The impact of preoperative anxiety on pain and analgesia consumption in women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of preoperative anxiety on pain and analgesic consumption in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy (VH) with general and spinal anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 200 participants, including 100 undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with general anesthesia (group 1) and 100 with spinal anesthesia (group 2), were enrolled. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for the postoperative pain intensity. RESULTS: The 1st hour, 6th hour, 12th hour, and 18th hour VAS scores were higher in vaginal hysterectomy with general anesthesia than in vaginal hysterectomy with spinal anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Although participants undergoing VH with spinal anesthesia (preoperative state anxiety inventory score > 45) had lower pain intensity scores in the first 18 hours compared to those undergoing VH with general anesthesia, their postoperative analgesic requirements were similar.

Evaluation of concordance between loop electrosurgical excisional procedure and cervical colposcopic biopsy results

Objective: To evaluate the results of loop electrosurgical excisional procedures (LEEP) with colposcopic biopsy results of patients who presented to our hospital for vaginal smears. Material and Methods: The LEEP reports of patients who presented to our gynecology clinic between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The data were obtained from electronic patient records and the department of medical pathology archives. Results: A total of 579 patients were evaluated with a mean age of 38.05±6.17 years. Colposcopy-guided biopsy was not taken from 102 patients. The results of the remaining 477 (82.4%) patients were: no dysplasia (n=12; 2.1%), Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-I (CIN-I) (n=99; 17.1%), CIN-II (n=111; 19.2%), CIN-III (n=248; 42.8%), and cancer (n=7; 1.2%). Completed excision was performed in 87.0% of the patients using LEEP, the lesion was positive at the surgical margins in 10.9%, and the lesion could not be completely excised in 2.1%. The complication rate after LEEP was 3.1% including pelvic pain (n=5; 0.9%) and bleeding (n=13; 2%). The histopathologic results of LEEP were: benign (n=50; 8.6%), CIN-I (n=110; 19.0%), CIN-II (n=89; 15.4%), CIN-III (n=280; 48.4%), cancer (n=7; 1.2%), and metaplasia (n=37; 6.4%). The concordance between colposcopic biopsy and LEEP results was 85.9% for CIN-I, 71.2% for CIN-II, 98.4% for CIN-III, and 85.7% for cancer diagnoses. Conclusion: LEEP is a simple minimally invasive method used in the treatment of CIN, with low persistence, recurrence, and complication rates and increased human papillomavirus clearance in most patients. Our results support the consistency of cervical colposcopic biopsy and LEEP results.

Comparison of Perinatal Outcomes Between Syrian Refugees and Turkish Women in the Middle Anatolia Region of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of perinatal outcomes between Syrian refugees and Turkish women between 2016 and 2020. METHODS: The birth results of 17,997 participants (Syrian refugees: 3579 and Turkish women: 14,418) who delivered in the Labor Department of our hospital between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Maternal age was younger (24.73 ± 6.08 vs. 27.4 ± 5.91 years, p < 0.001) and adolescent pregnancy rate was higher (19.4% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.001) in Syrian refuges than in Turkish women. Bishop scores on admission (4.6 ± 1.6 vs. 4.4 ± 1.1, p < 0.001), birth weight (3088.19 ± 575.32 g vs. 3109.76 ± 540.89 g, p = 0.044), low birth weight (11.3% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.004), and the rate of primary cesarean deliveries (10.1% vs. 15.8%, p < 0.001) were also statistically different. Additionally, the rates of anemia (65.9% vs. 29.2%, p < 0.001), preeclampsia (1.4% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001), stillbirth (1.3% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001), preterm premature rupture of membranes (2.7% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.002), and obstetric complications were different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that inadequate antenatal care, communication and language barrier problems in Syrian refugees caused some adverse perinatal outcomes. All birth data of Syrian refugees must be disclosed by the Ministry of Health to confirm the accuracy of our data.

Endometrial scratching in women undergoing IVF/ICSI: an individual participant data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In IVF/ICSI treatment, the process of embryo implantation is the success rate-limiting step. Endometrial scratching has been suggested to improve this process, but it is unclear if this procedure increases the chance of implantation and live birth (LB) and, if so, for whom, and how the scratch should be performed. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: This individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) aims to answer the question of whether endometrial scratching in women undergoing IVF/ICSI influences the chance of a LB, and whether this effect is different in specific subgroups of women. After its incidental discovery in 2000, endometrial scratching has been suggested to improve embryo implantation. Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted, showing contradicting results. Conventional meta-analyses were limited by high within- and between-study heterogeneity, small study samples, and a high risk of bias for many of the trials. Also, the data integrity of several trials have been questioned. Thus, despite numerous RCTs and a multitude of conventional meta-analyses, no conclusion on the clinical effectiveness of endometrial scratching could be drawn. An IPD-MA approach is able to overcome many of these problems because it allows for increased uniformity of outcome definitions, can filter out studies with data integrity concerns, enables a more precise estimation of the true treatment effect thanks to adjustment for participant characteristics and not having to make the assumptions necessary in conventional meta-analyses, and because it allows for subgroup analysis. SEARCH METHODS: A systematic literature search identified RCTs on endometrial scratching in women undergoing IVF/ICSI. Authors of eligible studies were invited to share original data for this IPD-MA. Studies were assessed for risk of bias (RoB) and integrity checks were performed. The primary outcome was LB, with a one-stage intention to treat (ITT) as the primary analysis. Secondary analyses included as treated (AT), and the subset of women that underwent an embryo transfer (AT+ET). Treatment-covariate interaction for specific participant characteristics was analyzed in AT+ET. OUTCOMES: Out of 37 published and 15 unpublished RCTs (7690 participants), 15 RCTs (14 published, one unpublished) shared data. After data integrity checks, we included 13 RCTs (12 published, one unpublished) representing 4112 participants. RoB was evaluated as 'low' for 10/13 RCTs. The one-stage ITT analysis for scratch versus no scratch/sham showed an improvement of LB rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.29 [95% CI 1.02-1.64]). AT, AT+ET, and low-RoB-sensitivity analyses yielded similar results (OR 1.22 [95% CI 0.96-1.54]; OR 1.25 [95% CI 0.99-1.57]; OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.03-1.55], respectively). Treatment-covariate interaction analysis showed no evidence of interaction with age, number of previous failed embryo transfers, treatment type, or infertility cause. WIDER IMPLICATIONS: This is the first meta-analysis based on IPD of more than 4000 participants, and it demonstrates that endometrial scratching may improve LB rates in women undergoing IVF/ICSI. Subgroup analysis for age, number of previous failed embryo transfers, treatment type, and infertility cause could not identify subgroups in which endometrial scratching performed better or worse. The timing of endometrial scratching may play a role in its effectiveness. The use of endometrial scratching in clinical practice should be considered with caution, meaning that patients should be properly counseled on the level of evidence and the uncertainties.

Foetal umbilical cord brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus.

The aim of our study was to investigate whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in foetal umbilical cord blood. A total of 96 participants were divided into a GDM group (n = 43) and a non-diabetic control group (n = 53). Cord blood samples of approximately 5 cc were taken immediately after the foetal umbilical cord was clamped during delivery in order to determine BDNF levels. While the mean age, body mass index, birth weight, rate of caesarean delivery, rate of infant macrosomia, and neonatal intensive care unit admission of women with GDM were significantly higher compared to the non-diabetic control group (p < .05), pregnancy complications were comparable between the groups (p > .05). Although no significant differences were noted between the groups with respect to cord blood BDNF levels (0.79 ± 0.37 ng/ml vs. 0.69 ± 017 ng/ml, p = .122), cord blood BDNF values were higher in female infants compared to male infants (0.85 ± 0.33 ng/ml vs. 0.66 ± 0.23 ng/ml, p = .001) and in patients using insulin compared to those not using insulin in the GDM group (0.78 ± 0.14 ng/ml vs. 0.62 ± 0.09 ng/ml, p < .001). This study found that GDM has no effect on cord blood BDNF levels. More in-depth studies with larger series are needed to validate the results of the present study.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) negatively affects the foetal neurodevelopment due to inflammation and oxidative stress caused by hyperglycaemia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression has been shown to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation, and there may be a relationship between varying BDNF concentrations and GDM.What do the results of this study add? Our study showed that no significant differences were noted between the groups with respect to cord blood BDNF levels, cord blood BDNF values were higher in female infants compared to male infants, and in patients using insulin compared to those not using insulin in the GDM group.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? GDM negatively affects the foetal neurodevelopment due to inflammation and oxidative stress caused by hyperglycaemia. BDNF expression has also been shown to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation, and there may be a relationship between varying BDNF concentrations and GDM. The association between BDNF expression and GDM has not been clearly elucidated in the literature. More in-depth studies with larger series are needed to determine this relationship.

Is There Any Effect of the Physician Performing Embryo Transfer in IVF-ICSI Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether there is an effect of the physician who transfers the embryos on pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) treatment. METHODS: A total of 757 participants were analyzed between 2012 and 2017. Participants were classified according to 3 physicians who transferred the embryos: ([group 1 = 164 patients]; [group 2 = 233 patients]; [group 3 = 360 patients]). Baseline parameters and IVF-ICSI outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: No differences were determined between the groups regarding the baseline parameters (age, age subgroups [20-29, 30-39, and ≥ 40 years old)], body mass index (BMI), smoking status, infertility period, cause of infertility, baseline follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol (E2), thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin levels, antral follicle count, duration of stimulation, stimulation protocol, gonadotropin dose required, maximum E2 levels, progesterone levels, endometrial thickness on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration and transfer days (p > 0.05). The numbers of oocytes retrieved, metaphase II (MII), 2 pronucleus (2PN), , transferred embryo, fertilization rate, day of embryo transfer, the catheter effect and embryo transfer technique, and clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) were also comparable between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that the physician who transfers the embryos has no impact on CPRs in patients who have undergone IVF-ICSI, but further studies with more participants are required to elucidate this situation.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se há ou não efeito do médico que realiza a transferência de embriões nas taxas de gravidez no tratamento com fertilização in vitro-injeção intracitoplasmática de espermatozoide (FIV-ICSI, na sigla em inglês). MéTODOS: Um total de 757 participantes foram analisados entre 2012 e 2017. Os participantes foram classificados de acordo com 3 médicos que transferiram os embriões: ([grupo 1 = 164 pacientes]; [grupo 2 = 233 pacientes]; [grupo 3 = 360 pacientes]). Parâmetros basais e resultados de FIV-ICSI foram comparados entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Nenhuma diferença foi determinada entre os grupos nos parâmetros basais (idade, subgrupos de idade [20-29, 30-39 e ≥ 40 anos)], índice de massa corporal (IMC), tabagismo, período de infertilidade, causa da infertilidade, hormônio folículo estimulante basal , hormônio luteinizante, estradiol (E2), hormônio estimulador da tireoide, níveis de prolactina, contagem de folículos antrais, duração da estimulação, protocolo de estimulação, dose de gonadotrofina necessária, níveis máximos de E2, níveis de progesterona e espessura endometrial na administração de hCG e nos dias de transferência (p > 0,05). O número de oócitos recuperados, MII e 2PN, embrião transferido, taxa de fertilização, dia da transferência do embrião, o efeito do cateter e a técnica de transferência de embrião e taxas clínicas de gravidez (RCPs) também foram comparáveis entre os grupos (p > 0,05). CONCLUSãO: Nossos dados sugerem que o médico que transfere os embriões não tem impacto sobre as RCPs em pacientes que se submeteram a FIV-ICSI, mas mais estudos com mais participantes são necessários para elucidar esta situação.

Is There Any Effect of the Physician Performing Embryo Transfer in IVF-ICSI Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study / Existe algum efeito domédico que realiza a transferência de embriões no tratamento de FIV-ICSI: Um estudo de coorte prospectivo

Abstract Objective To evaluate whether there is an effect of the physician who transfers the embryos on pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) treatment. Methods A total of 757 participants were analyzed between 2012 and 2017. Participants were classified according to 3 physicians who transferred the embryos: ([group 1=164 patients]; [group 2=233 patients]; [group 3=360 patients]). Baseline parameters and IVF-ICSI outcomes were compared between the groups. Results No differences were determined between the groups regarding the baseline parameters (age, age subgroups [20-29, 30-39, and ≥ 40 years old)], body mass index (BMI), smoking status, infertility period, cause of infertility, baseline follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol (E2), thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin levels, antral follicle count, duration of stimulation, stimulation protocol, gonadotropin dose required, maximum E2 levels, progesterone levels, endometrial thickness on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration and transfer days (p>0.05). The numbers of oocytes retrieved,metaphase II (MII), 2 pronucleus (2PN), transferred embryo, fertilization rate, day ofembryo transfer, the catheter effect and embryo transfer technique, and clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) were also comparable between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion Our data suggests that the physician who transfers the embryos has no impact on CPRs in patients who have undergone IVF-ICSI, but further studies with more participants are required to elucidate this situation.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar se há ou não efeito do médico que realiza a transferência de embriões nas taxas de gravidez no tratamento com fertilização in vitro-injeção intracitoplasmática de espermatozoide (FIV-ICSI, na sigla em inglês). Métodos Um total de 757 participantes foram analisados entre 2012 e 2017. Os participantes foram classificados de acordo com 3 médicos que transferiram os embriões: ([grupo 1=164 pacientes]; [grupo 2=233 pacientes]; [grupo 3=360 pacientes]). Parâmetros basais e resultados de FIV-ICSI foram comparados entre os grupos. Resultados Nenhuma diferença foi determinada entre os grupos nos parâmetros basais (idade, subgrupos de idade [20-29, 30-39 e ≥ 40 anos)], índice de massa corporal (IMC), tabagismo, período de infertilidade, causa da infertilidade, hormônio folículo estimulante basal , hormônio luteinizante, estradiol (E2), hormônio estimulador da tireoide, níveis de prolactina, contagem de folículos antrais, duração da estimulação, protocolo de estimulação, dose de gonadotrofina necessária, níveis máximos de E2, níveis de progesterona e espessura endometrial na administração de hCG e nos dias de transferência (p>0,05). O número de oócitos recuperados, MII e 2PN, embrião transferido, taxa de fertilização, dia da transferência do embrião, o efeito do cateter e a técnica de transferência de embrião e taxas clínicas de gravidez (RCPs) também foram comparáveis entre os grupos (p>0,05). Conclusão Nossos dados sugerem que o médico que transfere os embriões não tem impacto sobre as RCPs em pacientes que se submeteram a FIV-ICSI, mas mais estudos com mais participantes são necessários para elucidar esta situação.

The effect of embryo transfer technique on pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether embryo transfer affects pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,257 patients who underwent IVF-ICSI treatment between 2012 and 2017 were included in this study. Subjects were categorized according to the embryo transfer technique that was required: group 1 (n=1,657) underwent easy transfer with a soft catheter; group 2 (n=548) received external guidance transfers; and group 3 (n=52) experienced difficult transfers with a stylet. Basal parameters, clinical and laboratory IVF-ICSI outcomes, and clinical pregnancy rates (CPR) were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups in terms of age, body mass index, smoking status, duration and etiology of infertility, baseline follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol (E2), thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin levels, antral follicle count, duration of stimulation, stimulation protocol, total gonadotropin dose required, peak E2 levels, progesterone levels, and endometrial thickness on human chorionic gonadotropin administration and transfer days (p>0.05). The numbers of oocytes retrieved, MII and 2PN, fertilization rate, day of embryo transfer, and CPRs were also comparable between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that embryo transfer has no impact on pregnancy rates in patients who undergo IVF-ICSI treatment. Further studies with more participants are required to elucidate this situation.

Early-cleavage versus blastocyst stage embryo transfer: a prospective comparative study

Objective: To evaluate whether or not embryo transfer (ET) day has an effect on the rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR) and live birth (LBR) in in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) treatment. Material and Methods: A total of 757 patients who underwent IVF-ICSI treatment between 2012 and 2017 were included. The participants were stratified into three groups according to ET day: group 1 (day 2 transfer, n=43); group 2 (day 3 transfer, n=633); and group 3 [day 5 (blastocyst) transfer, n=81]. Basal parameters and IVF-ICSI outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: Group 1 and 2 patients were older, had a higher body mass index, worse response rate, lower antral follicle count, lower peak estradiol levels, and less endometrial thickness, and required higher total gonadotropin dose than group 3. In addition, the number of oocytes and metaphase II oocytes, fertilization rate, and 2 pronucleus number were statistically different between the groups. The CPR (19.5% vs 36.9% vs 39.0%, respectively) and LBR (14.6% vs 30.4% vs 35.1%, respectively) were significantly lower in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05). Grade 1 embryos were significantly more prevalent in groups 1 and 2 with clinical pregnancy positive [odds ratio (OR): 4.444; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.876-22.536; p=0.001 and OR: 1.756; 95% CI: 1.234-2.500; p<0.001) and live birth (OR: 5.021; 95% CI: 0.787-31.768; p=0.001 and OR: 1.676; 95% CI: 1.154-2.433; p=0.007). Conclusions: These data suggest that an earlier ET day has a negative effect on the CPR. Older primary infertile women should not postpone their desire to have a baby because they appear to be poorer responders.

Evaluation of Ovaries in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome using Shear Wave Elastography.

BACKGROUND: Shear wave electrography (SWE) is a novel non-invasive imaging technique which demonstrate tissue elasticity. Recent research evaluating the elasticity properties of normal and pathological tissues emphasize the diagnostic importance of this technique. AIMS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by menstrual irregularity, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic overgrowth, may cause infertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the elasticity of ovaries in patients with PCOS using SWE. METHODS: 66 patients diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria (PCOS = group I) and 72 patients with non-PCOS (Control = group II), were included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded. Ovarian elasticity was assessed in all patients with SWE, and speed values were obtained from the ovaries. The elasticity of the ovaries was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: While there were statistically significant differences between the groups in body mass index (BMI), right and left ovarian volumes, luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels (p<0.05), no significant differences were found between groups I and II in the velocity (for the right ovary 3.89±1.81 vs. 2.93±0.72, p=0.301; for the left ovary 2.88±0.65 vs. 2.95±0.80, p=0.577) and elastography (for the right ovary 36.62±17.78 vs. 36.79±14.32, p=0.3952; for the left ovary 36.56±14.15 vs. 36.26±15.10, p=0.903) values, respectively. CONCLUSION: We could not obtain different velocity and elastography values from the ovaries of the patients with PCOS using SWE. Therefore, further large-scale studies are needed to elucidate this issue.

Sexual function and depressive symptoms in primary infertile women with vitamin D deficiency undergoing IVF treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and depression in primary infertile women with 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH VD) deficiency undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF)-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 women with 25-OH VD3 deficiency (<20 ng/mL = group 1), 80 women with 25-OH VD3 insufficiency (20-29.9 ng/mL = group 2), and 80 women with a normal 25-OH VD3 level (30-60 ng/mL = group 3) were included the study. Female sexual function and depression were measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found among the groups in terms of demographic characteristics, baseline and laboratory parameters. Statistically significant differences were observed among the groups with regard to FSD and depression. The FSFI (group 1 = 22.46 ± 2.13, group 2 = 25.82 ± 2.13 and group 3 = 28.66 ± 2.13, respectively) and sexual domain scores were low in women with 25-OH VD deficiency, and the number of women with depression (BDI score ≥ 17) was high (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the sexual domain scores were positively correlated with the 25-OH VD level, and the BDI score showed a significant negative correlation with the total FSFI score and 25-OH VD levels. CONCLUSION: The 25-OH VD status was associated with FSD and depression and that the degree of sexual dysfunction could depend on the severity of 25-OH VD levels. Further studies are needed to elucidate this issue.

Investigation of serum vitamin D and ischaemia-modified albumin levels in infertile Turkish men.

Our aim was to explore the existence of a possible relationship of sperm motility with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH VD) levels and with ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in infertile Turkish men. A total of 30 men with nonobstructive azoospermia (no spermatozoa in ejaculate), 30 men with oligospermia (total progressive motile sperm count (TPMSC) <15 × 106 /ml) and 33 fertile men with normospermia (with at least one child, as the control group) were enrolled in the study. The mean 25-OH VD levels for groups 1, 2 and 3 were 9.31 ± 6.46, 19.71 ± 12.80 and 30.52 ± 12.49 respectively (p < .05). There was a statistically significant difference in serum IMA levels among the groups (479.32 ± 307.56 vs. 296.37 ± 127.27 vs. 150.04 ± 81.05, respectively; p < .05). A positive correlation between serum 25-OH VD levels and TPMSC, and a negative correlation between TPMSC and serum IMA levels were determined. Infertile men had lower serum 25-OH VD and higher IMA levels than fertile men, with a positive correlation between serum 25-OH VD levels and TPMSC, and a negative correlation between TPMSC and serum IMA levels. Vitamin D supplementation may increase the sperm motility.

Effects of preoperative anxiety on postcesarean delivery pain and analgesic consumption: general versus spinal anesthesia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of preoperative anxiety on the postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in patients undergoing cesarean deliveries (CDs).Materials and methods: This observational cohort study included 160 women, with ages ranging from 18 to 40 years old and a 37-week minimum gestation, received general (Group 1, n = 80) or spinal (Group 2, n = 80) anesthesia during an elective CD. The State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), Trait Anxiety Inventory (TAI), and Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS) were used to measure the prenatal anxiety. The postoperative pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the pain and analgesic requirements were recorded at the 1st, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th postoperative hours.Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the demographics, clinical characteristics, or laboratory parameters. In addition, there were no differences with regard to the mean SAI, TAI, and SSAS scores and the diclofenac and pethidine consumptions (p > .05). The 1st hour [4.15 ± 1.84 versus 3.28 ± 2.41, odds ratio (OR) = 0.832, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.725-0.956, p = .009], 6th hour (3.85 ± 2.02 versus 3.13 ± 1.51, OR = 0.793, 95% CI = 0.668-0.942, p = .008), and 12th hour (3.64 ± 2.11 versus 2.94 ± 2.03, OR = 0.851, 95% CI = 0.737-0.983, p = .028) VAS scores were lower in Group 2 than in Group 1. No correlations were noted between the SAI, TAI, and SSAS scores and the VAS.Conclusions: While the patients with preoperative SAI scores >45 and who underwent cesarean deliveries (CDs) with general anesthesia had higher pain intensity scores in the first 12 hours than those underwent CDs with the spinal anesthesia, no difference was observed between the groups in terms of the postoperative analgesic requirements. Evaluating the patient's anxiety state and psychiatric evaluation may be useful for decreasing the postoperative pain intensity. Further studies are needed to corroborate our findings.

Does the anti-Müllerian hormone truly reflect ovarian response in women with endometrioma?

In this study, our aim was to determine which factor is more correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved in patients with endometrioma compared with controls undergoing in vitro fertilisation-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) cycles: antral follicle count (AFC) or anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). A total of 60 women with endometrioma and a control population of 60 women without endometrioma in the same period were randomly selected underwent the injection IVF-ICSI treatment. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of age (28.78 ± 3.49 vs. 29.52 ± 2.47, p = .187), body mass index (23.62 ± 2.05 vs. 23.91 ± 2.11, p = .449), duration of infertility [(3 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-3), p = .139)], AMH level (1.52 ± 0.51 vs. 1.32 ± 0.92, p = .133), duration of stimulation [(9 (9-10) vs. 10 (9-10), p = .135)], total gonadotropin dose [(2750 (2262.5-3337.5) vs. 2770 (2680-3562.5), p = .125)], endometrial thickness [(10 (10-11) vs. 10 (9-11), p = .463)], fertilisation rates (67.20 ± 18.04 vs. 62.28 ± 17.13, p = .123), grade I embryo (43.3% vs. 30%, p = .185), clinical pregnancy rates (40% vs. 26.7%, p = .123), and the perinatal outcomes between the groups. The AFC was higher in the controls than in those with endometrioma (9.20 ± 1.80 vs. 6.32 ± 2.04, p < .001). The number of oocytes retrieved was also higher in the controls than in those with endometrioma [(7 (6-8) vs. 4 (4-5.75), p < .001)]. We found that women with endometrioma had a significantly lower number of oocytes retrieved than the controls despite the same AMH levels in both groups. AFC is a better marker of ovarian response than AMH in women with endometrioma undergoing IVF-ICSI. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Utilising the ovarian reserve is important in the success of ovarian stimulation and in evaluating the success of assisted reproductive technologies. The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level and the antral follicle count (AFC) are widely used in the prediction of ovarian functional reserve and response. However, no perfect marker exists in the evaluation of ovarian reserve and ovarian response. What do the results of this study add? Our study demonstrated that women with endometrioma have a significantly lower number of oocytes retrieved than the controls, despite the same AMH levels in both groups; which strongly suggests that AFC is a better reflection of ovarian response than AMH in women with endometrioma undergoing an in vitro fertilisation-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI). What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This important issue has been reviewed and discussed for years, however, the conclusions are still controversial. Additional research is needed to understand which ovarian reserve test could better predict ovarian response outcome?

Assessment of circulating betatrophin levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Objective: To investigate maternal serum levels of betatrophin and their relationship with total bile acid (TBA) levels in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).Materials and methods: Fifty-nine pregnant women with ICP (31 patients with severe and 28 patients with mild disease classifications) and 23 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies as the control group included the study. The maternal betatrophin, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin (FI), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels of the groups were compared.Results: Serum betatrophin levels were significantly higher in the ICP groups than in the control group (p = .04 and p < .001, respectively). The FI levels and HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in the severe ICP group than in the control group (p = .006 and p = .001, respectively). While a significant positive correlation was found between betatrophin levels and fasting and postprandial TBA levels, there was no significant correlation among betatrophin and HOMA-IR or FI levels.Conclusions: Betatrophin levels were shown to correlate with TBA levels, it provides a model for future studies to understand the physiopathology of ICP, a complex metabolic disease. Changes in betatrophin levels may shed light on the pathogenesis of ICP.

Hysterosalpingographic Findings of Infertile Patients Presenting to Our Reproductive Endocrinology Department: Analysis of 1,996 Cases.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the hysterosalpingography (HSG) findings of women with infertility in a tertiary center located in central Turkey. METHODS: A total of 1,996 patients undergoing the HSG procedure for the investigation of infertility from April 2012 to 2017 were retrospectively evaluated using the archives of the reproductive endocrinology and radiology departments. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with normal HSG findings (n = 1,549) and patients with abnormal HSG findings (n = 447) were compared, and the distribution of pathologies on the HSG examinations was evaluated as well. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between patients with normal and abnormal HSG findings in terms of age (25.68 ± 4.54 vs. 35.87 ± 2.65, p < 0.001), type (for secondary) and duration of infertility [43.1% vs. 50.6% (p = 0.006); 7 (1-22) vs. 2 (1-12) (p < 0.001), respectively], and baseline follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels [7.22 ± 1.38 vs. 7.55 ± 1.42 (p < 0.001); 45.54 ± 9.92 vs. 44.40 ± 9.99 (p < 0.001), respectively]. Among a total of 1,996 HSG examinations, 447 (22.39%) showed abnormalities, of which 237 (11.87%) were associated with tubal pathologies, 163 (8.17%) with uterine pathologies, and 47 (2.35%) with a combination of both. While the most common tubal pathology was one-sided distal tubal occlusion (2.91%), the most common uterine pathology was filling defects (4.16%). CONCLUSION: HSG is the most commonly used, well-tolerated, low-cost, and safe radiological procedure to use for the investigation of the causes of female infertility.

Serum progranulin levels are elevated in infertile women with obesity.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in serum progranulin and sex hormone levels in infertile women with obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 171 infertile women who had fertility desire were included in this cross-sectional study. The initial assessment included measurements of weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference to calculate body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio. All participants were categorised into two groups in accordance with BMI as a control group ( < 30 kg/m², n = 135) and a study group (≥ 30 kg/m², n = 36). After anthropometric measurements, venous blood samples were taken for analyses of oestradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone, total testosterone (TT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, anti-Müllerian hormone, and progranulin. RESULTS: The present study demonstrated that the overweight women had higher FSH levels (p < 0.01). Elevated TT levels were detected in obese women (p < 0.05). Progranulin concentrations were higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated that there was a relationship between the serum progranulin concentrations and BMI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support that the elevated progranulin levels are associated with obesity in infertile women. Therefore, infertile and obese patients may benefit if their serum progranulin levels decrease. Further studies are needed to elucidate this issue.

The effect of serum and follicular fluid secreted frizzle-related protein-5 on in vitro fertilization outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

In this study, we aimed to investigate serum and follicular fluid (FF) secreted frizzle-related protein-5 (Sfrp-5) levels in nonobese, nonhyperandrogenic patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), in addition to IVF outcomes. In total, 160 patients undergoing IVF treatment were included in the study: 80 patients diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria (group I, study) and 80 patients with the etiology of male factor infertility (group II, control). There were statistically significant between-group differences in serum estradiol (E2) levels on the day of hCG administration (2377.00 ± 733.23 vs. 1931.3 ± 1,010.69), the total gonadotropin dose required (2000.63 ± 1,051.87 vs. 1.134.69 ± 286.45), and the total number of retrieved oocytes (8.60 ± 2.06 vs. 11.05 ± 4.39) (p < 0.05). There was also a statistically significant between-group difference in serum and FF Sfrp-5 levels on the day of oocyte retrieval (11.40 ± 2.88 vs. 8.87 ± 1.85, p < 0.001; 11.06 ± 2.30 vs. 9.71 ± 2.15, p = 0.008; respectively). However, there were no between-group differences in fertilization rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth rates (p > 0.05). A correlation analysis showed that serum and FF Sfrp-5 levels were associated with insulin and inflammatory markers (p < 0.05). In a selected population of nonobese, nonhyperandrogenic PCOS patients, there was a significant difference in Sfrp-5 levels of the PCOS group versus those of the control group. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of Sfrp-5 in women with PCOS.

The impact of serum adropin and ischemia modified albumin levels based on BMI in PCOS.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and body mass index (BMI) on serum adropin and ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was performed with a total of 120 women [group1; non-PCOS = 60 (BMI < 25 = 30, BMI ≥25 = 30) and group 2; PCOS = 60 (BMI < 25 = 30, BMI ≥25 = 30)]. Blood samples were collected between the third and fifth days of the women's menstrual cycles after a night of fasting. RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups in relation to age, basal follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressures. A significant difference was found in basal luteinizing hormone, fasting glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, free testosterone levels, waist-to-hip ratios and the Ferriman-Gallwey scores between the PCOS and non-PCOS patients in the lean and overweight groups (p < 0.05). The serum adropin levels in the lean PCOS group were lower than in the lean non-PCOS group (p < 0.05) and were lower in the overweight PCOS group than in the overweight non-PCOS group (p < 0.05). There was also a statistically significant difference in serum IMA levels in the PCOS group than in the non-PCOS group in both the lean and overweight groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although serum adropin levels were significantly decreased in the PCOS group, IMA levels increased. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of adropin and IMA in women with PCOS and to use a new marker to monitorize treatment outcomes. < /p > < p >.

Comparison of Four Methods of Treating Ectopic Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of expectant management, single and multidose methotrexate (MTX) and surgical management of ectopic pregnancy (EP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the original files of 233 patients who were treated for EP between May 2009 and December 2016 were analyzed. The patients were assigned to the following groups based on the applied treatment methods: Group 1, expectant management (n = 24), Group 2, single-dose MTX (n = 144), Group 3, multiple-dose MTX (n = 25), and Group 4, surgical intervention (n = 40). The following parameters were recorded and assessed: sociodemographic characteristics, pelvic ultrasonography findings (gestational sac, ectopic mass appearance, positive fetal cardiac activity), serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels on Day 0, Day 4, and Day 7, and surgical procedures in women that underwent surgical interventions. RESULTS: The sociodemographic characteristics were similar in all four groups. The percentage of ectopic mass and positive fetal cardiac activity was greater and the diameter of the mass was larger in Group 4 than in the other groups. The ß-hCG values on Day 0, Day 4, and Day 7 were statistically different between the groups (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for the ß-hCG change for EP resolution was 18% between Day 0 and Day 4 (AUC = 0.726, p < 0.001) and 15% between Day 4 and Day 7 (AUC = 0.874, p < 0.001). The probability of the requirement for an additional dose of MTX was 0.78 (95% CI 0.71 - 0.87; p < 0.001) times lower in patients who had a > 18% decrease in ß-hCG levels from Day 0 to Day 4 in comparison to those who had a decrease < 18% from Day 0 to Day 4. The probability of the requirement for an additional dose of MTX was 1.64 (95% CI 1.25 - 2.16; p < 0.001) times greater in patients whose reduction in ß-hCG levels from Day 4 to Day 7 was < 15% in comparison to those who had > 15% reduction from Day 4 to Day 7. CONCLUSIONS: Additional dose requirements for patients with EP may be predicted early in the changes in ß-hCG levels between Day 0 and Day 4. Further prospective studies are required to elucidate this issue.