Investigation of Serum Cardiotrophin-1 Concentrations in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) concentrations in the serum of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective non-interventional cohort study was conducted with 160 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between October 2022 and May 2023. The GDM group was formed from 80 pregnant women who were diagnosed with GDM according to the 75-g OGTT. The control group consisted of 80 healthy pregnant women who were matched with the GDM group in terms of age and body mass index and had a normal 75-g OGTT result. Two groups were compared in terms of maternal serum CT-1 concentrations. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of demographic features and the gestational week at blood sampling for CT-1 (p>0.05 for each). The mean maternal serum CT-1 concentration was found to be 1420.9 pg/ml in the GDM group, while it was determined as 1455 pg/ml in the control group (p=0.738). When the GDM and control groups were divided into two subgroups, normal weight and overweight according to the participants' BMI, serum CT-1 concentrations were found to be similar in these four groups (p=0.084). When the GDM group was divided into two groups of diet-only and the insulin-using group for blood glucose regulation and compared with the control group, the three groups were also similar in terms of serum CT-1 concentrations (p=0.189). CONCLUSION: CT-1 is an adipokine involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and has been suggested to be associated with the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus. In this study, serum CT-1 concentrations were found to be similar in the group with GDM and the group with normal glucose tolerance. Whether CT-1 contributes to the development of GDM is currently unclear and requires further investigation.

Evaluation of Fetal Breathing-Related Nasal Fluid Flow Doppler in the Third Trimester in Pregnant Women with Fetal Growth Restriction: Preliminary Observations.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the fetal breathing-related nasal fluid flow Doppler waveforms as an indicator of fetal respiratory function in fetuses diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the third trimester. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, non-interventional case-control study was conducted on 96 pregnant women, including 23 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR in the third trimester as the FGR group and 73 healthy pregnant women with fetuses appropriate for gestational age (AGA) as the control group. Fetal breathing-related nasal fluid flow Doppler was examined in the fetuses of the participants. Inspiration and expiration duration, inspiration and expiration peak velocity, total breathing duration, and number of fetal breaths per minute were calculated. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of the duration of inspiration, duration of expiration, and total breathing duration (p=0.463, p=0.711, p=0.520, respectively). Peak inspiratory velocity and peak expiratory velocity were significantly lower in the FGR group than in the control group, and the number of fetal breaths per minute was similar in both groups (p=0.027, p=0.012, p=0.768, respectively). When participants were regrouped into those whose newborn was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth and those who were not, all fetal nasal fluid flow Doppler parameters were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of participants was too small to draw a definitive conclusion, FGR appears to be associated with a decrease in peak inspiratory and expiratory velocity. The clinical significance of changes in fetal breathing-related nasal fluid flow Doppler parameters in FGR is as yet unclear, and their use in clinical follow-up and predicting unfavorable perinatal outcomes are the subjects of future research.

Investigation of Serum Amphiregulin Concentrations in Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Isolated Fetal Growth Restriction in the Third Trimester.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate serum amphiregulin (AREG) concentrations in pregnant women with isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the third trimester. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 2022 and May 2022. The FGR group consisted of 45 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR in the third trimester, and the control group consisted of 45 healthy pregnant women matched with the FGR group in terms of age and body mass index (BMI). Demographic characteristics, ultrasound findings, and neonatal outcomes were noted. As a primary outcome, the two groups were compared for maternal serum AREG concentrations. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics (p>0.05). While fetal BPD, AC, and FL measurements in the group diagnosed with FGR were significantly lower than in the control group, umbilical artery Doppler PI and S/D were higher (p=0.000, for all). Gestational age at birth, newborn birth weight, birth height, and 1-minute Apgar score were significantly lower and the NICU admission rate was higher in the FGR group (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.027, p=0.011 respectively). Gestational age at blood sampling for AREG was similar in both groups (p=0.869). While maternal serum AREG concentration was 969.39 ng/L in the FGR group, it was 795.20 ng/L in the control group (p=0.018). AUC analysis of AREG for estimation of FGR in ROC analysis was 0.57 (p<0.247, 95% CI=0.44-0.69). The optimal threshold value for FGR estimation of maternal serum AREG concentration was determined as 874.03 ng/L with 55% sensitivity and 55% specificity. CONCLUSION: High maternal serum AREG concentrations appear to be associated with isolated FGR in the third trimester. The pathways through which AREG modulates fetal growth remain to be investigated.

Evaluation of Ophthalmic Artery Doppler Parameters in Preeclamptic and Normotensive Pregnant Women.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia, whose pathophysiology is still not fully elucidated today, is a pregnancy-specific disease that affects most organ systems in pregnant women, including the central nervous system. In this context, we aimed to investigate the effects of preeclampsia on blood flow in the ophthalmic artery of the eye, which is considered a part of the central nervous system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, non-interventional cohort study was conducted between February 2022 and June 2022 at Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul, Turkey. Forty-six normotensive healthy pregnant women constituted the control group and 46 preeclamptic pregnant women constituted the preeclampsia group. Prenatal follow-up and delivery of the participants were carried out in our clinic. First, an obstetric ultrasound was performed on all participants with the same ultrasound device and the same clinician. Then, Doppler measurements of the ophthalmic artery of both eyes were made by the same clinician using the linear probe of the same ultrasound. Both groups were compared in terms of the first peak of systolic velocity (PSV), second PSV, pulsatility index (PI), PSV ratio, end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistance index (RI), and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) measurements of the ophthalmic artery. RESULTS : The first PSV, second PSV, PSV ratio, and EDV were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group than in the control group (p=0.001, p<0.001, p=0.019, p<0.001, respectively). According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the second PSV with a cut-off value of 43.75 cm/s was the most powerful ophthalmic artery Doppler parameter in detecting preeclampsia with 63% sensitivity and 63% specificity. No significant difference was found between the early and late onset or mild and severe preeclampsia groups in terms of ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters. CONCLUSION: Although the number of participants was too small to draw a definitive conclusion, the second PSV seems to be the most powerful parameter for the detection of preeclampsia. Studies with larger series are needed to determine the usability of ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters in the routine clinical diagnosis of preeclampsia and follow-up of the disease.

Investigation of maternal serum hepassocin concentrations in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal serum hepassocin concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 88 pregnant women who applied to the Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between April 2022 and November 2022. The GDM group consisted of 44 pregnant women who had a 75-g OGTT between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy and were diagnosed with GDM. The control group consisted of 44 healthy pregnant women who were matched with the GDM group in terms of age and body mass index (BMI) and had a normal 75-g OGTT result. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, and perinatal outcomes were noted. Two groups were compared in terms of maternal serum hepassocin concentrations. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, weight gain, gravida, parity, polycystic ovary syndrome history, history of diabetes mellitus in the family, and the gestational week at blood sampling for hepassocin (p>0.05 for each). The median maternal serum hepassocin concentration was found to be 18.21 ng/ml in the GDM group, while it was determined as 13.05 ng/ml in the non-GDM group (p=0.012). The GDM group was divided into two groups: the group that only dieted until birth and the group that used insulin until birth for blood glucose regulation. The median hepassocin concentration was found to be 17.99 ng/ml in the diet-only GDM group and 32.15 ng/ml in the insulin-using GDM group. ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of maternal serum hepassocin concentration in predicting GDM. AUC analysis of maternal serum hepassocin for estimation of GDM was 0.656 (p=0.012, 95% CI=0.53-0.77). The optimal threshold value for maternal serum hepassocin concentration was determined as 14.13 ng/ml with 61.4% sensitivity and 61.4% specificity. CONCLUSION: Serum hepassocin concentration evaluated between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation was found to be higher in pregnant women with GDM than in the non-GDM group. The highest serum hepassocin concentration was found in the GDM group using insulin for blood glucose regulation. Hepassocin seems to be a promising molecule that can be used in GDM screening in pregnant women who do not want to have an OGTT in the future.

Investigation of Serum Phoenixin-14 Concentration in Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and maternal serum phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 88 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between February 2022 and October 2022. The HG group consisted of 44 pregnant women diagnosed with HG between the 7th and 14th gestational weeks, and the control group consisted of 44 healthy pregnant women matched with the HG group in terms of age, BMI, and gestational week. Demographic characteristics, ultrasound findings, and laboratory outcomes were noted. The two groups were compared in terms of maternal serum PNX-14 concentrations. RESULTS: Gestational age at blood sampling for PNX-14 was similar in both groups (p=1.000). While maternal serum PNX-14 concentration was 85.5 pg/ml in the HG group, it was 71.3 pg/ml in the control group (p=0.012). ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of maternal serum PNX-14 concentration in terms of predicting HG. AUC analysis of maternal serum PNX-14 for HG estimation was 0.656 (p=0.012, 95% CI=0.54-0.77). The optimal cutoff value for maternal serum PNX-14 concentration was determined as 79.81 pg/ml with 59% sensitivity and 59% specificity. CONCLUSION: In this study, maternal serum PNX-14 concentration was found to be higher in pregnant women with HG, which indicates that high serum PNX-14 concentrations may have an anorexigenic effect on food intake in pregnancy. Concentrations of other PNX isoforms in HG and changes in PNX concentrations in pregnant women with HG who regained weight after treatment remain to be investigated.

Maternal Serum Gasdermin D Concentrations in Pregnancies Complicated by Isolated Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the isolated intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and maternal serum gasdermin D (GSDMD) concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 80 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 2022 and May 2022. The IUGR group consisted of 40 pregnant women diagnosed with IUGR in the third trimester, and the control group consisted of 40 healthy pregnant women matched with the IUGR group in terms of age and BMI. Demographic characteristics, ultrasound findings, and neonatal outcomes were noted. The two groups were compared in terms of maternal serum GSDMD concentrations. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics. Fetal biometric measurements were found to be significantly lower in the IUGR group compared to the control group, and umbilical artery Doppler PI and SD were found to be higher. Gestational age, newborn birth weight, birth height, and Apgar scores were significantly lower and NICU admission rate was higher in the IUGR group. Gestational age at blood sampling for GSDMD was similar in both groups (p=0.805). While maternal serum GSDMD concentration was 11.14 ng/ml in the IUGR group, it was 6.66 ng/ml in the control group (p=0.000). ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of GSDMD concentration in terms of IUGR estimation. AUC analysis of GSDMD for IUGR estimation was 0.88 (p<.001, 95% CI=0.80-0.95). The optimal cutoff value for GSDMD concentration was determined as 8.84 ng/ml with 80% sensitivity and 75% specificity. CONCLUSION: Maternal serum GSDMD concentrations were found to be higher in pregnant women whose pregnancy was complicated by isolated IUGR. We think that high GSDMD concentrations may be a reflection of increased GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in placental tissue in isolated IUGR cases.

Electroencephalographic Changes in Pregnant Women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: Electroencephalogram (EEG), which is frequently used in the clinical practice of neurology, has also been investigated in eating disorders and some cortical dysfunctions have been reported. Based on this, we aimed to investigate EEG changes in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 66 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study group consisted of 34 pregnant women diagnosed with HEG. The control group consisted of 32 healthy pregnant women who were matched with the HEG group in terms of age and gestational week. EEGs of the participants were performed with a Micromed Brain Rapid EEG device in the Neurology Department of Umraniye Training and Research Hospital. In EEGs, all channels were selected as bipolar and samples of 18 channels (Fp2-F4, F4-C4, C4-P4, P4-O2, Fp2-F8, F8-T4, T4-T6, T6-O2, Fz-Cz, Cz-Pz, Fp1-F3, F3-C3, C3-P3, P3-O1, Fp1-F7, F7-T3, T3-T5, and T5-O1) were obtained. EEG signals were sampled with a sampling frequency of 200 Hz and digitized with 12-bit resolution. EEG signals were converted to EDF (European Data Format) extension files using the MATLAB software program and analyzed using statistical features on the time and frequency axis. HEG and control groups were compared in terms of signals obtained from these 18 selected channels. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of mean age, gestational age, and parity (p>0.05). Among the 18 channels, significant changes were detected between the two groups only in the theta, beta, and gamma bands in the C4-P4 channel and the delta, beta, and gamma bands in the T4-T6 channel (p<0.05). No significant changes were detected in the channels and bands. CONCLUSION: Theta, beta, and gamma band abnormalities in the centro-parietal area of the right hemisphere and delta, beta, and gamma band abnormalities in the temporal area of the right hemisphere were observed on HEG. However, it is unclear whether abnormalities in EEG are primary changes responsible for the development of HEG or secondary to metabolic and hormonal changes resulting from HEG itself.

Protective effects of sildenafil administration on chemotherapeutic-induced ovarian damage in rats.

Agents to reduce the gonadotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics are still under investigation. In this context, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of sildenafil against chemotherapeutic-induced gonadotoxicity in a rat model. A total of 62 female rats were divided into eight groups as control, sildenafil (1.4 mg/kg, orally), doxorubicin (3 mg/kg, i.p.), cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.), cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg, i.p.), doxorubicin+sildenafil, cisplatin+sildenafil, and cyclophosphamide+sildenafil (1.4 mg/kg orally sildenafil in addition to the same dose of chemotherapeutics). The groups were compared in terms of follicle count, ovarian size, and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Use of sildenafil with cyclophosphamide was effective only in preserving primary follicle count (p = 0.026) and had no significant change in the secondary follicle count, ovarian size, or AMH level. Adding sildenafil to cisplatin had a significant protective effect on primary follicle count (p = 0.011), secondary follicle count (p = 0.009), and ovarian size (p = 0.001), but this effect could not be demonstrated at AMH level. Sildenafil was not effective on any parameter in the doxorubicin group. Sildenafil may be effective in reducing the gonadotoxicity associated with the use of cisplatin and cyclophosphamide.

COVID-19 in third trimester may not be as scary as you think, it can be innocent: Evaluating vertical transmission from a COVID-19 positive asymptomatic pregnant woman with early membrane rupture.

In the literature, many cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive pregnancies have been observed, mostly with mild findings, but there is limited evidence about perinatal transition and early COVID-19 positive newborns. In this case, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results were studied from samples obtained from the placenta, amniotic fluid, cord blood and postoperative breast milk - that were obtained while avoiding contamination and preserved appropriately - of a cesarean section performed under anesthesia on a woman with previous cesarean section and gestational diabetes mellitus history. This patient who presented to our emergency gynecology clinic with membrane rupture was infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 two weeks before delivery but was not treated as the disease was asymptomatic. In addition, literature data in line with this topic were evaluated to demonstrate that there was generally no perinatal transmission over 34 weeks of gestation.

Brucellosis in pregnancy: results of multicenter ID-IRI study.

Brucellosis in pregnant women is reported to be associated with obstetric complications (OCs), and adequate data for human brucellosis during pregnancy are largely lacking. We performed this multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical course, treatment responses, and outcomes of brucellosis among pregnant women. The study period comprised a 14-year period from January 2002 to December 2015. All consecutive pregnant women diagnosed with brucellosis in 23 participating hospitals were included. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and outcome data along with the assessment data of the neonate were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Data of 242 patients were analyzed. The OC rate was 14.0% (34/242) in the cohort. Of the 242 women, 219 (90.5%) delivered at term, 3 (1.2%) had preterm delivery, 15 (6.2%) aborted, and 5 (2.1%) had intrauterine fetal demise. Seventeen (7.0%) of the newborns were considered as low birth weight. Spontaneous abortion (6.1%) was the commonest complication. There were no maternal or neonatal deaths and pertinent sequelae or complications were not detected in the newborns. Splenomegaly (p = 0.019), nausea and/or vomiting (p < 0.001), vaginal bleeding (p < 0.001), anemia (blood hemoglobin < 11 g/dL; p < 0.001), high level of serum aspartate aminotransferase (> 41 IU/L; p = 0.025), oligohydramnios on ultrasonography (p = 0.0002), history of taking medication other than Brucella treatment during pregnancy (p = 0.027), and Brucella bacteremia (p = 0.029) were the significant factors associated with OCs. We recommend that pregnant women with OC or with fever should be investigated for brucellosis if they live in or have traveled to an endemic area.

Investigation of serum spexin concentrations in pregnant women diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the serum concentration of the spexin, which has been shown to have an anorexic effect in animal models, in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). METHODS: This case-control study was conducted with 80 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between April 2022 and September 2022. The HG group consisted of 40 pregnant women who were diagnosed with HG in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and the control group consisted of 40 healthy pregnant women matched with the HG group in terms of age, BMI, and gestational week. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and gestational age at blood sampling for spexin (p > 0.05). While maternal serum spexin concentration was 342.4 pg/ml in the HG group, it was 272.8 pg/ml in the control group (p = 0.003). ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of maternal serum spexin concentration in terms of predicting HG. AUC analysis of maternal serum spexin for HG estimation was 0.693 (p = 0.003, 95% CI =0.577 - 0.809). The optimal cutoff value for maternal serum spexin concentration was determined as 305.90 pg/ml with 65% sensitivity and 65% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: High serum spexin concentration is thought to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of HG, and this should be supported by demonstrating changes in serum spexin concentrations in pregnant women with HG whose symptoms alleviated and weight regain started after treatment.

Investigation of serum apelin-13 and apelin-36 concentrations in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia; a prospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationship between preeclampsia and maternal serum apelin-13 and apelin-36 concentrations. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Umraniye Training and Research Hospital. The preeclampsia group consisted of 40 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia, and the control group consisted of 40 healthy pregnant women matched with the preeclampsia group in terms of age and body mass index. The two groups were compared in terms of maternal serum apelin-13 and apelin-36 concentrations. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and the gestational week at blood sampling. Maternal serum apelin-13 and apelin-36 concentrations were significantly lower in the preeclampsia group than in the control group (p = 0.005, p = 0.001, respectively). The optimal cutoff value for the prediction of preeclampsia in receiver operator curve analysis for apelin-13 was determined as 1781.67 pg/ml with 60% sensitivity and 60% specificity, and 885.5 pg/ml for apelin-36 with 67% sensitivity and 65% specificity. We divided the preeclampsia group into two groups mild and severe and compared the three groups in terms of maternal serum apelin-13 and apelin-36 concentrations. The lowest apelin-13 concentration was detected in the severe preeclampsia group, while the lowest apelin-36 concentration was detected in the mild preeclampsia group (p = 0.020, p = 0.003, respectively). Considering the onset of the disease, we divided the preeclampsia group into two groups early and late-onset, then compared the three groups in terms of maternal serum apelin-13 and apelin-36 concentrations. The lowest maternal serum apelin-13 and apelin-36 concentrations were detected in the early-onset preeclampsia group (p = 0.016, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: It was determined that serum apelin-13 and apelin-36 concentrations were significantly lower in preeclamptic pregnant women, this decrease was more significant in early-onset preeclampsia, and low maternal serum apelin-13 concentration was more associated with the severity of preeclampsia.

Investigation of the relationship between diastolic notching in uterine artery Doppler and serum salusin alpha and beta concentrations in the first trimester.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have shown that members of the salusin family regulate the migration and proliferation of arterial smooth muscle cells and increase the tendency to atherosclerosis through fibrosis and calcification in the vascular wall. However, the effect of salusins on the uterine artery has not yet been investigated. This study was conducted to investigate whether serum salusin alpha and beta concentrations in the first trimester are associated with diastolic notching in uterine artery Doppler. METHODS: This non-interventional cohort study was conducted on 88 pregnant women, 44 of whom had diastolic notching on unilateral or bilateral uterine artery Doppler, and 44 of whom did not have diastolic notching on uterine artery Doppler. The uterine artery notch positive and negative groups were compared in terms of serum salusin alpha and beta concentrations. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics (p < 0.05). The median salusin alpha concentration was found to be 689.4 pg/ml in the uterine artery notch positive group, while it was 734.6 pg/ml in the uterine artery notch negative group (p = 0.608). The median salusin beta concentration was found to be 674.5 pg/ml in the uterine artery notch positive group, while it was 693.8 pg/ml in the uterine artery notch negative group (p = 0.453).Participants were regrouped into normal and high uterine artery resistance and compared in terms of serum salusin alpha and beta concentrations. The median salusin alpha concentration was found to be 994.5 pg/ml in the high uterine artery PI group, while it was 685.2 pg/ml in the normal uterine artery PI group (p = 0.698). The median salusin beta concentration was found to be 1,100.8 pg/ml in the high uterine artery PI group, while it was 669.1 pg/ml in the normal uterine artery PI group (p = 0.584). CONCLUSION: Although the sample size was too small to draw a definitive conclusion, our results indicate that uterine artery diastolic notching or increased resistance in the uterine artery does not appear to be associated with serum salusin alpha or beta concentrations.

Investigation of serum Metrnl levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective non-interventional cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate serum Metrnl levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and compare them with pregnant women without gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The gestational diabetes mellitus group consisted of 87 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, and the control group consisted of 93 healthy pregnant women without gestational diabetes mellitus. Serum Metrnl levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of demographic features. The median serum Metrnl level was found to be 1.16 ng/mL in the gestational diabetes mellitus group, while it was determined as 2.2 ng/mL in the control group (p=0.001). The two groups were divided into two subgroups based on participants' body mass index, normal weight and overweight. The lowest median Metrnl level was detected in the normal weight gestational diabetes mellitus group, followed by the overweight gestational diabetes mellitus group, normal weight control group, and overweight control group (1.1, 1.2, 2, and 2.4 ng/mL, respectively). Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to determine the value of the serum Metrnl level in terms of predicting gestational diabetes mellitus. The area under the curve analysis of serum Metrnl for gestational diabetes mellitus estimation was 0.768 (p=0.000, 95%CI 0.698-0.839). The optimal cutoff value for serum Metrnl level was determined as 1.53 ng/mL with 69% sensitivity and 70% specificity. CONCLUSION: Serum Metrnl levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus were found to be significantly lower than in pregnant women without gestational diabetes mellitus. The mechanisms underlying the decrease in serum Metrnl levels in gestational diabetes mellitus remain unclear for now, and future studies will reveal the role of Metrnl in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus.

SARS-CoV-2 in early pregnancy-does it affect the aneuploidy screening markers and cause pregnancy loss?

BACKGROUND: It is known that vertical transmission of various infections poses a potential risk to the fetus, especially in early pregnancy. Potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on early pregnancy and placental formation and functions still remain unknown. AIM: To determine the alterations of prenatal aneuploidy screening markers in a group of pregnant women who were SARS-CoV-2 positive during the first trimester. The secondary goal was to assess pregnancy loss rates. METHOD: The study group consisted of pregnant women who were diagnosed with mild forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection before the screening test at any time in early pregnancy. The control group included pregnant women who were not diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection during their pregnancy. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected by RT-PCR in the nasopharyngeal swab samples. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed due to evaluate effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on NT and serum aneuploidy screening parameters taking maternal age and gestational age which the COVID-19 RT-PCR test result was positive into account. RESULTS: We did not find any significant difference between the COVID-19-positive and COVID-negative groups in gestational age at screening, sonographic measurements of CRL, NT, and serum levels of PAPP-A, free hCG, and triple test serum markers even after accounting for maternal age and gestational age which the COVID-19 RT-PCR test result was positive. There was no statistically significant difference in pregnancy loss. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any evidence for unfavorable prenatal biochemical, ultrasound markers of fetal aneuploidy screening tests, and pregnancy loss rates in our study group.

Effect of an amniotic sheet on pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate whether the presence of an amniotic sheet affects obstetric and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: All singleton pregnant women with and without a sonographic diagnosis of an amniotic sheet between the 16th and 24th weeks of pregnancy were retrospectively identified. Two women without an amniotic sheet were randomly selected from the similar stratified periods as a control group for each case. The demographic characteristics and obstetric and perinatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression was also performed for potential confounding factors. In addition, the subsequent pregnancies of 12 women with an amniotic sheet were followed during the antenatal and postnatal periods. RESULTS: The prevalence of an amniotic sheet was 1.13%. The risk factors for an amniotic sheet were primiparity, previous normal vaginal delivery, previous dilation and curettage, and previous abortions. When the groups were compared in terms of maternal and neonatal outcomes, the rates of a nuchal cord at birth, breech birth, birth weight of less than 2500 g, preterm delivery (<37 weeks), and neonatal intensive care unit admission were higher in the amniotic sheet group than the control group. There were 2 intrauterine deaths in the amniotic sheet group. In addition, an amniotic sheet was not observed again in any of the subsequent pregnancies of the 12 cases from the amniotic sheet group, and these pregnancies eventuated uneventfully. CONCLUSIONS: An amniotic sheet is associated with an increase in poor obstetric outcomes. Therefore, close monitoring of pregnancies after diagnosis is required.

Evaluation of neonatal outcomes in elective repeat cesarean delivery at term according to weeks of gestation.

AIM: Our aim is to evaluate the association between gestational age at delivery and neonatal outcomes in elective cesarean delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1784 viable singleton pregnancies that were delivered by elective caesarean section at term were included in the study. All pregnancies were categorized according to the number of completed weeks of gestation (37(+0-6) , 38(+0-6) , 39(+0-6) and ≥40(+0) weeks). In this study, the patient groups compared in terms of demographic characteristics and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: The rates of the neonatal intensive care unit admission were 8.7%. When maternal and neonatal characteristics were statistically analyzed, the incidence of advanced maternal age and previous cesarean delivery increased as gestational age at delivery decreased; the incidence of nuchal cord and delivering a baby of ≥4000 g at birth increased as gestational age at delivery increased. As compared with deliveries at 39 weeks, cesarean delivery at 37 weeks of gestation had significantly higher risk, including that of neonatal intensive care unit admission, transient tachypnea of the newborn after delivery and O(2) support. There was one perinatal death observed in the study. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of our study, compared to elective cesarean delivery after 37 weeks of gestation, elective cesarean delivery at 37 weeks of gestation was associated with a statistically significant increase in neonatal mortality. Therefore, elective cesarean delivery should not be performed at 37 weeks of gestation and 39 weeks of gestation appears to be the ideal timing for elective cesarean delivery.

Investigation of serum isthmin 1 concentration in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus; a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Isthmin 1 (ISM1) is an adipokine that improves hyperglycemia by increasing glucose uptake in a non-insulin-dependent manner. Studies have shown that ISM is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Based on this, we aimed to investigate serum ISM1 concentrations of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: This case-control study was conducted with 80 pregnant women who applied to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Umraniye Training and Research Hospital between April 2022 and November 2022. While 40 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM according to 75 g OGTT results formed the GDM group, 40 pregnant women with normal OGTT results formed the control group. The two groups were compared in terms of serum ISM1 concentrations. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). Fasting blood glucose levels, 1st-hour and 2nd-hour blood glucose levels in 75 g OGTT, fasting insulin levels, and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the GDM group (p > 0.05, for each). Both groups were similar in terms of maternal waist circumference, periumbilical, and epigastric subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (p > 0.05, for each).Both groups were similar in terms of the gestational week at blood sampling for ISM1 (p = 0.253). The median maternal serum ISM1 concentration was found to be 3243.94 pg/ml in the GDM group, while it was determined as 2785.29 pg/ml in the non-GDM group (p = 0.026).ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of maternal serum ISM1 concentration in predicting GDM. AUC analysis of maternal serum ISM1 for estimation of GDM was 0.645 (p = 0.026, 95% CI = 0.523 - 0.766). The optimal threshold value for maternal serum ISM1 concentration was determined as 3124.41 pg/ml with 62.5% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Serum ISM1 concentrations were found to be higher in pregnant women with GDM than in healthy controls. Whether or how ISM1 participates in the pathophysiology of GDM remains to be investigated.

Investigation of serum afamin concentration in pregnant women diagnosed with late fetal growth restriction or small for gestational age fetus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the afamin concentration in the serum of pregnant women diagnosed with late fetal growth restriction (FGR) or small for gestational age (SGA) in the third trimester. METHODS: This prospective case-control study was conducted on 126 pregnant women, 42 of whom were diagnosed with late FGR in the third trimester, 43 were SGA, and 41 were healthy controls. The groups were compared in terms of maternal serum afamin concentrations. RESULTS: Three groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and gestational age at blood sampling for afamin (p < .05). The median afamin concentration was determined as 199 ng/mL in the late FGR group, 153 ng/mL in the SGA group, and 108 ng/mL in the control group (p = .000). In the post-hoc analysis, while maternal serum afamin concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the late FGR group and SGA group compared to the control group but, this significance could not be shown between the FGR group and the SGA group (p = .00001, p = .005, p = .137, respectively). In the ROC analysis, the optimal cutoff value of serum afamin concentration to predict late FGR was determined as 141 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 66.6% and a specificity of 85.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The serum afamin concentration in the third trimester was found to be higher in pregnant women with late FGR compared to the SGA and control groups. Although afamin is seen as a promising molecule in the clinical prediction of late FGR, this needs to be supported by large series of studies.