Comparison of Different Fixation Confi gurations in Different Types of High Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: a Finite Element Analysis.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to compare the stability of different fi xation methods in high pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with a fi nite element analysis method. MATERIAL AND METHODS Transverse, lateral oblique, and medial oblique fracture models were created in a ten years old boy's distal humerus. Eight different fi xation methods were applied to each fracture model. Displacement of the fracture models was measured under the translational and torsional forces. RESULTS In the transverse fracture model; the 6th method provided the best stability in internal rotation, external rotation, and extension loading. In varus 7th method, valgus 8th, and fl exion the 5th and 2nd methods had the best stability. In the lateral oblique fracture model; the 7th method had the best stability in all loading directions except fl exion and the 6th method had the best stability in fl exion and had acceptable values in all other directions except valgus and external rotation. In the medial oblique fracture model; the 6th method had the best stability in all directions except varus. 3rd method was the best fi xation type against varus and the second stable fi xation type in all other directions. CONCLUSIONS Combining lateral antegrade with lateral retrograde wire and lateral condylomedullary wire provides strong stability in the lateral oblique fracture. Two condylomedullary Kirchner wires and one antegrade lateral wire results in a strong stability in the medial oblique fracture. Medial-lateral condylomedullary and lateral antegrade wires provided the best stability against varus in transverse and lateral oblique fractures. KEY WORDS: high pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture, percutaneous fi xation method, metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction, fi nite element analysis.

EXPRESSION PROFILES OF MIR-155-5P AND MIR-518B MICRORNAS IN CIRCULATING LEUKOCYTES OF THE PREGNANT PATIENTS WITH PREECLAMPSIA AND POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME.

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with increased prevalence of preeclampsia (PE); microRNAs (miRs) could play an important role in the pathogenesis of PE and PCOS. Objective: To investigate the expression levels of miRs 155-5p and 518b in blood leukocytes of patients with PE and PCOS. Design: Using real-time quantitative PCR method, miR-155-5p and miR-518b were examined from PE, PCOS, PE+PCOS, and controls. Subjects and Methods: The relative expression of the target miRs in patient samples was compared to control samples. The results were calculated as relative quantification values. Results: Confounding variables were controlled using analyses for covariance. Significant differences were observed in miR-155-5p (p=0.008) and miRNA-518 (p=0.016) expression levels among the groups. miR-155-5p (p=0.014) and miR-518b (p=0.036) were upregulated in PCOS patients and miR-518b (p=0.028) were increased in cases with PCOS+PE. Near significant difference was found (p=0.06) in miR-518b expression levels in cases with PE, compared to controls. miR-518b was observed to be positively correlated with alanine transaminase in cases with PE (r=0.80; P=0.017) and PE+PCOS (r=0.80, p=0.017). Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggested that expression profiling of miR-155-5p and miR-518b in blood leukocytes were upregulated in pregnant women with PCOS. Moreover, miR-518b was found to be related to PE in cases with PCOS.

Analysis of The Risk Factors for Postoperative Allogenic Blood Transfusion Requirement in Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Hemoglobin (Hb) levels tend to decrease in patients after hip fractures. There are several factors that is responsible for this decrease in Hb levels. The primary aim in this study was to evaluate the risk factors of blood loss in patients with IFF and to determine the limits that may require allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT), and the secondary aim was to prevent unnecessary blood crossing outside these limits. MATERIAL AND METHODS 119 patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture (IFF) were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the use of ABT in the postoperative period. Age, gender, fracture side, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level, platelet (Plt) number, International Normalized Ratio (INR), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values, comorbid diseases, history of drug use, whether ABT was applied in the preoperative period or not, and the postoperative 1st day Hb levels were evaluated from the medical records. A p value below than 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS Advanced age [odds ratio (OR) 1.069, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.372-3.202], unstable fracture type [OR 0.258, 95% CI 0.496-6.632], and hemoglobin level <11 g / dL [OR 5.574, 95% GA 0.312-65.278 was found to be an independent predictive risk factor for allogeneic blood transfusion requirement in the postoperative period. DISCUSSION There are several factors that is responsible for decrease in Hb levels in patients after hip fractures. The most important and most likely cause of these is the fracture itself. Other reasons are stated as type of fracture, time elapsed until the surgical treatment, preferred implants for treatment, advanced age, mean preoperative Hb value and anticoagulant drug usage in literature. Although the preoperative blood loss due to trauma is inevitable, unnecessary aggressive and/or inadequate treatments can be avoided if patients with higher bleeding risk and complication rate can be detected. CONCLUSIONS Advanced age, unstable fracture pattern and low preoperative Hb values should be considered as risk factors for the postoperative ABT requirements for patients with IFF. Key words: intertrochanteric femur fracture, allogenic blood transfusion, blood loss hemoglobin level.

The MRI Effect in Clinical Decision Process in Perthes' Disease: "More Complex Imaging, More Complicated Surgeries".

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Radiographs are preferred for understanding the deformity and containment in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), as well as for treatment planning, but plain radiographs provide only static information and are inadequate for dynamic assessment of the joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be superior to other diagnostic modalities. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of hip MRI in LCPD treatment decision-making processes between pediatric orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic surgery residents. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eight orthopedic surgery residents and eight pediatric orthopedic surgeons were invited to retrospectively evaluate hip radiography images and MRI sections of 34 patients with LCPD. The treatment choices were divided into two groups as conservative and surgical. Gwet's AC1 analysis was used to establish the relative level of intra-observer agreements. The correlation between the professional experience and the agreement parameters was also evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. ANOVA was used to compare multiple groups. p ≤ 0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS For both groups most preferred treatment method was conservative approaches based on plain radiography and MRI. The resident group showed a significant shift from conservative treatment to surgical treatment choices after MRI evaluation. The difference between the frequencies of each treatment choice for pediatric orthopedic surgeons was not statistically significant among different imaging modalities, but a comparison of the changes in surgical treatment revealed a significant difference between the imaging modalities, with a trend towards more complicated treatment choices. DISCUSSION Conservative methods were the most preferred treatment choice in the study, as it is common. It was observed that treatment choices changed when patients were evaluated together with MRI. Compared to plain radiographs, MRI provides sufficient and particular information for evaluating the structures of the hip joint components. CONCLUSIONS We found that consideration of MRI data in LCPD patients changed treatment recommendations substantially towards more complicated surgical procedures. We consider this to be an 'MRI effect' where using a more complex imaging modality leads surgeons to more complicated treatment modalities in LCPD. Key words: imagnetic resonance imaging, reliability, MRI effect, Perthes disease, children.

Reliability of Evaluation of the Surgeon-Dependent Factors Affecting Mechanical Failure after Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture Treatment.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The intertrochanteric femur fractures seen in the elderly population are usually treated surgically. Mechanical failure of this treatment is a serious complication and to prevent this, many assessment factors have been described such as tip-apex distance, reduction quality etc. The aim of this study is to evaluate the intra- and inter-observer reliability of modifiable factors evaluated after the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS The early post-operative radiographs of sixty-two patients treated with PFN-A were evaluated. Six observers with 8 to 27 years of experience in hip trauma surgery were asked to measure tip apex distance (TAD), calcar referenced TAD (calTAD), collo-diaphyseal angle (CDA) and evaluate the position of helical blade and also fracture reductions according to Baumgaertner and Chang criteria on these radiographs. Fleiss kappa and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values were calculated for inter-observer and intra-observer reliability assessment, respectively. RESULTS Inter-observer reliability values for both evaluations were moderate (fleiss κ: 0.417-0.455) for TAD measurements, moderate (fleiss κ: 0.418-0.458) for calTAD measurements, fair (fleiss κ: 0.302-0.288) for CDA measurements, substantial (fleiss κ: 0.606-0.631) for antero-posterior zone evaluation, moderate (fleiss κ: 0.550-0.546) for lateral zone assessment, fair-moderate (fleiss κ: 0.353-0.453) for Baumgaertner reduction quality assessment, and fair-moderate (fleiss κ: 0.365- 0.456) for Chang reduction quality assessment. Intra-observer reliabilities were found to be moderate to good for TAD and calTAD measurements, moderate for CDA measurements, good to excellent for AP and lateral zone and Baumgaertner reduction quality criteria assessments and good for Chang reduction quality criteria assessment. DISCUSSION There is no large data on the subject of the present study in the literature. There is a single article evaluating the reliability of more than one evaluation criteria in which only two observers' findings were evaluated in the literature. As in our study, more accurate inferences can be made with the increase in the number of observers. Unlike the literature, the inter-observer reliabilities of TAD and calTAD which have a very important place in the postoperative evaluation of these fractures were found as "moderate'' instead of "excellent'' in our study, CONCLUSIONS It was determined that only the inter-observer reliability of antero-posterior zone evaluation was substantial. The inter-observer reliability of all other measurements and evaluations were fair to moderate. Key words: Intertrochanteric fractures, reliability, measurements, reduction quality; TAD, calTAD.

Direct Radiography Following Fracture Reduction Improves the Reliability of Pauwels Classification.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Pauwels classification system is widely used to classify the femoral neck fractures. Even its widely usage there are severals debates about its reliability. After the femoral neck fracture occured the lower extremity rotates externally and this external rotation deformity could lead to misevaluation of Pauwels angle at the initial radiographs. The purpose of our study is to investigate whether the reliability of Pauwels classification increases after reduction of femoral neck fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two power point presentation was prepared with 117 slides that include antero-posterior radiographs of each femoral neck fracture. The first one included preoperatively taken radiographs and the second one included early postoperatively taken radiographs. Eight observers evaluated these radiographs and they classified the fractures according to Pauwels classification system. After 3 months, the order of the slides were changed for each presentation and the observers were asked to evaluate the radiographs again. Intraclass correlation coefficient values were calculated for evaluation of inter- and intra-observer reliability. RESULTS The mean intra-observer agreement of preoperative evaluation was 0.406 (0.071-0.626) and the interobserver agreements were 0.263 (0.197-0.342) and 0.359 (0.287-0.447), respectively. The intra-observer agreement of postoperative evaluation was 0.508 (0.393-0.757), inter-observer agreements were 0.427 (0.353-0.509) and 0.431 (0.356-0.513), respectively. According to preoperative and postoperative evaluations, 6 of 8 observers' intra-observer agreements were found to be increased and the remaining 2 decreased. Interobserver reliability was improved from poor to fair-good values after evaluating the reducted fracture radiographs. DISCUSSION Femoral neck fractures(FNF) are common and anatomical reduction and internal fixation are preferred as a treatment option in young people and patients have good bone quality. Pauwels classification system is used for classify the FNF based on the shearing angle of the fracture line. As this angle increases, the fracture becomes unstable and nowadays stronger fixation devices are preferred for unstable fractures. Therefore, misevaluation of the fracture can lead to wrong treatment method selection. Non-optimal X-rays taken in the emergency rooms may cause misinterpretation of femoral neck fractures according to Pauwels classification system. We hypothized that the reliability of this classification system could be improved after reduction of the fracture. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that classifying the femoral neck fracture according to Pauwels classification system is more confidential after the reduction, however we can not state that it's reliability is adequate. Key words: femoral neck fracture, Pauwels classification, reliability, inter-observer, intra-observer.

The Effect of Plaster of Paris on Reliabilities of RUST and mRUST Scoring Systems.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The aim of our study is to investigate the reliabilities of the radiographic union score for tibial fracture (RUST) and modified RUST scoring systems in the evaluation of fracture healing in adult tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing and pediatric tibia fractures treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization and to compare the reliabilities between two groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 2016 and January 2020, the informations of patients (ages of 4-10) with tibia fractures treated with closed reduction and casting and patients (aged 18-65 years) with tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing were analyzed retrospectively. Forty-seven good quality AP and lateral radiographs (represent different healing stages) each for pediatric and adult fracture groups were selected and were included in two PPTs separately. The radiographs were assessed twice with an interval of three weeks by an observer group consisting of four senior orthopedic surgeons and four orthopedic residents, and fractures were evaluated according to the RUST and mRUST scoring systems. RESULTS The inter-observer agreement of RUST and mRUST were 'perfect' in adult tibia fractures and 'substantial' in pediatric tibia fractures in both evaluations. However, in deciding fracture consolidation, inter-observer agreement was found to be 'perfect' in pediatric tibia fractures, while it was 'substantial' in adult fractures in both assessments. The mean intra-observer reliability of RUST system in adult tibia fractures was 0.860 (0.674-0.968) and 0.818 (0.693-0.909) in pediatric tibia fractures, respectively. The mean intra-observer agreement of mRUST system was 0.842(0.745-0.979) in adult fractures and 0.857 (0.756-0.932) in pediatric fractures, respectively. The mean intra-observer reliability of decision on union was 0.842 (0.638-1.000) in adult fractures and 0.785 (0.611-0.977) in pediatric fractures, respectively. DISCUSSION The decision of union in tibia shaft fractures is based on repeated clinical and radiological evaluations but there are no universally accepted guidelines to evaluate radiographic union. It has been shown in previous studies that the RUST and mRUST scoring systems can be used safely in the evaluation of fracture healing in adult patients with tibia fracture treated with intra-medullary nailing. To our knowledge, there are no studies investigating the reliability of RUST and mRUST systems in conservatively treated pediatric tibial fractures. We hypothesized that the plaster of Paris makes it difficult to assess fracture union on direct radiographs and reduce the reliabilities of these scoring systems in pediatric tibial fractures. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that both RUST and mRUST scoring systems are useful tools that can be used safely assessing fracture healing in both pediatric and adult tibia fractures. The presence of a plaster of Paris on the extremity did not adversely affect the inter-observer and intra-observer agreement of the RUST and mRUST scoring systems. Key words: pediatric tibia fracture, radiographic union score for tibial fracture (RUST), modified RUST, radiographic union, reliability.

Clinical characteristics, maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical features, laboratory test results, maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant patients with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by a severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Healthy pregnant women are more susceptible to developing COVID-19. METHODS: We reviewed clinical data from pregnant patients with a laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2, who were admitted to two tertiary care hospitals in Turkey. Demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, imaging findings, treatment received, maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected. RESULTS: A total of 24 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. The mean maternal and gestational age was 26.9±5.37 years and 24.15±10.61 weeks, respectively. Cough was observed as the most common symptom (n=15; 62.5 %). The lowest lymphocyte percentage was 20.83±13.05 (%). Nine women have delivered by Caesarean section, while one had a vaginal birth. One woman with critical COVID-19 died 2 days later postpartum. The neonate had been transferred to neonatal intensive care unit and died within 24 hours of birth. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that except for one patient, the clinical course of COVID-19 during pregnancy was mild. Early hospitalization of pregnant women with confirmed and suspected COVID-19, liberal testing for SARS-CoV-2, active management with a multidisciplinary team seemed to be critical to recovery (Tab. 3, Ref. 31).

Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Results of Two Fixation Materials after Distal Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus? - Two Kirschner Wires versus Single Screw Fixation.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Although distal chevron osteotomy (DCO) is considered as an intrinsically stable osteotomy, various fixation methods have been used to date. The purpose of this study was comparison of two commonly used methods in DCO, Kirschner (K)-wire and titanium fully threaded headless cannulated screw fixation, based on the clinical and radiological results, and their complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty patients were included in K-wire group and 36 patients were included in screw group. Mean age was 43.4 11.1 (rage; 19-65) years, and mean follow-up was 21.2 5.5 (range; 12-35) months. American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) metatarsophalengeal-interphalangeal score was used for clinical evaluation. For radiological evaluation, hallux valgus angle (HVA), first-second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), medial sesamoid grade (MSG), and lateral sesamoid distance (LSD) to mid-axis of the second metatarsal were measured for all patients on both preoperative and postoperative final follow-up radiographs. RESULTS Mean AOFAS scores were significantly improved and radiographic measurements were significantly reduced at postoperatively in both groups (p< 0.01 for AOFAS, HVA, IMA, DMAA and MSG; p = 0.01 for LSD). Mean preoperative and mean postoperative, as well as the mean difference (difference between postoperative and preoperative) of the radiographic measurements, and AOFAS scores were not significantly different between two groups (p > 0.05). A total of 5 complications were observed (four in K-wire group, one in screw group). Complication rates between two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.12). DISCUSSION Initial description of DCO did not include any fixation material. Afterwards, the procedure was modified by using single K wire in order to enhance the stability of the osteotomy. Previous studies were unable to demonstrate significant differences between K-wire fixation and cortical or Herbert type screw fixation based on clinical and radiological outcomes. Differently, in this study we compared two K-wire fixation with 3.5-mm titanium fully threaded headless cannulated screw fixation. Our results demonstrated that function and radiological measurements significantly improved after both fixation methods. Despite the increased complication rate in K-wire group, it was not statistically significant. Moreover, none of the complications was associated with unstable osteotomy, and required re-operation. CONCLUSIONS Both fixation methods provided comparable radiological and clinical outcomes with favourable results after DCO. Key words: hallux valgus, distal chevron osteotomy, Kirschner wire, headless cannulated screw, fixation method.

Could hematologic parameters be useful biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis?

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte­to­monocyte ratio (LMR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with endometriosis as compared with healthy controls. BACKGROUND: Currently, no non-invasive diagnostic test of endometriosis has been implemented in clinical practice. METHODS: A total of 121 women with endometriosis and 136 controls participated in this retrospective study. The extent of the disease in the patients with endometriosis was determined using the American Society of Reproductive Medicine revised classification. Sensitivities and specificities of NLR, LMR and MPV were evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Patients with endometriosis had higher neutrophil counts, white blood cell (WBC) levels, NLR, MPV, and lower lymphocyte count and LMR than the control group. The cut-off values were found to be 1.6 for NLR at 87.6 % sensitivity and 44.8 % specificity and 8 for MPV at 75.2 % sensitivity and 68.4 % specficity. For LMR, the cut-off value was 5.6 with 66.1 % sensitivity, 50 % specificity. Patients with stages III or IV had significantly lower MPV (p = 0.039) and LMR levels (p = 0.016) than patients with stages I or II. CONCLUSION: NLR, LMR, and MPV may be used to distinguish patients with endometriosis from controls (Tab. 4, Fig. 4, Ref. 37).

Annular Pancreas, Severe Tracheomalacia and Bronchomalacia in a Preterm Boy with Vacterl Association.

VACTERL association includes vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheao-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities. It is defined by the presence of at least three of these congenital malformations. The incidence has been estimated to be 1/10.000-1/40.000 live births. We report on a preterm infant with VACTERL presentin with respiratory complicatons due to the presence of severe tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia. He also had an annular pancreas.

Clinical experience in pregnancies complicated by adnexal torsion.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present data on clinical and operational management and postoperative outcomes of pregnancies complicated by adnexal torsion (AT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four pregnant women who presented to the present clinic between January 2007 to December 2013 and were intraoperatively diagnosed with AT were included in this study. Demographic data such as age and data on obstetric history, gestational week, current trimester, previous gynecologic and non-gynecologic operations, type of surgery that was performed, average size, location and number of adnexal masses, surgical techniques that were employed, postoperative complications, and pathology results were investigated and noted. RESULTS: In this study, 132 patients were operated due to AT, and the rate of pregnant women with AT was 18.2% (24/132). The mean age of the patients was 29.25 ± 6.27 years, and the mean gestational week was 18.25 ± 7. Eight patients were in their first trimester (33.3%) whereas 13 were in their second trimester (54.2%), and three were in their third trimester (12.5%) when they presented to the hospital. The mean AT size was 95.3 ± 53.9 mm, as measured by ultrasonography. All the patients were operated by laparotomy. Regarding the types of abdominal incision, 13 patients (54.2%) had a Pfannenstiel incision, three patients (12.5%) had an infra-umbilical median incision, and eight patients (33.3%) had a pararectal incision. Duration of operation was significantly shorter in patients with pararectal incisions (p < 0.01) compared to those with Pfannenstiel and infra-umbilical median incisions. Regarding the types of treatment, ten patients (41.7%) underwent unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO), eight patients (33.3%) underwent adnexal detorsion+cystectomy, and six patients (25%) underwent adnexal detorsion only. CONCLUSION: AT is a gynecologic emergency that requires early diagnosis and treatment, as it is capable of complicating the pregnancy. Determination of the current gestational week prior to the surgical intervention will assist and guide the surgeon in identifying the suitable type of surgery for a particular patient. Pararectal incision should be the incision of choice for a shorter duration of operation, which is crucial in pregnant women for reduced exposure to anesthesia.

The relationship between adenovirus-36 seropositivity, obesity and metabolic profile in Turkish children and adults.

Obesity potentially arising from viral infection is known as 'infectobesity'. The latest reports suggest that adenovirus-36 (Adv36) is related to obesity in adults and children. Our aim was not only to determine the Adv36 seropositivity in both obese and non-obese children and adults, but also to investigate correlations between antibody positivity and serum lipid profiles. Both Adv36 positivity and tumour-necrosis-factor-alpha, leptin and interleukin-6 levels were detected in blood samples collected from 146 children and 130 adults by ELISA. Fasting plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were also measured. Adv36 positivity was determined to be 27·1% and 6% in obese and non-obese children and 17·5% and 4% in obese and non-obese adults, respectively. There was no difference with regard to total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, tumour-necrosis-factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels (P > 0·05). However, there was a significant difference between groups in terms of leptin levels (P < 0·05). We determined the prevalence of Adv36 positivity in obese children and adults. Our results showed that Adv36 may be an obesity agent for both adults and children, parallel with current literature data. However, the available data on a possible relationship between Adv36 infection and obesity both in children and adults do not completely solve the problem.

Serum levels of the adipokines, free fatty acids, and oxidative stress markers in obese and non-obese preeclamptic patients.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To investigate the roles of adipokines, free fatty acid (FFA), and oxidative stress in obese and non-obese preeclamptic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gestational age-matched obese preeclamptic (n=32), non-obese preeclamptic (n=32), and non-obese normotensive healthy (n=32) pregnant women were included in the study. Serum insulin, insulin resistance, leptin, nesfatin, ghrelin, chemerin, FFA levels, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index were determined. RESULTS: Leptin and nesfatin levels were significantly lower and ghrelin levels were significantly higher in the normotensive group as compared to the preeclamptic groups, while no difference was observed between obese and non-obese preeclamptic groups. Chemerin and FFA levels were significantly higher in obese preeclamptics as compared to non-obese preeclamptics and normotensive group. Total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were significantly higher in the normotensive group as compared to the preeclamptic groups, while no difference was observed between obese and non-obese preeclamptics. Total oxidative status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were significantly lower in the normotensive group as compared to the preeclamptic groups, while no difference was observed between obese and non-obese preeclamptics. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of adipokines, TOS, and FFAs were significantly higher in pregnants with preeclampsia as compared to non-obese normotensive controls. Chemerin and FFA levels were significantly higher in obese preeclamptics as compared to non-obese preeclamptics.

Increased platelet count in severe peritoneal endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: Platelet count (PC) is higher in chronic inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PC in patients with severe pelvic endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced stage pelvic endometriosis were retrospectively evaluated in a tertiary center between January 2009 and December 2011. Patients with pelvic endometriosis were divided into two groups; advanced stage peritoneal endometriosis were classified as Group 1 (n = 28). Group 2 consisted of 29 patients which had ovarian endometrioma without clinically apparent peritoneal endometriosis foci. Group 3 included 51 women as control subjects. PC between the groups was tested by Student's t test. The mean values of three groups were analyzed by using one way ANOVA test followed post-hoc test Bonferroni. RESULTS: PC in patients with pelvic endometriosis were found to be higher from the control group (290 +/- 67 10(9)/1; 264 +/- 63 10(9)/1, respectively; p = 0.038). Patients with peritoneal endometriosis (Group 1) had significantly higher PCs compared with the healthy controls (309 +/- 65 10(9)/1; 264 +/- 63 10(9)/1; respectively; p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Increased PC in advanced stage pelvic endometriosis may be a sign of increased systemic inflammation. The systemic inflammation may be more apparent in advanced stage peritoneal endometriosis.

Placental expression of vimentin, desmin and ultrastructural changes in the villi in patients with HELLP syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To examine placental expression of vimentin and desmin in relation to ultrastructural changes within the placental villi in cases of HELLP syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Formaldehyde-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of 15 healthy pregnant and 13 Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome, placentas were used for Harris hematoxylin staining, vimentin and desmin immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: Increased of fibrinoid necrosis in vascular wall and the periphery of villi were observed in sections of the placentas with HELLP syndrome. Increased expression of vimentin in the intravillous area and increased expression of desmin on blood vessel wall, were seen in placentas of patients with HELLP syndrome when compared to placentas of healthy pregnant. CONCLUSIONS: Augmentation of intermediate filaments, desmin, vimentin may disturb normal movements of endothelial cells, and may display placental dysfunction that is unable to compensate the endothelial instability and the related hypertension in HELLP syndrome. Further studies are needed to get more definit results and also to compare HELLP syndrome with preeclampsia.

Copper, ceruloplasmin and oxidative stress in patients with advanced-stage endometriosis.

AIM: To compare patients with advanced stage endometriosis with control patients without endometriosis with respect to serum Copper (Cu) and Ceruloplasmin (Cp) levels and oxidative stress markers in order to evaluate the importance of these parameters in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 72 women who underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy for evaluation of infertility, pelvic pain, pelvic mass, tubal ligation or endometriosis were enrolled for this prospective clinical study. Patients were divided into two groups by visual diagnosis at surgery and histological confirmation of endometriosis: control patients (n=41) without endometriosis and study group (n=31) with stage III/IV (advanced stage) endometriosis. Serum Cu, Cp, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were compared between the two groups. Correlations between Cu, Cp and oxidative stress markers were determined. RESULTS: Serum TOS, OSI, Cu, Cp, TG, TC, LDL were significantly higher, whereas TAS, PON-1 activity and HDL were significantly lower, in women with advanced-stage endometriosis than in control groups. There was no difference in serum MDA activities between the two groups. Positive correlations were found between Cu and TOS, Cu and OSI, Cu and Cp, while a negative correlation was found between Cu and PON-1 in the advanced-stage endometriosis group. Positive correlations were found between Cp and TOS, and Cp and OSI in the advanced-stage endometriosis group. CONCLUSIONS: Cu and Cp appear to be associated with the etiopathogenesis of and oxidative stress in endometriosis.

Association between mean platelet volume and different phases of menstrual cycle in primary dysmenorrhea.

PURPOSE: Blood cells play a major role in homeostasis and inflammation. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) involves the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which cause inflammation in uterine tissue. Aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relation between complete blood count parameters and PD during the menstrual cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 41 cases diagnosed as primary dysmenorrhea (mean age, 23.02 +/- 3.43 years) and 40 individuals who control subject (mean age, 23.76 +/- 3.13 years). Hematologic parameters were measured on menstrual phase (day 1-4), follicular phase (day 9-12), and luteal phase (day 21-23) during menstrual cycle. RESULTS: There were no statistically differences between hematological parameters of two groups except for mean platelet volume (MPV). MPV of PD and control groups at each phase of menstrual cycle were 7.71 vs 8.61 (p = 0.01); 7.66 vs 8.56 (p = 0.005); 7.75 vs 8.53 (p = 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: PD is associated with decreased MPV and platelets may be involved in the inflammatory process of PD.

Risk factors for maternal mortality in eclampsia: analysis of 167 eclamptic cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with maternal mortality in patients with eclampsia. METHODS: The probable risk factors of maternal mortality including maternal age, length of hospital stay, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressures; hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet count, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase were determined from patients' charts and Odds ratios (OR) of these factors were detected using by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: According to logistic regression model, AST [OR, (95% Confidence Interval, CI): 7.39 (2.71-20.13)]; ALT [6.45 (2.42-17.16)]; postpartum diastolic blood pressure [4.58 (1.80-11.62)]; hematocrit [3.52 (1.86-6.65)]; hemoglobin [2.67 (2.01-3.55)] were found to be significant risk factors for maternal mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In eclamptic patients, close monitoring of particular laboratory values and blood pressure, and early intervention to alterations of certain variables will provide possibility for prevention against potential complications and subsequently decreasing mortality.

Serum levels of neopterin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and Interleukin-6 in preeclampsia: relationship with disease severity.

AIM: There are many studies evaluating the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. However, little is known about the relationship between the severity of inflammation and the severity of preeclampsia due to insufficient of studies reporting this matter. To investigate the maternal serum concentrations of IL-6, TNF-alpha and Neopterin in patients with mild preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome in preeclampsia and determine their association with the severity of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients, hospitalized with the diagnosis of preeclampsia between October 2011 and March 2012, were included in the study. The patients with preeclampsia were divided into three groups as mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. The control group was comprised of normotensive and uncomplicated pregnant women. The serum levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha and Neopterin (NEO) were determined, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman's rank correlation tests were used for the correlations between the serum levels of inflammatory markers and the severity of preeclampsia. RESULTS: There was no observed significant difference among mean serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels of four groups (p > 0.05). The median serum concentration of NEO in subjects with mild preeclampsia of 14.1 nmol/L and severe preeclampsia of 14.8 nmol/L was significantly higher than that of 10.3 nmol/L in normotensive controls (p = 0.013; p = 0.000 respectively). In addition, the median serum concentration of NEO was detected to be highest in subjects with HELLP syndrome. The serum levels of NEO was well correlated with the severity of preeclampsia (r = 0.533, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The serum levels of NEO, an important marker of cellular immunity, associated with severity of disease in patients with preeclampsia.