Second to fourth digit ratio, sex differences and antropometric measuments: their relationship in children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of socio-demographic factors and anthropometric measurements on 2/4 digit ratio in the school aged children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was completed in primary and secondary schools in the city center of Canakkale, Turkey. The students were seated at a table by the responsible doctor, and were asked to extend the palm of the right and left hand in the schools. Using a Vernier Caliper the 2/4 fingers were measured from the palm twice, and the results were noted together with socio-demographic information. Weight, length, waist and hip measurements were taken while students were behind a folding screen. RESULTS: A total of 1860 students from 5-14 years were included in the study. The right hand 2/4 digit ratio was 0.9765±0.035 and the left hand ratio was 0.9716±0.036 for girls. For the boys the ratios were 0.9688±0.035 for right hand and 0.9653±0.033 for left hand. The digit ratios of girls were significantly higher than boys and the right hand ratio was even greater. The 2/4 digit measurements of both hands of students were positively correlated with each other. In regression model left hand 2/4 ratio is dependent hip circumference, monthly income and gender as adjusted r2 0.051. The right hand 2/4 ratio was dependent gender, monthly income, hip circumference and birthweight as adjusted r2 0.041. CONCLUSIONS: The 2/4 digit ratio of school-aged in Turkish children differed based on gender. Digit ratios depend on the hip circumference, gender (girls have higher ratio), birthweight, gestation week and monthly income. Further research, especially the effect of monthly income, is needed.

The pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and red cell distribution width predict prognosis in patients with laryngeal carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to identify the potential prognostic roles of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). 81 patients who underwent surgery for the larynx carcinoma were enrolled in the study. NLR, PLR and RDW were used as outcome measures. Local recurrence was detected in 30 (37.0 %) patients and neck lymph node metastasis was detected 6 (7.4 %) patients during follow-up period. Mortality was seen in 7 (8.6 %) patients. The mean PLR in the T1 and T2 stage tumors were significantly lower than the T4 stage. The mean RDW and PLR were significantly higher in the exitus group than the survivor group. The mean NLR in the patients with local recurrence was significantly higher than the non-recurrent patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) was lower in patients with high NLR. When analyzed by the Cox regression analysis of factors affecting the local recurrence, NLR was found to significantly affect the recurrence. According to ROC analysis for mortality, NLR was not found to be a prognostic factor, although the PLR and RDW were significant prognostic factors. According to Cox regression analysis, a high PLR increases mortality 4.2 times and a high RDW 4.6 times. Although in univariate analysis MCV, RDW and tumor grade were predictors of mortality, RDW and tumor grade independent predictors were found. Further studies involving large patient groups are required.

The ischemia modified albumin and mean platelet volume levels in patients with Behçet's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with endothelial dysfunction. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a marker used in the detection of diseases associated with oxidative stress, vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and ischemia. Mean platelet volume (MPV) signifies the platelet function and activity. AIM: To show whether MPV and IMA are useful in revealing the oxidative stress and the risk of thrombosis in patients with BD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with BD and 28 healthy volunteers as a control group over 18 years of age were included in the study. Serum IMA and MPV levels were analyzed in both groups. RESULTS: The mean MPV values were identified as 0.86 ±0.15 and 0.82 ±0.08 (in the BD and control groups, respectively; p = 0.188) and the mean IMA values were 9.39 ±0.73 and 9.17 ±1.09 (in the BD and control groups, respectively; p = 0.275). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. The IMA values of BD patients who were in the active phase were significant as compared to inactive BD patients and control groups (p = 0.041). The IMA and MPV values of the thrombotic patients, non-thrombotic patients and control groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia-modified albumin may be a helpful marker of possible complications during an active period of BD.

The correlation between the psoriasis area severity index and ischemia-modified albumin, mean platelet volume levels in patients with psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), a novel ischemia marker, and mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet activation, have been reported as elevated markers in cardiovascular risk factors such as atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia. As psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease having comorbidities, IMA and MPV can help determine the risk factors for psoriasis. AIM: To investigate the correlation between the psoriasis area severity index (PASI), IMA and MPV levels in patients with psoriasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, case-control study was performed between January 2014 and December 2014 at the University hospital in Çanakkale, Turkey. Forty-five patients with psoriasis and 44 healthy volunteers over 18 years of age were included in the study. In the psoriasis patient group, clinical features and PASI scores were recorded. Serum IMA and MPV concentrations were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The mean IMA values were 0.85 ±0.15 and 0.79 ±0.09 (in the psoriasis patients and control groups, respectively), and there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.048). Ischemia-modified albumin levels were not correlated with PASI scores (r = 0.024; p = 0.889) but were correlated with disease duration (r = 0.323; p = 0.048). There was no statistically significant difference between the MPV values of the two groups (8.98 ±1.14 and 9.19 ±1.28 in the psoriasis patients and control groups, respectively) (p = 0.435). CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia-modified albumin may be used as a marker for detecting oxidative stress in patients with psoriasis, especially those with a long disease duration.

Prevalence of skin disorders in primary and secondary school age children in Canakkale, Turkey: a community-based survey.

INTRODUCTION: Skin lesions may be of dermatological importance, affect appearance, and cause problems communicating with peers and may be especially more significant in childhood. AIM: Information on the prevalence of pediatric dermatoses in Western Turkey. This study was aimed to define the existing data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Canakkale, Turkey, in September-December 2013. It involved 1,957 students from five randomly selected primary and secondary schools. Each student was interviewed for age, gender, and family history, and a dermatologic examination was performed by a dermatologist. Data were coded and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the students, 79.9% revealed at least one dermatosis. The most common disease was benign neoplasms (76%), followed by pigmentary disorders (26.8%), and xerosis (5.8%). In primary schools, the acquired melanocytic nevus, hypopigmented macule, and xerosis; in secondary school the acne was statistically significantly more common. Acne and xerosis was more common in girls, and pityriasis alba was statistically more common in boys. Students who had at least one dermatosis were positively correlated with monthly income. CONCLUSIONS: In Turkish school age children, the prevalence of dermatosis is 79.9%. It may be due to not using preventive means for adequate protection from the sun and other environmental factors. Infectious dermatosis and atopic dermatitis are rare and it may depend on the adequacy of public health work.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Is Increased in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have high cardiovascular morbidity, and, in general, epicardial adipose tissue thickness is related to atherosclerotic vascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and carotid intima-media thickness as markers of early atherosclerosis in patients with IBD. METHODS: The study comprised 47 patients with IBD (25 with Crohn disease and 22 with ulcerative colitis) and 35 control participants. In all individuals, epicardial adipose tissue and carotid intima-media thickness values were measured by sonography. RESULTS: The mean age ± SD of the 47 patients with IBD was 42.3 ± 11.2 years, versus 41.4 ± 10.1 years for the control group. The epicardial adipose tissue thickness was higher in both the Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis groups compared to the control group (P < .001), but not the carotid intima-media thickness (P = .695 and .917, respectively). There was a strong positive correlation between the carotid intima-media and epicardial adipose tissue thickness values in the Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis groups (r = 0.757; 95% confidence interval, 0.711-0.901; r = 0.786; 95% confidence interval, 0.364-0.615; both P < .001). However, there was no significant difference between the patients who were in the active and inactive disease periods in both groups in terms of carotid intima-media and epicardial adipose tissue thickness values. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that epicardial adipose tissue thickness might be a marker for detection of early atherosclerosis in patients with IBD. There was a strong positive correlation between carotid intima-media thickness and epicardial adipose tissue thickness values in the patients with IBD. However, there was no correlation between IBD activity and carotid intima-media or epicardial adipose tissue thickness.

PREVALENCE OF FALLS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG AGED POPULATION: COMMUNITY BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM TURKEY.

AIM: The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of falls among persons aged 65 years and older in Qanakkale, Turkey. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted between May-September 2013. A total of 1,001 elderly living in Çanakkale city centre were included into our study. The research was carried out with face-to-face interviews and survey forms. The survey form consists of seven sections: demographic characteristics, significance of ageing, daily activities, quality of life and social network in old age, use of health services and health problems, bad habits, and the European Health Impact Scale. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 19.0. For data investigation the chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of falls at home or outside was 32.1% among elderly in the last six months period. The prevalence of falling for women at home as well as outside was statistically significantly higher than for men (p < 0.05). According to multivariate analysis results the risk of falling at home or outside was increased by 2.7 times in women (95% CI: 1.90-3.75), by. 2.1 times in those who cannot take care of themselves (95% Cl: 1.33-3.29), and by 1.7 times in those who have low quality of life (95% Cl: 1.24-2.43). CONCLUSIONS: This community based cross-sectional study showed that prevalence of falling was high in aged persons living in centre of Çanakkale located in the western part of Turkey. Moreover, the risk was increased in women, those who cannot take care for themselves, and those with low standard of living.

Association between teething and independent walking in healthy children.

Developing teeth provide a reliable indication of maturation and biological age. The objective of this study was to establish whether there is any association between the time of emergence of the first primary tooth and the time when independent walking occurs. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 206 healthy children (95 girls and 111 boys) aged 12 to 60 (mean: 29.79±0.66) months who were able to walk independently. The study was conducted using a questionnaire that was filled out by the parents. The first primary tooth emerged at 6.86±0.14 (min: 3-max: 13) months; the mean independent walking time was 12.58±2.15 (min: 8.50-max: 24.00) months. There was no correlation between the first teething and independent walking times (r=0.045, p=0.523). Factors such as breastfeeding status, intake of vitamins, walker usage and body mass index were found not to affect the time of either emergence of the first deciduous tooth or independent walking. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper in literature to have researched the relationship between the time of emergence of the first deciduous tooth and that of independent walking. It should be explained to parents that there is no relationship between the two in order to resolve anxiety when their child acquires a tooth but does not walk, or vice versa.

EVALUATING PESTICIDE USE AND SAFETY PRACTICES AMONG FARMWORKERS IN GALLIPOLI PENINSULA, TURKEY.

Unsafe pesticide use among farmworkers is a major public health problem in Turkey. This study aimed to investigate pesticide use and safety practices of farmers in a village of Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey. This cross sectional study was conducted with 117 farmers. The questionnaire included questions on demographic data, knowledge, attitudes, and safety practices concerning pesticides. The mean age of participants was 42.8 years, and 38.5% was female participants. Of the total 177 respondents, 77.8% reported that they prepared the chemical mixture at a public fountain, whereas 22.2% prepared it in their houses. Almost half (44.4%) reported that they experienced at least one health problem after pesticide application in the previous one year. Total scores for pesticide safety practices of the subjects, who declared that they experienced at least one health problem after the application in the previous one year, were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.001). Their responses about safe use of pesticides and storage conditions were very striking. Our findings indicated that there is a need to increase health promotion activities through training, and the local administrations should promote safe use of pesticides by farm workers.

Dog-assisted therapies and activities in rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and physical and mental disabilities.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate dog-assisted therapies and activities in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and physical and mental disabilities who have difficulties in benefiting from well-being and health-improving services. This descriptive-explanatory study was conducted in disabled children of various ages between 2008 and 2011 by an experienced team in a private training and rehabilitation center in Antalya (Turkey). In this study, five study groups were formed among the children with physical and mental disabilities. During the therapy studies, three dogs were used. For each therapy group, the goals for the children and therapist were defined, and the activities were determined according to these goals. The entire study process was followed using audio-records and photographs of patients. The expected targets were reached in all study groups. The children who experienced fear, anxiety and difficulties due to their disabilities in daily life learned to cope with their anxieties and fears, set goals and make plans to achieve their aims. During this study, the children improved their abilities to use their bodies according to their capabilities. Accordingly, they improved their ability to develop empathy between themselves and a therapy dog, to receive and present help, and to communicate. The results of the present study revealed that dog-assisted therapies and activities can be a supportive method for routine treatment procedures in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and physical and mental disabilities.

Association between mean platelet volume and bone mineral density in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

[Purpose] The aim this study was to assess the relation between bone mineral density (BMD) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, and evaluate the diagnostic role of the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). [Subjects and Methods] Fifty patients diagnosed with AS were divided into two groups on the basis of BMD, a normal group (n=30) and an osteopenic (n=20) group. [Results] Duration of disease in the group with a normal BMD was 10.3±7.0 years, while it was 16.7±12.2 years in the osteopenia group. MPV was high in the osteopenia group, while no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and platelet distribution width (PDW). There was a positive correlation between MPV and duration of disease. Correlations between ADC value and the lumbar T score, femoral neck T score, and duration of disease were insignificant. A negative correlation was observed between BMD and disease duration. [Conclusion] Diffusion-weighted imaging provides valuable results in osteoporosis but is not a suitable technique for evaluating BMD in patients with AS because of the local and systemic inflammatory effects in the musculoskeletal system. The common pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis plays an important role in the negative correlation observed between MPV and BMD in patients with AS.

The accuracy of urinary ultrasound in the diagnosis of urinary stone disease in patients with acute flank pain: is it influenced by the time of ultrasound performance during the day or week?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is to investigate the possible impact of timing of ultrasound (US) during the day or week on its diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: We analyzed the records of 500 patients who underwent an initial urinary US, followed by a noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) for the assessment of urinary stone disease. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, negative and positive likelihood ratio, and overall diagnostic accuracy rates of US and were analyzed at different times of the day or week. RESULTS: The specificity and diagnostic accuracy of urinary US showed a decline toward the middle of the week followed by a steady rise by the end of the week, higher sensitivity for urinary US was noticed around mid-week. On the other hand, when urinary US results are subgrouped according to the time of the day they are performed, the specificity remained generally stable but the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy showed lowest levels between 11:00 a.m. and 02:00 p.m. and between 04:00 p.m. and 05:00 p.m. Although some observational differences between sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of urinary US performed at different times of the day or week are seen, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed no significant influence of US timing on its diagnostic accuracy. A larger randomized prospective series is necessary to evaluate the impact of different factors on "precision" and "accuracy" in US reporting and, hence, the diagnostic accuracy of urinary US in identifying urinary stone disease.

Effects of Boric Acid on Fracture Healing: An Experimental Study.

Boric acid (BA) has positive effects on bone tissue. In this study, the effects of BA on fracture healing were evaluated in an animal model. Standard closed femoral shaft fractures were created in 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats under general anesthesia. The rats were allocated into five groups (n = 8 each): group 1, control with no BA; groups 2 and 3, oral BA at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg/day, respectively; group 4, local BA (8 mg/kg); and group 5, both oral and local BA (8 mg/kg/day orally and 8 mg/kg locally). After closed fracture creation, the fracture line was opened with a mini-incision, and BA was locally administered to the fracture area in groups 4 and 5. In groups 2, 3, and 5, BA was administered by gastric gavage daily until sacrifice. The rats were evaluated by clinical, radiological, and histological examinations. The control group (group 1) significantly differed from the local BA-exposed groups (groups 4 and 5) in the clinical evaluation. Front-rear and lateral radiographs revealed significant differences between the local BA-exposed groups and the control and other groups (p < 0.05). Clinical and radiological evaluations demonstrated adequate agreement between observers. The average histological scores significantly differed across groups (p = 0.007) and were significantly higher in groups 4 and 5 which were the local BA (8 mg/kg) and both oral and local BA (8 mg/kg/day orally and 8 mg/kg locally), respectively, compared to the controls. This study suggests that BA may be useful in fracture healing. Further research is required to demonstrate the most effective local dosage and possible use of BA-coated implants.

Effects of Local Administration of Boric Acid on Posterolateral Spinal Fusion with Autogenous Bone Grafting in a Rodent Model.

Spinal fusion is among the most frequently applied spinal surgical procedures. The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether the local administration of boric acid (BA) improves spinal fusion in an experimental spinal fusion model in rats. Currently, there is no published data that evaluates the possible positive effects if the local administration of BA on posterolateral spinal fusion. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four independent groups: no material was added at the fusion area for group 1; an autogenous morselized corticocancellous bone graft was used for group 2; an autogenous morselized corticocancellous bone graft with boric acid (8.7 mg/kg) for group 3; and only boric acid was placed into the fusion area for group 4. The L4-L6 spinal segments were collected at week 6, and the assessments included radiography, manual palpation, and histomorphometry. A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with regard to the mean histopathological scores (p = 0.002), and a paired comparison was made with the Mann-Whitney U test to detect the group/groups from which the difference originated. It was determined that only the graft + BA practice increased the histopathological score significantly with regard to the control group (p = 0.002). Whereas, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the manual assessment of fusion and radiographic analysis (respectively p = 0.328 and p = 0.196). This preliminary study suggests that BA may clearly be useful as a therapeutic agent in spinal fusion. However, further research is required to show the most effective dosage of BA on spinal fusion, and should indicate whether BA effects spinal fusion in the human body.

Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Borrelia species antibodies in patients with schizophrenia: a case-control study from western Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: We examined IgG antibody seroprevalence and risk factors for anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Borrelia sp. in schizophrenic patients. METHODS: This case-control study included 30 schizophrenic patients and 60 healthy individuals. Serological analyses were identified by using ELISA technique. RESULTS: In the case group the Toxoplasma seropositivity was 33.3% and Borrelia seropositivity was 13.3%, while in the control group the Toxoplasma positivity was 21.7% and Borrelia seropositivity was 15.0%. There was no significant difference with regard to seroprevalence between the groups (P = 0.232; P = 0.832, respectively). There was statistically significant difference between case and control groups related to hand and kitchen utensil hygiene after dealing with raw meat (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed the rate of Toxoplasma antibodies was higher in the case group, while the rate of Borrelia antibodies was higher in the control group. In both groups the high rates of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii and Borrelia sp. is thought to be due to neglect of personal hygiene. The present study also is the first to examine the association between Borrelia sp. and schizophrenia. Further studies are needed to determine whether there is an association between Borrelia sp. and schizophrenia or not.

Association between apparent diffusion coefficient and intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the relation between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and degenerative disc disease emerging in association with various intrinsic and extrinsic factors and to evaluate the correlation between degree of degeneration in intervertebral discs and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with AS and a control group of 35 patients were included in the study. Three hundred fifty intervertebral discs were assessed in terms of degeneration by analyzing signal intensities and morphologies on T2 weighted series of a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner. ADC values were determined in diffusion weighted images (DWI) using a "b value of 500 s/mm(2)". Patients in the AS and control groups were compared in terms of intervertebral disc degeneration, and association between degree of degeneration and ADC values was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean of total degeneration degrees for five lumbar intervertebral discs was significantly higher in the patients with AS compared to the control group (16.77±4.67 vs 13.00±4.08, respectively; P=0.001). When intervertebral discs were analyzed separately, disc degeneration was again significantly higher in patients with AS compared to the control group, with the exception of L5-S1. Age, cholesterol level, triglyceride level, duration of disease and BASFI index were significantly associated with degree of degeneration in patients with AS. A negative correlation was determined between disc degeneration and ADC value. CONCLUSION: AS is a risk factor for degenerative disc disease due to its systemic effects, the fact it leads to posture impairment and its inflammatory effects on the vertebrae. A decrease in ADC values is observed as degeneration worsens in degenerative disc disease.

Prolonged pacifier usage in infancy does not cause eating behavior problem later.

The objective of this study conducted in children aged 3-7 years was to determine whether pacifier use during infancy is associated with eating problems in later periods. A total of 85 children (55.2 ±12.3 months) admitted to hospital with eating problems and with no organic pathology in scans, and 97 healthy children (52.24±10.97 months) without eating problems, were assigned to case and control groups, respectively. Eating problems were classified into five groups and investigated via a questionnaire. The presence of eating problems was analyzed for association with pacifier use. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of pacifier use (chi-square test: 0.141, p=0.707), and pacifier use is not related to a poor appetite in later periods. Pediatric healthcare providers and parents should be informed with regard to the subject.

Plicae palmatae: an anatomical uterine cervix variation to be considered on magnetic resonance images.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to research the frequency and distribution of plicae palmatae in women in different age groups. METHODS: Data of 409 female patients' magnetic resonance images were evaluated. RESULTS: We found a frequency of plicae palmatae variations in the study population of 44.5%. It was statistically most frequent in the fourth decade. The presence of plicae palmatae variations in the period after menopause was significantly lower than that during the reproductive period. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of plicae palmatae may be misdiagnosed as uterine septum and more awareness of this situation is required to prevent unnecessary surgery.

Is abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy related to endothelial dysfunction?

OBJECTIVE: Endothelial dysfunction is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and gestational diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance. METHODS: Pregnant women who had impaired glucose metabolism in the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and their age- and body mass index-matched controls were included in the study and assessed for flow-mediated vasodilatation to evaluate endothelial dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients participated in the study. There were 20 patients in the control group, 13 in the impaired glucose tolerance group and 18 in the gestational diabetes mellitus group. Flow-mediated vasodilatation measured at the 60th and 120th seconds were significantly lower in the impaired glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes mellitus groups than in the control group (8.5 ± 5.7 and 8.9 ± 6.5 versus 14.9 ± 9.0, p=0.022 and 6.2 ± 6.7 and 5.2 ± 5.0 versus 12.0 ± 8.3, p=0.011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance have impaired endothelial dysfunction. Delivery might have protective effects on endothelial functions. The significance of impaired endothelial dysfunction for pregnant women must be investigated, and if needed, lifestyle changes might be suggested, according to the determined importance of the endothelial dysfunction.

Is there any relationship between adverse pregnancy outcome and first trimester nuchal translucency measurements in normal karyotype fetuses?

AIM: This study aims to research whether there is a relationship between first trimester nuchal translucency (NT) measurements and pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension (GHT), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and oligohydramnios. METHOD: This study included 225 singleton pregnancies attending Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic for all monitoring and examinations, and gave birth at our clinic between January 2011 and December 2012. Data sources were clinical records and the hospital's automation system, and the study was planned as retrospective cohort. NT measurement was made between 10 weeks 3 days and 13 weeks 6 days gestation. For data analysis, the chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation were used. RESULTS: Of pregnancies, in the study, 5 (2.2%) developed GDM, 6 (2.6%) developed GHT, 2 (0.89%) developed IUGR and 10 (4.4%) developed oligohydramnios. There was no correlation identified between NT measurements and development of GDM, GHT, IUGR and oligohydramnios. CONCLUSION: There was no relationship found between first trimester NT measurements and complications that could develop in pregnancy. For the first time in the literature, NT and oligohydramnios were studied and no relationship was observed.