Prenatal diagnosis of left pulmonary artery sling and review of literature.

Left pulmonary artery sling (LPAS) is a very rare cause of large airway compression. In LPAS, the left pulmonary artery (LPA) arises from the proximal right pulmonary artery, coursing over the right mainstem bronchus, posterior to the trachea and anterior to the esophagus prior to reaching the left hilum. The aberrant course of the LPA results in anatomical obstruction of the right mainstem bronchus, the trachea, or both. Only a few reports present the prenatal features of LPAS. In this report, we present the prenatal diagnosis of a case of LPAS in one of a set of identical twins in which the only feature was that of an abnormal course of the LPA on 3-vessel tracheal view. The cross-sectional view at the level of three vessels which includes both pulmonary artery branches is useful to detect this abnormality. Color and power Doppler may be helpful as well.

Iodine status of pregnant women in a metropolitan city which proved to be an iodine-sufficient area. Is mandatory salt iodisation enough for pregnant women?

The objective of this study was to assess the iodine status of pregnant women in a metropolitan city which was stated as iodine sufficient area after salt iodination program. This multicenter, cross-sectional study was carried out on 3543 pregnant women. Age, gestational weeks, smoking, consumption of iodized salt, dietary salt restriction, history of stillbirth, abortus and congenital malformations were questioned. Spot urine samples were analyzed for urine iodine concentration (UIC). The outcomes were: (a) median UIC in three trimesters of pregnancy and (b) frequency of ID among pregnant women. The median UIC was 73 µg/L. The median UIC was 77 µg/L (1-324), 73 µg/L (1-600) and 70 µg/L (1-1650) in three trimesters of pregnancy, respectively (p: 0.14). UIC <50 µg/L was observed in 36.6% (n: 1295) and UIC<150 µg/L was observed in 90.7% (n: 3214) of pregnant women. Only 1% (n: 34) of the pregnant women had UIC levels higher than 500 µg/L. This study showed that more than 90% of the pregnant women in this iodine-sufficient city are facing some degree of iodine deficiency during their pregnancy. A salt iodization program might be satisfactory for the non-pregnant population, but it seems to be insufficient for the pregnant population.

Alanine aminotransferase as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations between adverse perinatal outcomes and serum transaminase levels at the time of diagnosis in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized for evaluation of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy from January 2013 to June 2014 in a tertiary center. Seventy-one patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (Group I) or absence of adverse perinatal outcomes (Group II). RESULTS: The mean aminotransferase levels and conjugated bilirubin levels at the time of diagnosis were significantly higher in Group I than in Group II. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the alanine aminotransferase level could predict adverse perinatal outcomes with 76.47% sensitivity and 78.38% specificity, and the cut-off value was 95 IU/L. Among patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, those with adverse perinatal outcomes were significantly older, had an earlier diagnosis, and had higher alanine aminotransferase levels. Using the 95-IU/L cut-off value, patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy had a 3.54-fold increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and high alanineaminotransferase levels should be followed up for possible adverse perinatal outcomes.

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

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

Comparison of active vs. expectant management of the third stage of labor in women with low risk of postpartum hemorrhage: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the 'strictly' active management protocol in women with low risk of postpartum hemorrhage using the expectant management protocol with respect to changes in hematologic parameters, uterotonics, blood transfusions, or additional interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled prospective trial in which 934 singleton parturients enrolled; 654 were randomly assigned to the active and mixed management groups. The primary outcome parameter was the reduction in hemoglobin concentrations due to delivery, and the secondary outcome parameters were changes in hemoglobin of more than 3 g/dL (ΔHb ≥ 3 g/dL), durations of the third stage of labor, need for additional uterotonic agents, blood transfusions, manual removal of the placenta, and surgical evacuation of retained products of conception. RESULTS: The mean postpartum hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher (P = 0.04) in the active management group with a significantly lower reduction (P = 0.03). Falls of hemoglobin levels of more than 3 g/dL (ΔHb ≥ 3g/dL) were less common in the active management group though not significantly (P = 0.32). The mean duration of the third stage of labor was significantly (P < 0.001) shorter in the active management group. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the need for additional uterotonic agents, uterine atony, blood transfusion, manual removal of the placenta, surgical evacuation of retained products of conception, and prolonged third stage of labor. CONCLUSIONS: Although active management of the third stage of labor was associated with higher postpartum hemoglobin levels, it did not influence the risk of 'severe postpartum hemorrhage' in women with low risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Single square hemostatic suture for postpartum hemorrhage secondary to uterine atony.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe a novel technique for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage and evaluate its effectiveness and safety. METHODS: Single square hemostatic suture was performed for uterine atony when postpartum hemorrhage did not respond to medical therapy and bilateral uterine artery ligation. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 11 women and evaluated their endometrial cavity with hydrosonography after a follow-up period of 8-34 months. RESULTS: The single square hemostatic suture successfully stopped bleeding in all of the cases. Of the 11 women, 2 could not be traced. Menstruation started without delay in nine women. One of the women achieved pregnancy 25 months after surgery. The six women who underwent hydrosonography had an intact endometrial cavity. CONCLUSIONS: For women who desire future fertility, and when bilateral uterine artery ligation is not sufficient to control PPH, single square suturing may be used as an effective and safe procedure.

Twin pregnancies complicated by a single malformed fetus: chorionicity, outcome and management.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of one abnormal fetus in a twin pregnancy, to compare impact of chorionicity and clinical outcome of intervention and expectant management. Thirty-seven dichorionic (DC) twins and 18 monochorionic (MC) twins complicated with one malformed fetus were evaluated for gestational age, birthweight and perinatal outcome. Six hundred and forty-two twin pregnancies were evaluated in the database. The control groups consisted of 429 DC and 86 MC twins without anomalous fetus. Mean birthweight and gestational age at birth for DC control group were (n = 429; 2137g and 34.71 weeks), DC study group, n = 37; 2117g (p = .338) and 33.97 weeks (p = .311), and DC study group with major malformations, n = 30; 2019g (p = .289) and 33.3 weeks (p = .01), and showed only significance for gestational age. There was no statistical significance between MC control group, n = 86; 2097g and 34.93 weeks, and MC study group, n = 18; 2237g (p = .338), and 34.42 weeks (p = .502). Because of limited data, the preliminary evaluation for expectant management and intervention, and survival of at least one normal fetus showed no impact. We conclude that, although, all DC twin pregnancies have a risk for preterm delivery, DC twins complicated with major malformation of one twin, have a lower mean gestational age at birth. Preliminary results for intervention does not improve fetal outcome for DC and MC twins and needs further evaluation with greater studies of impact or review.

Increased maternal C1q/TNF-related protein-1 (CTRP-1) serum levels in pregnancies with preeclampsia.

Objective: Metabolic changes and inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein-1 (CTRP-1) is a pleiotropic molecule that possesses insulin-sensitizing effects and is also involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. The aim of the study was to investigate CTRP-1 levels in pregnancies with preeclampsia.Material and methods: Serum concentrations of CTRP-1 were measured in 29 pregnant women with early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE), 24 pregnant women with late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE), and 26 women with uncomplicated pregnancies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.Results: Patients with both EOPE and LOPE had significantly higher serum concentrations of CTRP-1 compared to the healthy controls (p < .001). However, no significant difference was found between the EOPE and LOPE groups regarding CTRP-1 levels (p = 1.000). Correlation analysis showed that CTRP-1 levels were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (p < .001), diastolic blood pressure (p < .001), and mean UtA PI (p < .001) but negatively correlated with gestational age at delivery (p = .001) and birth weight (p < .001).Conclusions: Serum CTRP-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with both EOPE and LOPE than in healthy pregnant women.

Flecainide as first-line treatment for fetal supraventricular tachycardia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate utilization, efficacy, and side effects of flecainide treatment as first-line agent in patients with fetal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). METHOD: This retrospective review was conducted on 23 consecutive fetal tachyarrhythmia cases that met inclusion criteria. If the treatment was necessary, then flecainide was used as first-line treatment in all cases. RESULT: Among the study group, there were 21 (91.3%) cases of SVT and 2 (8.6%) cases of Atrial Flutter (AF). Sixteen fetuses had persistent SVT and five fetuses had intermittent SVT. We treated 17 fetuses with flecainide monotherapy and 15 of them converted to sinus rhythm and remaining two fetuses were refractory to monotherapy. The median time to conversion to sinus rhythm was 3.8 ± 1.6 days. Only one fetus (20%) among the intermittent SVT cases required anti-arrhythmic treatment. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that flecainide is an effective first-line treatment for fetal SVT with high success rate (88.2%), low side effect profile and relatively easy utilization. Based on the current study and recently published article results, flecainide can be recommended as the drug of first choice for treatment of fetal SVT cases.

How necessary is to analyze PTPN11 gene in fetuses with first trimester cystic hygroma and normal karyotype?

Cystic hygroma (CH) is a vascular-lymphatic malformation and can occur either as an isolated finding or as a part of a syndrome. The incidence of CH is about 1:1000-1:6000 births. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of CH is usually obtained in the first trimester, and the lesion can appear in septated or non-septated forms. Increased nuchal translucency and CH have been associated with a wide range of structural and genetic abnormalities. Most of CHs are associated with a number of chromosomal abnormalities especially Trisomy 21, 13, 18 and Turner syndrome. Besides, the associations between CH and non-chromosomal syndromes were also reported and Noonan Syndrome (NS) is one of the leading causes. Approximately 50% of NS cases are caused by mutations in the PTPN11 gene. A novel PTPN11 mutation defined in two separate fetuses with CH and associated with NS phenotype is being reported here.

Does the presence of autoantibodies without autoimmune diseases and hereditary thrombophilia have an effect on recurrent pregnancy loss?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the presence of autoantibodies has any effect on recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and obstetric complications in women who do not have autoimmune diseases and hereditary thrombophilia. METHODS: Retrospectively, 515 patients who underwent antibody investigation with anti-nuclear antibody, extractable nuclear antigen, anti-double stranded DNA, anti-parietal cell, anti-smooth muscle, anti-mitochondrial (AMA), anti-thyroid peroxidase, anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) and anti-phospholipid (aPL) at Hacettepe University were included. Of those patients, 212 had one or more autoantibodies whereas the remaining 303 were negative for all autoantibodies. RPL was the primary outcome and was defined as ≥2 pregnancy losses (n = 119). RESULTS: The frequency of RPL was significantly higher in the autoantibody positive group than controls (28.3% versus 14.5%, p<0.001). Anti-TG (21.2% versus 7.8%, p < 0.001), aPL (18.3% versus 5.6%, p < 0.001) and AMA (4.8% versus 0.5%, p = 0.001) antibodies were more common in patients with RPL. For the view of obstetric complications, oligohydramniosis (3.8% versus 0.7%, p = 0.03) and stillbirth (17.0% versus 10.6%, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the autoantibody-positive group. CONCLUSIONS: Even in women without autoimmune disease or hereditary thrombophilia, autoantibodies per se might directly increase the risk of RPL and obstetric complications. The screening anti-TG and aPL autoantibodies in the first step might be considered in patients with RPL.

Right Atrial Appendage Aneurysm in a Newborn Diagnosed with Fetal Echocardiography.

Right atrial appendage aneurysm is a very rare condition which can be asymptomatic or can cause arrhythmia or life-threatening thromboembolism. We report a case of newborn with right atrial appendage aneurysm who was diagnosed with fetal echocardiography. Anticoagulant therapy was applied to prevent thromboembolism and he is still going on follow-up without any complaint.

Role of spiramycin in prevention of fetal toxoplasmosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of spiramycin in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of Toxoplasma gondii infection. METHODS: Patients within first trimester of their pregnancy with Toxoplasma IgM positivity (>0.65 index, ELISA, VIDAS) and IgG positivity (>8 IU/ml), who had low IgG avidity (<0.50 index, ELISA, Architet) were considered as having acute toxoplasmosis. These patients who had amniocentesis at the 19th-21st week of pregnancy were examined for the detection of Toxoplasma DNA. Detailed ultrasonographic examinations performed between the 20th and 24th gestational weeks and the mothers and babies were followed for at least one year. RESULTS: Out of 61 patients, 55 (90.2%) had received Spy prophylaxis while 6 (9.8%) cases refused Spy prophylaxis. Toxoplasma PCR test was found to be positive in amniotic fluid of 4 (6.6%) patients obtained by amniocentesis at the 19th-21st week of pregnancy. All four of these patients had refused Spy prophylaxis had positive Toxoplasma PCR in amniotic fluid (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results seem to encourage the use of spiramycin in women with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.

Suction curettage as first line treatment in cases with cesarean scar pregnancy: feasibility and effectiveness in early pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: A cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is an extremely rare form of an ectopic pregnancy, which is defined as the localization of a fertilized ovum surrounded by uterine muscular fiber and scar tissue. The objective of this study was to discuss the management options for CSPs in a singleton center. In the current study, we discussed the current management options for CSPs based on our 6 years of experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of diagnosed and treated 26 patients with CSPs in Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital during a 6-year period was discussed. Suction curettage was performed as first-line treatment in patients with a gestation <8 weeks and myometrial thickness >2 mm. RESULTS: Twenty-two (84.6%) patients with CSPs were initially treated surgically (curettage and hysterotomy) and four (15.4%) patients were treated medically with methotrexate injections. Vacuum aspiration was performed in 19 patients as a first-line treatment, six of them needed an additional Foley balloon catheter to be inserted for tamponade because of persistent vaginal bleeding. Suction curettage was successful in 12 patients. The treatment rate for suction curettage with or without Foley balloon catheter tamponade was 16 of 19 (84.2%). CONCLUSION: The early diagnosis of a CSP (7-8 weeks gestation) with a ß-hCG level <17.000 mIU/ml and a myometrial thickness >2 mm can be treated with suction curettage with or without placement of a uterine Foley balloon as curative treatment.

The outcome of pregnancy with new onset proteinuria without hypertension: retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate preeclampsia progression of isolated proteinuria and associations with pregnancy outcome. METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis in patients who were hospitalized for evaluation of new onset proteinuria without hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation between January 2012 and January 2014. One hundred fifty-seven patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled the study. RESULTS: After detection of new onset proteinuria, 53 of 157 (33.7%) patients developed preeclampsia and the incidence of gestational proteinuria was found to be 0.33%. Twenty-four hours urine proteinuria testing results were significantly higher in preeclampsia (PE) group compared with the gestational proteinuria (GP) group (p < 0.01). Patients who developed preeclampsia delivered significantly earlier than the GP group (p < 0.01). The weights of the infants born to mothers in the PE group were significantly lower than the other group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The incidence of gestational proteinuria was lower than the previous studies. Preeclampsia developed in 33% of patients with new onset proteinuria in pregnancy. In patients who developed PE had significantly higher proteinuria, lower delivery time and birth weight in their infants. Therefore, patients with new onset proteinuria should be followed-up for preeclampsia development and associated morbidities.

Prenatal diagnosis and postnatal outcome of persistent right ductus arteriosus: a report of three cases.

The ductus arteriosus is a fetal vascular connection between the main pulmonary artery and aorta that diverts blood away from the pulmonary bed. Left and right ductus arteriosi emerge from embryological aortic arches. In normal embryologic cardiac development, both right aortic and ductal arches regress and the left ones persist. Persistent right ductus arteriosus (rDA) is one of the congenital anomalies of the ductal arch. In this paper, we report three cases of persistent right ductus arteriosus with right aortic arch.

Sonographic features and management options of uterine arteriovenous malformation. A case report.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM), an extremely rare condition, is defined as an abnormal connection between artery and vein. Although the pelvis is a common site for AVM, the uterus is involved occasionally and the true incidence is unknown. The objective of this study was to discuss diagnostic features and management options of AVMs. In this paper six cases of AVMs have been reported with a review of diagnosis and management options.

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS). Five case report.

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is an extremely rare life-threatening condition. Laryngeal atresia appears to be the most frequent cause. Generally the diagnosis is made with severely enlarged and highly echogenic lungs and additional ultrasound findings. The prognosis of the affected infants is often poor. Five cases are reported here that were diagnosed in a tertiary center between 2008 and 2014.

A case of placenta increta mimicking submucous leiomyoma.

In recent years with the increase in cesarean section rates, the frequency of placenta accreta cases rises. It causes 33-50% of all emergency peripartum hysterectomies. We present a 42-year-old case who was caught with early postpartum hemorrhage due to retained placental products. The ultrasonography showed a 65 × 84 mm mass in the uterine cavity after the delivery. Due to presence of early postpartum hemorrhage which needs transfusion, an intervention decision was made. The patient underwent curettage but the mass could not be removed so that placental retention was ruled out. Submucous leiomyoma was made as first-prediagnosis. Hysterectomy operation was performed as a curative treatment. Placenta increta diagnosis was made as a final diagnosis with pathological examination. As a result, placental attachment disorders may be overlooked if it is not a placenta previa case.