Evaluation of Maternal Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Paraoxonase 1 Levels, and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Spontaneous Preterm Birth.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, paraoxonase 1, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in women having early spontaneous preterm birth without clinical chorioamnionitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was prospectively administered in women referred to our obstetrics service with preterm labor that resulted in preterm birth (n=35) and term labor that ended in term birth (n=44). The maternal serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and paraoxonase 1 were measured and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated. RESULTS The 25-hydroxyvitamin D and paraoxonase 1 levels of the preterm group were significantly lower than those of the term group (p<0.05). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio value of the preterm group was significantly higher than that of the term group (p<0.05). There was a significant but small positive correlation between the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and paraoxonase 1 in the preterm group (r=0.35; p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS Decreased maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and paraoxonase 1 levels and increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may have a role in the etiology of spontaneous preterm birth.

Serum levels of ET-1, M30, and angiopoietins-1 and -2 in HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia compared to controls.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the serum levels of ET-1, M30, and Angs-1 and -2 in patients with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, and normal controls. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of 74 pregnant women, serum levels of ET-1, M30, and Angs-1 and -2 were measured in preeclamptic patients with or without HELLP syndrome. 74 pregnant women; 37 had healthy pregnancies, 25 had preeclampsia (PE), and 12 had HELLP syndrome. RESULTS: The age, body mass index, gravidity, and parity of patients with normal pregnancy, PE, and HELLP syndrome were comparable (p > 0.05). In HELLP syndrome, compared to healthy or preeclamptic pregnancies, platelet count was lower (p < 0.05) and the values of hepatic function tests were higher (p < 0.05). In HELLP syndrome, ET-1, M30, and Ang-2 were higher compared to healthy or preeclamptic pregnancies (p < 0.05); however, they increased in preeclamptic pregnancies compared to healthy pregnancies though not significant (p > 0.05). In PE or HELLP syndrome, Ang-1 was higher compared to a healthy pregnancy (p < 0.05); however, in HELLP syndrome, it was also higher than in PE though not significant (p > 0.05). We found no significant correlation among these biomarkers and hematological and biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: For the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome, increased levels of ET-1, M30, and Angs-1 and -2 appear as promising biomarkers after determination of their standardized threshold levels after further studies. As an apoptosis-related biomarker, serum M30 level has a merit to be the most promising test for prediction or differential diagnosis of HELLP syndrome in PE patients.

Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Adversely Affects the Female Sexual Function Assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the sexual function of females with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) in comparison to healthy females by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control study included 31 female patients (mean age 46.0±10.2 years; range 30 to 68 years) with pSS and 27 healthy females (mean age 44.2±8.5 years; range 30 to 55 years) as control group. The sexual function of the participants was assessed by 19-item FSFI. RESULTS: Mean duration of pSS in the patient group was 35.9 months (range 3 to 264 months). Significantly higher number of pSS patients reported positive history for vaginal infection compared to controls (n=26, 83.9% vs. n=7, 25.9%, respectively; p<0.001) without any difference in endocervical culture result. Cervical smear assessment revealed more inflammation and atrophy in patient group compared to control group (p=0.001). Mean FSFI total score was significantly lower in patient group than control group (18.9±9.9 vs. 25.1±5.1, respectively; p=0.004). Similarly, five out of six domains of FSFI -arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain- were significantly lower in patient group. FSFI total and subscale scores, except for pain, were found to be negatively correlated with duration of pSS. CONCLUSION: The pSS causes sexual dysfunction in female patients. Furthermore, as disease duration increases, female sexual function decreases. Clinical management of female patients with pSS should cover the assessment of their sexual functionality and taking the necessary precautions to maintain satisfactory quality of life and treatment outcome.