Tumor-reactive antibodies evolve from non-binding and autoreactive precursors.

The tumor microenvironment hosts antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) associated with a favorable prognosis in several types of cancer. Patient-derived antibodies have diagnostic and therapeutic potential; yet, it remains unclear how antibodies gain autoreactivity and target tumors. Here, we found that somatic hypermutations (SHMs) promote antibody antitumor reactivity against surface autoantigens in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Patient-derived tumor cells were frequently coated with IgGs. Intratumoral ASCs in HGSOC were both mutated and clonally expanded and produced tumor-reactive antibodies that targeted MMP14, which is abundantly expressed on the tumor cell surface. The reversion of monoclonal antibodies to their germline configuration revealed two types of classes: one dependent on SHMs for tumor binding and a second with germline-encoded autoreactivity. Thus, tumor-reactive autoantibodies are either naturally occurring or evolve through an antigen-driven selection process. These findings highlight the origin and potential applicability of autoantibodies directed at surface antigens for tumor targeting in cancer patients.

The role of surgeon specialty in management and survival of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe management and survival in adult patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCT) undergoing surgery by general gynecologists (GG) versus gynecologic oncologists (GO). METHODS: This is a population-based retrospective cohort study, including patients (age ≥ 18 years old) with MOGCT identified in the provincial cancer registry of Ontario, (1996-2020). Baseline characteristics, surgical and chemotherapy treatment were compared between those with surgery by GG or GO. Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model was used to determine if surgeon specialty was associated with overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Overall, 363 patients were included. One-hundred and sixty (44%) underwent surgery by GO and 203 (56%) by GG. There were higher rates of stage II-IV in the GO group (27.5% vs 3.9%, p < 0.001, and higher proportion of chemotherapy (64.4% vs 37.4%, p < 0.0001). Five-year OS was 90% and 93% in the GO vs GG groups, respectively (p = 0.39). CPH model showed factors associated with increased risk of death were older age at diagnosis (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.07-1.12) and chemotherapy (HR 3.12, 95% CI 1.44-6.75). Surgeon specialty was not independently associated with all-cause death (HR 1.04, 95% 0.51-2.15, p = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: In this group of MOGCT, 5-year OS was not significantly different between patients having surgery by GO compared to GG. Nevertheless, survival rates were lower than expected in the GG group despite their low-risk features. Further exploration is warranted regarding the reasons for this and whether patients with suspected MOGCT may benefit from early assessment by GO for optimal management.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer: Current evidence and practice.

Surgical staging with total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and lymph node assessment is the standard of care for patients with clinical early-stage endometrial cancer. Traditionally, complete pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LND) was performed to assess for nodal metastases; however, numerous prospective studies have demonstrated that sentinel lymph node biopsy has similar diagnostic accuracy, and is an acceptable alternative to complete LND. This has led to a paradigm shift in endometrial cancer staging.

Mismatch-repair deficiency, microsatellite instability, and lynch syndrome in ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Investigating for mismatch repair protein deficiency (MMRd), microsatellite instability (MSI), and Lynch syndrome (LS) is widely accepted in endometrial cancer, but knowledge is limited on its value in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The primary objective was to evaluate the prevalence of mismatch repair protein deficiency (MMRd), microsatellite instability (MSI)-high, and Lynch syndrome (LS) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), as well as the diagnostic accuracy of LS screening tests. The secondary objective was to determine the prevalence of MMRd, MSI-high, and LS in synchronous ovarian endometrial cancer and in histological subtypes. METHODS: We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Epub Ahead of Print, MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase databases. We included studies analysing MMR, MSI, and/or LS by sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 55 studies were included. The prevalence of MMRd, MSI-high, and LS in EOC was 6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5-8%), 13% (95% CI 12-15%), and 2% (95% CI 1-3%) respectively. Hypermethylation was present in 76% of patients with MLH1 deficiency (95% CI 64-84%). The MMRd prevalence was highest in endometrioid (12%) followed by non-serous non-mucinous (9%) and lowest in serous (1%) histological subtypes. MSI-high prevalence was highest in endometrioid (12%) and non-serous non-mucinous (12%) and lowest in serous (9%) histological subtypes. Synchronous and endometrioid EOC had the highest prevalence of LS pathogenic variants at 7% and 3% respectively, with serous having lowest prevalence (1%). Synchronous ovarian and endometrial cancers had highest rates of MMRd (28%) and MSI-high (28%). Sensitivity was highest for IHC (91.1%) and IHC with MSI (92.8%), while specificity was highest for IHC with methylation (92.3%). CONCLUSION: MMRd and germline LS testing should be considered for non-serous non-mucinous EOC, particularly for endometrioid. PRECIS: The rates of mismatch repair deficiency, microsatellite instability high, and mismatch repair germline mutations are highest in endometrioid subtype and non-serous non-mucinous ovarian cancer. The rates are lowest in serous histologic subtype.

Antenatal Corticosteroids for Small for Gestational Age in Late Preterm Newborns.

BACKGROUND: The administration of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) is standard practice for management of threatened preterm birth. Its benefit, especially in small for gestational age (SGA) late preterm, is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of ACS on perinatal outcome of late preterm SGA neonates. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all women carrying a singleton gestation who had late preterm delivery (34-36 gestational weeks) of SGA neonates at a single tertiary university-affiliated medical center (July 2012-December 2017). Exclusion criteria included termination of pregnancy, intrauterine fetal death, and birth weight ≥ 10th percentile. Outcomes were compared between ACS and non-ACS treatment prior to delivery. Neonatal composite outcome included neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation, and transient tachypnea. RESULTS: Overall, 228 women met inclusion criteria; 102 (44.7%) received ACS and 126 did not (55.3%). Median birth weight among the non-ACS group was significantly higher (1896.0 vs. 1755.5 grams P < 0.001). Rates of NICU and jaundice requiring phototherapy were higher among the ACS group (53.92% vs. 31.74%, P = 0.01; 12.74% vs. 5.55%, P = 0.05, respectively). Composite neonatal outcome was significantly higher among the ACS group (53.92% vs. 32.53%, odds ratio [OR] 2.42, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.41-4.15, P = 0.01). After adjustment for potential confounders, this association remained significant (OR 2.15, 95%CI 1.23-3.78, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: ACS given during pregnancy did not improve respiratory outcome for SGA late preterm neonates. ACS may be associated with a worse outcome.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for the Treatment of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia: Rationale, Effectiveness, and Future Fertility.

OPINION STATEMENT: Most individuals with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) are cured with chemotherapy; however, about 5% of them will develop chemotherapy-resistant disease and will die of disease progression. Most GTN tissues express programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1), making immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting this pathway an attractive treatment option for individuals with GTN. There is increasing evidence to support the use of ICIs for individuals with recurrent or resistant GTN, but available data are derived from case reports and small single arm trials. As promising as it seems, not all individuals with GTN respond to ICIs, and there is lack of evidence toward which factors mediate the effect of ICIs on GTN. In addition, treatment-related adverse events and impact on future fertility are not negligible and should be considered before initiating this treatment. Therefore, additional research is needed to evaluate treatment outcome of ICIs in GTN compared to standard treatment, and to identify molecular and clinical predictors for treatment response, before this treatment is incorporated into the standard of care.

Postpartum voiding dysfunction following vaginal versus caesarean delivery.

In this prospective study, we evaluated postpartum voiding dysfunction stratified by mode of delivery - vaginal delivery versus elective caesarean delivery (CD). We recruited nulliparous women carrying singleton gestation at term admitted to delivery room or elective CD. Pre-labour voiding function was assessed by recording the post-voiding residual volume (PVRV) using a bladder scan. PVRV evaluation was repeated at least 12 hours following delivery and before discharge. PVRVs were considered abnormal if ≥150 mL. PVRVs were compared between vaginal and CD. Overall, 54 women were included. Of them, 34 (63%) delivered vaginally and 20 (37%) had an elective CD. Postpartum mean PVRVs were significantly higher compared to pre-labour PVRVs (215 vs. 133 mL, p<.001). Abnormal postpartum PVRV was significantly higher in vaginal delivery compared to CD (73.5% vs. 45%, p<.05). In conclusion, delivery adversely affects voiding function. Vaginal delivery is associated with more severe voiding dysfunction compared to elective CD.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Delivery is associated with voiding dysfunction. While most studies on postpartum voiding dysfunction were related to vaginal delivery, little is known on the effect of mode of delivery (vaginal versus caesarean delivery (CD)) on voiding dysfunction.What the results of this study add? In this study, we found that postpartum post-voiding residual volume is significantly higher than the pre-labour PVRV in women delivered vaginally. In addition, postpartum PVRV was significantly higher in women delivered vaginally compared to elective CD.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study implicates that women with vaginal delivery are more prone to voiding dysfunction compared to elective CD. However, larger observational studies are warranted to confirm these results and evaluate whether this difference still exists beyond the post-partum period.

Breast cancer incidence in BRCA mutation carriers with ovarian cancer: A longitudal observational study.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the incidence of breast cancer and overall survival in a multi-center cohort of ovarian cancer patients carrying BRCA1/2 mutations in order to assess risks and formulate optimal preventive interventions and/or surveillance. METHODS: Medical records of 502 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers diagnosed with ovarian cancer between 2000 and 2018 at 7 medical centers in Israel and one in New York were retrospectively analyzed for breast cancer diagnosis. Data included demographics, type of BRCA mutations, surveillance methods, timing of breast cancer diagnosis, and family history of cancer. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis of ovarian cancer was 55.8 years (range, 23.9-90.1). A third (31.5%) had a family history of breast cancer and 17.1% of ovarian cancer. Most patients (67.3%) were Ashkenazi Jews, 72.9% were BRCA1 carriers. Breast cancer preceded ovarian cancer in 17.5% and was diagnosed after ovarian cancer in 6.2%; an additional 2.2% had a synchronous presentation. Median time to breast cancer diagnosis after ovarian cancer was 46.0 months (range, 11-168). Of those diagnosed with both breast cancer and ovarian cancer (n = 31), 83.9% and 16.1% harbored BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, respectively. No deaths from breast cancer were recorded. Overall survival did not differ statistically between patients with an ovarian cancer diagnosis only and those diagnosed with breast cancer after ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: The low incidence of breast cancer after ovarian cancer in women carrying BRCA1/2 mutations suggests that routine breast surveillance, rather than risk-reducing surgical interventions, may be sufficient in ovarian cancer survivors.

The association between maternal cytomegalovirus urinary excretion and congenital infection rate.

BACKGROUND: In utero Cytomegalovirus (CMV) vertical transmission occurs predominantly during primary maternal infection. There are no known non-invasive methods for diagnosis of fetal infection before delivery, however some risk factors have been suggested. We aimed to evaluate the association between maternal CMV urinary excretion and congenital CMV infection. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all women who were diagnosed with primary CMV infection during pregnancy in a single university affiliated tertiary medical center, between 2012 and 2016. We examined congenital CMV infection and disease rates among infants born to women with and without CMV urinary excretion. RESULTS: Overall, 126 women were included, 77 in the positive urinary excretion group, and 49 in the negative urinary excretion group. There was no difference in maternal symptoms between the groups. We found no difference in congenital CMV infection and disease rates between infants born to women with and without urinary excretion of CMV (congenital infection rate 37.1% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.209, congenital disease rate of 18.2% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.648). Women with positive urinary CMV excretion had lower IgG avidity values (36.7% vs 54.6%, p = 0.007), with no additional difference in serology pattern. Compared to asymptomatic women, those with CMV related symptoms did not have significantly higher rates of urinary excretion of CMV (70% vs. 60.5%, p = 0.38) or congenital infection rates (40.7% vs. 31.2%, p = 0.48). CONCLUSION: Among infants of women with primary CMV infection in pregnancy, we did not find an association between urinary excretion of CMV and congenital CMV infection.

Association of term isolated microcephaly with mode of delivery and perinatal outcome - a retrospective case-control analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the association of isolated fetal microcephaly measured by ultrasound prior to delivery at term with mode of delivery and perinatal outcome. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was conducted in 2012-2016. Fetal microcephaly was defined as head circumference > 2 standard deviations of the mean for gestational age and sex. We compared the obstetric, delivery, and outcome parameters of women in whom ultrasound performed up to 10 days prior to term delivery showed isolated fetal microcephaly (study group) or normal head circumference (reference group). Exclusion criteria were intrauterine fetal death, birthweight below the 10th percentile, and antepartum cesarean delivery for any indication. RESULTS: Of 3677 women included in the study, 26 (0.7%) had a late ultrasound finding of isolated fetal microcephaly. Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups except for estimated fetal weight based on abdominal circumference and biparietal diameter, which was lower in the microcephaly group (3209.8 ± 557.6 vs. 2685.8 ± 420.8 g, p < .001). There was no significant between-group difference in rate of vaginal operative deliveries (11.7% vs 14.8%, respectively, p = 0.372). The study group had no intrapartum cesarean deliveries compared to 6.3% of the reference group (NS). Compared to controls, neonates in the study group were smaller (3323.2 ± 432.2 vs. 2957.0 ± 330.4 g, p < .001), with lower birthweight percentile (60.5 ± 26.5 vs. 33.6 ± 21.5%, p < .001) and were more often males (48.2 vs. 90.0%, p < .001). No significant differences were noted in perinatal outcomes between the groups, including admission to neonatal intensive care unit, intraventricular hemorrhage, 5-min Apgar score < 7, asphyxia, seizures, and sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated microcephaly in term fetuses is not advantageous for a vaginal delivery, nor does it does not pose a greater than normal risk of adverse perinatal outcome.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Elderly Patients with Advanced Stage Ovarian Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of elderly patients with advanced stage ovarian carcinoma is challenging due to a high morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical course and outcome of elderly patients with advanced stage ovarian carcinoma receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients with stage IIIC and IV ovarian carcinoma receiving NACT in one medical center (between 2005 and 2017). The study group criteria age was above 70 years. The control group criteria was younger than 70 years old at diagnosis. Demographics and treatment outcomes were compared between groups. Primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Overall, 105 patients met the inclusion criteria, 71 patients (67.6%) were younger than 70 years and 34 patients (32.4%) older. Rates of interval cytoreduction were significantly higher in younger patients (76.1% vs. 50.0%, P = 0.01). Of those who underwent interval cytoreduction, no difference was found in rates of optimal debulking between groups (83.35% vs. 100%, P = 0.10). Using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, no significant differences were observed between groups in PFS or OS, P > 0.05. Among the elderly group alone, patients who underwent interval cytoreduction had significantly longer PFS than those without surgical intervention (0.4 ± 1.7 vs. 19.3 ± 19.4 months, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with ovarian carcinoma who received NACT undergo less interval cytoreduction than younger patients, with no difference in PFS and OS. However, among the elderly, interval cytoreduction is associated with significantly higher PFS.

Does 'Dual Trigger' Increase Oocyte Maturation Rate?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oocyte maturation rate when GnRH-a and hCG (dual trigger) are co-administered, compared to the standard hCG trigger within the same patient. Included in the study were GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles performed in 137 patients who had a standard hCG trigger cycle and a dual trigger cycle between 1/1/2013 and 31/12/2017. The mean patient age (35.9 ± 5.6 and 35.2 ± 5.9; <0.001), FSH dose (4140 ± 2065 and 3585 ± 1858; <0.01), number of retrieved oocytes (10.3 ± 6.2 and 8.9 ± 6.1; 0.011) were higher in the dual trigger group compared to the hCG trigger group, oocyte maturation rate was identical. Maturation rate following dual trigger was significantly higher among 34 patients who had a maturation rate of <70% following hCG triggering and among 16 patients with a maturation rate <50% rate following hCG trigger (54% vs. 74%, p < .001 and 44% vs. 73%, p = .006; respectively). In conclusion, co-administration of GnRH agonist and hCG for final oocyte maturation substantially increased the oocyte maturation rate in patients with low oocyte maturation rate in their hCG triggered cycle, but not in an unselected population of patients.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The co-administration of GnRH agonist and hCG for final oocyte maturation prior to oocyte retrieval may improve IVF outcome in patients with a high proportion of immature oocytes. The few studies on dual trigger in patients with a high proportion of immature oocytes or in normal responders have shown conflicting results.What do the results of this study add? We found that co-administration of GnRH agonist and hCG for final oocyte maturation substantially increased the oocyte maturation rate in patients with low oocyte maturation rate in their hCG triggered cycle, but not in an unselected population of patients.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results of this study implicate that in selected population with low oocyte maturation rate, there is an advantage in using dual trigger. However, larger prospective trials are warranted to better assess oocyte response in dual trigger.

Perinatal outcome in gestational diabetes according to different diagnostic criteria.

Objectives To evaluate whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed by different criteria impacts perinatal outcome. Methods This was a retrospective study of deliveries with a diagnosis of GDM (2014-2016). Perinatal outcomes were compared between patients with: (1) GDM diagnosed according to a single abnormal value on the 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); (2) two or more abnormal OGTT values; and (3) a 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) value ≥200 mg/dL. Results A total of 1163 women met the inclusion criteria, of whom 441 (37.9%) were diagnosed according to a single abnormal OGTT value, 627 (53.9%) had two or more abnormal OGTT values and 95 (8.17%) had a GCT value ≥200 mg/dL. Diet-only treatment was significantly higher in the single abnormal value group (70.3% vs. 65.1% vs. 50.5%) and rates of medical treatment were significantly higher in the GCT ≥ 200 mg/dL group (P < 0.05). Women in the GCT ≥ 200 mg/dL group had higher rates of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (10.5% vs. 2.7% vs. 2.8%, P < 0.001) and neonatal hypoglycemia (5.3% vs. 0.5% vs. 0.8%, P < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression, GCT ≥ 200 mg/dL was no longer associated with higher rates of NICU admission and neonatal hypoglycemia (P > 0.05). Conclusion No difference was noted in the perinatal outcome amongst the different methods used for diagnosing GDM.

Neonatal outcomes in term pregnancies treated with antenatal corticosteroids for suspected pre-term labor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between antenatal corticosteroid treatment and neonatal outcome when delivery occurs at term. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of all women with singleton gestations who delivered at term (37 + 0 to 41 + 6 weeks) in a tertiary medical center (2012-2015). Women with diabetes, suspected fetal growth restriction, antepartum fetal death, and fetal structural or chromosomal anomalies were excluded. The cohort was divided according to prior preterm (24 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks) antenatal corticosteroids treatment due to threatened preterm labor (study group), vs. no such treatment (control group). Primary outcome was birthweight at delivery. Secondary outcomes were composites neonatal adverse outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to adjust results for potential confounders. RESULTS: Of 25,872 women who were included in the study, 722 (3%) were treated with antenatal corticosteroids. Women in the treatment group had higher rates of nulliparity compared to controls (43% vs. 38%, p = 0.002). Birth weight was significantly lower in the corticosteroid treatment group (3077 g vs. 3264 g, p = 0.001), with higher rates of small for gestational age (11% vs. 6%, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis adjusting for parity and gestational age demonstrated that corticosteroid treatment was associated with lower birth weight (B = - 93 g, 95% CI - 123 to - 66, p = 0.001). Treatment was not found to be associated with adverse neonatal outcomes composites. CONCLUSION: Antenatal corticosteroid treatment is associated with lower birth weight and higher rates of small for gestational age neonates among women who eventually deliver at term. However, it is not associated with short-term adverse neonatal outcomes.

Induction of labor methods in isolated term oligohydramnios.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pregnancy outcomes following induction of labor with prostaglandins versus extra-amniotic balloon catheter indicated for term isolated oligohydramnios. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent induction of labor due to term isolated oligohydramnios at a university affiliated medical center (2007-2016). The cohort was divided into two subgroups, according to induction method: vaginal prostaglandins E2 versus extra-amniotic balloon catheter. Primary outcomes were successful cervical ripening, defined as a Bishop score ≥ 8, and vaginal delivery rate. Secondary outcomes were neonatal adverse events. RESULTS: Five hundred and ten women were included, of whom 454 (89%) underwent induction by prostaglandins and 56 (11%) by extra-amniotic balloon. Cervical ripening success rate was significantly higher in the prostaglandins group (89.4 vs. 76.79%, p = 0.006), as was the rate of vaginal delivery (77.53 vs. 48.21%, p < 0.0001). Induction with prostaglandins remained superior to extra-amniotic balloon in vaginal delivery rate following adjustment to potential confounders (aOR 3.470, 95% CI 1.296-9.296, p < 0.0001). Neonates delivered following induction with extra-amniotic balloon catheter were more often admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (14.55 vs. 3.39%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Both prostaglandins and extra-amniotic balloon catheter are reasonable interventions for isolated term oligohydramnios. Prostaglandins were superior to extra-amniotic balloon both in cervical ripening success and in vaginal delivery rates.

Sonographic prediction of macrosomia in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes: finding the best formula.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the best performing formula for macrosomia prediction in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 1060 sonographic fetal biometrical measurements performed within 7 days of delivery in term pregnancies (37-42 gestational weeks) complicated by diabetes. Sonographic prediction of macrosomia (≥ 4000, ≥ 4250, and ≥ 4500 g) was evaluated utilizing ten previously published formulas by: (1) calculating for each macrosomia threshold the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and ± likelihood ratio for macrosomia prediction; (2) comparing the systematic and random error and the proportion of estimates < 10% of birth weights between macrosomic and non-macrosomic neonates. Best performing formula was determined based on Euclidean distance. RESULTS: 97 (9.2%) macrosomic neonates (> 4000 g) were included. Median birth weight was 3380 (1866-3998) g for non-macrosomic and 4198 (4000-5180) g for macrosomic neonates. Higher macrosomia cutoff was associated with higher specificity and lower sensitivity. We found a considerable variation between formulas in different accuracy parameters. Hadlock's formula (1985), based on abdominal circumference, femur length, head circumference and biparietal diameter, had the shortest Euclidean distance, reflecting the highest accuracy. CONCLUSION: Prediction of macrosomia among women with diabetes differs significantly between formulas. In our cohort, the best performing formula for macrosomia prediction was Hadlock's formula (1985).

Perinatal outcome following induction of labor in patients with good glycemic controlled gestational diabetes: does timing matter?

PURPOSE: To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with good glycemic controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) undergoing induction of labor at early and late term. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all women with singleton pregnancies and well-controlled GDM undergoing induction of labor for non-GDM indications in the early (37 + 0-38 + 6 gestational weeks) and late term (39 + 0-40 + 6 weeks), in a single university-affiliated medical center (2014-2016). Exclusion criteria included: pre-gestational diabetes, multiple gestations and elective cesarean delivery. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups. Composite maternal outcome included: post-partum hemorrhage, blood products transfusion, and cesarean or instrumental delivery. Composite neonatal outcome included: neonatal intensive care unit admission, respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycemia and jaundice. RESULTS: Overall, 430 women met inclusion criteria. Amongst them, 193 (44.88%) were induced at early term and 237 (55.11%) were induced at late term. There were higher rates of hypertensive complications of any kind and pre-eclampsia, in women induced at early term (11.04% vs. 4.26%, p = 0.021, and 5.92% vs. 1.60%, p = 0.04, respectively). There were no differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes between groups. Rates of composite maternal outcome and composite neonatal outcome did not differ between groups (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.59-1.44, p = 0.73 and OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.47-1.3, p = 0.36, respectively). CONCLUSION: Women with good glycemic controlled GDM may be safely induced at early term, when other indications exist, without an increased risk for adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.

Malignant Ascites: Validation of a Novel Ascites Symptom Mini-Scale for Use in Patients With Ovarian Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ascites is a common finding in patients with ovarian cancer. Paracentesis is a relatively simple, safe, and effective procedure for draining fluid from the peritoneum, but valid quality-of-life tools are needed to determine its subjective value for alleviating symptoms and improving patient quality of life. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the performance of a novel Ascites Symptom Mini-Scale (ASmS) and compare it with a previously available questionnaire. METHODS: Patients with ovarian cancer-related ascites presenting for paracentesis were asked to complete the newly devised ASmS before the procedure and 1 and 24 hours after. Patients also completed a pain assessment scale and a previously validated ascites questionnaire at the same time points. RESULTS: The cohort included 28 patients of median age 68 years (range, 51-86 years), 13 (46.4%) with primary ovarian cancer and 15 with recurrent disease. A median of 3300 mL of ascites was drained. The median score on the ASmS decreased significantly from 21.5 before paracentesis to 11.0 at 1 hour after paracentesis (P < 0.001) and remained low at 24 hours. No demographic factor predicted greater benefit from the procedure. Patients with both mild and severe symptoms reported significant relief. CONCLUSIONS: The ASmS is a robust quality-of-life tool for the specific assessment of symptoms of ovarian cancer-related malignant ascites. It can be used in the clinical trial setting assessing interventions aimed at treating ascites and in the clinic to identify those patients with mild symptoms, who may benefit from paracentesis.

The impact of epidural analgesia on the duration of the second stage of labor.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the length of second stage of labor in a contemporary cohort. We calculated the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles for second-stage length stratified by parity and epidural analgesia use and evaluated the effect of labor induction and oxytocin augmentation in our cohort. METHODS: We did a retrospective analysis of all live, singleton, term vaginal deliveries in one tertiary hospital. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate second-stage duration confounders. First, we calculated the second-stage length and presented it as 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles stratified by epidural analgesia and parity. Second, we evaluated the effect of labor induction and oxytocin augmentation on second-stage length, and third, we determined the demographic and obstetrical confounders that affected second-stage length. RESULTS: Overall, 15 500 deliveries were included. Nulliparity, oxytocin augmentation, epidural use, birthweight, labor induction, lower body mass index, and higher maternal age were found to be significantly associated with prolongation of the second stage. Epidural use was associated with an additional 82 minutes for the 95th percentile for both nulliparas and multiparas and tripled the rate of prolonged second stage for the entire cohort. Labor induction was associated with clinically significant prolongation of the second stage in nulliparas with epidural analgesia only. Oxytocin was associated with longer duration of the second stage for nulliparas, regardless of epidural use. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest a significant prolongation of the second stage in women receiving epidural analgesia. Recommendations for management of second stage should be reconsidered by contemporary data.

The influence of body mass index on pregnancy outcome following single-embryo transfer.

PURPOSE: The association between obesity and reproductive outcome is controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of obesity on clinical pregnancy rates following transfer of a single fresh embryo. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary medical center, including all first, fresh, single-embryo transfers using non-donor oocytes, during 2008-2013. We compared clinical pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcomes of singleton live births resulting from the transfer of a single fresh embryo in normal weight, overweight, and obese women, defined as body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2, ≥ 25 BMI <30 kg/m2, and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 1345 cases met the inclusion criteria with 864 single-embryo transfers (SETs) in normal weight women, 292 in overweight women, and 189 SETs in obese women, resulting in 538 clinical pregnancies and 354 singleton births. The clinical pregnancy rate per transfer was similar among the three groups (41.3, 37.6, 37.5%, respectively, p = 0.416). Similarly, there were no significant differences in live births or ongoing pregnancies. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, BMI did not impact the likelihood for clinical pregnancy (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.008, p = 0.216). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that obesity has no detrimental effect on the clinical pregnancy rate resulting from the transfer of a single fresh embryo.