Predictive value of the HALP score for pre-eclampsia with severe features.

INTRODUCTION: Predictive tests are needed to ensure the development and subsequent follow-up of pre-eclampsia, which is responsible for significant rates of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score for the severity of preeclampsia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at our clinic from January 2019 to January 2023. The control group consisted of normotensive, healthy pregnant women. Women diagnosed with preeclampsia were further evaluated in two groups: those with severe features and those without severe features. The clinical and demographic data of the cases were evaluated. The HALP score was calculated using the first trimester blood parameters of the cases and compared between groups. RESULTS: The study included 229 patients with preeclampsia and 142 normotensive healthy controls. Of the patients with preeclampsia, 104 (28.1%) had severe features of the disease. The HALP score was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group with severe features than in the control group (6.18 ± 2.66 vs. 3.75 ± 1.86; p = 0.006). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the HALP score (odds ratio: 2.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-3.32, p = 0.017) was found to be an independent indicator for preeclampsia with severe features. A HALP score of > 4.61 predicted the development of preeclampsia with severe features with a sensitivity of 74.5% and a specificity of 81.3%. CONCLUSION: We found a significant correlation between the HALP score and preeclampsia with severe features. The HALP score may be useful in predicting the severity of preeclampsia.

Association Between Plasma Sclerostin Levels and Body Mass Index in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as one of the most common endocrine pathologies in females of reproductive age worldwide. This study investigated the relationship between serum sclerostin levels and body mass index (BMI) in women with PCOS. Methods Women aged 18-40 years who presented to our clinic between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2020, and were diagnosed with PCOS were included in this study. The patients' clinical and laboratory data were recorded, and waist circumference, hip circumference, and BMI values were calculated. The patients with a BMI of >25 kg/m2 were evaluated as Group I, those with a BMI of <18.5 kg/m2 as Group II, and those with a BMI of 18.5-25 kg/m2 as Group III. Serum sclerostin levels were compared between the BMI groups. Results The study included 90 patients. The mean BMI values were 32.2±2.1, 17.0±0.9, and 22.9±2.1 kg/m2 for Groups I, II, and III, respectively. We detected a statistically significant difference in serum sclerostin levels between Group II and Group I (p<0.005). There was a significant, positive correlation between the sclerostin level and BMI (r=0.258, p=0.014), weight (r=0.237, p=0.044), waist measurement (r=0.225, p=0.045), and hip measurement (r=0.225, p=0.033). Conclusion This study revealed that abnormal body composition in PCOS could alter circulating sclerostin levels.

Effect of obesity on the time to a successful medical abortion with misoprostol in first-trimester missed abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of misoprostol used in first-trimester abortion in obese women and to determine whether obesity is associated with time to a successful medical abortion. METHODS: The records of patients diagnosed with missed abortion at our clinic between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. All women aged 18 to 45 years who were diagnosed with missed abortion in the first trimester and treated with misoprostol were included in the study. The cases were divided into two groups: obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2). First, they were simultaneously administered 200 µg misoprostol orally and 400 µg vaginally. After the first misoprostol administration, the dose was repeated vaginally at 400 µg every three hours if necessary. The effect of obesity on the time taken to achieve a medical abortion was evaluated. RESULTS: A successful medical abortion occurred in 45.2% of the women in the obese group and 69.0% of those in the non-obese group. The time to uterine evacuation was 8.24 ± 4.03 h in the obese group and 6.35 ± 3.54 h in the non-obese group. The relationship between obesity and time to a successful medical abortion was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier curve, which showed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that obesity affects time to a successful medical abortion. In addition, the rate of successful medical abortion after misoprostol administration was lower in the obese women.

Effect of Closure of Anterior Abdominal Wall Layers on Early Postoperative Findings at Cesarean Section: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of closure types of the anterior abdominal wall layers in cesarean section (CS) surgery on early postoperative findings. METHODS: The present study was designed as a prospective cross-sectional study and was conducted at a university hospital between October 2018 and February 2019. A total of 180 patients who underwent CS for various reasons were enrolled in the study. Each patient was randomly assigned to one of three groups: Both parietal peritoneum and rectus abdominis muscle left open (group 1), parietal peritoneum closure only (group 2), and closure of the parietal peritoneum and reapproximation of rectus muscle (group 3). All patients were compared in terms of postoperative pain scores (while lying down and during mobilization), analgesia requirement, and return of bowel motility. RESULTS: The postoperative pain scores were similar at the 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 18th hours while lying down. During mobilization, the postoperative pain scores at 6 and 12 hours were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 3. Diclofenac use was significantly higher in patients in group 1 than in those in group 2. Meperidine requirements were similar among the groups. There was no difference between the groups' first flatus and stool passage times. CONCLUSION: In the group with only parietal peritoneum closure, the pain scores at the 6th and 12th hours were higher. Rectus abdominis muscle reapproximations were found not to increase the pain score. The closure of the anterior abdominal wall had no effect on the return of bowel motility.