The impact of lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) on clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This study was performed to assess the impact of lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) on clinical, hormonal, and metabolic parameters in lean women with PCOS. Retrospective analysis of 120 consecutive lean PCOS subjects was performed. Subjects were divided into two groups according to HOMA-IR, as IR + and IR-. A HOMA-IR value above 2.5 was used to indicate IR. Clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters were compared between the two groups. Correlations between LAP and VAI and clinical, hormonal, metabolic features in women PCOS were analyzed. One hundred twenty lean PCOS subjects were enrolled, of which 39 were insulin resistant. Comparison of group means showed significantly higher values for TG levels, FAI, FGS, TG/HDL-c, TyG, LAP, and VAI indexes and lower values for glucose/insulin ratio and QUICKI in the IR + group. LAP and VAI were both found to be positively correlated with each other and with WC, FAI, FGS, TG, TC levels, lipid ratios, TyG index, and HOMA-IR and negatively correlated with Glucose/Insulin ratio, QUICKI, and HDL-c in lean women with PCOS. LAP and VAI may be promising in early identification of IR and cardiometabolic risk and may be useful for the assessment of hyperandrogenism in lean women with PCOS.

Cardiotrophin-1 as a new metabolic biomarker in women with PCOS.

The objective of this study was to investigate cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) levels as a new metabolic biomarker in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One hundred consecutive women with PCOS were divided into two groups according to presence of metabolic syndrome as MetS+ and MetS-. Clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters in addition to CT-1 levels were compared between the groups. Correlation analyses were performed between CT-1 and clinical and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. One hundred PCOS subjects were enrolled in the study, of which 29 subjects were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. WHR, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HOMA-IR, FAI, FGS and CT-1 levels were significantly higher in the MetS+ group compared with the MetS- group. HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in the MetS- group than the MetS+ one. CT-1 levels were found to be positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, TG levels and FGS. Cardiotrophin-1 may be a promising new metabolic biomarker in women with PCOS. CT-1 may be beneficial for estimating the risk of long-term adverse health consequences and establishing early intervention and preventation strategies.

Galectin-3 as a novel biomarker in women with PCOS.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at evaluating galectin-3 levels as a novel metabolic biomarker in women with PCOS. METHODS: Ninety consecutive women with PCOS fulfilling the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups according to the presence of metabolic syndrome as MetS+ and MetS-. Clinical, hormonal, and metabolic parameters and galectin-3 levels were compared between the groups. Correlation analyses were performed between galectin-3 and clinical and metabolic parameters. RESULTS: Ninety PCOS subjects were enrolled in the study, 25 of which were diagnosed with MetS. Waist-to-hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, FAI, FGS, and galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in the MetS+ group compared with the MetS- group (13.19 ± 5.63 vs 9.37 ± 3.99 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.001). HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in the MetS- group than in the MetS+ one. Galectin-3 levels were found to be positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.450, p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.293, p < 0.01), and triglyceride levels (r = 0.218, p < 0.05) in women with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: Galectin-3 may be a promising novel biomarker in women with PCOS. Galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in the MetS+ group compared with the MetS- one and positively correlated with systolic, diastolic blood pressures and triglyceride levels in women with PCOS.

Cystatin C, a novel cardiometabolic risk marker in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and cystatin C on the metabolic components of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Seventy-five women with PCOS were divided into two groups according to metabolic syndrome as MetS + and MetS-. Clinical, metabolic and renal parameters were compared between the groups. Correlation analyses were performed between cystatin C, microalbuminuria and clinical and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. RESULTS: Waist/hip ratio (WHR), body mass index, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, total cholesterol, cystatin C, UAE were significantly higher in the MetS + group compared with the MetS - one. HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in the MetS - group than the MetS + one. The UAE positively correlates with LDL cholesterol, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Cystatin C positively correlates with UAE, WHR, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, total cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating UAE and cystatin C may be important for the detection of target subjects at high risk for future metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

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.

The impact of insulin resistance on clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This study was performed to assess insulin resistance (IR) in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive lean (body mass index <25 kg/m2) PCOS subjects was performed. Subjects were divided into two groups according to homeostasis model assessment IR index (HOMA-IR), as IR + and IR-. A HOMA-IR value >2.5 was used to indicate IR. A total of 100 lean PCOS subjects were enrolled in the study, of which 47% were insulin resistant. Comparison of group means showed significantly higher values for waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), diastolic blood pressure and Ferriman-Gallwey score (FGS) in IR + group. HOMA-IR values were found to be positively correlated with WHR (r = 0.500, p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.265, p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.273, p < 0.01), estradiol levels (r = 0.218, p < 0.05), FGS (r = 0.456, p < 0.01) and total testosterone levels (r = 0.291, p < 0.01). When evaluating PCOS subjects, the insulin resistant group should be separated as unique and IR should also be evaluated in lean women with PCOS.

What do expectant parents know about antenatal ultrasound screening?

Objective: We aimed to investigate and compare the background knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women and their partners about antenatal ultrasound scans.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a university perinatology clinic. Pregnant women and their partners who underwent the first trimester ultrasound scan or the second trimester anomaly scan were invited to complete a questionnaire which contained items on their sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitude.Results: In total, 500 eligible expectant mothers and their partners (220 in the first trimester and 280 in the second trimester) were recruited. The knowledge and attitude of expectant mothers and fathers were statistically similar. Working status, education level, and presence of chronic disease were the factors affecting the number of correct answers in both expectant mothers and fathers. The knowledge levels of both the expectant mothers and fathers were similar in the first and second trimesters.Conclusions: Pregnant women's and their partners' attitudes and knowledge on antenatal ultrasound scans were similar and generally satisfactory.

Visceral adiposity indicators as predictors of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the importance of visceral adiposity indicators on metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 200 postmenopausal subjects. Postmenopausal women were divided into two groups based on the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as MetS+ and MetS-. Comparisons of clinical and metabolic characteristics were performed between the groups. RESULTS: The current study included 200 postmenopausal women and 63 subjects were diagnosed as having MetS. Postmenopausal women with MetS demonstrated significantly higher values with respect to systolic and diastolic blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), triglyceride (TG), lipid ratios, Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA) index, TG glucose (TyG), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) when compared with women without MetS. Correlation analyses showed that LAP and VAI were positively correlated with waist circumference, WHR, BMI, TG, lipid ratios, TyG and HOMA index, and with each other. LAP was also positively correlated with blood pressures. CONCLUSION: Visceral adiposity indicators may be useful as predictors of MetS in postmenopausal women.

Evaluation of serum cathepsin B, D, and L concentrations in women with late-onset preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess serum cathepsin B, D, and L concentrations in women with late-onset preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty pregnant women were enrolled in the study, of which 100 subjects were preeclamptic and 40 were healthy controls. Serum concentrations of cathepsin B, D, and L were measured and compared between the preeclamptic and control groups. RESULTS: Cathepsin B and D concentrations were significantly higher in the preeclamptic group compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of cathepsin L concentrations. Cathepsin B concentrations were significantly higher in women with preeclampsia with severe features compared with those with preeclampsia alone. CONCLUSION: Women with late-onset preeclampsia have significantly higher serum cathepsin B and D concentrations than controls. Cathepsin B and D may be promising biomarkers in women with late-onset preeclampsia.

Evaluation of late adolescent pregnancies: Is late adolescence a risk factor for preterm labor?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We evaluated effect of late adolescence during pregnancy and its confounding factors on neonatal and maternal results. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of late adolescence on maternal, perinatal outcomes and preterm labor. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out on 172 late adolescents and 160 adult women who delivered in a tertiary center. The demographic features, obstetrical and neonatal properties of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Marital status, education levels, preeclampsia-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), urinary tract infections during pregnancy, intrauterine growth restriction, bleeding in last trimester, postpartum hemorrhage, perinatal mortality incidence, and mode of delivery for both groups were similar. Regular antenatal follow up and hemoglobin levels during admission to hospital were low in late adolescents. Anemia during pregnancy, preterm labor incidence was high for late adolescents compared with adults. When a logistic regression analysis was made for preterm labor, lack of antenatal follow up, urinary tract infection during pregnancy and history of still birth was risk factors for preterm labor rather than age. CONCLUSION: We assume that regular antenatal follow up can reduce preterm labor among late adolescents.

The impact of different 75 g oral glucose tolerance test target ranges within normal limits on neonatal outcomes: A validation study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of different 75 g glucose tolerance test (OGTT) target ranges within normal limits on neonatal outcomes, thus to investigate the validity of 75 g OGTT thresholds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The normal 1-hour and 2-hour ranges of 75 g OGTT levels of 110 pregnant women with no gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were further divided into three different sub-groups; for the 1 hour as group 1 (<120 mg/dL), group 2 (120-140 mg/dL), group 3 (>140 mg/dL) and for the 2 hour as group 1 (<120 mg/dL), group 2 (120-135 mg/dL), and group 3 (>135 mg/dL). RESULTS: For the 1-hour results, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of age, body mass index, multiparity, neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal intensive care unit admission, birth weight, and LGT rates; however, the rate of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants was significantly higher in group 2 compared with those in group 3. For the 2-hour results, statistically similar results were found between the groups. CONCLUSION: A 2-hour 75 g OGTT has reliable threshold values for GDM screening. However, because there are still adverse neonatal outcomes in women with OGTT results below the current thresholds and the number of SGA fetuses is higher in the glucose range 120-140 mg/dL of the first hour, the validity of the 75 g OGTT thresholds still needs further investigation.

Severe methotrexate toxicity after treatment for ectopic pregnancy: A case report.

Severe methotrexate toxicity due to medical treatment of an ectopic pregnancy is presented. The feasibility of low-dose use and success of methotrexate makes it the first drug in the medical treatment of ectopic pregnancies. Besides its advantages, it should be used with caution and severe toxicity should be kept in mind.