Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Management and Timing of Birth.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are significant contributors to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The definition, classification, and management of these disorders have evolved over time. Notably, the disease classification enables caretakers to manage the disease as well as safeguard maternal and fetal health. The approach and management for pregnancies with gestational and chronic hypertension or pre-eclampsia with or without severe features should be adequately elucidated to mitigate adverse perinatal outcomes. This review aimed to present the most recent definition and classification of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to address their management, determine the optimal timing of birth, and establish short- and long-term follow-up protocols following parturition.

Perinatal outcomes of emergency and elective cervical cerclages.

Objective: This study aims to compare the perinatal outcomes of emergency and elective cervical cerclages. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 247 patients, with a total of 142 emergency (with a history of mid-trimester miscarriage or vaginal delivery of < 34 weeks and cervical length < 25 mm) and 105 electives cerclage patients (with painless cervical dilation and cervical length <25 mm) who had cerclage with the vaginal cervical McDonald technique between 1.1.2017-1.10.2022. Pregnant women with normal screening tests at weeks 11-14, normal fetal morphology, and singleton pregnancies were included in the study. The study was conducted in a tertiary center providing NICU care for < 1500 g, less than 32 weeks of age, and on a mechanical ventilator. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were reviewed. Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding maternal age or BMI. It was observed that the week of delivery was greater for elective cerclages than for emergency cerclages (mean 34.6 GW versus 30.8 GW). The week of cerclage application was statistically higher in emergency cerclage (19.2 GW versus 16.3 GW p < 0.000). In addition, when we evaluated perinatal complications: prenatal Ex (n34 vs. n8 p < 0.001), C-reactive protein which is a marker of neonatal infection (12.7 mg/L vs. 2.5 mg/L p < 0.022), antibiotic use in the NICU (n 35 vs. n23 p < 0.050), the number of days of antibiotic use in the NICU (mean 15.3 days vs. 10.4 days p < 0.024), rate of NICU intubation (n 27 vs. n 11 p < 0.003), and neonatal sequelae (n 16 vs. n 6 p < 0.016) were significantly higher in the emergency cerclage group than in the elective cerclage group. There was no found significant difference between the progesterone given and not given progesterone after the procedure in term of the weeks of delivery (p < 0.810 emergency cervical cerclage; p < 0681 elective cervical cerclage). Conclusion: Considering the available information, the results of elective cerclage seem to be more beneficial for the patient than those of emergency cerclage. Therefore, it would be more reasonable to perform elective cerclage in patients with mid-trimester or preterm miscarriage and concomitant cervical shortening before emergency cerclage is required. Furthermore, the benefit of progestin, in addition after surgical intervention, has not been established.

Postoperative results of myomectomy performed during caesarean section in a tertiary care center. A retrospective study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the postoperative results of patients who underwent myomectomy during caesarean section in a tertiary center, to investigate whether cesarean myomectomy leads to increased morbidity and to contribute to the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed retrospectively and conducted to compare the preoperative and postoperative results of 121 patients who underwent myomectomy during cesarean and 149 patients who had only cesarean section in a tertiary center between 1.1.2020-1.1.2022. RESULTS: Although the study did not show a significant prolongation in terms of operative time, a significant relationship was found in the length of hospital stay. Hemoglobin levels after myomectomy were significantly lower than the group without myomectomy in the study. Additionally, preterm delivery rate was higher in the myomectomy group. CONCLUSION: As this study showed us a significant decrease in hemoglobin levels after cesarean and myomectomy, it is appropriate to perform this operation, when necessary, by experienced surgeons and in tertiary centers. KEY WORDS: Cesarean section, Myomectomy, Myomectomy during cesarean section.

Arabin-pessary or McDonald Cerclage in Cervical Shortening?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of Arabin pessary and McDonald cervical cerclage on preterm delivery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from patients who underwent either Arabin pessary or McDonald cerclage between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2023. A total of 174 patients were included in the study, with 31 undergoing Arabin pessary and 143 receiving cervical cerclage using the McDonald technique in singleton pregnant women with cervical insufficiency, which applied between 14 and 22 gestational weeks. We included singleton pregnant women with normal morphology, and with normal combined test. The primary outcome was the impact of each method on preterm delivery (< 34 gestational weeks). RESULTS: The weeks of cervical cerclage or pessary application were compatible with each other (p < 0.680). The pessary group had a statistically significant longer time to delivery compared with the Cerclage group (cerclage group mean 30.8 c 7.1 standard deviation [SD] versus pessary group mean 35.1 ± 4.4 SD; p < 0.002). A statistically significant difference was found between the pessary and cerclage groups in terms of delivery at < 34 weeks (p = 0.002). In patients with cervical length between 25 and 15mm and < 15mm, no significant difference was found between the pessary and cerclage groups in terms of delivery week (p < 0.212; p < 0.149). Regardless of the technique applied, no statistically significant difference was observed between cervical length and birth < 34 weeks. CONCLUSION: Our study found that pessary use for cervical insufficiency is statistically more effective than cervical cerclage surgery in preventing preterm births < 34 weeks in singleton pregnancy.

Arabin-pessary or McDonald Cerclage in Cervical Shortening? / Pessário de Arabin ou cerclagem McDonald no encurtamento cervical?

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of Arabin pessary and McDonald cervical cerclage on preterm delivery. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from patients who underwent either Arabin pessary or McDonald cerclage between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2023. A total of 174 patients were included in the study, with 31 undergoing Arabin pessary and 143 receiving cervical cerclage using the McDonald technique in singleton pregnant women with cervical insufficiency, which applied between 14 and 22 gestational weeks. We included singleton pregnant women with normal morphology, and with normal combined test. The primary outcome was the impact of each method on preterm delivery (< 34 gestational weeks). Results The weeks of cervical cerclage or pessary application were compatible with each other (p< 0.680). The pessary group had a statistically significant longer time to delivery compared with the Cerclage group (cerclage group mean 30.8 c 7.1 standard deviation [SD] versus pessary group mean 35.1 ± 4.4 SD; p< 0.002). A statistically significant difference was found between the pessary and cerclage groups in terms of delivery at < 34 weeks (p= 0.002). In patients with cervical length between 25 and 15mm and < 15mm, no significant difference was found between the pessary and cerclage groups in terms of delivery week (p< 0.212; p< 0.149). Regardless of the technique applied, no statistically significant difference was observed between cervical length and birth < 34 weeks. Conclusion Our study found that pessary use for cervical insufficiency is statistically more effective than cervical cerclage surgery in preventing preterm births < 34 weeks in singleton pregnancy.

The Present and Future Aspects of Life-Long Pertussis Prevention: Narrative Review with Regional Perspectives for Türkiye.

Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, remains one of the most widespread, contagious, and vaccine-preventable diseases. It results in notable morbidity and mortality as well as severe medical, social, and economic burden. Despite high global vaccine coverage, pertussis continues to be a significant epidemiologic problem, with outbreak episodes every few years just as in the pre-vaccination era. In Türkiye, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the current burden of pertussis in different age and risk groups, leading to underdiagnosis and underreporting of the disease, especially in adults who are often not considered at risk. Available data from Türkiye also reveal inadequate levels of protective antibodies in preterm newborns, emphasizing the need for additional preventive measures. Authors stated that improving physician awareness of pertussis symptoms in patients with prolonged cough, increasing access to routine pertussis tests, and conducting surveillance studies would aid in accurate diagnosis and reporting in Türkiye. As the Turkish Ministry of Health Antenatal Care Management Guide suggests routine second and third pregnancy check-up visits at weeks 18-24 and 28-32 correspondingly, this period can be considered the ideal vaccination time for Türkiye. Introducing a booster dose of Tdap at around 10 years of age or during national military service would reduce transmission and protect susceptible individuals. Identifying individuals at high risk of severe pertussis and prioritizing them for a booster dose is also crucial in Türkiye. Enhancing surveillance systems, increasing healthcare professionals' awareness through training, and organizing catch-up visits for missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic are mentioned as additional strategies to improve pertussis prevention in Türkiye. This review focuses on the global and regional burden of pertussis and obstacles to effective prevention and evaluates existing strategies to achieve lifelong pertussis prevention. Literature and current strategies were also discussed from a Turkish national standpoint.

Retrospective evaluation of outcomes of vaginal birth after caesarean section in a tertiary center: a single-center study from Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the trial of labor after caesarean (TOLAC) outcomes and determine its reliability by comparing it with elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD) and vaginal delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, the outcomes of patients aged 18-40 years who had 57 TOLACs, 72 vaginal deliveries, and 60 elective caesarean sections in Ankara Koru Hospital between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2022 were compared. RESULTS: Gestational age was lower in the normal vaginal delivery (NVD) group than in the elective caesarean section and vaginal birth after caesarean delivery (VBAC) groups (p < 0.0005). The birth weight was statistically significantly lower in the NVD group than in the elective caesarean section and VBAC groups (p < 0.0002). No statistically significant correlation was found between the BMI values in all three groups (p < 0.586). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of pre- and post-natal haemoglobin and APGAR scores (p < 0.575)(p < 0.690)(p < 0.747). The rate of epidural and oxytocin use was higher in the NVD group than in the VBAC group (p < 0.001) (p < 0.037). There was no statistically significant correlation between the birth weights of the infants in the TOLAC group and failed VBAC (p < 0.078). No statistically significant correlation was observed between the use of oxytocin for induction and failed VBAC (p < 0.842). There was no statistically significant correlation between epidural anaesthesia and failed VBAC (p < 0.586). A statistically significant correlation was found between gestational age and caesarean section as a result of a failed VBAC (p < 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The main reason for not preferring TOLAC continues to be uterine rupture. It can be recommended to eligible patients in tertiary centers. Because even when the factors increasing the success of VBAC were excluded, the rate of successful VBAC remained high.

Angiogenesis in gynecological cancers and the options for anti-angiogenesis therapy.

Angiogenesis is required in cancer, including gynecological cancers, for the growth of primary tumors and secondary metastases. Development of anti-angiogenesis therapy in gynecological cancers and improvement of its efficacy have been a major focus of fundamental and clinical research. However, survival benefits of current anti-angiogenic agents, such as bevacizumab, in patients with gynecological cancer, are modest. Therefore, a better understanding of angiogenesis and the tumor microenvironment in gynecological cancers is urgently needed to develop more effective anti-angiogenic therapies, either or not in combination with other therapeutic approaches. We describe the molecular aspects of (tumor) blood vessel formation and the tumor microenvironment and provide an extensive clinical overview of current anti-angiogenic therapies for gynecological cancers. We discuss the different phenotypes of angiogenic endothelial cells as potential therapeutic targets, strategies aimed at intervention in their metabolism, and approaches targeting their (inflammatory) tumor microenvironment.

How Does Infection with Human Papillomavirus 16 and 18 Impact on DNA Damage and Repair in Cervical Cells and Peripheral Blood?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide and a prime cause of cervical cancer. The HPV DNA is detected in approximately 80-90% of all cervical cancers, with HPV 16 and 18 being the high risk conferring human carcinogens. DNA damage and diminished DNA repair mechanisms are potential biological surrogates of HPV infection that warrant further research in different tissues and populations. Notably, we do not know the extent to which the high risk HPV 16 and 18 differentially affect cervical cells versus other systems such as peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). We evaluated DNA damage and repair in women who tested positive for HPV 16 or HPV 18 and healthy control women without HPV 16 or HPV 18 infection. We found that the DNA damage as measured by the Comet assay was markedly greater in cervical cells of women with HPV 16 (mean: 8.1 as% DNA in tail, 95% CI: 7.6-8.7) or HPV 18 infection (mean: 9.6, 95% CI: 8.9-10.2) than controls (mean: 6.7, 95% CI: 6.2-7.4) (p < 0.05). By contrast, in PBLs, we did not find a significant difference in DNA damage between women with HPV 16 or 18 infection versus controls, as measured by the Comet assay or the Conventional Chromosomal Aberration analysis (p > 0.05). We observed, however, the DNA repair capacity, as measured by the X-ray induced challenge (XRC) assay, was significantly impaired in PBLs from women with HPV 16 or 18 infection compared to controls (p < 0.05). This is the first comparative study, to the best of our knowledge, suggesting that the cervical swab cells might be better suited than peripheral lymphocytes as biosamples for detection of HPV 16 or 18 biological effects on DNA damage. In addition, these findings suggest that the Comet assay performed only in PBLs may potentially lead to false negative diagnosis of DNA damage. Taken together, these observations contribute to development of future diagnostic innovation and precision sampling strategies for robust detection of the biological effects of HPV 16 or 18 in women. We conclude by a brief discussion of implications for HPV clinical diagnostics and precision medicine innovation.

Effects of anticoagulant therapy on pregnancy outcomes in patients with thrombophilia and previous poor obstetric history.

This study investigates the effects of anticoagulant therapy on pregnancy outcomes in 204 patients with thrombophilia and previous poor obstetric outcomes. Patients with poor obstetric history (pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, fetal death, placental abruption, recurrent pregnancy loss) and having hereditary thrombophilia were included in this study. Poor obstetric outcomes were observed more frequently in patients who had not taken anticogulant therapy compared with treated group. Live birth rate, gestational age at birth and Apgar scores were significantly higher in the treated group when compared with the untreated group. There were no significant differences in terms of birthweight, mode of delivery and admission rates to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) plus acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) had higher gestational age at birth, Apgar scores, live birth rate and a lower abortion rates when compared with controls; in contrast, no significant difference was observed in terms of birthweight, mode of delivery, obstetric complications and admission rates to NICU. There were no significant differences between control group and both LMWH only and ASA only groups in terms of gestational age at birth, Apgar scores, birthweight, mode of delivery, obstetric complications and admission rates to NICU. Only LMWH group had higher live birth rate as compared with control group. The use of only ASA did not seem to affect the perinatal complication rates and outcomes. In conclusion, anticoagulant therapy with both LMWH and ASA seems to provide better obstetric outcomes in pregnant women with thrombophilia and previous poor obstetric outcomes.

Hyperparathyroid crisis presenting with hyperemesis gravidarum.

PURPOSE: Primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy is a rare condition, and the diagnosis may be confounded by pregnancy related conditions. Since the appropriate management reduces the maternal and fetal complications; differential diagnosis becomes quite crucial. METHOD: Clinical course of a patient with hyperparathyroid crisis will be discussed with the review of the literature. A 22-year- old, (gravida 2, para 1) woman was presented with hyperparathyroid crisis at the 11th weeks' gestation. She was hospitalized twice due to hyperemesis gravidarum. When she was admitted to the hospital for the third time due to increased vomiting and weight-loss, serum biochemistry panel was performed and it revealed severe hypercalcemia that serum Ca was 17.59 mg/dl, and she was referred to our hospital as parathyroid crisis. Maternal hypercalcemia was resolved after urgent parathyroidectomy. She was diagnosed as preeclampsia at the 30 weeks' gestation and delivered a male infant weighing 1,090 g at 33 weeks' gestation with APGAR scores 6 at 1 min, and 7 at min 5, without evidence of neonatal hypocalcemia or tetany. RESULTS: Urgent parathyroidectomy is the definite treatment in symptomatic patients with hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy. Resolving maternal hypercalcemia prevents neonatal tetany and hypocalcemia. CONCLUSION: Hyperemesis may lead to hypercalcemic crisis in patients with hyperparathyroidism, so serum Ca level should be checked in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum especially who detoriate rapidly. Although they share some common pathogenetic mechanisms, there is not enough evidence for attributing preeclampsia to primary hyperparathyroidism.

The frequency of menorrhagia and bleeding disorders in university students.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Menorrhagia is an important health problem in women of reproductive age. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of menorrhagia and hemostatic abnormalities associated with menorrhagia in university students. METHODS: The pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) was used to identify students with menorrhagia. Those with a PBAC score > 100 were examined by pelvic ultrasound and laboratory tests including complete blood count, levels of clotting factors, von Willebrand factor antigen, and ristocetin cofactor activity and Platelet Function Analyser-100 (PFA-100). Platelet aggregation was studied in students with prolonged PFA-100 closure time. RESULTS: Menorrhagia was identified in 82 (21.8%) of 376 students. Six of 82 students who had pelvic pathologies were excluded. Eleven (14.5%) of the remaining 76 students were found to have bleeding disorders, including von Willebrand disease in five (6.5%), platelet function disorder in four (5.2%), and clotting factor deficiencies in two (2.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Menorrhagia is a common but mostly unrecognized and untreated problem among university students. Underlying bleeding disorders are not rare and require comprehensive hemostatic evaluation for identification.

Molecular karyotyping of an isolated partial trisomy 11q patient with additional findings.

Isolated partial duplication of the long arm of chromosome 11 is very rare. The main features are dysmorphic facial features, pre/postnatal growth retardation, speech delay, mental retardation, hypotonia, microcephaly, and cardiac, vertebral, limb and genital anomalies. In this case, we report a patient with partial trisomy of 11q13.5→qter due to a de novo rearrangement consisting of the whole X chromosome and part of chromosome 11; 46,X,der(X)(Xqter→Xp22.33::11q13.5→11qter). Additional findings were a separated clavicle, lacrimal duct stenosis and prenatally detected renal hypoplasia. SNP array results revealed a duplication between 11q13.5 and 11qter, measuring 58 Mb, from nucleotide 76,601,607 to 134,926,021. As a result, molecular karyotyping could be performed in such cases in order to establish a definite phenotype-genotype correlation using conventional or molecular cytogenetics techniques.

NLF2 gene expression in the endometrium of patients with implantation failure after IVF treatment.

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of microfibril-associated protein 2 (MFAP2), microfibril-associated protein 5 (MFAP5) and nuclear localized factor 2 (NLF2) genes in patients with repeated IVF failure and compare with fertile population. Total RNA was isolated from 38 patients (repeated implantation failure, group 1, n=22; fertile patients, group 2, n=16). mRNA expression levels were measured quantitatively using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that mRNA expression of NLF2 significantly decreased in the infertility group as compared to control group (P=0.023). In addition a marked decrease was observed in the expression of MFAP2 in women with repeated implantation failure. In conclusion, NLF2 gene expression levels and differences in MFAP2 and MFAP5 gene expressions (albeit being insignificant) between infertile group and control group draw attention to a genetic basis under implantation failure.

Gingival crevicular fluid levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with or without chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic conditions may affect host susceptibility, disease progression and severity as well as treatment response. Previously, low oestrogen (E(2)) levels were associated with increased bone resorption, due to increased osteoclastogenesis and decreased osteoclast apoptosis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is an essential cytokine for osteoclastogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) OPG levels in menopausal and premenopausal patients with or without periodontitis, and effects of phase I periodontal therapy on GCF OPG levels. METHODS: Forty-four systemically healthy premenopausal and menopausal patients were recruited and divided into subgroups of periodontitis and control. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum E(2) levels were measured. Before and after phase I periodontal therapy clinical indices, including clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded, and GCF samples were collected. GCF OPG levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Repeated measurement ANOVA and Spearman correlation tests were used. RESULTS: All clinical indices improved significantly after treatment(p<0.001), except Pre-M/C groups CAL reduction(p>0.05). Periodontitis groups' OPG levels were lower than gingivitis groups(p>0.05). Following periodontal phase I therapy, GCF OPG levels increased markedly in all groups, however this alteration was found statistically insignificant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The current data revealed that GCF OPG levels were lower in periodontitis patients and phase I therapy resulted with increased GCF OPG levels, however those alterations were statistically insignificant. In addition, present data suggested that menopause do not seem to have a significant effect on periodontal status or response to phase I treatment, within the limits of this study.

Successful pregnancy in an end-stage renal disease patient on peritoneal dialysis.

Among women with chronic kidney disease, successful pregnancy with a surviving infant is rather rare. Although these pregnancies carry higher risk, with the possibility of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, they can be managed with close monitoring and intense renal replacement therapy. Given the hemodynamic advantages of peritoneal dialysis over hemodialysis in pregnancy, peritoneal dialysis therapy is thought to be a favorable renal replacement option in pregnant patients with chronic kidney disease.

Prenatally detected congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and postnatally diagnosed trisomy 13: case report and review of the literature.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare bronchopulmonary malformation characterized by loss of the normal pulmonary tissue. CCAM may be frequently associated with cardiac and renal anomalies. Rarely, CCAM may be seen with chromosome abnormalities. This is the first reported neonatal case of prenatally detected CCAM and postnatally diagnosed trisomy 13.

Effects of maternal supplementary oxygen on the newborn for elective cesarean deliveries under spinal anesthesia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to determine whether supplementary oxygen provided by either nasal cannula or face mask versus room air might affect fetal oxygenation during elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia by assessing maternal and neonatal regional cerebral oxygenation (rSO(2)) with a cerebral oximeter. METHODS: Ninety parturients were randomly allocated into three groups: two groups received 5 L/min oxygen by either nasal cannula (Group NC, n = 30) or face mask (Group FM, n = 30), respectively, and the third group was allowed to breathe room air (Group RA, n = 30). After maternal mean arterial pressure, heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation had been monitored, rSO(2) was determined by cerebral oximeter. Umbilical artery (UA) and venous (UV) blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis. Neonatal rSO(2) and Apgar scores were recorded. RESULTS: The mean maternal rSO(2) which was recorded 3 and 5 min after administration of the spinal block in Group FM was lower than that of Group NC (p = 0.033 and 0.042, respectively). Neonatal rSO(2), UA pH, UV pH and UA base excess (BE) were lower in Group FM than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The Apgar score (1 min) in Group FM was lower than that of Group RA (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: The effect of maternal supplementary oxygen on the newborn has been demonstrated by a cerebral oximeter monitor and supported by umbilical cord blood gas analysis and Apgar scores.

A prenatal tertiary trisomy resulting from balanced maternal 8; 9 translocation.

An additional derivative chromosome 8 was found in the cytogenetic analyses of the chorionic villus biopsy specimen of a balanced reciprocal translocation carrier mother. This was a 3:1 segregation of the unbalanced product of the balanced maternal 8:9 translocation. The chromosomes of the carrier of the balanced reciprocal translocation pair with their matching homologous segments at meiosis I, a quadrivalent figure is formed and chromosomes segregate from this configuration. Increased nuchal tranaslucency was also determined on fetal sonography at the 13(rd) week of gestation. The final karyotype was 47,X Y,+der(8)t(8;9)(q11.2;p22) mat, and the parents were informed about this tertiary trisomy. After genetic counseling, the parents decided to terminate the pregnancy. The presented case is a reminder of the probability of the unbalanced products of the 3:1 segregation, rather than the common 2:2 segregation.

Molecular detection of cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus 2, human papillomavirus 16-18 in Turkish pregnants

OBJECTIVE: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of viral intrauterine infections in the world. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the main agents of viral sexually transmitted diseases, which cause genital ulcers and genital warts, respectively. HPV infection has been linked to the majority of the anogenital malignancies. The aim of this study was to detect the existence of CMV, HSV-2 and HPV type 16-18 in Turkish pregnants by using sensitive molecular assays. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four women (18-41 years old; mean age ± SD: 27 ± 8) applied to outpatient clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in between 18th - 22nd weeks of their pregnancy and a control group of 99 healthy women (15-39 years old; mean age ± SD: 24 ± 8) were included in the study. Cervical smear samples were used for DNA extraction. CMV, HSV-2 and HPV 16-18 detections were carried out by real time PCR and in house PCR method, respectively. RESULTS: Three patients (3/134; 2.2 percent) were found to be positive for each HPV and HSV-2. Dual infection with HPV and HSV was found in just one patient. HPV 18 was detected in all positive samples. CMV was found to be positive in two patients (2/134; 1.4 percent). CONCLUSION: HPV, HSV and CMV must be screened due to high prevalence of these viruses in pregnants by using sensitive molecular methods.