Cost-effectiveness of universal routine sonographic cervical-length measurement at 19 to 25 weeks' gestation.

BACKGROUND: National second-trimester scanning of cervical length was introduced in Israel in 2010, and in the decade thereafter, a significant systematic reduction in preterm birth and in the delivery of low birthweight babies was found among singletons. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we sought to estimate the cost-effectiveness of a national policy mandating second-trimester cervical length screening by ultrasound, followed by vaginal progesterone treatment for short cervical length in comparison with no screening strategy. STUDY DESIGN: We constructed a decision model comparing 2 strategies, namely (1) universal cervical length screening, and (2) no screening strategy. This study used the national delivery registry of Israel's Ministry of Health. All women diagnosed with a second-trimester cervical length <25 mm were treated with vaginal progesterone and were monitored with a bimonthly ultrasound scan for cervical dynamics and threat of early delivery. Preterm birth prevalence associated with short cervical length, the efficacy of progesterone in preterm birth prevention, and the accuracy of cervical length measurements were derived from previous studies. The cost of progesterone and bimonthly sonographic surveillance, low birthweight delivery, newborn admission to intensive care units, the first-year costs of managing preterm birth and low birthweight, and instances of handicaps and the cost of their follow-up were extracted from the publicly posted registry of Israel's Ministry of Health and Israel Social Securities data. Monte Carlo simulations decision tree mode, Tornado diagrams, and 1- and 2-way sensitivity analyses were implemented and the base case and sensitivity to parameters that were predicted to influence cost-effectiveness were calculated. RESULTS: Without cervical length screening, the discounted quality-adjusted life years were 30.179, and with universal cervical length screening, it increased to 30.198 (difference of 0.018 quality-adjusted life years). The average cost of no screening for cervical length strategy was $1047, and for universal cervical length screening, it was reduced to $998. The calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was -$2676 per quality-adjusted life year (dividing the difference in costs by the difference in quality-adjusted life years). Monte Carlo simulation of cervical length screening of 170,000 singleton newborns (rounded large number close to the number of singleton newborns in Israel) showed that 95.17% of all babies were delivered at gestational week ≥37 in comparison with 94.46% of babies with the no screening strategy. Given 170,000 singleton births, the national savings of screening for short cervical length when compared with no cervical length screening amounted to $8.31M annually, equating to $48.84 for a base case, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for each case of low birthweight or very low birthweight avoided was -$14,718. A cervical length <25 mm was measured for 30,090 women, and of those, 24,650 were false positives. The major parameters that affected the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were the incidence of preterm birth, the specificity of cervical length measurements, and the efficacy of progesterone treatment. At a preterm birth incidence of <3%, universal screening does not lead to a cost saving. CONCLUSION: National universal cervical length screening should be incorporated into the routine anomaly scan in the second trimester, because it leads to a drop in the incidence of preterm birth and low birthweight babies in singleton pregnancies, thereby saving costs related to the newborn and gaining quality-adjusted life years.

[THE FALL AND RISE OF PROGESTERONE PREPARATIONS IN THE PREVENTION OF PRETERM LABOR].

INTRODUCTION: Preterm labor involves about 7.4% of live births in Israel and constitutes over 85% of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Risk factors for preterm labor include a history of preterm delivery shortening of the uterine cervix, cervical procedures, uterine malformations, polyhydramnios, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, multiple gestations, and more. Progesterone is an essential hormone in the process of fertilization and is involved in the menstrual cycle, implantation and preservation of pregnancy. Due to its various functions in the prevention of preterm labor, the use of progesterone as a preventive treatment has been extensively studied since the second half of the last century and tested in various forms of administration, mainly intramuscular injection and vaginal root. For years, women with a history of preterm labor were treated with intramuscular progesterone once a week between 16 to 36 weeks' gestation or until birth. Recently, vaginal progesterone treatment was initiated in women with cervical length > 25 mm measured by ultrasound between 18-24 weeks gestation. Studies have shown that progesterone treatment reduces the incidence of preterm labor given in the proper indication. This update overview examines progesterone treatment for the prevention of preterm labor.

Similar but different: A comparison of rare site ectopic pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: A comparative examination of the clinical, laboratory, ultrasound findings, and operative characteristics of rare site located ectopic pregnancies. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all department cases of rare site located ectopic pregnancies diagnosed and treated from December 2006 to December 2019. RESULTS: Thirty rare ectopic pregnancies were identified. Of these, 11 were ovarian, 10 were interstitial and 9 were tubal stump. The patients treated for ovarian pregnancy had significantly lower human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels than patients treated for interstitial or stump pregnancies (2025 ± 1105 mIU/ml, 18,424 ± 2579 mIU/ml and 11,204 ± 9221 mIU/ml, respectively, p = 0.003). The main presenting symptom in patients with an ovarian pregnancy was abdominal pain (90.9%, 60.0% and 44.4%, respectively, p = 0.031). Signs of abdominal peritoneal irritation (i.e., rebound tenderness and guarding) were more frequent upon physical examination in patients with an ovarian pregnancy (72.2%, 30.0% and 22.2%, respectively, p = 0.044) who also exhibited the highest rates of syncope and hypovolemic shock upon admission compared to patients with an interstitial or stump pregnancy (54.5%, 10.0% and 11.1%, respectively, p = 0.031). Ovarian pregnancies were associated with the lowest sonographic detection rates (9.1%, 80.0% and 100%, respectively, p = 0.0001) and with free fluid in the pouch of Douglas (72.7%, 20.0% and 22.2%, respectively, p = 0.02). Ovarian pregnancies experienced the highest rupture rate during surgery compared to interstitial or stump pregnancies (66.9%, 16.7% and 44.4%, respectively, p = 0.028), had a significantly higher estimated blood loss (1081 ± 647 ml, 760 ± 597 ml and 343 ± 318 ml, respectively, p = 0.003) and required blood transfusions in the perioperative period (63.6%, 20.0% and 11.1%, respectively, p = 0.025) significantly more often. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian pregnancy remains the most challenging diagnosis compared to interstitial and tubal stump ectopic's. Health care providers should recognize these rare site ectopic pregnancies and to handle these gynecological emergencies promptly.

Managing patients with suspected postpartum retained products of conception using a novel sonographic classification.

BACKGROUND: Suspicion of retained products of conception (RPOC) often arises after delivery and still poses a diagnostic and management challenge. PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate a sonographic classification for the management of patients with suspected RPOC after delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on grayscale and Doppler ultrasound parameters, patients were classified into high, moderate, or low probability of RPOC. For the low and moderate probability groups, an ultrasound follow-up at the end of the puerperium was recommended. For the high probability group, a follow-up examination was conducted 10-14 days after the first ultrasound, and patients with persistent high probability findings were referred for surgical intervention. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 215 patients at risk of RPOC. Of these, 100, 93, and 22 patients were classified as having a low, moderate, or high probability of RPOC, respectively. Rates of RPOC were 55%, 2%, and 2% in the high, moderate, and low probability categories, respectively. When the categorization was based on the most recent ultrasound obtained during the puerperium, the adjusted RPOC prevalence rates were 71% in the high, 6% in the moderate, and 0% in the low probability groups. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the effectiveness of our sonographic classification for managing patients with suspected RPOC after delivery. In all three categories, it is recommended to adhere to a conservative management protocol in clinically stable women until the end of the puerperium. This approach provides good predictability for RPOC and can reduce unnecessary surgical interventions.

Tubal stump pregnancy after salpingectomy-Does the time interval from surgical intervention to conception matter?

AIM: Ectopic pregnancy implantation on the tubal stump after salpingectomy is a rare location for extrauterine pregnancy, whose pathogenesis is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the time interval elapsed from salpingectomy may predispose the embryo to implantation on the tubal stump in the next pregnancy subsequent to tube removal. METHODS: Nine women operated for stump pregnancy (study group) between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively identified. For each case in the study group, 12 consecutive cases that underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy constituted the control group. A sample size of 100 control patients was calculated to achieve statistical power (97.8%) and an α of 0.05. The control groups were triple-matched with the study group for patients' age, indications for salpingectomy (tubal pregnancy or hydrosalpinx prior to in vitro fertilization treatment) and mode of conception of the subsequent pregnancy following salpingectomy. RESULTS: Nine women underwent surgery for stump pregnancy during the study period. All women had a surgical history of laparoscopic salpingectomy. The time interval from prior salpingectomy to subsequent pregnancy was significantly shorter in study group than in the control group (4.3 ± 2.1 months vs. 15.6 ± 13.7 months, respectively, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: A possible association between the short time interval from prior salpingectomy to ectopic implantation on the tubal stump in the subsequent pregnancy was found. The clinical implications of these findings and in particular whether patients should be advised to wait at least 4 months from the salpingectomy to the subsequent pregnancy remain unclear.

Increase rate of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic there was a decrease in emergency room arrivals. There is limited evidence about the effect of this change in behavior on women's health. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis, treatment and complications of women presenting with a tubal Ectopic Pregnancy (EP). STUDY DESIGN: This is a single centre retrospective cohort study. We compared the clinical presentation, treatment modalities and complications of all women presenting in our institution with a tubal EP during the COVID-19 pandemic between 15 March and 15 June 2020, with women who were treated in our institution with the same diagnosis in the corresponding period for the years 2018-2019. RESULTS: The study group included 19 cases of EP (N = 19) that were treated between the 15 March 2020 and 15 June 2020. The control group included 30 cases of EP (N = 30) that were admitted to in the corresponding period during 2018 and 2019. Maternal age, parity, gravity and mode of conception (natural vs. assisted) were similar between the two groups. There was no difference in the mean gestational age (GA) according to the last menstrual period. In the study group more women presented with sonographic evaluation of high fluid volume in the abdomen than in the control group (53 % vs 17 %, P value 0.01). This finding is correlated with a more advanced disease status. In the study group there was a highly statistically significant 3-fold increase in rupture among cases (P < 0.005) and a 4-fold larger volume of blood in the entrance to the abdomen (P < 0.002). We found that there were no cases of ruptured EP in the group of women who were pregnant after assisted reproduction. CONCLUSION: We found a higher rate of ruptured ectopic pregnancies in our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care providers should be alerted to this collateral damage in the non-infected population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Torsion of Functional Adnexal Cysts in Pregnancy: Aspiration and Drainage are Important in Preventing Recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Adnexal torsion in pregnancy is often associated with functional adnexal cysts, especially in pregnancies conceived by ovulation induction (OI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF). During laparoscopy for adnexal de-torsion, drainage of the functional cysts can be attempted, although this procedure may cause bleeding. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the characteristics of ovarian torsion in pregnancy associated with functional cysts and to compare the rate of torsion recurrence following de-torsion alone versus cyst drainage. METHODS: All cases of surgically diagnosed adnexal torsion occurring during pregnancy between January 2007 and April 2019 in our department were retrospectively analyzed. The cases of torsion associated with presumed functional ovarian cysts were selected. The rate of recurrent torsion during the same pregnancy was compared for de-torsion alone versus de-torsion and cyst aspiration. RESULTS: Of the 113 women who experienced adnexal torsion during pregnancy, 71 (67.0%) of torsion cases were caused by presumed functional ovarian cysts. Among women with torsion of functional ovarian cysts, the rate of torsion recurrence was significantly higher in patients who underwent de-torsion alone (n=28) compared to women who underwent aspiration and drainage of the ovarian cysts (n=43) (14.3% vs. 0, P = 0.021). There were no cases of intra- or post-operative bleeding in the study cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Functional ovarian cysts are the most common adnexal pathology encountered in pregnant women with torsion. Intra-operative cyst aspiration and drainage may reduce the risk of recurrent torsion. Further multi-center studies are required to validate our data prospectively.

[A COMPARISON OF ARABIN CERVICAL PESSARY AND VAGINAL PROGESTERONE VERSUS VAGINAL PROGESTERONE ONLY IN TWIN PREGNANCY FOR THE PREVENTION OF PRETERM BIRTH DUE TO SHORT CERVIX].

INTRODUCTION: Preterm labor is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Up to 17% of twin pregnancy are preterm. Arabin cervical pessary has been proven as preventing preterm labor in singleton pregnancies. The benefit of it in twin pregnancy is controversial. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of preterm delivery in twin gestation with short cervical length in Israel- one center utilized the combined treatment of Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone (study group) and the others utilized vaginal progesterone approach (control group). METHODS: Multi-center retrospective cohort study, including "Shamir", "Wolfson", "Shaare Zedek" and "Galilee" medical centers, between the years 2012-2016. Inclusion criteria were twin gestations and short cervical length (<25mm) between 16-28 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: The study group included 68 women, the control group 78 women. The study group had shorter cervical length at intervention in comparison to the control group (13.6 ± 5.9 vs. 16.5 ± 5.7, respectively, p = .002). The treatment started later for the study group compared to the control group (23.2 +2.2 vs 22.6 +3.0). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having shorter cervical length at recruitment, the rate of spontaneous delivery < 34-weeks' gestation was similar in both groups (36.8 vs. 37.2%, respectively). DISCUSSION: Considering the conclusion in this research it seems that the combination of the mechanical effect of the pessary by embracing the cervix, keeping the cervical mucus, bending it in a way that the pressure is towards the anterior cervical wall together with the progestative effect which increases the estrogen/progesterone ratio, creating uterine quiescence and keeping the structural connective tissue of the cervix have an added benefit. It seems that the combined use of Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone in twin pregnancy with short cervical length have a synergic effect which may have a benefit in preventing preterm labor. The combination of cervical pessary and progesterone does not negatively affect twin pregnancy outcome and does not cause preterm birth.

Ovarian Dermoid Cysts Associated with Paraneoplastic Syndrome N-methyl-D-aspartic Acid Receptor Antibodies Encephalitis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence of ovarian dermoid cysts associated with paraneoplastic encephalitis syndrome due to N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antibodies among women undergoing surgical resection of dermoid cysts. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University-affiliated department of obstetrics and gynecology. PATIENTS: All patients with pathology-proven ovarian dermoid cysts who underwent surgical resection in our department between January 2008 and December 2019. Their demographic, clinical, and surgical characteristics are described, with emphasis on cases diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. INTERVENTIONS: Ovarian dermoid cyst resection by cystectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 233 patients were operated on for ovarian dermoid cysts, comprising 2 cases diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (0.85%). Among the women without NMDA receptor encephalitis, the mean age was 33.3 ± 14.9 years, 84.0% were of reproductive age, 5.2% were premenarchal, and 10.8% were menopausal. The mean diameter of the dermoid cyst in this group was 77.3 ± 33.3-mm. The 2 patients diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis were 21 years old and 42 years old. The diameters of their dermoid cysts were 15-mm and 80-mm, respectively. The patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis were managed with laparoscopic resection, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulins, and corticosteroids; 1 patient also received immunosuppressive treatment. Both recovered without significant neurologic sequela. CONCLUSION: Paraneoplastic syndrome due to NMDA receptor antibodies is a rare complication of dermoid cysts. This complication may occur in younger or older women, as well as in small- or large-diameter cysts. Thus, a high index of suspicion is required to correctly diagnose and treat women presenting with neurologic symptoms in the presence of dermoid cysts.

Combined therapy with vaginal progesterone, Arabin cervical pessary and cervical cerclage to prevent preterm delivery in high-risk women.

PURPOSE: Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Vaginal progesterone cervical cerclage and Arabin cervical pessary are considered as preventive treatments in women at risk for preterm birth. However, there is less evidence as to which of these interventions is the preferred management. The current study aims was to compare the outcome of pregnancy in women with a short cervical length managed with 4 different treatment protocols: therapy with vaginal progesterone, cervical cerclage and an Arabin cervical pessary (group A), Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone (group B), cervical cerclage and vaginal progesterone (group C), or vaginal progesterone alone (group D). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies managed in three tertiary medical centers between September 2011 and December 2017. RESULTS: In the study period, 286 pregnant women underwent vaginal ultrasonography between 15 and 29 weeks gestation. They all had a short cervical length (≤25 mm). Of these, 18 (6.3%), 120 (41.9%), 38 (13.3%) and 110 (38.5%) patients received treatment classifying them into groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. A significantly higher rate of patients in group A had either a history of cervical incompetence (44.4 versus 9.2 versus 7.9 and 0.9%, respectively, p = .0001) or a cervical procedure (61.1 versus 37.5 versus 28.9 and 27.3%, respectively, p = .027) compared to patients in group B, C, and D. Despite having a shorter cervical length at recruitment in group A (median (range); 14.5 (0-25) versus 15 (0-25) versus 15.5 (0-25) and 19 (2-25) mm, respectively, p = .002) the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery <37-week gestation was similar across groups (44.4 versus 32.5 versus 36.8 versus 32.7%, respectively, p = .665). CONCLUSION: A combined rescue therapy involving vaginal progesterone, cervical cerclage, and Arabin cervical pessary emerges as a promising management strategy in pregnant women who have a short cervical length and a high background risk for preterm delivery. This combination may prolong their pregnancy and safely bring them near term. Additional studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Adnexal torsion with paraovarian cysts in pediatric and adolescent populations: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Determination of the clinical characteristics associated with adnexal torsion involving paraovarian cysts in pediatric and adolescent populations. METHODS: Retrospective review of all cases of paraovarian cysts operated on in our department between 2007 and 2019. Demographic characteristics, clinical and sonographic findings were reviewed. RESULTS: The cohort was composed of 39 pediatric and adolescent patients with an operative diagnosis of adnexal masses located in the paraovarian area. The patients were classified into two groups: 19 girls (48.7%) with a confirmed operative diagnosis of adnexal torsion and 20 girls (51.3%) without torsion. The preoperative diagnosis of adnexal torsion was correct in ≈70% of the cases. The mean BMI were similar in both groups. The preoperative sonographic detection rate of paraovarian cysts was also similar (11/19 [57.9%] vs. 14/20 [70.0%]; P = 0.514). The mean cyst diameter did not differ between groups, nor did the classification into cyst size groups (≤50 mm, 51-99 mm and ≥100 mm). CONCLUSION: Adnexal torsion is a common complication diagnosed in girls undergoing surgery for paraovarian cysts, and is not associated with sonographic appearance or cyst diameter. In order to prevent torsion, surgical removal of paraovarian cysts should thus be considered in young girls undergoing surgery for paraovarian cysts. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Is Hysteroscopy the Best Surgical Approach for Removal of Retained Products of Conception Following Surgical Termination of Pregnancy?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the rates of intrauterine adhesion following hysteroscopy for removal of RPOC associated with surgical termination of pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all cases of removal by hysteroscopy of RPOC associated with surgical termination of pregnancy carried out at the Yitzhak Shamir (Assaf Harofe) Medical Center from January 2013 to December 2018. The rates of postoperative intrauterine adhesion were assessed by follow-up hysteroscopy. RESULTS: Our study involved 85 cases of removal by hysteroscopy of RPOC associated with surgical termination of pregnancy. The mean size of the RPOC was 1.9 ± 0.9 cm, and the mean time from termination of pregnancy to hysteroscopy was 1.5 ± 0.9 months. Two patients (2.4%) were readmitted for postoperative complications (fever). Postoperative follow-up information was available for 49 cases (57.6%). A total of 47 of these women had a normal uterine cavity (95.9%) while 2 women (4.1%) were diagnosed with mild intrauterine adhesions. CONCLUSIONS: Hysteroscopy for removal of RPOC following surgical termination of pregnancy is associated with low rates of postoperative intrauterine adhesions. Additional studies may determine whether this is the procedure of choice in these cases.

Two approaches for placenta accreta spectrum: B-lynch suture versus pelvic artery endovascular balloon.

Purpose: Management of patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) varies widely, and scarce data exist concerning its management. The current study compared two different surgical approaches in the management of PAS: the B-lynch approach (Group A) compared to the endovascular balloon catheters (Group B)Methods: A retrospective cohort study in two tertiary university-affiliated hospitals between the years 2004 and 2015. Elective cesarean section was planned at 35-37 weeks of gestation. One center utilized the B-lynch approach and the second utilized the endovascular balloon catheter approach.Results: The cesarean hysterectomy rate was significantly higher in the Group A approach compared to Group B (36.1 versus 29.2%, p = .00). The number of packed cells units administered during and postoperatively were higher in the Group A compared with Group B (p = .006 and .043, respectively). Overall, surgery length and hospitalization duration were shorter in patients who underwent cesarean hysterectomy compared with those who underwent uterine preservation (B-lynch or endovascular balloon catheters) (p = .000 and p = .004, respectively).Conclusions: The endovascular balloon technique seems to be a better option for uterine preservation due to less blood loss and higher postoperative hemoglobin level. Nevertheless, for those women who have completed their family planning, cesarean hysterectomy with the placenta left in situ is the safer and more suitable option.

Long-Term Ultrasound Follow-Up After Pediatric Adnexal Torsion.

PURPOSE: Conservative surgical management of adnexal torsion in pre- and post-menarchal girls by de-torsion and adnexal conservation is the current standard of care. The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term outcome of adnexal torsion in this population in terms of ultrasound appearance and ovarian volume. METHODS: Patients who were surgically treated for adnexal torsion and were < 18 years old at time of surgery were prospectively invited for ultrasound follow-up. The ultrasound exam included measurements of ovarian volume and grayscale appearance including identification of ovarian follicular activity. RESULTS: 84 cases of torsion in this population were identified, and 37 of them were included in the study. Of those, the affected ovary could not be demonstrated on follow-up scan in six (16.2 %) cases. A difference of ≥ 2 cm3 in ovarian volume between the affected and non-affected ovaries was diagnosed in 12 (32.4 %) cases, but follicular activity was observed in 10 of those. Thus, possible ovarian injury (including cases of non-demonstrated ovary and volume difference of ≥ 2 cm3 between the affected and non-affected ovaries) was found in 18 (48.6 %) cases. Of the clinical and surgical parameters (including age at time of torsion, duration of pain prior to admission, cystectomy procedure and intraoperative "bluish" appearance of the ovary), only the presence of fever on admission was significantly associated with possible ovarian injury (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Long-term ultrasound follow-up of pre- and post-menarchal girls with a history of adnexal torsion may identify patients with adversely affected ovarian volume. The significance of this finding in terms of fertility is unknown.

Arabin cervical pessary with vaginal progesterone versus vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm delivery.

Purpose: To compare the rate of preterm delivery in pregnant women with a short cervical length managed with Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone versus vaginal progesterone alone.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of singletons pregnancies managed in two tertiary medical centers between September 2011 and May 2017. One center utilized the combined treatment of Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone (study group) and the second utilized vaginal progesterone approach (control group).Results: During the study period, a total of 202 pregnant women who underwent vaginal ultrasonography between 15 and 29 weeks gestation. They all had short cervical length (≤25 mm). Among them, 94 (46.5%) and 108 (53.5%) patients were in the study and control group, respectively. A significantly higher rate of patients in the study group had either a history of cervical incompetence (9.6 vs. 0.9%, respectively, p = 0.006) or cervical surgery (7.9 vs. 0%, respectively, p = .003). Despite having shorter cervical length at recruitment (14.3 ± 5.9 vs. 16.9 ± 5.7, respectively, p = .002) the rate of spontaneous delivery < 34-week gestation was lower in the study group (7.4 vs. 17.6%, respectively, p = .036) and they delivered 1-week later compared to the control group (37.2 ± 2.1 vs. 36.2 ± 3.7, respectively, p = 0.02).Conclusion: We found that for pregnant women with singletons and who had a short cervical length, the combined treatment of Arabin cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone had lower rate of preterm delivery < 34 weeks of gestation and prolonged gestation compared to those women who were treated with vaginal progesterone alone. Our preliminary findings warrant randomized control studies in order to further illuminate our results.

Gynecology and Oncology Fetal Myofibromatosis: A Challenge for Prenatal Diagnosis Mini Review of the English Literature.

IMPORTANCE: Infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is a benign neoplasm with a reported incidence of 1:150,000. The "solitary" type is characterized by a single lesion in the skin, muscle, or bone, whereas the "multicentric" type may also involve the viscera. OBJECTIVE: This report describes the prenatal diagnosis of IM and recommendations for future pregnancy follow-up. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This systematic search of the English literature yielded 8 reports documenting prenatal diagnosis of IM between 1999 and 2018. RESULTS: Fetal age at diagnosis ranged from 13 to 38 weeks of gestation. Seven cases were diagnosed in the third trimester (30-34 weeks). Five cases were of the "solitary" type, and all successfully underwent surgical removal of the tumor with a good outcome. Three were of the "multicentric" type, and the 1 infant presenting with diffuse disease died several weeks after delivery. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The prenatal diagnosis of IM is often not made until the third trimester following a normal second-trimester anomaly scan, likely due to development of this lesion over time. Women should be referred for genetic counseling and consideration of preimplantation genetic diagnosis following the delivery of an affected child with the autosomal recessive form of the disorder and identified causative pathogenic variants.

Is a Complete Hydatidiform Mole and a Co-existing Normal Fetus an Iatrogenic Effect?

BACKGROUND: Complete hydatidiform mole and a co-existing normal fetus (CHMCF) is associated with a high complication rate. A possible association with assisted conception might increase the prevalence of CHMCF. OBJECTIVES: To study the potential association between assisted conception and the risks of CHMCF. METHODS: Case series at a single university hospital from 2008 to 2018 are presented and contrasted with data from a comprehensive literature review (1998-2018). Cases were identified from the institutional database that matched the sonographic criteria for CHMCF. A literature review showed comparable cases. RESULTS: None of the three pregnancies presented in this article resulted in a viable fetus, all were aborted. One of the three patients needed chemotherapy due to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). A literature search identified 248 reported cases in which 22 fetuses (9%) reached term, 88/248 (35%) progressed to GTN, and 25/120 (21%) were conceived following assisted conception. From 2008 until 2018 at our medical facility, there were 3144 twin pregnancies of which 1667 (53%) were conceived using assisted conception. In our cohort, there was no statistical trend for assisted conception as an etiological factor for CHMCF. CONCLUSIONS: No association between assisted conception and the risk for CHMCF was established at our hospital, although approximately one-quarter of all reported CHMCF pregnancies are attributed to assisted conception technology. However, these data are not always reported, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

Two-step hysteroscopy for management of morbidly adherent retained products of conception.

PURPOSE: Retained products of conception (RPOC) may occur as the result of a morbidly adherent placenta. In these cases, the hysteroscopic removal of RPOC may be technically challenging, and may require more than one hysteroscopic procedure. We sought to compare the clinical, surgical, and postoperative characteristics of cases managed by either a one-step hysteroscopy procedure or a two-step hysteroscopy approach. METHODS: A retrospective review of all RPOC cases managed by hysteroscopy from 1/2013 to 3/2018. We included cases of RPOC occurring following delivery and medical or surgical pregnancy terminations. The rates of postoperative intrauterine adhesions were assessed by office hysteroscopy. RESULTS: A two-step procedure was required in 11 (3.9%) of the 358 women who underwent hysteroscopy for removal of RPOC during the study period. Comparison between the two-step and the one-step procedure groups revealed that the women in the two-step group were significantly older and the mean RPOC size was significantly larger (35.5 ± 4.1 years versus 30.7 ± 5.9 years, respectively, p = 0.01, and 38.6 ± 9.8 mm versus 22.3 ± 7.5 mm, p < 0.001, respectively). While the rates of intraoperative complications were similar between groups, readmission for postoperative fever was more common in the two-step group (18.2% versus 2.0%, respectively, p = 0.03). Postoperative intrauterine adhesions were diagnosed in 20.0% and 5.2%, respectively (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The two-step hysteroscopic approach enabled the complete removal of larger RPOC masses without the use of uterine curettage. The women who underwent the two-step procedure, however, were at increased risk for postoperative fever and postoperative intrauterine adhesions.

Down's syndrome screening at 11-14 weeks' gestation using prenasal thickness and nasal bone length.

PURPOSE: To perform a multicenter prospective study of ultrasound prenasal thickness (PT), and nasal bone length (NBL) measurement at 11-14 weeks' gestation. METHODS: Ultrasound PT and NBL determination was performed in 504 normal fetuses and 17 fetuses with Down's syndrome (DS). Measurements were made from mid-sagittal 2D images acquired using a standardized technique during nuchal translucency (NT) examination. PT and NBL values were expressed in multiples of the gestation-specific normal median (MoM) and as the PT/NBL ratio. Information on PT and NBL MoMs was also combined using logistic regression. Results were classified as positive according to whether they were greater than the normal 95th centile for PT, PT/NBL and the DS risk from logistic regression equation or below the 5th centile for NBL. RESULTS: The median value in DS cases and unaffected controls were: PT 1.26 and 0.996 MoM; and NBL 0.596 and 0.993 MoM. The proportion of DS fetuses with positive results was 41% for PT, 65% for NBL, and 82% for both the PT/NBL ratio and DS risk from the logistic regression equation. PT/NBL levels did not vary according to gestational age. CONCLUSION: The PT/NBL ratio is a valuable first trimester DS screening marker that can be easily determined concomitant with the NT measurement.