Polymorphic expression of glutathione transferases A1, M1, P1 and T1 in epithelial ovarian cancer: a Serbian case-control study.

PURPOSE: Since several studies have proposed that epithelial ovarian cancer should not be considered as a single disease entity and that it results from an accumulation of genetic changes, we aimed to assess the polymorphic expression of major cytosolic glutathione S-transferases (GSTM1, T1, A1 and P1) with respect to ovarian cancer susceptibility and aggressiveness. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 93 newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer patients and 178 healthy matched controls. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect homozygous deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes. Analysis of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) GSTA1 C69T was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), while for SNP GSTP1 Ile105Val real-time PCR was used. RESULTS: No significant association to ovarian cancer risk was found for individual GSTM1, GSTA1 and GSTP1 genotypes (p>0.05). However, the carriers of GSTT1-active genotype were at 2-fold higher risk of ovarian cancer development (95%CI: 1.00-4.01, p=0.049), which was even more elevated in the subgroup of patients with positive family history of cancer. Moreover, the frequency of all three GST genotypes that might be associated to ovarian cancer risk (GSTT1-active, GSTA1-active and GSTP1-referent) was significantly higher in patients than in the control group (p=0.042). Even more, patients who were carriers of combination of these three genotypes represented over 64% of the total number of patients within any of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages of ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides supportive evidence that GSTs might affect both susceptibility and progression of ovarian cancer.

Paravesical haematoma following placement of an isolated anterior mesh for cystocele repair.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic organ prolapse is a substantial health problem for women around the world. Given the limitations of traditional surgery in the reconstruction of normal vaginal anatomy and function in genitourinary prolapse, various synthetic implants have been developed for surgical repair. Mesh procedures are gaining in popularity, encouraged by preliminary data. Although minimally invasive and relatively safe, serious complications following these procedures have been described. CASE REPORT: We presented a patient who had underwent an isolated anterior mesh procedure and developed postoperative haematoma which required surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: This report suggests that minimally invasive urogynecological procedures could result in significant complications. Thus, surgeons should be familiar with effective interventions in order to manage them.

Metastatic malignant ovarian melanoma--a case report.

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanomas of the female reproductive system are rare. These are biologically highly aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. Preoperative establishment of the diagnosis is practically impossible. Therapeutic approach and treatment of patients with metastatic ovarian melanoma are highly dependent on precise histological analysis. CASE REPORT: A woman aged 48 was admitted to the clinic for occasional pains in the lower abdomen and suspected myomatous changes of the uterus. The patient underwent surgery for melanoma on her right arm five years ago. Classic hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy with infracolic omentectomy and selective iliac lymphadenectomy were performed. Macroscopic examination revealed an oval tumefaction on the left ovary sized 12.5 x 10 x 3.5 cm of solid structure. Tumor tissue was yellowish-brown colored, of solid structure and mostly localized subcortically with central edema. Microscopic examination showed positive reaction for HMB-45, anti-Melan-A and S-100 protein, but negative immunoreactivity for estrogen and progesterone receptors. Malignant disease caused death after a 4-year follow-up period following gynecological operation. CONCLUSION: The previous diagnosis of skin melanoma is also indicative of metastatic ovarian tumor, while immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the histopathological diagnosis.

Analysis of intracranial hemorrhage grade in preterm singleton pregnancies delivered vaginally or by cesarean section.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality. Periventricular hemorrhage-intraventricular hemorrhage (PVH-IVH) remains a significant cause of both morbidity and mortality in infants prematurely born. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perinatal outcome regarding IVH of premature babies according to the mode of delivery. METHODS: A total of 126 women in preterm singleton pregnancies with vertex presentation and 126 neonates weighted from 750 g to 1,500 g at birth were enrolled. The outcomes of 64 neonates born vaginally were compared to 62 neonates born by cesarean section. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of IVH among both groups. CONCLUSION: Our data is consistent with the hypothesis that the mode of delivery does not influence IVH and consenquently perinatal outcome in preterm neonates.

Complications during cesarean delivery in a patient with two previous myomectomies.

INTRODUCTION: Myomas are associted with numerous pregnancy-related maternal and fetal complications, including high rate of cesarean deliveries. CASE OUTLINE: We present a woman with huge posterior myoma who had two previous myomectomies. During the cesarean section, the anatomy was found to be grossly distorted. Thus it was necessary to make an inverted T-incision on the uterus, which facilitated delivery of the fetus. The patients postoperative recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the difficulties that may arise during cesarean section in the presence of uterine myomas in women with previous myomectomies. Clinicians should be prepared to manage those difficulties with inverted T-incision in order to prevent fetal injuries. Such operations should be performed by an experienced obstetrician.

[Transvaginal mesh in repair of pelvic organs prolapse as a minimally invasive surgical procedure].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Prolapse of genital organs with or without urinary stress incontinention is the most often health problem in the elderly female population tending to increase with ageing. The aim of this study was to assess the perioperative complications and short-term outcomes of prolaps repair using transvaginal polypropylene mesh (Prolift system, Gynecare, Ethicon, USA). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted evaluating 96 women from September 2006 to January 2010 who underwent vaginal repair with implatation of a soft mesh manufactured by Gynecare, Ethicon, USA. RESULTS: All the patients had a stage 3 or stage 4 prolapse according to the POP-Q system of ICS. Total mesh was used in 12 (13%) patients isolated anterior mesh in 52 (54%) patients and isolated posterior mesh in 32 (33%) patients. We reported one intra-operative bladder injury and no other serious complications. At 3 months, all 96 patients were available for follow-up. Vaginal erosion occured in 9 (9.3%) patients, shrinkage of mesh in 6 (6.2%) patients and de novo urinary incontinence in 5 (5.2%) patients. Failure rate was 6.25% (recurrent prolapse stage 3 or 4 even asymptomatic). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that transvaginal polypropylene mesh applied with a tension-free technique is a safe and effective method with low intraoperative complications and low morbidity rates. However, some complications are serious and require highly specialised management.

Application of a hormonal intrauterine device causing uterine perforation: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: The last decade of the usage of intrauterine contraception has been marked by the application of levonorgestrel-releasing hormonal devices. A hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) releases a certain amount of progestogen, whose effect on endometrium is such that, apart from preventing unwanted pregnancy, also regulates the menstrual bleeding by reducing the quantity and the duration of haemorrhage. This effect of hormonal IUDs has led to their additional indications and use, so that nowadays these IUDs are used not only as contraceptives but for therapeutic purposes as well. CASE OUTLINE: After examination and treatment in an out-patient department, a 38-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to suspected spontaneous uterine perforation caused by hormonal IUD (Mirena) one month after its application. Clinical and sonographic examinations were unable to determine the uterine perforation or the exact IUD location. Radiographic examination confirmed the presence of the IUD in the abdomen, so it was decided to operate on the patient. Perforation in the isthmus of the uterus and to the right was identified intraoperatively. By exploration of the genital organs and the abdominal cavity, the IUD was finally located in the omentum. CONCLUSION: Even in cases of adequate indications for hormonal IUD application, the doctor's experience and complying with all the principles of appropriate insertion, we should always consider the possibility of the occurrence of serious complications, which sometimes may even require surgery. The extragenital position of IUD, as in this case, may create serious difficulties in the detection of location. A possible development of asymptomatic complications additionally emphasizes the necessity of regular check-ups of all IUD users.

[Acute intermittent porphyria in the puerperium].

INTRODUCTION: Acute intermittent porphyria emerges as a result of partial defect of porphobilinogen deaminase and is manifested by repeated episodes of somatic, psychiatric and neurological disorders. The disease is conducted via the autosomal-dominant gene of variable penetration, so most of the carriers never experience seizures. Timely making of diagnosis, screening of blood relatives of the patient and education of patients on avoidance of provoking factors are the key to adequate treatment. CASE OUTLINE: A 23-year-old patient having born the third child was hospitalized due to pains in the abdomen and convulsive seizures nine days after the vaginal delivery. At admittance, she suffered a generalized convulsive seizure of clonic-tonic type. The patient immediately underwent a complete clinical, laboratory, bacteriological and ultrasound examination. Bearing in mind the fact that the patient had several convulsive seizures even after the given neurological therapy, haem-arginate was introduced into therapy during four days. The administration of haem-arginate led to the normalization of blood pressure, pulse and bowel function. The administration of haem-arginate led to the normalization of blood pressure, pulse and bowel function. The patient was treated by a team of doctors, in the intensive care ward, with the use of medicaments, which are allowed in the case of acute porphyria. Sixteen days after the admittance, with clean neurological status and gynaecological and ultra-sound findings, she was released for ambulatory treatment. CONCLUSION: The presented case exhibits the gravity of making a diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria in puerperium and the necessity of multi-disciplinary approach in treating this disease. Acute intermittent porphyria should be considered in cases of ambiguous abdominal pain, as well as in patients having abdominal pains followed by neuro-psychiatric disorders.

Transvaginal repair of genital prolapse with polypropylene mesh using a tension-free technique.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the perioperative complications and short-term outcomes of prolapse repair using transvaginal polypropylene mesh. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. In the period from April 2007 to September 2009, 67 women underwent vaginal repair with implantation of a soft mesh manufactured by Gynecare. RESULTS: All the patients had a stage 3 or stage 4 prolapse. Total mesh was used in eight patients (11.9%), isolated anterior mesh in 36 patients (53.7%) and isolated posterior mesh in 23 patients (34.4%). We reported one intraoperative bladder injury and no other serious complications. At 3 months, all the 67 patients were available for follow-up. Vaginal erosion occurred in eight patients (11.9%), shrinkage of mesh in six patients (8.7%), granuloma without exposure in four patients (5.9%), de novo urinary incontinence in three patients (4.5%) and flatus incontinence in one patient (1.5%). Failure rate was 7.5% (recurrent prolapse stage 3 or 4, even asymptomatic). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that transvaginal polypropylene mesh applied with a tension-free technique is a safe and effective method with low intraoperative complications but with considerable potential postoperative morbidity.

[Contraception: modern trends and controversies].

Ever since ancient civilizations, the possibility of preventing unwanted pregnancies has always been the subject of interest. All available contraception methods have both advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to the doctor and the patient to make a rational choice in each individual case. Many methods for temporary prevention of unwanted pregnancy are used for the purpose of contraception, as well as sterilization, as a permanent method. A large variety of contraceptives offers opting for the most suitable method for each patient, with the highest level of efficiency and safety. With their adequate administration, the rate of unwanted pregnancies should be significantly minimized. Methods used for contraception are constantly improving and simultaneously, new and more efficient ones are being developed. The research in the field of contraceptives is not completed yet and hopefully, in the future, we shall be closer to finding available, efficient, user-friendly medicaments in the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, with minimum side effects, which is on the verge of perfection. Novelties in the field of contraception must be the theme of continuous medical education of gynaecologists, so that they could provide the right information and give advice to their patients in choosing the most adequate contraceptive.

[Spontaneous intra-abdominal bleeding in twin pregnancy--case report].

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous rupture of utero-ovarian vessels is a rare cause of haemoperitoneum in pregnancy, leading to significant maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Aetiopathogenesis of this condition is still unclear. Establishing clinical diagnosis of this condition is difficult, but very important. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific, and the diagnosis is usually made at laparotomy. CASE OUTLINE: We report a case of spontaneous haematoperitoneum in the third trimester of twin pregnancy. Differential diagnosis included uterine rupture and placental abruption. Due to the deteriorated condition of the patient, it was decided to perform laparotomy which established the diagnosis of ruptured venous varices on the posterior uterine wall. Delivery was performed by caesarean section. The postoperative period was uneventful. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation of spontaneous rupture of utero-ovarian blood vessels is not specific and clinical examination and ultrasonographic scanning may be insufficient for diagnosis. Once the diagnosis of spontaneous haematoperitoneum in pregnancy is established, emergency laparotomy is indicated. Following caesarean delivery, it is necessary to establish surgical haemostasis. There are some authors who suggest leaving the pregnancy intact in cases when the foetus is not viable, although one must have in mind the possibility of recurrent bleeding. The safety of this procedure requires further investigation. It is necessary to have in mind the possibility of blood vessel rupture in all cases of abdominal pain and hypotension of unknown origin during pregnancy.

[Uterine torsion in term pregnancy].

INTRODUCTION: Uterine torsion has been defined as a rotation of more than 45 degrees of the uterus around its long axis that occurs at the junction between the cervix and the corpus. The extent of the rotation is usually 180 degrees, although cases with torsion from 60 to 720 degrees have been reported. Aetiopathogenesis of this condition is still unclear. Establishing clinical diagnosis of this condition is difficult, but very important for reducing maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Clinical symptoms are either absent or nonspecific, and the diagnosis is usually made at laparotomy. CASE OUTLINE: A 31-year-old patient was admitted to the Institute of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, as an emergency, seven days upon the established intrauterine foetal demise in the 40th gestation week. On uterine examination, the cervical length of 1.5 cm and dilatation of 3 cm were determined, as well as a palpable soft tissue formation, not resembling placenta praevia. Ultrasound examination confirmed foetal demise and exclusion of the presence of placenta praevia. The labour was completed by caesarean section. During surgery, uterine torsion of 180 degrees to the right was diagnosed. There was a stillborn male baby, and the cause of death was intrauterine asphyxia. A fibrosing and calcified accessory lobe 9 x 6 x 2.5 cm in size was observed on placental examination, which is a possible sign of initial gemellary pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation of uterine torsion is variable and clinical examination and ultrasonographic scanning may be insufficient for diagnosis. The method of choice for establishing the diagnosis is magnetic resonance imaging. Once the diagnosis of uterine torsion in pregnancy is established, emergency laparotomy is indicated. Following caesarean delivery, it is necessary to surgically remove all the anatomical causes of torsion, and rotate the uterus back to its normal position. There are some authors who suggest bilateral plication of the round ligaments as a preventive procedure for repeated torsion in puerperium and following pregnancies. The effectiveness of this method requires further investigation. It is necessary to have in mind the possibility of uterine torsion in all cases of abdominal pain during pregnancy and dystocia.

[Novel surgical procedure for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence by using transobturator vaginal tape].

INTRODUCTION/AIM: Current method in the treatment of female urinary incontinence implies the placement of tension-free suburethral vaginal tape, using a retropubic or transobturator approach. Considering numerous complications related to retropubic approach, we reported the results of transobturator procedure in prospective study. METHODS: We used a non-absorbable polypropylene tape with the outside-in (Herniamesh) or in-outside (Johnson & Johnson) transobturator approach. RESULTS: During the period from October 2004 to September 2005 the procedure was carried out in 10 patients. In only 2 cases urinary stress incontinence occured as isolated problem managed with transoburator tape, whereas in 8 patients this procedure was associated with other operative gynecologic events. No perioperative complication was encountered. In 80% of the patients a satisfactory result was obtained, while one patient failed to demonstrate any amelioration, and the other developed subsequently urge incontinence. CONCLUSION: Transobturator tesion-free vaginal tape represents a very simple, safe and, in the large percent of cases, successful procedure in the management of urinary stress incontinence, with rare perioperative complications.