperatively poor prognostic pathologic findings and a consequent need for adjuvant treatment. CA15-3 and CA19- 9 were also significant markers with limited capacity in detecting prognostic parameters.

The outcomes of surgical treatment modalities to decrease "near miss" maternal morbidity caused by peripartum hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patients with peripartum hemorrhage is unfortunately characterized by inadequate treatment that does not adhere to standard therapeutic measures. AIM: Assessment of different management strategies among patients with severe hemorrhage, particularly the ones with "near-miss" maternal morbidity and mortality to establish clinically useful guidelines for the prevention and management of peripartum hemorrhage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, the medical records of 458 patients who have experienced peripartum hemorrhage between March 2009 and March 2012 in a tertiary perinatal center were retrospectively reviewed. Specific surgical treatment modalities utilized to 61 patients with severe peripartum hemorrhage with respect to the procedure timing and effectivity were compared according to the outcomes and efficiency. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients who have been diagnosed as severe peripartum hemorrhage have been included to the study. Six (75%) of the 8 patients who were treated with B-Lynch brace suture for uterine atony and 9 (60%) of the 15 patients who were treated with the Bakri balloon tamponade system for uterine atony or placenta accreta required hysterectomy following the initial therapeutic measures. The patients who have been treated with bilateral hypogastric artery ligation and B-Lynch brace suture or Bakri balloon uterine tamponade system were less likely to need a complementary hysterectomy for definitive treatment of peripartum hemorrhage when compared with patients treated with either B-Lynch brace suture or Bakri uterine tamponade balloon system alone. CONCLUSIONS: The efficiency of B-Lynch compression brace sutures and the Bakri balloon uterine tamponade system is unpredictable in terms of the need for hysterectomy for peripartum hemorrhage patients diagnosed as either uterine atony or placenta previa. Regardless of the initial diagnosis, these modalities seem to be more effective in alleviating peripartum hemorrhage when accompanied by hypogastric artery ligation.

Predictive value of umbilical artery Doppler for adverse perinatal outcome in patients with HELLP syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate in a prospective design the importance of pathologic umbilical artery (UA) Doppler findings as a predictive marker for neonatal outcome in patients with HELLP syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 45 pregnant women at 24-42 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of HELLP syndrome were included. The study group consisted of 20 patients with abnormal UA Doppler results, and the remaining 25 HELLP syndrome patients with normal UA Doppler results were assigned to the control group. All patients were followed up until delivery, and the neonatal characteristics were compared. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the groups were similar. In the study group, gestational week at delivery and infant birth weight were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The rates of significant neonatal morbidity, neonatal mortality, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were significantly higher in study group patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: UA Doppler abnormalities can be considered predictive of poor neonatal prognosis in patients with HELLP syndrome, as they were significantly related with higher rates of neonatal mortality and significant morbidity.

Preclinical evaluation of [(18)F]JNJ42259152 as a PET tracer for PDE10A.

Phosphodiesterase-10A (PDE10A) is implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders involving basal ganglia neurotransmission, such as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Huntington's disease. To confirm target engagement and exposure-occupancy relationships of clinical candidates for treatment, and to further explore the in vivo biology of PDE10A, non-invasive imaging using a specific PET ligand is warranted. Recently we have reported the in vivo evaluation of [(18)F]JNJ41510417 which showed specific binding to PDE10A in rat striatum, but with relatively slow kinetics. A chemically related derivative JNJ42259152 was found to have a similar in vivo occupancy, but lower lipophilicity and lower PDE10A in vitro inhibitory activity compared to JNJ41510417. (18)F-labeled JNJ42259152 was therefore evaluated as a potential PDE10A PET radiotracer. Baseline PET in rats and monkey showed specific retention in the PDE10A-rich striatum, and fast wash-out, with a good contrast to non-specific binding, in other brain regions. Pretreatment and chase experiments in rats with the selective PDE10A inhibitor MP-10 showed that tracer binding was specific and reversible. Absence of specific binding in PDE10A knock-out (KO) mice further confirmed PDE10A specificity. In vivo radiometabolite analysis using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed presence of polar radiometabolites in rat plasma and brain. In vivo imaging in rat and monkey further showed faster brain kinetics, and higher striatum-to-cerebellum ratios for [(18)F]JNJ42259152 compared to [(18)F]JNJ41510417. The arterial input function corrected for radiometabolites was determined in rats and basic kinetic modeling was established. For a 60-min acquisition time interval, striatal binding potential of the intact tracer referenced to the cerebellum showed good correlation with corresponding binding potential values of a Simplified Reference Tissue Model and referenced Logan Plot, the latter using a population averaged reference tissue-to-plasma clearance rate and offering the possibility to generate representative parametric binding potential images. In conclusion we can state that in vivo imaging in PDE10A KO mice, rats and monkey demonstrates that [(18)F]JNJ42259152 provides a PDE10A-specific signal in the striatum with good pharmacokinetic properties. Although presence of a polar radiometabolite in rat brain yielded a systematic but reproducible underestimation of the striatal BPND, a Logan reference tissue model approach using 60 min acquisition data is appropriate for quantification.

Alarming rise of cesarean births: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increase in cesarean section rates requires detailed investigation worldwide. The goal of this study was to analyze the distribution of indications and rates of cesarean sections in a developing country and to introduce the measures for controlling increased cesarean deliveries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic medical records of the patients who underwent cesarean section were retrospectively evaluated between the years of 2006 and 2008. RESULTS: Total of 42,547 vaginal delivery, 104 instrumental vaginal delivery and 28357 cesarean section were performed. The instrumental delivery and cesarean section rates were 0.14 and 39.9%, respectively. The most common indication was repeat cesarean that was present in 9224 patients (32.5%) followed by fetal distress in 6427 patients (22.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Encouraging vaginal delivery for patients with previous cesarean by community based national approaches seems the leading measure to control the increased rates of cesarean section in developing countries.

Removal of uterine fibroids during cesarean section: a difficult therapeutic decision.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Myoma excision during cesarean delivery has traditionally been discouraged, however controversy persists among studies of myomectomy being performed during cesarean section. In this study, medical records of patients who underwent cesarean section our institution were evaluated retrospectively. METHODS: A total of 70 cases of cesarean myomectomy done during this period were included (group 1) and compared with the patients who underwent cesarean section alone (group 2). RESULTS: Mean surgical time of the myomectomy group was 58.1 +/- 23 minutes which was significantly increased (p < 0.01). Mean postoperative hemoglobin value was 9.6 +/- 1.5 in the myomectomy group and 10.8 +/- 1.01 in controls (p = 0.01). Length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the myomectomy group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that myomectomy during cesarean section is a feasible procedure without any serious complications. The procedure is related with increased blood loss that does not require blood transfusion.

Rapidly progressing A/H1N1 (09) pandemic influenza virus infection in pregnancy.

We presented a pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus infection in two pregnant women who were referred to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a rapidly progressive disease course. Both women had unremarkable past medical history. The first woman had the symptoms of fever, cough, dyspnea and tachypnea lasting for four days. The second woman refused to take oseltamivir treatment. They were both referred to ICU with the diagnosis of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The second woman was intubated for two days in ICU. Both women showed a gradual improvement in their follow up and were discharged. Early admission, prompt diagnosis and early recourse to antiviral treatment gives better results in H1N1 infected pregnant women (Fig. 2, Ref. 10).

Severe preeclampsia and fetal virilization in a spontaneous singleton pregnancy complicated by hyperreactio luteinalis.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUNDr: Hyperreactio luteinalis is a rare condition that stems from theca cell hyperplasia in the ovaries due to a high level of human chorionic gonadotropin during gestation. It occurs commonly in pregnant patients with trophoblastic disease, occasionally in multiple pregnancies, and rarely in normal singleton pregnancy. CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old pregnant woman, G3 P0, who was admitted to the Perinatology Clinic with increasing findings of virilization during pregnancy was presented. The patient had bilaterally enlarged multicystic ovaries on sonographic examination and elevated serum androgen levels She was managed conservatively until 38th week of gestation as a presumptive diagnosis of hyperreactio luteinalis. Elevated blood pressure and prominent proteinuria were detected during the follow-up of the patient and labor was induced. She underwent an emergency caesarean delivery because of fetal distress. During caesarean section, ovarian biopsies were taken and a histopathological diagnosis of hyperreactio luteinalis was determined. The female fetus also presented virilization. CONCLUSION: Although infrequent, hyperreactio luteinalis with both maternal and fetal virilization can occur in women with spontaneous singleton pregnancies. The clinical manifestations in such women may be complicated by severe preeclampsia.

Effect of spermatic vein ligation on seminal total antioxidant capacity in terms of varicocele grading.

We aimed to assess the effect of spermatic vein ligation on seminal total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with varicocele. Twenty infertile male patients with varicocele and 20 normal fertile men (control group) were included in the study. All the male patients were diagnosed with primary infertility and varicocele. The patients with varicocele were divided into two groups as nonpalpable (GI) (eight patients) and palpable (GII-III) (12 patients) varicocele groups. All the patients underwent microsurgical spermatic vein ligation. Seminal TAC levels and sperm parameters were evaluated in all the patients. Preoperative sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology and seminal TAC levels with equivalent figures 3-6 months after spermatic vein ligation and the same values of the control group were compared. There was a statistically significant increase in the total seminal antioxidant capacity level after spermatic vein ligation, and there was a statistically significant increase in the sperm count, sperm motility and spermatozoa with normal morphology. However, evaluation of the patients for varicocele grade showed a statistically significant increase in the TAC level only in the GII-III varicocele group. Spermatic vein ligation can improve the total seminal antioxidant capacity levels especially in patients with middle and high grade varicocele.

Urinary complications of gynecologic surgery: iatrogenic urinary tract system injuries in obstetrics and gynecology operations.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate iatrogenic urinary tract system injuries in obstetrics and gynecology operations and compare the results with the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined the records of patients who had obstetric and gynecology operations at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health, Training and Research Hospital between June 2007 and June 2010. All the patients who were diagnosed as having urinary system injuries in either the intraoperative or postoperative period were determined. RESULTS: During this period, 25,998 gynecologic and obstetrical operations were performed, 0.03% ureteric, 0.20% bladder, and one case of urethral injury, in a total of 0.24% urinary tract injuries were observed. The bladder was the most frequently injured organ. Total urinary tract injury rates were 0.79% (0.49% bladder, 0.24% ureteral) in gynecologic operations and 0.19% (0.18% bladder and 0.01% ureteral) in obstetric operations. CONCLUSION: Urinary system injuries are seen in approximately 1% of all gynecologic and obstetric surgeries. The complication rates observed in our patients were comparable with the other studies in the literature. A gynecologic surgeon must become familiar with the anatomy of the urinary tract and must be aware of common intraoperative and postoperative complications to decrease the risk of morbidity.

Two-year experience of obstetric cholestasis: outcome and management.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate the management and outcome of obstetric cholestasis in our perinatology unit. METHODS: We analyzed 44 pregnant women complicated by cholestasis. Data were collected retrospectively. Details of patient demographics and outcomes of pregnancy were recorded. Patients were randomized due to their decision to take ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy or not. RESULTS: Forty-four women of age 28.09 +/- 4.6 years delivered 45 newborns. The mean gestational age at diagnosis of obstetric cholestasis was 32.36 +/- 3.75 weeks. The mean delivery time was 38.25 +/- 1.5 weeks. Spontaneous premature delivery occurred in five (11.4%) of the patients. No stillbirths were observed. Serum transaminases decreased significantly in 26 of the patients who were treated with oral UDCA therapy. Twelve (27.2%) babies were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Out of 12 mothers whose babies were admitted to NICU, nine patients had not received UDCA (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: UDCA is effective in lowering transaminases.

Effectiveness of emergency cervical cerclage in patients with cervical dilation in the second trimester.

OBJECTIVE: Efficacy of emergency cerclage commensed in the second trimester is a controversial issue. In this study, we aimed to assess the success and associated complications of emergency cerclage in patients with cervical dilatation in the second trimester. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of 75 pregnant women who had clinically and ultrasonographically confirmed cervical dilatation in the second trimester who had undergone cervical cerclage were analyzed. Pregnancy prolongation was the main outcome measure. RESULTS: Seventy-five women were included to the study. Mean age was 27 and mean gravidity of the patients was three. Mean cervical length was 28.5 mm (12-41 mm). The rate of spontaneous abortion, immature deliveries, prematurity and deliveries after 34 weeks were 2.7% (n = 2), 8% (n = 6), 12 (n = 9) and 77.7 (n = 58), respectively. Fetal survival rate was 89.1% (n = 65). Serious vaginal bleeding from the suture area was noted in two patients (2.6%). No postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Emergency cerclage is a simple surgical procedure with lower complication rates and can effectively prolong gestation to viability. It can be considered as a useful measure for patients with evidence of cervical changes in the second trimester.

Maternal deaths associated with H1N1 influenza virus infection in Turkey: a whole-of-population report.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical and demographic characteristics of pregnant and postpartum women who died as a consequence of influenza A H1N1 (2009) infection in Turkey. DESIGN: A review of the records for pregnant and postpartum women who died as a consequence of H1N1 influenza virus infection. SETTING: Nationwide in Turkey. POPULATION: Thirty-six pregnant or postpartum women who died as a result of confirmed pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infection. METHODS: Using the General Directorate of Mother and Child Health and Family Planning (MCHFP) Registry of the Ministry of Health of Turkey, we identified all pregnant and postpartum women who died as a result of confirmed influenza A H1N1 (2009) infection between 29 October and 31 December 2009. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Maternal mortality as a result of H1N1 virus infection. RESULTS: The average time from symptom onset to initial presentation for health care was approximately 2.5 days, and the mean time from symptom onset to the receipt of antiviral medication was approximately 5.5 days. Only one-fifth of all women received early antiviral treatment (administered 2 days or less after symptom onset) and only one woman was vaccinated for H1N1 influenza 1 week before the onset of symptoms. The cause-specific maternal mortality ratio for H1N1 influenza infection in Turkey was estimated to be 3.01. The calculated risk of death associated with H1N1 influenza virus infection was approximately four times higher in pregnant and postpartum women than in the general population (relative risk, 3.88; 95% confidence interval, 2.77-5.43). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women are at increased risk for complications of, and death from, H1N1 influenza infection. Prompt evaluation and antiviral treatment of influenza-like illness should be considered in such women. Vaccination for H1N1 influenza may reduce the total number of deaths in pregnant and postpartum women. The high cause-specific maternal mortality rate suggests that H1N1 influenza virus infection may have increased the 2009 maternal mortality ratio in Turkey.