Beyond Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Review of Pregnancy Management following Bariatric Procedures.

The increasing prevalence of bariatric surgery among women of childbearing age raises critical questions about the correct management of pregnancy following these procedures. This literature review delves into the multifaceted considerations surrounding pregnancy after bariatric surgery, with a particular focus on the importance of preconception counselling, appropriate nutrition assessment, and the necessity of correct folic acid supplementation. Key areas of investigation include nutrient absorption challenges, weight gain during pregnancy, and potential micronutrient deficiencies. Examining the relationship between bariatric surgery and birth defects, particularly heart and musculoskeletal issues, uncovers a twofold increase in risk for women who underwent surgery before pregnancy, with the risk emphasized before folic acid fortification. In contrast, a nationwide study suggests that infants born to mothers with bariatric surgery exhibit a reduced risk of major birth defects, potentially associated with improved glucose metabolism. In addition, this review outlines strategies for managing gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications in individuals with a history of bariatric surgery. By synthesizing existing literature, this paper aims to provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive framework for the correct management of pregnancy in this unique patient population, promoting the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Objective structured assessment of medical students' technical skills in second-degree perineal laceration repair with sponge model-based training.

PURPOSE: In this cohort study, we used a sponge simulator to train students in second-degree perineal laceration repair. We examined whether the training course improved the students' skills, as measured with an objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) and by a senior physician. We also examined the correlation between these ratings to assess the validity of OSATS application in this context. METHODS: Between April and July 2022, 40 medical students took part in gynecological/obstetrics training that included a lecture about perineal trauma and the viewing of a video that demonstrated second-degree perineal laceration repair using a sponge model. They then underwent initial evaluation by a senior physician and OSATS application, yielding two independent scores. After training with the sponge model, a second evaluation was performed. The OSATS assessed practical skills (8 items) and suture results (2 items). The senior physician assigned ratings on a five-point ordinal scale ranging from 1 (excellent) to 5 (poor). RESULTS: Training with the sponge simulator significantly increased students' OSATS (practical skills, p < 0.001; suture results, p < 0.05) and senior physician (p < 0.001) ratings. The OSATS and senior physician ratings correlated strongly (Spearman's r: first assessment, - 0.72; second assessment, - 0.74; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The sponge-based training improves students' skills for the repair of a second-degree perineal laceration. The OSATS for the sponge model might be a valid option to examine medical students in an obstetrical course.

Sonographic features of adenomyosis correlated with clinical symptoms and intraoperative findings: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: Adenomyosis is a common disease of females during their reproductive age. As of today, histologic examination of the uterus after hysterectomy constitutes the gold standard for diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of sonographic, hysteroscopic, and laparoscopic criteria for the diagnosis of the disease. METHODS: This study included data collected from 50 women in the reproductive age of 18-45 years, who underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy in the gynecology department of the Saarland University Hospital in Homburg between 2017 and 2018. The patients with adenomyosis were compared with a healthy control group. RESULTS: We collected data of anamnesis, sonographic criteria, hysteroscopic criteria and laparoscopic criteria and compared it with the postoperative histological results. A total 25 patients were diagnosed with adenomyosis postoperatively. For each of these; at least three sonographic diagnostical criteria for adenomyosis were found compared with a maximum of two for the control group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated an association between pre- and intraoperative signs of adenomyosis. In this way, it shows a high diagnostic accuracy of the sonographic examination as a pre-operative diagnostic method of the adenomyosis.

Foetal Intrapartum Compromise at Term: Could COVID-19 Infection Be Involved? A Case Report.

The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy has been studied and many reports have been published, mainly focussing on complications and in utero transmission with neonatal consequences. Although the effects of other viruses on foetuses are well known, the impact of maternal COVID-19 during pregnancy is not completely understood. We report a case of acute foetal intrapartum hypoxia without other risk factors than maternal COVID-19 disease 2 weeks previous to birth at term. Placental histological changes suggested that the viral infection could have been the culprit for the unfavourable outcome during labour. The neonate was promptly delivered by Caesarean section. Neonatal intensive care was started, including therapeutic hypothermia. The procedure was successful, the evolution of the neonate was favourable, and she was discharged after 10 days. Follow-up at 2 months of life indicated a normal neurological development but a drop in head growth. The case raises the idea that pregnancies with even mild COVID-19 symptoms may represent the cause of neonate compromise in a low-risk pregnancy. An important follow-up in the neonatal period and infancy is required to identify and treat any subsequent conditions. Further long-term studies are necessary to identify a cause-effect relationship between COVID-19 pregnancies and the whole spectrum of neonatal and infant consequences.

Lung mechanics during video-assisted abdominal surgery in Trendelenburg position: a cross-sectional propensity-matched comparison between classic laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted surgery has become an increasingly used surgical technique in patients undergoing major thoracic and abdominal surgery and is associated with significant perioperative respiratory and cardiovascular changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intraoperative pneumoperitoneum during video-assisted surgery on respiratory physiology in patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery compared to patients undergoing classic laparoscopy in Trendelenburg position. METHODS: Twenty-five patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) were compared with twenty patients undergoing classic laparoscopy (LAS). Intraoperative ventilatory parameters (lung compliance and plateau airway pressure) were recorded at five specific timepoints: after induction of anesthesia, after carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation, one-hour, and two-hours into surgery and at the end of surgery. At the same time, arterial and end-tidal CO2 values were noted and arterial to end-tidal CO2 gradient was calculated. RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant difference in plateau pressure between RAS and LAS at one-hour (26.2 ± 4.5 cmH2O vs. 20.2 ± 3.5 cmH2O, p = 0.05) and two-hour intervals (25.2 ± 5.7 cmH2O vs. 17.9 ± 3.1 cmH2O, p = 0.01) during surgery and at the end of surgery (19.9 ± 5.0 cmH2O vs. 17.0 ± 2.7 cmH2O, p = 0.02). Significant changes in lung compliance were also observed between groups at one-hour (28.2 ± 8.5 mL/cmH2O vs. 40.5 ± 13.9 mL/cmH2O, p = 0.01) and two-hour intervals (26.2 ± 7.8 mL/cmH2O vs. 54.6 ± 16.9 mL/cmH2O, p = 0.01) and at the end of surgery (36.3 ± 9.9 mL/cmH2O vs. 58.2 ± 21.3 mL/cmH2O, p = 0.01). At the end of surgery, plateau pressures remained higher than preoperative values in both groups, but lung compliance remained significantly lower than preoperative values only in patients undergoing RAS with a mean 24% change compared to 1.7% change in the LAS group (p = 0.01). We also noted a more significant arterial to end-tidal CO2 gradient in the RAS group compared to LAS group at one-hour (12.9 ± 4.5 mmHg vs. 7.4 ± 4.4 mmHg, p = 0.02) and two-hours interval (15.2 ± 4.5 mmHg vs. 7.7 ± 4.9 mmHg, p = 0.02), as well as at the end of surgery (11.0 ± 6.6 mmHg vs. 7.0 ± 4.6 mmHg, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Video-assisted surgery is associated with significant changes in lung mechanics after induction of pneumoperitoneum. The observed changes are more severe and longer-lasting in patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery compared to classic laparoscopy.

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Premature Birth-Our Experience as COVID Center.

Information about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women is still limited and raises challenges, even as publications are increasing rapidly. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on preterm birth pregnancies. We performed a prospective, observational study in a COVID-only hospital, which included 34 pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection and preterm birth compared with a control group of 48 healthy women with preterm birth. The rate of cesarean delivery was 82% in the study group versus 6% for the control group. We observed a strong correlation between premature birth and the presence of COVID-19 symptoms (cough p = 0.029, fever p = 0.001, and chills p = 0.001). The risk for premature birth is correlated to a lower value of oxygen saturation (p = 0.001) and extensive radiologic pulmonary lesions (p = 0.025). The COVID-19 pregnant women with preterm delivery were older, and experienced an exacerbation of severe respiratory symptoms, decreased saturation of oxygen, increased inflammatory markers, severe pulmonary lesions and decreased lymphocytes.

Comparison of maternal third trimester hemodynamics between singleton pregnancy and twin pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: The impedance cardiography (ICG) technique measures the variation of impedance in the thorax due to the physical contractile activity of the heart. Twin pregnancy is characterized by greater maternal hemodynamic changes than a singleton pregnancy. METHODS: In a study on 121 pregnant women in the last trimester we performed ICG, evaluating the following hemodynamic parameters: stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output, ventricular ejection time, left ventricular ejection time, thoracic impedance, and systemic vascular resistance. RESULTS: The study included singleton and twin pregnancies. Heart rate values in women with single fetus was lower than in those carrying twins (85 vs. 100 beats/min, p=0.021) as were the stroke volume values (64 vs. 83 mL, p=0.010) and the cardiac output (p<0.0001). Systemic vascular resistance decreased in twin pregnancies compared to singleton pregnancy (p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: ICG studies are rare, and the validation of their results is an ongoing process. However, the ICG technique is applicable in the third trimester of pregnancy and can yield important information regarding the hemodynamic profile of singleton and twin pregnancies, revealing maternal heart changes specific to twin pregnancies.

How Did Prenatal Education Impact Women's Perception of Pregnancy and Postnatal Life in a Romanian Population.

Background and Objectives: Prenatal education represents an important part of maternal prenatal care in Western countries. In Romania, prenatal education is of recent interest but there is no official information about prenatal courses and their impact on prenatal care and patients in Romania. Material and methods: A prospective study based on the STROBE statement was designed in order to assess the prenatal education delivered in our unit. The study group included women who gave birth at Bucur Maternity, "Saint. John" Hospital, Bucharest, Romania and attended the prenatal courses, compared with a control group (women who gave birth in our unit but did not attend the prenatal lecture). Patients' perception about the impact of prenatal education was collected by applying a questionnaire. Results: The analysis included 89 women who fulfilled the questionnaire online. In our study, 62 women (69.7%) attended the prenatal education classes and represented the study group while 27 women (30.3%) constituted the control group. Women who attended the prenatal lecture recognized the utility of the topic regarding newborn care (90.3%), while women from the control group did not consider it useful (n = 55.6%), χ2 = 18.412, p < 0.001. Patients from the study group admitted the importance of the topics (93.5%) from the lectures about breast feeding, while the percentage of these women from the control group is significantly lower (55.6%) χ2 = 27.867, p < 0.001. Conclusions: The benefits of prenatal education were recognized by women who attended the prenatal lecture, while women who did not participate underestimated the utility of the topics. Further actions are required to inform mothers about the necessity of antenatal education.

Can SARS-CoV-2 Induce Uterine Vascular Anomalies and Poor Contractile Response?-A Case Report.

We are reporting a case of a 36 year-old Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive hypertensive primigravida with postpartum uterine atony that required emergency subtotal hysterectomy at Saint John Hospital Bucur Maternity Bucharest. The maternity was designated as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Maternity for Bucharest and Ilfov County since March 2020. The patient was mildly symptomatic for SARS-CoV-2, infection confirmed with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The caesarean section was performed and a live male fetus was born, 2630 g and Apgar Score of 9 (the male fetus was negative for SARS-CoV-2). Postpartum hysterectomy with adnexal preservation was performed because of uterine atony. The postoperative evolution was favorable. The patient was discharged with her baby 10 days after birth. Given the limited resources, the placenta, the umbilical cord and the uterus were not tested for SARS-CoV-2. The pathology exam revealed that on the maternal side there were specific uterine atony lesions as well as endometrial and miometrial ischaemia. The placenta had nonspecific findings: chronic ischemic lesions with small villi, fibrin deposits in the materno-fetal interface. The peculiarity of the case is that we report the morphological findings of the placenta and uterus resulted from intrapartum uterine atonia in a patient with gestational arterial hypertension, premature birth and COVID-19. Further studies are required to characterize the pattern of such intricate conditions.

Can Anorectal Atresia Be Diagnosed in the First Trimester of Pregnancy? A Systematic Literature Review.

Anorectal atresia (ARA) is a common congenital anomaly, but prenatal diagnosis is difficult, late, and unspecific. Utilizing a case of a 46 year old primipara with an egg donation In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) pregnancy, diagnosed at the first trimester scan with an anechoic isolated structure, which indicates anal atresia, we performed a systematic literature review in order to evaluate early prenatal ARA diagnosis. A total of 16 cases were reported as first trimester ARA suspicion, and only three had no associated anomalies. The most frequent ultrasound (US) sign was the presence of a cystic, anechoic pelvic structure of mainly tubular shape, or a plain abdominal cyst. In the majority of cases, structures were thin-walled and delimitated from the bladder. The presence of hyperechoic spots signifying enterolithiasis and peristaltic movements were helpful in order to establish the bowel origin of the lesion. Considering the high eventuality that the lesion is transitory, meaning later in pregnancy the fetus looks normal, early detection of such a sign should prompt further structural detailed evaluation, karyotyping, and appropriate pregnancy and postnatal counselling.

An intrauterine contraceptive device: where did we find it after 29 years of insertion? A case report.

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) are one of the most popular and modern means of contraception used worldwide. Some described complications include perforation, infection and ectopic pregnancy. Herein we report an uncommon complication of IUCD: perforation and migration in the terminal ileum. A 56-year-old woman presented to our institution with lower abdominal pain. She had had an IUCD placed 29 years previously. The IUCD was inserted in unsafe conditions since then it was prohibited in Romanian to use any contraception device or pills. The IUCD was placed clandestinely in uncertain condition and could never be checked after. An exploratory laparotomy evidenced the presence of IUCD migrated to terminal ileum. A 56-year-old woman presented to our institution with lower abdominal pain. She had had an IUCD placed 29 years previously. The IUCD was inserted in unsafe conditions since at that time it was prohibited in Romania to use any contraceptive device or pills. The IUCD was placed clandestinely in uncertain condition and a follow-up could not have been performed. An exploratory laparotomy evidenced the presence of IUCD which had migrated to the terminal ileum. This case demonstrates an unusual localisation of an IUCD in the ileum, but the particularity is that we found it after 29 years of its insertion and and the patient had no specific gastrointestinal symptoms.

The Use and Potential Benefits of N-Acetylcysteine in Non-Acetaminophen Acute Liver Failure: An Etiology-Based Review.

Acute liver failure represents a life-threatening organ dysfunction with high mortality rates and an urgent need for liver transplantation. The etiology of the disease varies widely depending on various socio-economic factors and is represented mainly by paracetamol overdose and other drug-induced forms of liver dysfunction in the developed world and by viral hepatitis and mushroom poisoning in less developed countries. Current medical care constitutes either specific antidotes or supportive measures to ensure spontaneous recovery. Although it has been proven to have beneficial effects in paracetamol-induced liver failure, N-acetylcysteine is widely used for all forms of acute liver failure. Despite this, few well-designed studies have been conducted on the assessment of the potential benefits, dose regimens, or route of administration of N-acetylcysteine in non-acetaminophen liver failure. This review aims to summarize the current evidence behind the use of this drug in different forms of liver failure.

Endometriosis in Menopausal Women-A New Age Is Coming? Literature Review.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue, that leads to dysmenorrhea, painful intercourse and infertility. The shift in paradigm from the previous belief that endometriosis exclusively impacts women of reproductive age has brought attention to the condition in both premenarchal and postmenopausal women. Currently, 2-4% of postmenopausal women have endometriosis. Many women experience menopausal symptoms during the peri- and postmenopausal periods and require extensive investigations and monitoring in order to avoid the recurrence of endometriosis symptoms or the risk of malignant transformation when treatment with menopausal hormones is elected. Our goal was to compile and present a clear and concise overview of the existing literature on postmenopausal endometriosis, offering an up-to-date and precise summary of the available information.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)-Should They Be Mandatory Supplements in Pregnancy?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are essential fatty acids for the human body. Seafood and microalgae are the most important sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementation with 200 mg/day of DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been suggested for women and infants in countries with low seafood consumption. Maternal concentration of DHA and EPA was associated with concentration in cord blood and breast milk. High concentrations of DHA and EPA were identified at the level of retinal photoreceptors and neuronal cell membranes. It was observed that supplementation with DHA and EPA during pregnancy had beneficial effects on the neurological development of the fetus and infant by improving language, memory, attention, and hand coordination, affecting sleep patterns, and improving visual acuity. Beneficial effects on the development of the infant were also associated with the maternal intake of omega-3 fatty acids during breastfeeding. Supplementation with DHA and EPA may reduce the risk of preterm birth but also of preeclampsia in low-risk pregnancies. Women of childbearing age should have an intake of 250 mg/day of DHA + EPA from their diet or supplements. To reduce the risk of premature birth, pregnant women must additionally receive at least 100-200 mg of DHA every day. It is recommended that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids starts before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Beneficial effects on the mother have been identified, such as the reduction of postpartum depression symptoms, the decrease of cardiovascular risk, and the anti-inflammatory role.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus-Related Hearing Loss.

Congenital hearing loss is a significant global health concern that affects millions of newborns and infants worldwide, posing substantial challenges for affected individuals, their families, and healthcare systems. This condition, present at birth, can stem from genetic factors, in utero exposures, infections, or complications during pregnancy or childbirth. The spectrum of congenital hearing loss ranges from mild to profound, impacting the development of speech, language, and cognitive skills, thereby influencing educational achievements, social integration, and future employment opportunities. Early detection and intervention strategies, such as newborn hearing screenings, genetic counseling, and the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants, are crucial for mitigating these impacts. This review article aims to explore the diagnostic approaches and management strategies for congenital cytomegalovirus-related hearing loss, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary care and the potential for technological advances to improve outcomes for affected individuals.

Hysteroscopy for Infertility in Young Women - Our Experience.

Objective: Infertility is a complex condition that depends on numerous mechanisms regarding its occurrence and evolution. It does not appear as a single pathology, and therefore the diagnosis and management involve both the identification of etiological causes and other possible systemic interactions. Infertility is defined as a succession of unsuccessful attempts of unprotected intercourse within a couple for 12 months, during the reproductive life. Among the many causes related to infertility, uterine pathology has an important place and hysteroscopy is outstanding in diagnosing and treating various pathologies in this category. Material and methods: This descriptive study was conducted on a retrospective analysis of a group of patients from Bucur Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania. The main data were obtained from medical electronic records and included the type of infertility, associated diagnoses and symptoms, previous investigations, hysteroscopic procedure and follow-up. In order to obtain the database, the above parameters were evaluated and processed in the IBM SPSS Statistics version 28, including other few graphs processed in Microsoft Office Excel 2007. Results:The present study included 51 patients aged between 20 and 40 years, with a mean of 32.02 ± 3.7. Out of the total number of patients, 76.47% of participants to the present study were diagnosed with secondary infertility and 58.82% described menometrorrhagias as the most common symptom. Endometrial polyps were more frequently associated with menometrorrhagias (70% of patients), while synechiae and secondary amenorrhea were found together in 75% of cases. Previous ultrasound evaluation identified uterine cavity abnormalities as nonhomogeneous echo-pattern in 58.82% of cases, with some of them being suggestive of endometrial polyps (37.25%), intrauterine synechiae (3.92%) and uterine fibromas (9.8%). We noticed that 12% of cases required laparoscopy and 4% laparotomy. The outcomes of hysteroscopic management resulted in a conception rate of 39%. We found that 20% of pregnancies achieved were complicated with placenta praevia, 5% with gestational hypertension and 15% with imminence of abortion. Conclusions:Secondary infertility was more frequently encountered than primary infertility and the most common associated manifestations included menometrorrhagia, followed by secondary amenorrhea and pelvic-abdominal pain. Transvaginal ultrasound was correlated with hysteroscopic diagnosed pathology; posthysteroscopic results were favourable, regardless of the size and location of changes in the uterine cavity, thus highlighting the importance of hysteroscopic therapeutic techniques in increasing the chances of conception.

The Evolving Landscape of Immunotherapy in Uterine Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Endometrial cancer affects the uterus and is becoming increasingly common and deadly. Although surgery and adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy can often cure the disease when it is contained in the uterus, patients with metastatic or recurrent disease have limited response rates to chemotherapy, targeted agents, and hormonal therapy. To address this unmet clinical need, innovative treatment strategies are needed, and a growing focus on the immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment has arisen. Current data suggest that active and/or passive immunotherapy may be promising for the treatment of endometrial cancer.

Physical Activity and the Impact of Continued Exercise on Health-Related Quality of Life Prior to and during Pregnancy: A German Cohort Study.

The goal of this study was to examine how regular physical activity before and during pregnancy affected life quality throughout pregnancy. Between July 2020 and May 2021, 218 pregnant women were recruited from 11 outpatient clinics for this survey. Data were collected prospectively in a panel format beginning with the 10th gestational week over a 20-week period. Prior to pregnancy, a previous time point was also defined. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, and the EQ-VAS questionnaire were used to collect data on the duration and intensity of daily physical exercises, as well as to assess health-related quality of life and self-estimated health status. The final survey included data from 113 women. During pregnancy, physical activity decreased dramatically. The duration of strenuous activities, but not moderate activities, was significantly reduced. Continuous physical activity independently predicted higher life quality scores at all points of assessment. Cases who participated in moderate and strenuous activities on a regular basis had higher self-estimated health status scores than cases who only participated in moderate activity. Instead of focusing solely on specific types of physical activity, we believe that strategies for motivating all pregnant women to be constantly active should be developed.

Quality of life and sexual function in patients aged 35 years or younger undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how hysterectomy performed for benign gynecologic pathologies affects the quality of life and sexual function of patients aged 35 years or younger, and if outcomes differ according to the surgical technique. METHODS: Seventy-three patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy (SLH), or vaginal hysterectomy (VH) for benign uterine disorders between April 2014 and June 2020 at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany, were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Quality of life and sexual function were assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using standardized validated questionnaires: the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Scale (EQ-5D) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS: Thirty-three (45%) patients underwent TLH, 25 (34%) underwent SLH, and 15 (21%) patients underwent VH. The median preoperative EQ-5D score, FSFI score, and EQ-5D visual analog scale were 0.9 (range 0.62-1), 19.25 (range 2.4-27.4), and 50 (range 0-100); postoperative scores were 1 (range 0.61-1), 24.15 (range 3.9-29.3), and 90 (range 30-100), respectively (P ≤ 0.001). Postoperative scores were significantly higher than preoperative scores, with no significant difference according to the surgical technique. CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy for benign indication in women aged 35 years or less significantly improved the patients' quality of life and sexual function with no differences regarding the surgical technique. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the German trial registry (no. DRKS00005622).