Atrial conduction time, and left atrial mechanical and electromechanical functions in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: interatrial conduction delay.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders of women during the reproductive period. Cardiovascular risk factors are more frequent in patients with PCOS. We aimed to investigate the P-wave dispersion (Pd), inter- and intra-atrial conduction time and mechanical functions of the left atrium (LA) in patients with PCOS. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with PCOS and 38 normal healthy women were enrolled in this study. A 12-lead surface electrocardiogram was used to evaluate Pd. Left ventricular (LV) functions were measured using conventional and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) methods. Inter- and intra-atrial conduction times were measured by TDI. LA volumes were measured echocardiographically with the biplane area-length method from the apical four-chamber view. RESULTS: Heart rate (82.02 ± 13.15 vs 74.24 ± 11.02 bpm, p = 0.014) and Pd were significantly increased in the PCOS patients [27 ± 5 vs 24 ± 6 ms, p = 0.035]. Transmitral E/A ratio was significantly lower in the PCOS patients than in the controls (1.5 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.4 m/s, p = 0.023). Passive emptying volume (12.54 ± 4.39 vs 15.28 ± 3.85 ml/m(2), p = 0.004) and passive emptying fraction [54.4 (21-69) vs 59.1% (28-74), p = 0.008] were significantly decreased in PCOS patients. Total emptying volume was significantly decreased (17.9 ± 5.49 vs 20.67 ± 4.29 ml/m(2), p = 0.018) in PCOS patients. Interatrial (19 ± 7.4 vs 15 ± 6.4 ms, p = 0.035) and intra-atrial [8.5 (1-19) vs 5 ms (1-20), p = 0.026] electromechanical delays were found to be significantly higher in PCOS patients. CONCLUSION: This study showed that patients with PCOS had increased inter- and intra-atrial conduction delays, and decreased LA passive emptying volumes and fractions.

The relationship between subclinical cardiovascular disease and lipocalin-2 levels in women with PCOS.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels and cardiovascular risk in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). STUDY DESIGN: Fifty patients with PCOS and 44 healthy women as controls were enrolled in the study. Laboratory and echocardiographic examinations were performed between the second and fifth days of the menstrual cycle. Serum LCN2 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: Serum LCN2 levels were significantly lower in PCOS patients (75.8 [51.4-131.2] ng/ml vs. 85.3 [56.7-138.5] ng/ml, p=0.038). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was increased in patients with PCOS compared to controls (0.61±0.13mm vs. 0.50±0.07mm, p=0.001). Aortic strain was lower in patients with PCOS. Aortic stiffness (ß index) was significantly increased and distensibility was decreased in PCOS patients compared to control subjects. Serum LCN2 levels and the presence of PCOS were associated with CIMT in Spearman correlation analysis (p=0.05 and p<0.001) in all participants. There was no statistically significant relationship between LCN2 levels and CIMT in patients with PCOS (p=0.238). CONCLUSION: In the present study, we found that LCN2 levels were low in women with PCOS. Although our patients with PCOS had elevated cardiac risk, there was no correlation between LCN2 levels and early findings of atherosclerosis.

Scleroderma renal crisis and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome related to the use of clomiphene in a patient with scleroderma.

This paper presented a 28-year-old female with systemic sclerosis who developed scleroderma renal crisis and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following clomiphene administration. Urgent therapy including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and supportive care resulted in regression and eventually resolution of all the clinical and laboratory symptoms. Although scleroderma renal crisis is a fatal complication of high-dose corticosteroids, rarely is this seen with the use of ACE inhibitors. This case report aimed to investigate the potential capacity of the selective oestrogen receptor modulator clomiphene to induce scleroderma renal crisis as well as corticosteroids.

Predictive value of striae gravidarum severity for intraperitoneal adhesions or uterine scar healing in patients with previous caesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Previous abdominal operations might cause severe intraperitoneal adhesions (IPA), which can complicate caesarean section (CS) procedures. When selecting the mode and timing of delivery, obstetricians are also curious about uterine scar healing if the previous operation was a CS. Uterine scar thickness is an indicator of uterine scar healing. We aimed to evaluate the possible predictive value of striae gravidarum (SG) on IPA formation and uterine scar thickness (UST). METHODS: Fifty-five women with a previous CS history were evaluated for SG Davey Score. They were investigated for IPAs and lower segment uterine scar thickness during the current CS operation. RESULTS: Out of the patients with no SG (n = 11), mild SG (n = 10) and severe SG (n = 34), 1 (9.1%), 3 (30%) and 17 (50%) had IPA, respectively (p = 0.044). The mean uterine scar thicknesses in the no SG, mild SG and severe SG groups were 3.82 ± 4.04, 5.20 ± 4.13 and 5.18 ± 3.52, respectively (p = 0.561). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate the relationship between SG and IPA and uterine scar thickness. The SG status of a patient with a previous delivery and abdominal operation history might help predict IPA status before planning a new operation.

Acne severity and the Global Acne Grading System in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between acne, quantified by the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), and abnormal clinical and laboratory markers of androgen excess in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: The retrospective study included 133 patients with PCOS. Acne severity was quantified with the GAGS score, alopecia was graded with the Ludwig classification, and hirsutism was quantified with a modified Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score. RESULTS: The mean GAGS score was significantly greater in younger women, those with a lower BMI, and those with a higher FG score. There was no relation between the mean GAGS score and waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, androgen hormone levels (free testosterone, total testosterone, or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), sex-hormone-binding globulin level, or menstrual irregularity. Alopecia was significantly associated with an increased waist/hip ratio; there was no relation between alopecia and age, waist circumference, body mass index, FG score, androgen hormone levels, or menstrual irregularity. A weak positive correlation was observed between the GAGS and FG scores. CONCLUSION: The GAGS may provide more precise and comprehensive information about acne severity in obese or hirsute patients with PCOS because this grading system includes evaluation of the type (comedones, papules, pustules, nodules) and location (anatomic area) of acne lesions.

The effect of anaesthesia technique on maternal and cord blood ischaemia-modified albumin levels during caesarean section: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) is an early marker for various ischaemic events, including cardiac ischaemia. This study determined variations in IMA levels during caesarean section, performed under general anaesthesia or with combined spinal epidural anaesthesia. METHODS: Full-term, healthy pregnant women were allocated to undergo caesarean section, using either general anaesthesia or combined spinal epidural anaesthesia. IMA and albumin levels were measured in maternal serum samples taken immediately prior to caesarean section and 30 min into the procedure, as well as from serum taken from cord blood after double clamping. RESULTS: At total of 51 healthy pregnant women underwent either general anaesthesia (n = 28) or combined spinal epidural anaesthesia (n = 23). Within-group analysis of the general anaesthesia group showed that both IMA levels and IMA/albumin ratios were significantly higher at 30 min of surgery compared with the immediate preoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Lower IMA levels in the combined spinal epidural anaesthesia group may have been due to improved balancing of oxidative stress during caesarean section. Further research on IMA levels during caesarean section should take into account the method of anaesthesia used.

Treatment of Vaginal Cuff Prolapses with Posterior Intravaginal Sling and Evaluation of Efficiency with International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms Method in the Long Term: Preliminary Results.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to research the efficiency of posterior intravaginal sling (PIVS) procedure in vaginal cuff prolapse, together with possible complications, long-term effects and effects of the method on vaginal and sexual function and quality of life of patients. This retrospective study comprised 21 patients with vaginal cuff prolapse. METHODS: PIVS procedure was performed in 21 patients with vaginal cuff prolapse with quantification stages 2, 3, or 4 of pelvic organ prolapse. Patients were assessed according to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms before and after operation. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 24.6 months. The rate of surgical success was 100%, the rate of mesh erosion was 14.2% and the rate of dyspareunia was 33.3%. Vaginal symptom, sexual matter and quality of life scores were statistically significant in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative period (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: PIVS is an effective and reliable method of treating vaginal cuff prolapse. However, its complication profile is not yet at an acceptable level. We believe that the rate of mesh erosion will regress to a more acceptable level with the improvement of mesh technology and postoperative method. The necessary incontinence surgery is easily performed together with PIVS procedure. PIVS restores the vaginal and sexual functions of patients and increases their quality of life significantly.

Premature progesterone elevation impairs implantation and live birth rates in GnRH-agonist IVF/ICSI cycles.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to investigate the clinical significance of premature elevated progesterone levels in women with good ovarian response treated with long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) cycles and IVF. Premature elevated progesterone levels refer to a rise in serum progesterone levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration for final oocyte maturation above a threshold level, which is usually arbitrarily defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective case study, which consists of 1,045 treatment cycles in women with low P/E2 [progesterone (ng/mL) x 1,000/estradiol (pg/mL)] on the day of hCG. Elevated P levels on the day of hCG administration were defined as >1.1 ng/mL. The data of the control group (< or =1.1 ng/mL, n = 900 patients) were compared with those of the high P group (>1.1 ng/mL, n = 145). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, those in the high progesterone group had higher levels of estradiol on the day of hCG (3,143 vs. 2,382 pg/ml) (p: 0.000) and higher numbers of MII oocytes (14.0 and 12.9) (p: 0.001). The total number of embryos and the number of good-quality embryos transferred did not differ significantly between the groups. Implantation rate (18.1 vs. 24.4%) (p: 0.008), and live birth rate (27.6 vs. 40%) (p: 0.004), were significantly lower in patients with high progesterone levels. OR and 95% CI were 0.57 (0.39-0.84) for the live birth rate. CONCLUSION: In women stimulated with GnRHa and hMG/FSH for IVF, elevated serum progesterone levels on the day of hCG administration were associated with diminished implantation rates and live birth rates regardless of ovarian reserve.

The impact of rescue in vitro fertilization converted from high-response gonadotropin intrauterine insemination cycles in terms of implantation and pregnancy rates as compared with matched controls.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether conversion of high-response gonadotropin/intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles to "rescue" in vitro fertilization (IVF) yields a higher implantation and pregnancy rate as found in matched IVF controls. DESIGN: A prospective study with a retrospective controlled section. SETTING: Baskent University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. PATIENT(S): Thirty-two patients switched from high response gonadotropin/IUI cycles to "rescue" IVF, 202 women with polycystic ovaries (PCO), and 452 women without PCO from the IVF database. INTERVENTION(S): High-response gonadotropin/IUI cycles were converted to IVF to avoid cycle cancellation and high-order multiple pregnancies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical parameters and characteristics of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection results. RESULT(S): The pregnancy rate was 78.1% in the rescue IVF group: 66.3% and 58.2% in the PCO and non-PCO groups, respectively. Clinical pregnancy rates and ongoing pregnancy rates also tended to be higher in the rescue IVF group but the difference was not statistically significant. The main difference between the groups was in the implantation rate: 37.5% in the rescue IVF group, which was greater than that of the PCO and non-PCO groups (27.58% and 24.46%, respectively). CONCLUSION(S): Our study demonstrates that conversion of gonadotropin IUI cycles in patients with excessive follicles to IVF is a safe, effective strategy. Implantation rates are higher than those in hyper-responder and normal responder IVF patients.

Effect of cervical mucus aspiration before intrauterine insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cervical mucus aspiration before intrauterine insemination (IUI) has any effect on clinical pregnancy rates. METHOD: The outcomes of 186 IUI cycles in 95 consecutive patients in whom mucus was aspired prior to IUI were compared retrospectively with those of 1057 IUI cycles in 505 women. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate was 15.1% (28 pregnancies for 186 cycles) in the cervical mucus aspiration group and 9.9% (105 pregnancies for 1057 cycles) in the control group (P=0.05). Mucus aspiration led to significantly increased pregnancy rates for women with unexplained infertility (24% in the aspiration group vs 9.5% in the control group; P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Cervical mucus aspiration before IUI might improve clinical pregnancy rates by yet-to-be-defined mechanisms.