C-Met expression pattern in uterine leiomyoma.

AIM: Growth factors take place in the formation and growth of uterine leiomyomas (LMs). Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) contribute to the pathophysiology of LMs when they bind with a specific membrane receptor and transmit a signal into the cell. Little is known about hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor system c-Met in formation and growth of uterine LMs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the c-Met receptor expression on human myometrium and uterine LMs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on human myometrium and uterine LMs. Expression of c-Met receptor was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Overexpression of c-Met was found in all LM cases and in none of normal myometrium samples c-Met overexpression was seen. CONCLUSION: HGF and c-Met receptor complex seem to have role in development of uterine LMs.

Prenatal diagnosis of multiple fetal anomalies in naphthalene-addicted pregnant women: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Naphthalene is one of the abused inhalants. It has been associated with acute and chronic health problems. To the authors' knowledge, prenatal exposure to naphthalene has never been discussed in humans. CASE: The authors discuss a case of naphthalene-addicted pregnant women with multiple fetal anomalies. At 15 weeks gestation, ultrasound screening demostrated multiple fetal anomalies: anencephaly, scoliosis, diffuse subcutaneous edema, flexion contracture of lower extremities, and hypoplastic left ventricle. Four weeks later obstetrical ultrasonography revealed that there was no fetal cardiac activity. The patient had a medical abortion. CONCLUSION: A stronger knowledge basis regarding naphthalene-related fetal anomaly is required to ensure accurate direct link, however the probability of naphthalene-related fetal anomaly must be considered.

Bilateral hypogastric artery ligation in emergency setting for intractable postpartum hemorrhage: a secondary care center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report the authors' experience in bilateral hypogastric (internal iliac) artery ligation which was performed for controlling intractable postpartum hemorrhage in a secondary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients that required bilateral hypogastric artery ligation for severe intractable postpartum hemorrhage from November 2007 to August 2009 were included in this retrospective study. Data were retrieved from patients' hospital records. RESULTS: A total of 26 cases required hypogastric artery ligation during the study period. Causes of postpartum hemorrhage included uterine atony, placental abruption, uterine rupture, and placenta accreta. Hemorrhage was effectively controlled in 20 of 26 cases (76.9%) and hysterectomy was avoided. Iliac vein injury occurred in one patient (3.8%) as an operative complication. There was one maternal death. CONCLUSION: Hypogastric artery ligation is an effective therapeutic option for severe postpartum hemorrhage and should be kept in mind during obstetric emergency conditions.

Gestational choriocarcinoma arising in a tubal ectopic pregnancy: case report.

OBJECTIVES: Gestational choriocarcinoma associated with ectopic pregnancy is an extremely rare event. Here we report one of these cases. CASE: A 38-year-old, gravida 4, parity 3, patient was admitted to the emergency room with the complaint of abdominal pain. Peritoneal irritation signs were present and serum hCG level was found to be greater than 15000 mUI/ml. Transvaginal ultrasound images were compatible with ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. Hemoperitoneum and ruptured tuba were found at laparatomy and a right salpingectomy was performed. The histopathological evaluation reported the lesion as primary tubal choriocarcinoma. The patient was referred to a tertiary care center for treatment and follow-up. CONCLUSION: Adequate monitoring of beta-hCG titers and careful examinations of pathologic specimens are important to avoid misdiagnosis of ectopic gestational trophoblastic disease.