Perinatal outcomes of borderline diabetic pregnant women.

We examined the perinatal outcomes of borderline diabetic pregnant women who had impaired 50 g oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) results, but normal 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results. Our study group included 70 pregnant women who had increased 50 g OGCT results, but normal 100 g OGTT results, and a control group of 122 pregnant women with normal 50 g OGCT results. Polyhydramnios, macrosomia and neonatal birth weight were significantly higher in the study group. After adjusting the results for possibly affecting variables, the risk of polyhydramnios remained significant, while the risk of macrosomia and neonatal birth weight was not significant between the groups. The results from the study group were similar to the control group, when adjusted for other risk factors. Increased 50 g OGCT results in pregnant women can be accepted as a benign state if the 100 g OGTT results are normal.

The effects of ischaemic preconditioning on ovarian apoptosis and p53 expression during laparoscopy.

We aimed to explore the effects of ischaemic preconditioning (IP) used to reduce ischaemic injury during laparoscopy on ovarian apoptosis and p53 expression. A total of 32 rats were randomly allocated into four groups consisting of eight in each as follows: Group I was subjected to a sham operation without pneumoperitoneum (Pp). Group II was subjected to 5 min of Pp with 15 mmHg pressure of CO(2) followed immediately by 5 min of deflation, after that, 60 min of Pp and deflation. Group III was subjected to 10 min of Pp and deflation. Group IV was subjected to 60 min of Pp and deflation. The ovarian tissues were histologically and immunohistochemically processed. The number of apoptotic and p53(+) cells were measured. All the data revealed that ovarian apoptosis and p53 expression were highest in group IV. Apoptotic cells and p53(+) cells were lower in IP groups. Additionally, group II had significantly lower p53(+) cells compared with group III. Pp induces higher amount of apoptosis and p53 expression in ovary but preconditioning may have protective effects during laparoscopy. Furthermore, 5 min of preconditioning may be more effective. Therefore, the effects of Pp and preconditioning should be considered for the ovary during laparoscopy.

Assessment of serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in patients with endometrial cancer.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Serum paraoxonase (PON 1) is one of the most important enzymatic antioxidants that hydrolyzes lipid peroxidation, an indicator of carcinogenic activity. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in patients with endometrial cancer to those of healthy controls. METHODS: Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, total free sulphydryl (-SH) groups and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels were measured in patients with endometrial cancer (n = 20) and controls (n = 23). RESULTS: Serum paraoxonase, arylesterase activities and total -SH group levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001; respectively), while LOOH levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Among patients, serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were inversely correlated with LOOH levels (r = -0.680, p < 0.05; r = -0.708, p < 0.001; respectively), while these were positively correlated with the total -SH group (r = 0.526, p < 0.05; r = 0.508, p < 0.05; respectively). CONCLUSION: Reduced serum PON 1 activity might contribute to an impaired antioxidant defense system which plays a critical role in carcinogenesis in patients with endometrial cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary in young patient with elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of malignant transformation in mature cystic teratomas. It mainly effects postmenopausal women but is rarely seen in young patients. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) tumor marker is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein, frequently elevated in gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. CA19-9 levels can increase in both dermoid cysts and in malignant transformation of dermoid cysts. Herein we report a case of squamous cell carcinoma originating from a dermoid cyst in a 31-year-old, gravida 0, para 0, single woman with high levels of CA19-9 and normal levels of CEA. Preoperative CA19-9 was 1000 U/ml (normal range below 27 U/ml). The patient underwent unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, appendectomy, pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. After the pathologic analysis of the material, the patient was categorized as FIGO Stage IIa due to metastasis to the left tube. She received six cycles of cisplatin and paclitaxel at 21-day intervals. The postoperative first day, second month, and sixth month CA19-9 values were 602 U/ml, 33.5 U/ml and 22.3 U/ml, respectively. She is now doing well without recurrence of disease six months after the surgery. Squamous cell carcinomas originating from dermoid cysts are rare tumors especially seen in elderly patients with high levels of tumor markers (like CEA, SCCA). Every case may not have the same characteristics and management should be individualized.

Attitudes towards mode of delivery and cesarean on demand in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the attitudes of healthcare providers and the public in Turkey towards mode of delivery and cesarean delivery on demand. METHODS: A written questionnaire was given to female healthcare providers and women from the general public, and their answers were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 329 female healthcare providers and 347 women from the public group completed the survey. In response, 48.1% of healthcare providers and 69.6% of the public group chose vaginal delivery as the preferred mode of delivery (P<0.001). Some 45.3% of healthcare providers and 20.6% of the public group had undergone a cesarean delivery without any medical indications (P<0.001). In addition, 37.8% of healthcare providers and 36.2% of the public group believed that women should have the right to a cesarean delivery on demand. CONCLUSIONS: In the two groups studied the preference for cesarean delivery is higher in Turkish healthcare providers than in the public population. In both groups the attitude towards cesarean delivery on demand is high.