Turkish translation of the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire: validity and reliability.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To translate the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) into Turkish and test its validity and reliability. METHODS: The study included 341 women. The translation of the PIKQ, which comprised of the urinary incontinence (PIKQ-UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (PIKQ-POP) sections, was performed in accordance with international recommendations. The Incontinence Quiz (IQ) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were applied to assess the level of knowledge about POP and UI. Psychometric analyses consisted of assessing the following: (1) construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis, (2) criterion and known group validity, (3) internal consistency reliability by the KR-20 coefficient, and (4) test-retest reliability over 1 week with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: All fit indices except the Standardized Root Mean Square Residual indicated acceptable fit for the final models. Criterion validity was supported by moderate correlations between the PIKQ-UI and the IQ (rho = 0.679, p < 0.001). There were positive and weak linear correlations between the PIKQ-UI and PIKQ-POP scores and their corresponding perceived knowledge scores (rho = 0.351, p = 0.013 and rho = 0.345, p = 0.014, respectively). The known group validity did not show differences indicating that participants did not have enough knowledge about UI and/or POP even when they had the condition or acquaintance with them (p = 0.852 and p = 0.185, respectively). Reliability was excellent as indicated by the ICCs of 0.91-0.90, and KR-20 of 0.67-0.75 indicated good internal consistency for the PIKQ-UI and PIKQ-POP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the PIKQ is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the knowledge of UI and POP.

Single-dose methotrexate for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy: Our experience from 2010 to 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of systemic single-dose methotrexate (MTX) treatment in patients with ectopic pregnancy (EP) and to investigate factors related to treatment success. METHODS: This retrospective study had been performed in Yildirim Beyazit University between January 2010 and December 2015. Demographic and clinical characteristics, ultrasonografic findings, pretreatment serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) and progesterone levels of 58 patients with EP were retrieved from hospital records retrospectively. The patients were grouped according to MTX treatment success (response vs. failure). RESULTS: Single-dose MTX-treatment was successful in 72.4% (42/58) of patients. The mean pretreatment ß-hCG level was significantly lower in responders than in failures (2080 ± 2322 vs. 5707 ± 3885 IU/L, p = 0.001), and 2678 IU/L was the most suitable cutoff to predict success (75% sensitivity, 73.8% specificity). Moreover, failure rate was 8.45 times more in group of patients whose ß-hCG values were determined above the cutoff. The presence of fetal cardiac activity adversely affected treatment success (odds ratio = 12, p = 0.004). Treatment success was not affected by past history of ectopic pregnancy, thickness of endometrium, progesterone value or presences of pseudosac and free pelvic fluid. CONCLUSION: The success rate of single dose MTX in this study was 72.8 %, and we found that failure rate of MTX treatment was 8.45 times more in group of patients whose initial serum ß-hCG values were above 2678 IU/L and 12 times more in patients with fetal cardiac activity.

Nuchal cord: is it really the silent risk of pregnancy?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between entanglement of umbilical cord around the fetal neck and adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, perinatal outcomes of 218 pregnancies complicated with nuchal cord (NC) (study group) were compared with 190 uncomplicated pregnancies (control group). Main outcome measures were umbilical cord pH values, APGAR scores and cesarean section (C/S) rates. Fetal distress was stated as an abnormal heart rate pattern on electronic fetal heart monitorization. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in maternal demographic and obstetric features, between groups. There were no statistically significant differences regarding C/S rates between groups, even though fetal distress was significantly the leading indication for cesarean delivery, in the study group (p = 0.021). The number of entanglement was significantly related with fetal distress (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in umbilical cord gas values, one-minute and five-minute APGAR scores between the groups. Furthermore, there was a significant male dominance in the study group (p = 0.014) and also, amniotic fluid indexes (AFI) were significantly higher in this group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that, entanglement of umbilical cord around the fetal neck or NC is not related with adverse perinatal outcomes such as acidosis and low APGAR scores. So that, a targeted care on NC via ultrasound during labor, is not an essential part of the examination.

Dynamic Thiol-Disulphide Status in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Association with the Pathogenesis of the Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aims to examine the differences in plasma thiol-disulphide levels that are related to oxidative stress among obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their age/body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls. METHODS: The participants were divided into 4 groups based on BMI (nonobese and obese). Serum thiol and disulphide levels were compared among groups. RESULTS: Serum thiols were found higher in the obese PCOS group than those in the obese control group in the study (thiol: 407.33 ± 46.25 vs. 365.67 ± 67.03 µmol/l, p = 0.014). Disulphide levels were observed to be decreased in the obese PCOS group relative to its control (21.39 ± 1.33 vs. 23.53 ± 8.47 µmol/l, p = 0.021). Serum thiol levels were found to be higher in the nonobese PCOS group compared to nonobese controls (thiol: 434.7 ± 46.92 vs. 422.94 ± 46.61 µmol/l, p = 0.031). Significant differences of disulphide levels between the nonobese PCOS group and the nonobese control group were observed (18.07 ± 1.93 vs. 20.68 ± 3.79 µmol/l, p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: High antioxidant levels in women with PCOS may be related to either mechanisms involving anovulation, multiple follicular development, and apoptosis or to their compensatory system against oxidative load arising from obesity and overweightness.

The relationship between first-trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A levels and intrapartum fetal distress development.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the development of intrapartum fetal distress and serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels measured during first-trimester aneuploidy screening tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 283 uncomplicated pregnancies that resulted in full-term live births via spontaneous labor or with the induction by oxytocin. Cases were divided into two groups based on whether their first-trimester PAPP-A multiple of the median (MoM) levels were ≤0.5 (Group 1, n=75) or >0.5 (Group 2, n=208). As primary end points, the rate of cesarean section (C/S), the rate of C/S due to fetal distress, and the umbilical artery blood pH values in cases of C/S for fetal distress were compared between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test and independent samples t-test. P≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at birth and the birth weights were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p=0.002 and p=0.007, respectively). Although the rate of C/S was similar between the groups (p=0.823), the rate of C/S due to fetal distress was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (68.4% vs. 42%, respectively; p=0.050) and the mean umbilical artery blood pH value for C/S deliveries indicated by fetal distress was lower (p=0.048) in Group 1 than in Group 2. When the mode of delivery was analyzed according to the application of labor induction, both the C/S delivery rates (31.6% in Group 1 and 31.7% in Group 2; p=0.992) and C/S delivery rates due to fetal distress (66.7% in Group 1 and 46.2% in Group 2; p=0.405) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Low PAPP-A levels (≤0.5 MoM) in the first trimester are associated with the risk of intrapartum fetal distress development and the likelihood of C/S for fetal distress. Nonetheless, this risk is not affected by labor induction.

A Rare Clinical Presentation of Giant Bilateral Labial Fibroepithelial Stromal Polyps in Patient with Psoriasis Disease.

Fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) are rarely seen lesions of the lower female genital tract with polypoid proliferations of stroma. These tumors usually present in the vulvovaginal region of the reproductive aged women. In this presentation, we report a case of a psoriatic woman who developed unusual multiple polypoid lesions approximately 15 cm in size arising from both left and right labia minora and unique connection of FEPs with psoriasis disease.

Vaginoplasty Using Human Amniotic Membranes A Report of Five Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experiences with an innovative surgical approach for vaginal agenesis that uses amnion as the allograft to create a functional neovagina. STUDY DESIGN: This study involved 5 patients with diagnosed vaginal agenesis. One patient had karyotype 46,XY and was diagnosed with complete androgen insensitivity syn- drome, whereas the others had karyotype 46,XX and were diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kiister-Hauser syndrome. All patients underwent Mclndoe vagino- plasty using amnion and were followed up at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postsurgery. Functionality of the neovagina was assessed by Rosen Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. RESULTS: At the 12-month follow-up 1 patient report- ed. an inability to use the vaginal dilator effectively; for the other 4 patients the mean depth of the neovagina was 9.5 cm and the mean width was 3.5 cm. The mean overall FSFI score was 28.3. CONCLUSION: McIndoe vaginoplasty is a simple, safe, and quick operative method that results in a ftnctional vagina. The amnion is a suitable material to apply to the surface of the neovagina because it is readily avail- able and does not have any associated immune reiection problems or costs.

Multiple sclerosis; a disease of reproductive-aged women and the dilemma involving contraceptive methods.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation in the central nerves system. Because the disease predominantly affects women of reproductive ages, having knowledge about contraception options for MS patients can make clinicians provide better counseling. Although most contraceptive methods are generally accepted as safe and effective in MS patients, recent studies have raised questions about their potential adverse effects on the disease. The use of contraceptive methods to avoid unintended pregnancies is crucial in MS patients, particularly during the relapse phase of the disease or the time when the disease is not completely under control. This review investigates the contraception options and their effects on female MS patients. Providing appropriate contraception options to multiple sclerosis patients will be one of the most challenging issues for clinicians to deal with. Recent studies have raised questions that the use of hormonal contraceptives may at least partly contribute to the rise in incidence of MS in women. This review investigates the contraception options and their effects on female MS patients.

Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Has a Better Predictive Capacity in Diagnosing Tubo-Ovarian Abscess.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify the inflammatory markers which predict a tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) in the most accurate way. METHODS: This study involves 312 women. Preoperative inflammatory markers in the study group were compared with those in the healthy control group to identify the most efficient predictor of TOA with a high sensitivity and specificity. The recommended cutoff values of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), white blood cell count, and red cell distribution width were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses. RESULTS: The area under the curve (AUC = 0.99) in the ROC analysis was found to be statistically significant for NLR (p < 0.001) with a cutoff value of ≥4.15 (95% CI 0.97-1.00, sensitivity 95.2%, specificity 99.4%). The positive predictive value of NLR was 99.2%, and the negative predictive value was 96.7% (p < 0.001). The recommended threshold for PLR was found to be 164.37 (AUC = 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.98, sensitivity 86.7%, specificity 92%), and the cutoff point of the white blood cell count in the ROC analysis was 9.55 × 103/µl (AUC = 0.90, 95% CI 0.87-0.95, sensitivity 78.68%, specificity 96.68%). CONCLUSION: Preoperative NLR and PLR improve the predictive value of serum markers for the presence of TOA.

Postmenopausal spontaneous uterine perforation: Case report.

Spontaneous uterine rupture and generalized peritonitis caused by pyometra occurs rarely with high morbidity and mortality. A correct and definite diagnosis can be made with laparotomy or laparoscopy. The clinical findings of perforated pyometra are similar to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and gynecologic symptoms are less frequent, which makes preoperative diagnosis difficult. We report a case of a patient aged 82 years who underwent surgery for spontaneous uterine rupture and generalized peritonitis as a result of pyometra.

Unexpected fetal demise despite the reactive nonstress test during the conservative management of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Dealing with acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is a challenging problem due to unexpected nature of the disease. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a complicated case of a 29-year-old pregnant woman with a mild acute pancreatitis whose pregnancy ended up with an unexpected fetal demise at her 34th gestational week. This unfortunate outcome led us reconsider our obstetrical approach to acute pancreatitis during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Based on this unfortunate event, we now think that obstetricians should keep in mind that even in the presence of reassuring NST and biophysical profile assessment, an unpredictable fetal loss can occur during the medical management of the pregnancies complicated with mild acute pancreatitis. DISCUSSION: The subject patient of this case report was diagnosed with mild AP and underwent conservative medical management. Since the patient was stable and fetal well-being was confirmed with BPP and NST, the termination of pregnancy was out of question at that time. The occurrence of unexpected fetal death despite assuring parameters led us reconsider the approach to the pregnant women with mild AP.

Plasma lipids and lipoproteins during pregnancy and related pregnancy outcomes.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of maternal lipid profile changes in pregnancy in relation to fetal growth and development, prognosis, and complications of pregnancy. METHODS: One thousand pregnant women between 17 and 48 years of age were included in this prospective longitudinal and uni-center study. Lipid profile tests [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL)] were first requested as part of the routine pregnancy follow-up in first antenatal visit (<14 weeks) then repeated in the last trimester (>28 weeks). The analysis included the medical, social-demographic, and nutritional status of the women as well. Primer outcome measures were defined as the association of the pregnancy-related lipid profile change to neonatal weight, the weight of the infant in third month and pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, IUGR, and preterm birth). RESULTS: The levels of TG, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL increased significantly as pregnancy progressed. The percentage of the change in the TG levels were higher in patients with well nutritional parameters (p = 0.033). As the percentage of change in the TG levels increased, the neonatal weight increased (p = 0.033) but no effect on the placental weight and the third month weight of the infant was seen. As the percent change in TG levels decreased, the risk of the preterm birth significantly increased. In women who were positive in 50 g screening test, but were uncomplicated with gestational diabetes mellitus, the percent change in cholesterol was lower (p = 0.010), the percent change in LDL was lower (p = 0.015), and the percent change in TG was higher (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: In pregnancy, complex alterations occur in lipid metabolism. Percent change in TG is affected positively by the nutrition level. The neonatal weight also increases as well but postnatal weight is unaffected. Conversely TG levels significantly decrease in preterm birth. No association between preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus with lipid profile changes were noted except in patients with glucose intolerance (>140 mg/dl in 50 g screening test) in which change in cholesterol, LDL was low and TG was high.

The aromatase inhibitor letrozole reduces adhesion formation after intraperitoneal surgery in a rat uterine horn model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate, in an experimental animal study, the effects of letrozole and tamoxifen in the reduction of adhesion formation following abdominopelvic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty female Wistar albino rats were included and divided into three groups. One group received 500 µg/d tamoxifen and a second group received 1 mg/kg/d letrozole through an enteric tube. A third group did not receive any drugs and served as the control group. On the fifth day, a laparotomy was performed and the right uterine horn was injured by monopolar cautery. The left uterine horn was incised with a scalpel and sutured. The preventive therapy protocols were continued for 7 days after surgery. On the 14th day after first surgery the animals were sacrificed, and the intraperitoneal macroscopic adhesion formation and microscopic adhesion features were evaluated. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the scores of the macroscopic adhesion scores and histologic features among the three groups, followed by a post hoc Mann-Whitney test. The total histological score was analyzed with a one-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc Bonferroni correction tests. p values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. The level of significance was set at p≤0.016 for the post hoc tests. RESULTS: The letrozole and tamoxifen groups had significantly lower adhesion scores for the right uterine horn than the control group (p=0.005 and p=0.013, respectively). For the left horn, however, only the letrozole group had a lower macroscopic adhesion score than the controls (p=0.011). The total histological score was significantly lower in the letrozole group than in the control group (p=0.014), but no differences were found between the tamoxifen group and the control group (p=0.954). Inflammation, fibroblastic activity, collagen formation and vascular proliferation were significantly lower in the letrozole group compared with the control group (p<0.05). The foreign body reactions were similar among the three groups (p>0.05). Tamoxifen administration did not result in any significant effects on the histological scores (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Letrozole resulted in a significant decrease in postoperative macroscopic adhesion formation and the total histological scores, but tamoxifen did not demonstrate a similar effect on the histological scores.

Prevalance of gestational diabetes mellitus in patients with gestational transient thyrotoxicosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in patients with gestational transient thyroxicosis (GTT). METHODS: Fifty two patients with GTT and 100 age matched healthy pregnant women were included. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, thyrotrophin (TSH) and thyroid hormones were measured at thyrotoxic state in GTT patients and at 6-12th weeks of pregnancy in control group. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with 100 g glucose was performed and laboratory parameters were re-evaluated at 24-28th weeks of pregnancy in all subjects. RESULTS: Mean age of patients with GTT was 28.46 ± 5.45 and control group was 27.78 ± 3.75(p = 0.085). Patients with GTT had significantly higher HbA1c, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol at 6-12th weeks of pregnancy (p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p = 0.034, respectively). TSH was negatively correlated with HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol in thyrotoxic state in GTT patients (r = -0.393, p < 0.001 and r = -0.293, p < 0.001, respectively). OGTT showed GDM in 7 (13.5%) GTT patients and 4 (4%) healthy pregnants (p = 0.047). HbA1c, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were higher in GTT patients compared to healthy pregnants also at 24-28th weeks of pregnancy (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Although GTT is known to be a transient state that can resolve spontaneously, it might have negative effect on carbohydrate metabolism like other causes of hyperthyroidism.

A large primary vaginal calculus in a woman with paraplegia.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to report a primary vaginal stone, an extremely rare entity, without vesicovaginal fistula in a woman with disability. CASE: We describe the case of a large primary vaginal calculus in a 22-year-old woman with paraplegia, which, surprisingly, was not diagnosed until she was examined under general anesthesia during a preparation for laparoscopy for an adnexal mass. The stone had not been identified by physical examination with the patient in a recumbent position or by transabdominal ultrasonography and pelvic tomography during the preoperative preparation. Vaginoscopy was not performed because the vagina was completely filled with the mass. As a result of its size and hard consistency, a right-sided episiotomy was performed and a 136-g stone was removed using ring forceps. A vesicovaginal fistula was excluded. There was no evidence of a foreign body or other nidus on the cut section of the stone, and it was determined to be composed of 100% struvite (ammonium magnesium phosphate). Culture of urine obtained via catheter showed Escherichia coli. After the surgical removal of the calculus without complications, a program of intermittent catheterization was started. The follow-up period was uneventful, and the patient was symptom free at 6 months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: We postulate that the calculus formed as a consequence of urinary contamination of the vagina in association with incontinence and prolonged maintenance in a recumbent posture. This report is important because it highlights that, although vaginal stones are very rare, their possibility should be considered in the differential diagnosis of individuals with long-term paraplegia.

Effect of maternal obesity and weight gain on gestational diabetes mellitus.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal obesity and weight gain during pregnancy. A prospective cohort study screened 614 consecutive gravid patients for GDM using 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT). The pregnant women were divided into 4 groups according to their prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). Group I, II, III and IV constituted when the BMI < 18.5 kg/m² (n = 16), 18.5-24.9 kg/m² (n = 455), 25-29.9 kg/m² (n = 122), and >30 kg/m² (n = 21) respectively. All the pregnant women were also evaluated in terms of their weight gain during pregnancy and these cases were recruited in 3 groups as low, ideal and high weight gain groups. Overall, a positive 50 g GCT result was identified in 106/614 (17.8%) women. GDM was further diagnosed in 12/614 (1.95%) of subjects. The prevalence of GDM in Group II, III and IV was 1.31%, 3.28% and 9.52% respectively (p < 0.05). The cases of Group II in first and second trimester and Group III only in second trimester showed statistically significant positive results of 50 g GCT when they had excess weight gain compared to the ones whose weight gain were in normal range. Women planning pregnancy should be educated about the disadvantages of obesity, being over-weight and should be advised to have an ideal prepregnancy BMI and ideal weight gain during pregnancy.

Spontaneous intraamniotic hemorrhage in the second trimester mimicking an abdominal wall defect.

We report here a case of spontaneous intraamniotic haemorrhage in the second trimester which mimicked an abdominal wall defect. The ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings are discussed and a review of the literature regarding differential diagnosis of bleeding and abdominal wall defects is made.

Effects of intravaginally inserted controlled-release dinoprostone and oxytocin for labor induction on umbilical cord blood gas parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of oxytocin and dinoprostone used in labor induction on fetal blood gas parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective randomized trial involved 108 women who completed 37 gestational weeks and who required labor induction prior to normal vaginal birth. Labor was induced in 57 women with an intravenous low dose oxytocin regimen and in 51 with intravaginal dinoprostone (PGE2). Following childbirth, umbilical artery blood gas was analyzed, with pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3 and base excess (BE) compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Mean age and obstetrical data (gravidity, parity, gestational weeks and birthweight) were similar in the two groups (p>0.05). All infants had 1 and 5 minute APGAR scores ≥7. Umbilical artery blood pH was similar in the oxytocin and dinoprostone groups (7.31±0.07 vs. 7.31±0.05, p=0.780), as were the other blood gas parameters (pCO2, pO2, base excess and HCO3; p>0.05 each). CONCLUSION: Induction of labor with either oxytocin or dinoprostone in women with uncomplicated term pregnancies had no adverse effects on umbilical artery blood gas parameters.

Maternal serum 25(OH)D levels in the third trimester of pregnancy during the winter season.

OBJECTIVE: To measure serum 25(OH)D levels of pregnant women in the last trimester during the winter season and to determine the factors affecting their serum levels. METHODS: In all, 79 pregnant women in the third trimester were examined between November 2008 and March 2009. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and 25(OH)D levels were measured. Maternal age, education, socioeconomic status (SES), nutrition, dressing habits, and level of sunlight exposure were determined and their correlation with serum 25(OH)D levels were statistically compared. RESULTS: The mean serum 25(OH)D level of the study group was 11.95 ± 7.20 ng/ml, and the prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 10 ng/ml] in pregnant women was 45.6%. No association was detected between severe vitamin D deficiency and maternal age, gravidity, skin phototype, benefiting from ultraviolet index, and educational status of the cases. Also in patients who used multivitamin supplements and good SES, 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher (p=0.046, p=0.025, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a remarkable high rate of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women during the winter season and we have found high levels of vitamin D in patients supplemented with multivitamins and in ones with good SES.

Maternal plasma total antioxidant status in preterm labor.

AIM: To investigate the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in preterm labor. METHODS: Twenty-five cases diagnosed with preterm labor were included in the study group, whereas 25 women with uncomplicated pregnancies at similar stages of pregnancy were included in the control group. Total antioxidant status was measured in maternal plasma using a Hitachi 911 auto analyzer and a total antioxidant status kit (Randox Laboratories, UK) in mmol/L. RESULTS: Mean serum antioxidant status were lower in patients (1.002 ± 0.177 mmol/L) than in controls (1.258 ± 0.147 mmol/L) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Women with preterm labor have decreased total antioxidant status compared with uncomplicated pregnancies in similar gestational weeks. Future work should clarify whether decreased total antioxidant status precedes preterm labor in a prospective cohort study.