Dynamics of serum levels and reference ranges of copeptin in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy in healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Copeptin is a stable fragment of vasopressin. Copeptin levels have been found to reflect the degree of endothelial stress in various conditions, including acute coronary syndrome. Copeptin may be a bio marker for endothelial stress during pregnancy. However, there is still a lack of understanding of its dynamics and levels throughout pregnancy. This study aims to describe intra-individual and longitudinal changes in copeptin levels at 30th and 36th gestational weeks in healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery and to establish specific reference ranges. METHODS: A total of 125 pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery were included. These women were monitored throughout their pregnancy and gave birth at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Olomouc University Hospital. The blood was taken at ~30 and ~36 gestational weeks. Serum copeptin levels were measured using a Kryptor Compact PLUS analyzer. For statistics, we used R software and the "referenceRanges" package. RESULTS: It was found that serum levels of copeptin were significantly higher in the 36th week group than in the 30th week group (P < 0.05). Cook's distance was used to eliminate outliers. The 30th week median was 3.377 pmol/l, reference range = 1.343-7.829 pmol/l, and the 36 week was median 4.735 pmol/l and reference range = 2.06-13.2 pmol/l. In the 36th week reference range, the median was higher than in healthy, non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). Copeptin values can exceed 10 pmol/l, particularly after the 36th week. In the 3rd trimester, this value may indicate cardiovascular and endothelial overload. CONCLUSION: Copeptin levels were found to vary significantly depending on gestational week. The proposed reference ranges take into account the increased secretion of vasopressin in pregnancy. The existence of specific upper reference limits represents a potential advantage in detecting pregnant women prone to hypertensive disease in the 3rd trimester.

Anatomy of the pudendal nerve in clinically important areas: a pictorial essay and narrative review.

PURPOSE: The pudendal nerve is an anatomical structure arising from the ventral branches of the spinal roots S2-S4. Its complex course may be affected by surrounding structures. This may result in irritation or entrapment of the nerve with subsequent clinical symptoms. Aim of this study is to review the anatomy of the pudendal nerve and to provide detailed photographic documentation of the areas with most frequent clinical impact which are essential for surgical approach. METHODS: Major medical databases were searched to identify all anatomical studies investigating pudendal nerve and its variability, and possible clinical outcome of these variants. Extracted data consisted of morphometric parameters, arrangement of the pudendal nerve at the level of roots, formation of pudendal nerve, position according to sacrospinal and sacrotuberal ligaments and its terminal branches. One female cadaver hemipelvis was dissected with common variability of separate course of inferior rectal nerve. During dissection photodocumentation was made to record course of pudendal nerve with focus on areas with recorded pathologies and areas exposed to iatrogenic damage during surgical procedures. RESULTS: Narrative review was done to provide background for photodocumentation. Unique photos of course of the pudendal nerve was made in areas with great clinical significance. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of anatomical variations and course of the pudendal nerve is important for examinations and surgical interventions. Surgically exposed areas may become a site for iatrogenic damage of pudendal nerve; therefore, unique picture was made to clarify topographic relations.

Appearance of levator ani muscle subdivision defects on level III vaginal support structures in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: an MRI study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Injury of the levator ani muscle (LAM) is a significant risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The puborectalis (PRM) and pubovisceral (PVM) subdivisions are level III vaginal support structures. The null hypothesis was that there is no significant difference in patterns of LAM subdivisions in healthy nulliparous women. Secondarily, we evaluated the presence of different LAM injury in a POP-symptomatic cohort. METHODS: This retrospective magnetic resonance imaging study included: 64 nulligravidae without any pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and 526 women of various parity with symptomatic POP. Primary outcome was PVM and PRM morphology on the axial planes: the attachment site on the pubic bone, and the visible separation/border between the PVM and PRM. The attachment was scored as "normal" or "abnormal". The "abnormal" attachment was divided in two types: "type I"-loss of the muscle substance, but preservation of the overall muscle architecture-and "type II"-muscle detachment from the pubic bone. RESULTS: The puboanal muscle (PAM) subdivision was evaluated as a representative part of the PVM. The PAM and PRM attachments and separation were distinguished in all asymptomatic nulliparae. PAM and PRM attachments did not significantly differ. POP group characteristics were parity 1.9 ± 0.8, instrumental delivery 5.6%, hysterectomy or POP surgery 60%, all Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) stages, LAM defect 77.6% (PRM: 77.1%; PAM: 51.3%). Type I injuries were more frequent (PRM 54.7%; PAM 53.9%) compared with type II (PRM 29.4%; PAM 42.1%). CONCLUSIONS: A LAM defect was present in 77.6% of women with symptomatic POP. In PRM and PAM subdivisions type I injury was more frequent than type II.

Longitudinal Doppler Assessments in Late Preterm Fetal Growth Restriction.

PURPOSE: To assess the longitudinal variation of the ratio of umbilical and cerebral artery pulsatility index (UCR) in late preterm fetal growth restriction (FGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective European multicenter observational study included women with a singleton pregnancy, 32+ 0-36+ 6, at risk of FGR (estimated fetal weight [EFW] or abdominal circumference [AC] < 10th percentile, abnormal arterial Doppler or fall in AC from 20-week scan of > 40 percentile points). The primary outcome was a composite of abnormal condition at birth or major neonatal morbidity. UCR was categorized as normal (< 0.9) or abnormal (≥ 0.9). UCR was assessed by gestational age at measurement interval to delivery, and by individual linear regression coefficient in women with two or more measurements. RESULTS: 856 women had 2770 measurements; 696 (81 %) had more than one measurement (median 3 (IQR 2-4). At inclusion, 63 (7 %) a UCR ≥ 0.9. These delivered earlier and had a lower birth weight and higher incidence of adverse outcome (30 % vs. 9 %, relative risk 3.2; 95 %CI 2.1-5.0) than women with a normal UCR at inclusion. Repeated measurements after an abnormal UCR at inclusion were abnormal again in 67 % (95 %CI 55-80), but after a normal UCR the chance of finding an abnormal UCR was 6 % (95 %CI 5-7 %). The risk of composite adverse outcome was similar using the first or subsequent UCR values. CONCLUSION: An abnormal UCR is likely to be abnormal again at a later measurement, while after a normal UCR the chance of an abnormal UCR is 5-7 % when repeated weekly. Repeated measurements do not predict outcome better than the first measurement, most likely due to the most compromised fetuses being delivered after an abnormal UCR.

Vaginal Er:YAG laser application in the menopausal ewe model: a randomised estrogen and sham-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To describe effects of non-ablative erbium-doped:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) laser on vaginal atrophy induced by iatrogenic menopause in the ewe. DESIGN: Animal experimental, randomised, sham and estrogen-treatment controlled study with blinding for primary outcome. SETTING: KU Leuven, Belgium. SAMPLE: Twenty-four ewes. METHODS: Menopause was surgically induced, after which the ewes were randomised to three groups receiving vaginal Er:YAG laser application three times, with a 1-month interval; three sham manipulations with a 1-month interval; or estrogen replacement and sham manipulations. At given intervals, ewes were clinically examined and vaginal wall biopsies were taken. Vaginal compliance was determined by passive biomechanical testing from explants taken at autopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vaginal epithelial thickness (primary), composition of the lamina propria (collagen, elastin, glycogen and vessel content), vaginal compliance, clinical signs. RESULTS: Animals exposed to Er:YAG laser application and sham manipulation, but not to estrogens, displayed a significant and comparable increase in vaginal epithelial thickness between baseline and 7 days after the third application (69% and 67%, respectively, both P < 0.0008). In laser-treated ewes, temporary vaginal discharge and limited thermal injury were observed. Estrogen-substituted ewes displayed a more prominent increase in epithelial thickness (202%; P < 0.0001) and higher vaginal compliance (P < 0.05). None of the interventions induced changes in the lamina propria. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal Er:YAG laser has comparable effect to sham manipulation in menopausal ewes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Vaginal Er:YAG laser has comparable effect to sham manipulation in menopausal ewes #LASER #GSM #RCT.

Fetal cerebral Doppler changes and outcome in late preterm fetal growth restriction: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between fetal umbilical and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler abnormalities and outcome in late preterm pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction at 32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks of gestation, enrolled in 33 European centers between 2017 and 2018, in which umbilical and fetal MCA Doppler velocimetry was performed. Pregnancies were considered at risk of fetal growth restriction if they had estimated fetal weight and/or abdominal circumference (AC) < 10th percentile, abnormal arterial Doppler and/or a fall in AC growth velocity of more than 40 percentile points from the 20-week scan. Composite adverse outcome comprised both immediate adverse birth outcome and major neonatal morbidity. Using a range of cut-off values, the association of MCA pulsatility index and umbilicocerebral ratio (UCR) with composite adverse outcome was explored. RESULTS: The study population comprised 856 women. There were two (0.2%) intrauterine deaths. Median gestational age at delivery was 38 (interquartile range (IQR), 37-39) weeks and birth weight was 2478 (IQR, 2140-2790) g. Compared with infants with normal outcome, those with composite adverse outcome (n = 93; 11%) were delivered at an earlier gestational age (36 vs 38 weeks) and had a lower birth weight (1900 vs 2540 g). The first Doppler observation of MCA pulsatility index < 5th percentile and UCR Z-score above gestational-age-specific thresholds (1.5 at 32-33 weeks and 1.0 at 34-36 weeks) had the highest relative risks (RR) for composite adverse outcome (RR 2.2 (95% CI, 1.5-3.2) and RR 2.0 (95% CI, 1.4-3.0), respectively). After adjustment for confounders, the association between UCR Z-score and composite adverse outcome remained significant, although gestational age at delivery and birth-weight Z-score had a stronger association. CONCLUSION: In this prospective multicenter study, signs of cerebral blood flow redistribution were found to be associated with adverse outcome in late preterm singleton pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction. Whether cerebral redistribution is a marker describing the severity of fetal growth restriction or an independent risk factor for adverse outcome remains unclear, and whether it is useful for clinical management can be answered only in a randomized trial. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Laser therapy for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Laser therapy is now being proposed for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI). OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the available literature on laser therapy for POP and UI. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed, Web Of Science and Embase were searched for relevant articles, using a three-concept (POP, UI, laser therapy) search engine composed as (concept 1 OR concept 2) AND concept 3. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only full-text clinical studies in English. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data on patient characteristics, laser setting, treatment outcome and adverse events were independently collected by two researchers. There was a lack of methodological uniformity so meta-analysis was not possible and the results are presented narratively. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-one studies recruiting 1530 adult women met the inclusion criteria. All studies showed significant improvement either on UI, POP or both; however the heterogeneity of laser settings, application and outcome measures was huge. Only one study was a randomised controlled trial, two studies were controlled cohort studies. All three were on UI and used standardised validated tools. The risk of bias in the randomised controlled trial was low on all seven domains; the controlled studies had a serious risk of bias. No major adverse events were reported, mild pain and burning sensation were the most commonly described adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: All studies on vaginal and/or urethral laser application for POP and UI report improvement, but the quality of studies needs to be improved. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: There is weak evidence that laser therapy is effective for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse #LASER#UI#POP.

A model for predicting unscheduled caesarean section in nulliparae.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to analyze the predictors of unplanned cesarean section in nulliparae. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child in Prague. METHODS: This study consisted of nulliparae giving birth between the 37th and 42nd weeks of singleton low-risk pregnancy, with the fetus in vertex position and without primary indication for CS. Selected prenatal and intranatal factors were analyzed in relation to acute CS due to a failure to progress in labor and/or fetal distress. Using logistic regression analysis (LR1-3) and the classification tree method (chi-square automatic interaction detector 1-2), five prediction models were tested. RESULTS: Of 3,728 nulliparae, 908 (24.4%) had an acute CS. All logistic regression models were comparable (receiver operating characteristic (ROC) 0.837-0.0881) and identified the occiput posterior position (OPP) of the fetus, maternal age, and epidural analgesia as the most influential risk factors. Spontaneous onset of labor, oxytocin administration, and maternal body height decreased are likely indicated for acute CS. The ability to predict a vaginal delivery was 95.7-96.3% and CS was 58.5-61.8%. The classification tree method (ROC 0.860-0.861) identified similar risk factors such as the OPP, peridural analgesia, and spontaneous onset of labor. The prediction abilities were similar at 94.5-96.4% for vaginal delivery and 64.6-59.0% for CS. CONCLUSION: OPP of the fetus was the strongest risk factor for the unsuccessful trial of vaginal labor.

First-trimester screening for preeclampsia.

DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Palacky University Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital Olomouc; The Institute for the Care of Mother and Child and 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University, Prague; G-CENTRUM Olomouc, Olomouc; Genetika Plzeň, Pilsen. Methods, results: Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder complicating pregnancy. It is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recent studies have shown that high-risk pregnant women may benefit from low-dose acetylsalicylic acid early therapy in prevention of the development of severe forms of the disease. The risk group of pregnant women should be identified in 11-13 gestational week for effective prevention. The only procedure validated in many studies for performing PE screening with sufficient diagnostic accuracy in the first trimester of pregnancy is given by The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) and has been adopted and published in a new recommendation by The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). CONCLUSION: This article summarizes the recent findings and recommendation for performing screening of preeclampsia in 1st trimester of pregnancy and how to prevent the development of severe forms of PE by low-dose acetylsalicylic acid therapy.

Anatomy and biomechanic of the musculus levator ani.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the rewiew is to provide complex new informations about anatomy and biomechanics features of the musculus levator ani. Described are risk factors leading to it´s injury and options of imaging the muscle complex (ultrasound, magnetic imaging resonance and 3D modeling). DESIGN: Review. SETTINGS: Departement of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital in Frýdek-Místek, GONA Co. Ltd , Institute for Mother and Child Prague. RESULTS: Musculus levator ani (MLA) has a complex structure composed mainly of striated muscles. Minority of smooth muscle fibres are also found. Particular parts of the MLA hold together different angles. Inervation is provided through somatic and visceral nerve fibres. During delivery, more there three times stretching of the muscle was observed. Less strenght is needed do the same stretching of the muscle in repeating stress situations. In the MRI studies, two types of injury of the MLA, were found. Predisponed to the injury is medial part of the MLA known as pubovisceral muscle (PVM). PVM has three insertions. The most fragile is it´s medial insertion to the pubic bone described as enthesis. During experimental delivery studies was found, that the pressure in this part of the muscle reach almost 36MPa. CONCLUSION: MLA is a difficult muscle. Because of the ethical reasons we don´t have, and probably never will have informations, how structuraly and elasticaly differs muscle, that was damaged during the delivery, compared to muscle without any damage. Promising are computer delivery simulations. In future, they would give us an answer, how risky is vaginal delivery in concrete expectant mother.

Laboratory options for risk assessment of pregnancy pathologies.

The most effective method of screening for chromosomal abnormalities and evaluating the risk of pregnancy pathologies in the first trimester is combined screening. The algorithm of screening is based on the combination of maternal age, measuring of the nuchal translucency and the fetal heart rate and analysis of the placental products of free ß-hCG and PAPP-A. For the screening of preeclampsia, placental growth factor (PlGF) is added. To distinguish between preeclampsia and other pathologies caused by placental dysfunction it is recommended to also extend the screening with selected immunological markers. We concluded that elevated biochemical and immunological markers can help to predict the threat of preeclampsia in the third trimester. Some markers can probably predict the development of particularly severe pathological conditions.

[MRI analysis of the musculo-fascial component of pelvic floor in woman before planned vaginal reconstruction procedur for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse]. / Analýza stavu muskulo-fasciální slozky pánevního dna pomocí MRI u pacientek pred plánovaným vaginálním rekonstrukcním výkonem pro symptomatický sestup pánevního dna.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to analyse the musculo-fascial component of the pelvic floor in symptomatic group of woman with pelvic organ prolapse before planned vaginal reconstruction using synthetic vaginal mesh. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital in Frýdek-Místek; GONA Ltd, Prague; Institute for Care of Mother and Child, Prague; 3rd Faculty of Medicine CHU Prague. METHODOLOGY: The study involved 285 female volunteers (6 nulliparous, all other patients gave birth vaginally at least once) that in the period 2008-2015 before the planned reconstructive vaginal operations have undergone a comprehensive urogynaecology examination supplemented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvic floor. Assessed was musculofascial component of the pelvic floor containing -musculus levator ani (MLA), endopelvic fascia (EF) and sacrouterine ligaments (SUL). MLA and EF were evaluated at two levels. The first level corresponds to the puborectalis muscle (evaluation of MRI trauma stage and avulsion), the second level correspondes to the iliococcygeus muscule (evaluation only avulsion injury to the muscle). RESULTS: Normal appereance of musculus puborectalis (level 1) was captured only in 25 (8.8) women. In 117 (41.1%) of women were present MRI minor trauma, 143 (50,2%) women were present with MRI major trauma. Avulsion of the muscle was captured in 85 cases (29.8%) at level 1 and in 165 cases (57.9%) in level 2. Preserved architecture of the EF was caught only 99 (34.7%) of the cases in level 1 and in 47 cases (16.5%) in level 2. Sacrouterine ligaments showed normal morphology in 100 cases (35.1%).Conslusion: Defects of musculofascial component of the pelvic floor is found frequently in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. Often a combination of defects MLA, EF and SUL are found. These comprehensive pelvic floor defects require careful urogynecological examination and planing operating methods with a view to minimizing the likelihood of recurrence of the descent. In indicated cases the use of the synthetic vaginal mesh is as a method of first choice.

[Selective feticide in monochorionic twin pregnancies with discordant fetal anomalies: management and outcome]. / Selektivní fetoredukce u monochoriálních gravidit komplikovaných vrozenou vývojovou vadou jednoho z plodu: management a výsledky péce.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze results and outcome after selective feticide for discordant anomalies in monochorionic twins. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Fetal medicine center, Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Praha. METHODS: Analysis of outcome of monochorionic pregnancies after intrauterine surgery for structural abnormalities between January 2013 and June 2016. RESULTS: We performed 13 intrauterine operations in monochorionic twins with structural anomalies during the period. There were 12 monochorionic diamniotic and one monochorionic monoamniotic twins. We encountered four cases of Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion sequence (TRAP), six central nervous system lesions, two abdominal wall defects and one heterokaryotypic pregnancy with trisomy 13. In seven cases we performed bipolar cord occlusion, in four cases of TRAP sequence we performed radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We also performed laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses in a case of gastroschisis complicated with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. One operation was unsuccessful for technical reasons - failing to perform amnioinfusion in a fetus with eventeration and anhydramnios. All procedures were performed in local anesthesia. Fetuses were born between 26 a 41 weeks of gestation (mean 35 weeks; 77% of fetuses were delivered after 32 weeks). Mean neonatal weight 2260 g. We encountered no intrauterine demise of a healthy fetus. CONCLUSION: Patients with discordant fetal anomalies in monochorionic twins can be offered a selective feticide via bipolar umbilical cord occlusion or radiofrequency ablation that are proven to be safe and effective.

[The results of five years follow-up prospective study of vaginal prolapse repaired by prolift total mesh surgery or sacrospinous fixation]. / Resení sestupu trí kompartmentu pomocí syntetického implantátu a sakrospinózní fixace: kohortová prospektivní studie s délkou follow-up peti let.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare the results of five years follow-up prospective study of vaginal prolapse repaired by prolift total mesh surgery or sacrospinous fixation. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center prospective, cohort study, in patients with defect grade II and more by POP-Q. SETTING: The Institute for the Care of Mather and Child; 3rd Medical Faculty Charles university, Prague. METHODS: Comparison of the preoperative state and the five years after the operation according POP Q, ICIQ-SF, PISQ 12, VAS. Comparison of intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The study was attended by 142 patients; 75 patients underwent surgery Prolift Total and 67 patients sacrospinous fixation by Amreich Richter. On clinical examination at 5-year follow-up, we observed 15 (20.0%) case of anatomical failure in the Prolift group and 30 (44.8%) in the SSF group. Anatomic failure was defined clinically as Ba, C or Bp at the hymen or below. In assessing the overall condition before and five years after surgery using a VAS occurred in patients in the cohort Prolift Total decrease to 2.9 (± 1.9) from the original 7.8 (± 1.8). VAS in SSF group decreased after 5 years to 4.2 (± 2.7) of the original 7.8 (± 1.4). Values ICIQ-SF, analyzing the state of voiding PT group showed a decline from the original 6.7 (± 6.9) to 5.5 (± 5.3). A similar trend was evident even after the SSF. Parameters questionnaire PISQ-12 showed a positive increase from the original 28.6 (± 9.5) to 31.8 (± 7.9) points. PISQ-12 was improved from 28.7 (± 9.8) to 32.2 (± 7.5). CONCLUSION: Recurrences were observed more frequently in patients after sacrospinous fixation, while the quality of life questionnaires yielded comparable postoperative results. Quantity of intraoperative complications is low and both groups do not differ.

[Reconstruction of the posterior and central compartment with the Prolift Posterior: cohort study with a 5-year follow-up]. / Rekonstrukce defektu zadního a stredního kompartmentu pomocí kotveného implantátu Prolift Posterior: kohortová studie s petiletým follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the results of the long-term prospective follow-up study of vaginal prolapse reconstructed using a Prolift Posterior. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague. METHODS: Over a 5-year period (I/2006 - XII/2011) we prospectively followed a cohort of patients with posterior vaginal wall defect who underwent surgical reconstruction using a monofilament polypropylene implant Prolift Posterior (Gynecare, Ethicon, Inc., Piscataway, NJ, USA). Patients were invited for review at six weeks, three months, six months, 12 months and then yearly up to five years. Postoperative follow-up included the clinical examination and subjective evaluation using VAS, PISQ 12 and ICIQ SF. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four women were included in the study, of which 14 (11.3%) had no prolapse surgery in their health history. There were no concomitant vaginal procedures such as hysterectomy or another implant surgery. The average operation time and blood loss were 64.25 min (min. 10, max. 205 min) and 115 ml (min. 10 ml, max. 1000 ml), respectively. Only one patient had a blood loss 1000 ml. There were no injuries of the urinary bladder or intestines during the needle insertion of the mesh. In the five-year period, the recurrence of posterior vaginal wall defect was observed in 4 cases (3.3%). The average time to the posterior vaginal wall recurrence prolapse was 19.5 months (min. 6, max. 36). De novo prolapse in the anterior compartment was observed in 25 patients (20.5%). CONCLUSION: In this prospective single centre study, we observed anatomical improvement in the implanted compartment with low recurrence rate. During five years follow-up period there was de novo anterior vaginal wall defect observed in 20.5% cases. The question of implant employment in urogynecology remain to be answered, however, our results show that implants have their position in reconstructive surgery.

[Retrospective analysis of monochorionic twin pregnancies born in the Institute for the Care of Mother and Child between 2012-2015]. / Analýza prípadu monochoriálních dvojcat porozených v Ústavu pro péci o matku a díte ve ctyrletém období (2012-2015).

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe monochorionic twin pregnancies and their complications, born between 24th and 37th week of gestation in the Institute for the Care of Mother and Child in years 2012-2015. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: The Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Praha. METHODS: From 2012 to 2015 we observed 177 monochorionic twin pregnancies from which two or one viable fetuses were born, or both fetuses died in utero. RESULTS: From a total of 177 women, 12 (6.8%) gave birth before 26th week of gestation, between 26+0 - 27+6 four women (2.3%) gave birth, 37 women (20.9%) between 28+0 - 31+6, 84 women (47.8%) between 32+0 - 35+6 and after 36th week of gestation 40 women (22.6%) gave birth. Mean week of delivery was 33.8. Indications for termination of pregnancies were premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in 11.9%, onset of spontaneus uterine contractions in 12.4% and in 53.3% other iatrogenic indication. 23.3% of pregnancies in our cohort were uncomplicated and terminated after 36th week of gestation. We performed caesarean section in 94.3%, in 5.7% patients gave birth vaginally. In vitro fertilization had 19.9% women, 80.1% conceived spontaneously. The age range of pregnant women in our cohort was 20-43, with median 32.3. Mean weight of bigger fetus was 2047.6 g (min. 520 g, max. 3530 g), mean weight of smaller fetus was 1799.5 g (min. 350 g, max. 2790 g). In 30 cases (16. 9%) we performed intrauterine intervetion. In 21/30 cases (11.9%) for TTTS diagnose, in 5/30 cases (2.8%) for congenital abnormalities or TRAP sequence and in 4/30 cases (2.2%) for sIUGR type III. The most frequent complication in our cohort was sIUGR (36 patients - 20.3%), TTTS (21 patients - 11.9%) and on the third place congenital abnormality or TRAP sequence (five patients - 2.8%) Nineteen patients gave birth to one viable fetus, in two cases both fetuses died in utero. In one case, in twin pair, one new-born died shortly after the birth - it had several congenital abnormalities and due to anhydramnion it was impossible to perform amnioinfusion and umbilical cord occlusion. After the birth it was given palliative care. CONCLUSION: The study brought data about specific risks in monochorionic twin pregnancies and suggests careful observation of women in fixed intervals and necessity of immediate referral to perinatal centre in case of any suspicious or pathological finding.

[Degree of satisfaction of patients continuing overactive bladder treatment with mirabegron]. / Stupen spokojenosti pacientu pokracujících v lécbe hyperaktivního mocového mechýre mirabegronem.

OBJECTIVE: Overactive bladder syndrome is chronic disease with high prevalence rate (9-42%). This syndrome requires long term therapy, but the treatment persistence is after 3 months over all 26% with further decline in one-year period as low as 18.5%. Main reasons for stopping the treatment are low efficacy, the medication didnt work as expected and side effects. How much satisfied are patients with mirabegron persisting on its treatment? To answer this question, we provided secondary analysis of multicentre follow-up study of patients on mirabegron. We compared subjective and objective parameters between patients continuing mirabegron treatment and those who discontinued the medication. DESIGN: Secondary analysis multicentre prospective follow-up. SETTINGS: Ob/Gyn department First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague. METHODS: It is secondary analysis of multicentre prospective study following patients with mirabegron 50 mg treatment. We have analysed objective data from micturition diary and subjective data using visual analogue scales (UB-VAS - urgency bother visual analogue scale, and TS-VAS - treatment satisfaction visual analogue scale) and compared data between the group of patients continuing mirabegron treatment and patients who stopped the medication during the study. RESULTS: We included 206 patients (176 women, 30 men) with diagnosis of overactive bladder. Patients continuing the treatment (group n1) had baseline UB-VAS 70.1 vs. 75.0 (p = n.s.) in patients who stopped the medication during the follow-up period (group n2). Baseline episodes of severe urgency and urge incontinence where n1 - 5.1 vs. n2 - 6.2 (p = n.s.). Six months urgency bother score UB-VAS was n1 - 32.4 vs. n2 - 58.9 (p < 0,001). Treatment satisfaction TS-VAS was n1 - 80.3 vs. n2 - 57.7 (p < 0,001). Number of severe urgencies with or without urge incontinence was after 6 months n1 - 2.1 vs. n2 - 3.3 (p = n.s.), lower in group continuing the treatment. When comparing the data between patients stopping the medication for reason of low efficacy (group s1) with patients stopping for other reasons (group s2) UB-VAS bas: s1 - 68.5 vs. s2 - 43.9 (p = 0.001); TS VAS s1 - 45.1 vs. s2 - 58.4 (p = n.s.) and number of severe urgency with or without incontinence s1 - 5.9 vs. s2 - 3.2 (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Our data shows that patients expectation on treatment with mirabegron is not low. Patients accept treatment either without side effects or with decrease of severe urgency with or without urge incontinence around 50%. Regardless the reason the patients continuing the treatment scale treatment satisfaction - TS-VAS over 70 points.

[Sheep as an experimental model in the reaserch of effects of pregnancy, delivery and surgical procedures on the pelvic floor]. / Ovce jako experimentální model pro studium vlivu tehotenství, porodu a operacních technik na pánevní dno.

OBJECTIVE: A short literature review of ewe as an experimental model in research of effects of pregnancy, delivery and urogynecological surgical procedures on the pelvic floor. DESIGN: Literature overview. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Third Faculty of Medicine, Prague. METHODS: This is an overview of recent literature on experiments using ewes as a model for biomechanical and morphological changes of the vagina induced by pregnancy, delivery and transvaginal graft implantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The ovine pelvic floor and vagina have comparable morphology to human. Its biomechanical and biochemical properties get changed during the pregnancy and postpartum similarly to clinical findings. Sheep could be used for testing of urogynaecological implants vaginally and simultaneously implanted in the abdominal wall to provide better understanding of anatomical environment differences. The size of the ovine vagina gives the opportunity to perform comprehensive biomechanical, histological and biochemical testing. Experiments and observation may improve our understanding of pathology and physiology of vaginal wall changes induced by hormones, prolapse or surgery.

[Measurement of gestational sac volume in the first trimester of pregnancy]. / Merení objemu gestacního vácku v I. trimestru gestace.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to measure the volume of gestational sac and amniotic sac in physiological pregnancies and missed abortion. We wanted to create nomograms for individual weeks of gestation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague. METHODS: The study randomized 413 women after spontaneous conception. The patients were divided into two groups: women with physiological pregnancy and childbirth in the period (374), and women with pregnancy terminated by missed abortion. Both groups were performed measurement volume of gestational and amniotic sac in the first trimester of pregnancy. Analysis was performed using 4D View software applications, and volume calculations were performed using VOCAL (Virtual Organ Computer Aided anaLysis). RESULTS: We have created the first in the Czech Republic nomograms volumes of gestational and amniotic sac in physiological pregnancies and missed abortion. We performed a correlation between the size of gestational sac and prosperity pregnancy. CONCLUSION: In our study we found no correlation between the volume of gestational sac and the development of the pregnancy.

[Nocturia, incidence, ethiology, diagnostics]. / Epidemiologie, etiologie a diagnostika nykturie.

Nocturia is the complaint that the individual has to wake at night one or more times to void, according to the International Continence Society definition from the ICS Standardisation of Terminology Report 2002. As the nocturia definition is complicated there are also other slightly modified definitions. It is currently not absolutely clear if prevalence or incidence is more important for epidemiology evaluation of nocturia. Nocturia is a variable symptom and its presence in individuals is reversible therefore it is very difficult to obtain reliable incidence data. Nocturia prevalence varies remarkably in different studies according to evaluation methodology, nocturia definition, methods of data collection and characteristics of evaluated population. There are not enough studies, especially demographic ones, evaluating lower urinary tract symptoms and/or nocturia in males and females. There is relatively large number of comparative studies confirming strong correlation between aging and prevalence of nocturia. Prevalence of two or more voids per night in individuals in their twenties varies between 5-15 %, it progresses with age, and in the seventh decade of life ranges between 35-50 %. Prevalence evaluated by gender is higher among younger women compared to older women and older men compared to younger men. Currently there are only limited sources of data regarding nocturia incidence. Incidence of nocturia (two or more voids per night) in a population older than 60 years is 213 new cases/1000 persons/1 year in two year observation. Incidence of two or more voids per night is 75 new cases/1000 male/1 year in five year observation and 126 new cases/1000 male/1 year in ten year observation in male population. Incidence of nocturia rises significantly with age. Incidence of two or more voids per night increases by 2,7 % in the population of women after child birth during 5 year follow up and by 5,9 % during 12 year follow up. Incidence of nocturia newly diagnosed in a pregnancy drops down by 98% in 3 month after the child birth. The incidence data indicate that incidence of nocturia rises with age and probability of nocturia relief decreases with age. Incidence of mild nocturia is higher compared to incidence of severe nocturia and significant relief of nocturia in women after child birth is very inconsistent compared to increase of other lower urinary tract symptoms. Ethiology of nocturia might be polyuria, nocturnal polyuria or reduced bladder capacity. Nocturia and its ethiology can be determined in most cases with simple and commonly used investigative methods on the out-patients bases. The diagnostic algorithm should lead to verification of nocturia and identifying its cause because treatment of nocturia differs remarkably according to the etiology.