Changes in umbilical venous volume flow after fetoscopic laser occlusion of placental vascular anastomoses in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To examine effects of fetoscopic laser occlusion of placental vascular anastomoses on umbilical venous volume flow in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Absolute umbilical venous volume flow, measured preoperatively and 48 hours after fetoscopic laser occlusion was related to Doppler studies, bladder filling in donors, and anastomoses. RESULTS: Among 45 patients, recipients had decreased ductus venosus pulsatility index (ductus venosus-pulsatility index for veins, 1.16 vs 1.01; P < .001) and unchanged umbilical venous volume flow after fetoscopic laser occlusion (74.7 vs 74.5 mL; P = .407). Donors had decreased umbilical artery pulsatility (1.34 vs 1.11; P = .008), increased ductus venous-pulsatility index for veins (0.75 vs 0.91; P < .014), and significantly increased umbilical venous volume flow per kilogram by 52.3% (136.6 vs 208.0 mL/Kg/min; P < .001). Donor bladder filling occurred at higher umbilical venous volume flow per kilogram (142.7 vs 221.4 mL/Kg/min; P < .012). Increase in umbilical venous volume flow per kilogram correlated with the net difference in arteriovenous anastomoses (Pearson r = 0.403, P = .006). CONCLUSION: Fetoscopic laser occlusion in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome corrects intertwin differences in umbilical venous volume flow by predominant effects in the donor. Reappearance of donor bladder filling correlates with correction of volume flow.

Predictors of fetal growth in maternal HIV disease.

We sought to determine predictors of fetal growth restriction in maternal HIV disease. Pregnant HIV-positive women on antiretroviral therapy were monitored with serial viral load and CD4 counts. Individualized growth potential (GP) percentile was calculated for birth weight (BW). BW <10th GP percentile defined fetal growth restriction (FGR). Multiple medical and social factors, CD4 count, viral load, and antiretroviral therapy were tested for impact on fetal growth using chi-square and multiple regression analysis. Two hundred eleven women were studied. CD4 count <200 in the first trimester was strongly associated with FGR (odds ratio 8.75, 95% confidence interval 2.88 to 26.52). Maternal age ( P = 0.02) and smoking ( P = 0.03) were independent cofactors for FGR (Nagelkerke R(2) = 0.33). No other factors demonstrated an independent effect. Severity of maternal HIV disease as indicated by the CD4 count, rather than placental exposure to viral load, predicts FGR. Smoking has an independent detrimental effect on fetal growth.

Assessment of the predictive value of serum progesterone levels on early pregnancy prognosis in spontaneous twin gestations: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of serum progesterone levels in early pregnancy prognosis in spontaneous dichorionic-diamniotic twin gestations. STUDY DESIGN: This study was carried out among 38 spontaneous dichorionic-diamniotic twin gestations between January 2003 and June 2005 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Gulhane Military Medical Academy. Serum progesterone levels were measured at 7 and 10 weeks' gestation and pregnancies were followed until 14 gestational weeks by ultrasound examination. RESULTS: We found that a progesterone level of 58 nmol/l in the 7th gestational week and of 51 ng/ml at 10 gestational weeks has a predictive value for viable intrauterine twin pregnancies with 83% sensitivity and 69% specificity and 83% sensitivity and 84% specificity, respectively. CONCLUSION: Progesterone levels in the early gestational weeks may be a biochemical marker for the prediction of a twin pregnancy outcome and may reduce the number of ultrasound examinations.

Anticipated and perceived pain from midtrimester amniocentesis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anticipated and perceived pain and determine the factors contributing to pain perception in women undergoing midtrimester amniocentesis. METHODS: A visual analog scale was used to quantify pain in this prospective study of 64 women undergoing amniocentesis in the same clinical setting. The analysis was done using the paired-samples t test, analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: The postprocedural pain scores were significantly less than the preprocedural pain scores (P<0.01). Parity, a previous amniocentesis, the indication for amniocentesis, and the previous loss of a child were factors contributing to pain scores. No correlations were found between pain score and maternal age, week of pregnancy at the time of the procedure, parity, or having lost a child. CONCLUSION: The perceived pain was less than the anticipated pain, and the factors contributing to pain should be kept in mind when counseling patients undergoing midtrimester amniocentesis.

Nucleated red blood cell counts in the first week of life: a critical appraisal of relationships with perinatal outcome in preterm growth-restricted neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) are fetal hematologic markers for placental dysfunction, hypoxemia, and asphyxia. NRBC count elevation at birth or persistence is linked statistically to adverse outcome, but clinical predictive value is variable. We studied novel indices to better define overall magnitude of NRBC response. STUDY DESIGN: Peripheral NRBC count was obtained from preterm (<34 weeks of gestation) growth-restricted neonates within 2 hours of life. Daily counts and duration of NRBC count >30/100 white blood cells were determined. Mean counts (NRBC-mean), area under the curve (NRBC-AUC), and declination (NRBC-slope) were analyzed over week 1. NRBC parameters were related to major morbidity (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, grade III/IV intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis included) and neonatal death (NND). RESULTS: Twenty-two of 176 patients (12.5%) had acidosis. Complications included bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n = 36; 20.5%), intraventricular hemorrhage (n = 18; 10.2%), necrotizing enterocolitis (n = 18; 10.2%), NND (n = 18; 10.2%). NRBC-AUC and NRBC-mean correlated most strongly with pH, birthweight, and gestational age (Pearson coefficient -0.45 to -0.18; all P < .001). NRBC-AUC varied most between nonmorbid and morbid; NRBC-mean varied most between survivors and NND (all P < .001). NRBC persistence strongly predicted NND: clearance by day 4 was achieved by 80% of survivors and only 35% of NNDs. Logistic regression identified prematurity and persistent NRBC counts as primary morbidity determinants (r2 = 0.56; P < .01). Although the importance of individual NRBC counts varied, day-4 NRBC counts of >70 predicted morbidity best (sensitivity, 82%; specificity, 96%). Presence of morbidity and birthweight were prime determinants of death (r2 = 0.42; P < .01). CONCLUSION: Simple daily NRBC counts provide clinical information that is equivalent to more complicated methods. The importance of prematurity and growth are emphasized, but elevated NRBC counts beyond day 3 are relevant independent predictors of adverse outcome.

Reproductive health education of conscripts in Turkish Armed Forces: first evaluation of training courses.

BACKGROUND: In the frame of the Reproductive Health Program of Turkish Armed Forces, conscripts have been given 1-day participatory, interactive courses by the field military medical trainers in all military garrisons. METHODS: Pre- and posttest knowledge levels of soldiers were tested by 25 true-false questions. Demographic characteristics and test scores were routinely transferred from the training rooms to the reproductive health database by authorized field trainers using the network of the army. Two hundred forty-eight thousand seven hundred ninety-six soldiers with perfect entrance of data have been selected for descriptive analyses. RESULTS: Of all the soldiers, 39.2% were born in 1984. Primary school graduates have constituted the largest group with 34.4%. Only 7.4% of the soldiers were married. The mean precourse score was 65.7% +/- 15.4%, while the postcourse score was 83.5 +/- 12.73% (SD) (p < 0.001). Those who used to live in the east region of Turkey have obtained significantly lower scores on both pre- and posttests in comparison to scores of those who used to live in other regions (p < 0.001). Groups based on five educational levels have obtained significantly different scores, ascending gradually from uneducated to the higher educational level (p < 0.001). The ratio of increase in knowledge was highest in the groups with the lowest educational level and unmarried (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Training courses seem to succeed in increasing the knowledge of conscripts, particularly of those with a low socioeconomic and cultural status. However, it requires time to determine whether this increase in knowledge level with promote behavioral change positively and will improve young males' own and their partners' reproductive health status.

A simple set for intrauterine fetal blood transfusion constructed by readily available materials in every clinic.

Intrauterine fetal transfusion needs extensive experience and requires excellent eye-hand coordination, good equipment and experienced team workers to achieve success. While the needle is in the umbilical vein, an assistant withdraws and/or transfuses blood. The needle point should be kept still to prevent lacerations and dislodging. We propose a simple set for Intrauterine Fetal blood transfusion is constructed by readily available materials in every clinic to minimize needle tip movement and movements during syringe attachments and withdrawals during the intrauterine fetal transfusion. This makes possible to withdraw fetal blood sample, and to transfuse blood with minimal intervention.

Differences in prevalence of sexual dysfunction between primary and secondary infertile women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of type of infertility on female sexual function. DESIGN: Comparison of female sexual function index and prevalence in primary infertile women and secondary infertile women. SETTING: Hospital. PATIENT(S): One hundred twenty-two primary infertile and 51 secondary infertile women. INTERVENTION(S): Questionnaires (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] and Beck Depression Inventory). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Prevalence of dysfunction in primary and secondary infertile women. RESULT(S): The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 64.8% (n = 79) and 76.5% (n = 39) in primary infertile and secondary infertile women, respectively. In analyses of mean overall and subgroup scores of FSFI, there were significant differences between primary and secondary infertile women in the mean scores of orgasm, satisfaction, and total FSFI. Backward logistic regression identified a model with four significant predictors of sexual dysfunction (group, age, income level, and educational level). Secondary infertile women had a 9.5-fold higher risk of sexual dysfunction than primary infertile women after adjustment for confounding factors. CONCLUSION(S): There was a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in secondary infertile women. Secondary infertile women have decreased sexual desire, orgasm, and satisfaction compared with primary infertile women.

Congenital Cervical Teratoma:Anaesthetic Management (The EXIT Procedure).

SUMMARY: Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) is a procedure performed during caesarean section with preservation of fetal-placental circulation, which allows the safe handling of fetal airways with risk of airways obstruction. This report aimed at describing a case of anaesthesia for EXIT in a fetus with cervical teratoma. A 30-year-old woman, 70 kg, 160 cm, gravida 2, para 1, was followed because of polyhydramniosis diagnosed at 24 weeks' gestation. During a routine ultrasonographic examination at 35 weeks' gestation, it was noticed that the fetus had a tumoral mass on the anterior neck, the mass had cystic and calcified components and with a size of was 10 x 6 x5 cm. The patient with physical status ASA I, was submitted to caesarean section under general anaesthesia with mechanically controlled ventilation for exutero intrapartum treatment (EXIT). Anaesthesia was induced in rapid sequence with fentanyl propofol and rocuronium and was maintained with isoflurane in 2.5 at 3 % in O and N O (50%). After hysterotomy, fetus was partially released assuring uterus-placental circulation, followed by fetal laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. The infant was intubated with an uncuffed, size 2.5 endotracheal tube. Excision of the mass was performed under general anaesthesia. After surgical intervention, on the fourth postoperative day, the infant was extubated and the newborn was discharged to the pediatric neonatal unit and on the seventh day postoperatively to home without complications. Major recommendations for EXIT are maternal-fetal safety, uterine relaxation to maintain uterine volume and uterus-placental circulation, and fetal immobility to help airway handling. We report one case of cervical teratoma managed successfully with EXIT procedure.

Does mode of delivery affect sexual functioning of the man partner?

INTRODUCTION: Recent surveys showed that the major reasons for avoiding vaginal delivery were the fear of childbirth and the concern for postpartum sexual health. Although sexual dysfunction is a disorder that affects a couple rather than an individual, all studies investigating the relationship between the mode of delivery and sexual problems have been conducted only in cohorts of women. AIM: To determine the effect of mode of delivery on quality of sexual relations and sexual functioning of men by using the Golombock-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mean score of sexual function and prevalence of sexual dysfunction in overall and specific areas of the GRISS were compared among the three groups. METHODS: A total of 107 men accompanying their wives in outpatient clinics of obstetrics and gynecology met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Three groups of men were defined; men whose partners had: (i) "elective cesarean delivery" (N = 21; mean age 32.2 +/- 3.8 years); (ii) "vaginal delivery with mediolateral episiotomy" (N = 36; mean age 31.4 +/- 4.5 years); and (iii) "not given birth" (N = 50; mean age 28.8 +/- 4.0 years). RESULTS: Mean overall sexual function score (normal value < 25 points) was 20.5 +/- 8.2 in the elective caesarean group, 19.3 +/- 6.5 in the vaginal delivery group, and 18.8 +/- 9.3 in the nulliparae group (P = 0.731). Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men was 28.6% in the elective caesarean group, 19.4% in the vaginal delivery group, and 30.0% in the nulliparae group (P = 0.526). CONCLUSION: Overall sexual function of men was not affected by their partner's parity and mode of delivery. An elective cesarean section simply because of concerns about sexual function would not provide additional benefit to men, and could deny women a possible vaginal delivery, which is generally assumed to be safer than cesarean section.

Tension-free vaginal tape for surgical relief of intrinsic sphincter deficiency: results of 5-year follow-up.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We evaluated effectiveness of tension-free vaginal tape application for surgical relief of intrinsic sphincter deficiency. DESIGN: A prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Tertiary center of medical faculty. PATIENTS: We studied 47 patients. INTERVENTIONS: Tension-free vaginal tape procedure, questionnaire form, stress test, cotton swab test, and functional bladder volume measurements. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients were grouped as intrinsic sphincter deficiency according to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria. Operative results were documented at 6, 12, 36, and 60 months after the procedure by using a questionnaire form and objective tests of stress test, cotton swab test, and mean bladder functional volume measurement. At first visit 6 months after procedure, 70% (n = 35) of patients were completely satisfied, 9 (18%) had improved urine control, and 5 (10%) had no change in urine control. Results were: 72% (n = 36), 12% (n = 6), and 14 (n = 7%) at the end of the first year, and 66% (n = 33), 20% (n = 10), and 14% (n = 7) at the end of the third year, respectively. The fifth year's follow-up visit revealed 57.4% (n = 27 of 47) satisfaction, 17.02% (8 of 47) improved urine control, and 25.5% (12 of 47) no change in urine control. CONCLUSION: Tension-free vaginal tape procedure is a safe and effective technique for patients who have exclusively intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Long-term results will clarify the value of this procedure in comparison with classic antistress surgical techniques.

Protease inhibitor therapy and fetal growth potential in HIV-positive women.

Our objective was to test if protease inhibitors (PIs) increase the incidence of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Human immunodeficiency (HIV)-seropositive women were studied. At birth the neonatal weight percentile was assigned by predicted growth potential (GP), accounting for race, parity, weight, height, gestational age, birthweight, and gender (Gardosi, 1992). FGR was defined as GP < 10% percentile. Maternal age, CD4 count, viral load, weight gain, prenatal care, tobacco, alcohol, substance abuse, and PI use were related to FGR using chi-square and multiple regression analysis. Ninety-three of 191 women received PI. In these, FGR occurred in 27 (29%) compared with 15 (15.3%) in the non-PI group ( P = 0.02). Maternal CD4 count ( P < 0.0001) was the primary determinant, and smoking ( P = 0.037) was an independent cofactor for FGR (Nagelkerke r2 = 0.24). Twenty-six of 82 (31.7%) smokers had FGR, versus 16 of 109 (14.7%) of nonsmokers (odds ratio, 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.33 to 5.46; P = 0.005). After exclusion of the CD4 count, PI became a cofactor for FGR ( P = 0.021 and Nagelkerke r2 = 0.104). We concluded that maternal HIV status and smoking determine the risk for FGR. Although PIs increase the risk for FGR, this effect appears to depend on maternal disease severity.

Isolated torsion of fallopian tube in a premenarcheal 12-year-old girl.

Isolated torsion of fallopian tubes should be considered even at premenarcheal ages in cases of acute pelvic pain, and prompt surgery can preserve the tube and thus fertility. It is an uncommon emergency event and a difficult condition to evaluate clinically. This report focuses on a 12-year-old premenarcheal girl who presented with acute pelvic pain of 2 days. Pelvic ultrasound showed an adnexal mass on the left side. Laparoscopy was performed and an isolated tubal torsion was discovered. The tube was necrotic and salpingectomy was performed. The appendix appeared to be hyperemic and erectile. Appendectomy was also performed to rule out appendicitis. It's our recommendation that in the differential diagnosis of acute lower abdominal pain of girls, isolated torsion of the fallopian tubes should be considered. Also, preservation of the tube and fertility should be possible with prompt surgical intervention.

Oronasopharyngeal suction versus no suction in normal and term infants delivered by elective cesarean section: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There are controversies about the routine use of oronasopharyngeal suction (ONPS) in healthy infants. This study aimed to compare the effects of oronasopharyngeal suction with those of no suction in normal, term infants delivered by cesarean section. METHODS: 140 term, healthy newborns of uncomplicated pregnancies were prospectively randomized to one of two groups according to the use of ONPS procedure. Differences in oxygen saturation levels, heart rates, and Apgar scores were determined. RESULTS: The mean SaO(2) values through the 2nd and 6th min of life were significantly higher in the no suction group (p < 0.001). The maximum time to reach SaO(2) of > or =92% (6 vs. 11 min) and > or =86% (5 vs. 8 min) saturation were shorter in the no suction group than in the ONPS group. The mean heart rates were consistently and significantly lower in the no suction group during the first 6 min except the second one. All neonates without suction had an Apgar score of 10 at the 5th min, while the mean +/- SD for ONPS group was 9.34 +/- 0.48 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although findings remained on statistical level and did not lead to clinically adverse outcomes, there is no statistical or physiological basis for oronasopharyngeal suction as a systematic procedure in healthy, term infants delivered by cesarean section.

Efficacy of laparoscopically-assisted extracorporeal cystectomy in patients with ovarian endometrioma.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness and effectiveness of the extracorporeal surgical technique in the treatment of endometriomas. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). SETTING: Department of gynecology in a tertiary care faculty hospital and training hospital. PATIENTS: Of 89 patients with endometrioma, 53 had laparoscopic stripping, and 36 had laparoscopically-assisted extracorporeal cystectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic stripping and laparoscopically-assisted extracorporeal cystectomy were performed for the treatment of endometriomas diagnosed laparoscopically. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The size of the endometrioma diagnosed by the ultrasonographic examination was not statistically related to the severity of the endometriosis (p = .42). Conversion to extracorporeal technique was required in 17 of 58 cases with moderate endometriosis and 14 of 31 cases with severe endometriosis (p = .04). Operation time, visual analogue pain score, and hospitalization periods were similar between the 2 techniques. Among 53 specimens obtained with laparoscopic stripping, 29 (55%) had no ovarian tissue, and 24 (45%) had ovarian tissue with follicles. Of 36 specimens obtained with extracorporeal technique, 19 (52%) had no ovarian tissue, and 17 (48%) had ovarian tissue with follicles. Preservation of the ovarian tissue was not significantly different between both surgical techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal technique with laparoscopically-assisted minilaparotomy is a valuable alternative for laparoscopic stripping in selected cases.

The effect of pre-eclampsia on complete blood count, platelet count and mean platelet volume.

Pre-eclampsia is a condition observed during pregnancy and threatens the life of both mother and foetus. There are studies, which suggest platelets play a major role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. The aim of this study is to compare the complete blood count (CBC) parameters, especially platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV), in pre-eclamptic and normal pregnant women and to evaluate whether these parameters have a prognostic significance in determining the severity of eclampsia. The study and control groups consist of 56 pre-eclamptic and 43 normal pregnant women, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference according to CBC, platelet count and MPV when pre-eclamptic and severely pre-eclamptic patients were compared with controls. As a result, we observed no prognostic significance of CBC, platelet count and MPV on the presence and/or severity of pre-eclamptic condition. There are conflicting results especially on the significance of MPV in the literature, and possibly this confliction is due to the difference between methods and/or equipments used for automated blood count.

Oronasopharyngeal suction versus no suction in normal, term and vaginally born infants: a prospective randomised controlled trial.

This prospective randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of oronasopharyngeal suction with those of no suction in normal, term and vaginally born infants and was performed at a Turkish tertiary hospital from June 2003 to January 2004. A total of 140 newborns were enrolled in the trial (n = 70 per group). The no suction group showed lower mean heart rates through the 3rd and 6th minutes and higher SaO(2) values through the first 6 mins of life (P < 0.001). The maximum time to reach SaO2 of >or= 92% (6 vs. 11 min) and >or= 86% (5 vs. 8 min) were shorter in the no suction group (P < 0.001).

Effect of bupivacaine after operative laparoscopic gynecologic procedures.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal installation and periportal infiltration of bupivacaine on postoperative pain and return of bowel function. DESIGN: A prospective, double-blind, randomized trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: GATA School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology Unit. PATIENTS: Eighty patients undergoing operative gynecologic laparoscopy. INTERVENTION: Periportal infiltration of local anesthesia with 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine before incision and another 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine diluted with 20 mL of saline or equal amount of physiologic saline injected into the peritoneal cavity at the end of the procedure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Each patient recorded the severity of her pain on a visual analog scale (VAS) at 1, 6, 18, and 24 hours and the time of first bowel movement and first flatus after surgery. Seventy-seven patients completed the study (38 in the bupivacaine group; 39 in the control group). The severity of postoperative pain, as recorded on the VAS, was significantly less at 1, 6, 18, and 24 hours after surgery in the group receiving bupivacaine compared with those in the control group. The first bowel movement in the bupivacaine group occurred earlier than in the control group (284.80 +/- 31.62 min vs 453.23 +/- 33.08 min, p <.001); similarly, the first flatus occurred earlier in the bupivacaine group than in the control group (466.2 +/- 29.59 min vs 658.80 +/- 40.92 min p <.001). CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal installation and periportal infiltration of bupivacaine decrease postoperative pain and hasten the return of bowel function. Both decreased postoperative pain and shortened duration for the return of bowel function are crucial for comfort and discharge of the patient.