Treatment of Vulvovaginal Laxity by Electroporation: The Jett Plasma Medical for Her II Study.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal laxity is a widespread and undertreated medical condition associated especially with vaginal parity. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroporation therapy treatment of vulvovaginal laxity by the Jett Plasma for Her II device. METHODS: The Jett Plasma for Her II Study is a multicentric, prospective, randomized, single-blinded, and controlled study. Women presenting with vaginal laxity were randomized to receive electroporation therapy delivered to the vaginal tissue (active-82 patients) vs. therapy with zero intensity (placebo-9 patients). RESULTS: A total of 91 subjects whose average age was 48.69 ± 10.89 were included. Due to the results of a one-way analysis of variance, it may be concluded that in the case of the vaginal laxity questionnaire (VLQ), there is a statistically significant difference between actively treated patients and the placebo group (F1,574 = 46.91; p < 0.001). In the case of the female sexual function index (FSFI), a one-way ANOVA test also showed a statistically significant difference between the actively treated patients and the placebo group (F1,278 = 7.97; p = 0.005). In the case of the incontinence impact questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), a one-way ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference between the actively treated patients and the placebo group (F1,384 = 15.51; p < 0.001). It confirms that improvement of vaginal laxity is conjoined with benefits in symptoms of urinary incontinence. Biopsy performed after the end of the treatment shows an increase in the vaginal mucosa thickness by an average of 100.04% in the active group. The treatment was well tolerated with no adverse events. No topical anesthetics were required. CONCLUSIONS: Treatments of vulvovaginal laxity by electroporation therapy achieved significant and sustainable 12-month effectiveness. Responses to the questionnaires also suggest subjective improvement in self-reported sexual function, incontinence, sexual satisfaction, and urogenital distress.

Statement of the Expert Discussion Panel of the 1st Expert Conference on Point­of­Care ultrasound.

The document summarizes the statement of the expert discussion panel of the 1st Point- of-Care Ultrasonography, which took place on 14 November 2022 in Prague and which led to the foundation of the Czech Multidisciplinary Task Force Group for standards,education and research in Point-of-Care ultrasound (Czech POCUS group).

Dynamics of the vitamin D C3-epimer levels in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine levels of C3-epi-25(OH)D in very low birth weight infants. The secondary objective was to evaluate the possible influence of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and season of birth on the production of C3-epimers. METHODS: A total of 127 infants with birth weight less than 1,500 g met the inclusion criteria of the study. We examined 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D] levels and C3-epi-25(OH)D in maternal serum before labor, and in cord blood and infants' serum on days 14 and 28, and at discharge. RESULTS: The mean levels (±SD) of C3-epi-25(OH)D of the cord, on day 14, on day 28, and at discharge were 2.2 (2.9), 7.7 (5.5), 11.7 (7.6) and 14.9 (11.7) nmol/L respectively. The proportion of total 25(OH)D as the C3-epimer was 6.9% (cord), 16.3% (day 14), 22.4% (day 28) and 23.3% (discharge). A statistically significant correlation between 25(OH)D and C3-epi-25(OH)D can be demonstrated from birth. The severity of immaturity and IUGR did not affect the production of C3-epimers. In summer/autumn vs. winter/spring, the mean (SD) percentage of total 25(OH)D as the C3-epimer significantly differs only in maternal serum samples and umbilical cord samples (p value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The production of C3-epi-25(OH)D is functional even in the most immature newborns, has fetal origins, and is largely dependent on circulating 25(OH)D. At the end of the first month of life, C3-epimers make up more than 20% of 25(OH)D.

Amniotic fluid glucose level in PPROM pregnancies: a glance at the old friend.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the amniotic fluid glucose levels in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) based on the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and/or intra-amniotic inflammation. METHODS OF STUDY: A total of 142 women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM between gestational ages 24 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks were included. Amniocentesis was performed at the time of admission. The assessments of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (using both cultivation and non-cultivation techniques) and intra-amniotic inflammation (amniotic fluid interleukin-6 levels ≥ 3000 pg/mL) were performed on all the women. Based on the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and/or intra-amniotic inflammation, the women were further categorized into the subgroups: (i) intra-amniotic infection (the presence of both microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and intra-amniotic inflammation); (ii) sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (the presence of intra-amniotic inflammation without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity); (iii) colonization (the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity without intra-amniotic inflammation); and (iv) negative amniotic fluid (the absence of either microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity or intra-amniotic inflammation). Amniotic fluid glucose levels were assessed using enzymatic reference method with hexokinase. RESULTS: There was a difference in the amniotic fluid glucose levels among the women with intra-amniotic infection, sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, colonization, and those with negative amniotic fluid (p < .0001). No difference was found in the amniotic fluid glucose levels between women with intra-amniotic infection and those with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation [infection: median 11.6 mg/dL (0.7 mmol/L) vs. sterile: median 6.3 mg/dL (0.4 mmol/L); p = .41] and between women with colonization and negative amniotic fluid [colonization: median 21.6 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/L) vs. negative: median 23.4 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L; p = .67]. Women with intra-amniotic infection and sterile intra-amniotic inflammation had lower amniotic fluid glucose levels than women with colonization and with negative amniotic fluid in crude analysis as well as after adjustment for gestational age at sampling. Amniotic fluid glucose level of 10 mg/dL (0.56 mmol/L) was the optimal concentration for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation in women with PPROM. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of intra-amniotic inflammation was associated with lower amniotic fluid glucose levels in singleton pregnancies complicated with PPROM. An amniotic fluid glucose level of 10 mg/dL (0.56 mmol/L) was the optimal concentration for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation in PPROM pregnancies. In the absence of better amniotic fluid markers, amniotic glucose could be used as a marker of intra-amniotic inflammation, with very good specificity in PPROM pregnancies.

Intra-amniotic infection and sterile intra-amniotic inflammation in women with preterm labor with intact membranes are associated with a higher rate of Ureaplasma species DNA presence in the cervical fluid.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Ureaplasma spp. DNA and its load in the cervical fluid in women with preterm labor with intact membranes (PTL) complicated by intra-amniotic infection (the presence of both microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and intra-amniotic inflammation) or sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (the presence of intra-amniotic inflammation alone). METHODS: Overall, 115 women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PTL between gestational ages of 22 + 0 and 34 + 6 weeks were included in this study. Paired amniotic and cervical fluid samples were collected at the time of admission via transabdominal amniocentesis using a Dacron polyester swab. Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was diagnosed based on a combination of culture and molecular biology methods. Intra-amniotic inflammation was determined based on the concentration of interleukin-6 in the amniotic fluid. Bacterial and Ureaplasma spp. DNA loads were assessed in the cervical fluid using PCR. RESULTS: Intra-amniotic infection and sterile inflammation were identified in 14% (16/115) and 25% (29/115) of the women, respectively. Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid was identified in 51% (59/115) of women. The presence of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid was higher in women with intra-amniotic infection (75% (12/16)) and sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (76% (22/29)) than in women without intra-amniotic inflammation (36% (25/70); p = .0002). Concurrent presence of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis DNA was higher in women with intra-amniotic infection (42% (5/12)) than women with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (7% (2/29)) and women without intra-amniotic inflammation (7% (5/70); p = .001). There were no differences in the load of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid among women with intra-amniotic infection, sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, and those without intra-amniotic inflammation (median values; infection: 1.2 × 104 copies DNA/mL; sterile: 5.0 × 105 copies DNA/mL; without: 8.4 × 104 copies DNA/mL; p = .18). CONCLUSIONS: In PTL , both forms of intra-amniotic inflammation were associated with a higher prevalence of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid. The presence of intra-amniotic infection was related to a higher rate of concurrent Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis DNA in the cervical fluid.

Treatment options for locally recurrent vulvar cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Summarizing of treatment options for locally recurrent vulvar cancer in patients after previous complex oncological treatment and presenting a case report from our department. METHODS: Presenting a case report of a patient after previous complex oncological treatment for spinocellular cancer of the vulva who presented with a locally recurrent tumor. The patient was treated with a wide radical local excision of the tumor followed by a posterior thigh flap graft. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention is the primary mode of treatment in locally recurrent cancers of the vulva. Wide radical local excision as a mode of treatment can be optimized by the use of grafts aiding in wound healing.

History and current trends in the treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVE: Historical and current view on the therapy of overactive bladder. METHODS: This review summarizes the historical approach and current therapy of overactive bladder. The articles were gathered from Pubmed and Scopus databases. Studies published before December 2020 were used for the review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Overactive bladder is a condition that quite a lot reduces the quality of life of our patients. Our therapeutic approach starts with non-pharmacological treatment, such as pelvic floor exercises. The next step is a pharmacological approach. The entry level drug is trospium. If the effect is not sufficient, propiverine, solifenacin, fesoterodine, darifenacin or mirabegron are used. Electrostimulation or botulinum toxin A application is an option only in cases that didnt respond to pharmacological treatment. It is safe to say, that in the end, there is a way of reducing the severity of overactive bladder symptoms for every  patient.

Antibiotic administration reduces the rate of intraamniotic inflammation in preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes.

BACKGROUND: Preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (PPROM) is frequently complicated by intraamniotic inflammatory processes such as intraamniotic infection and sterile intraamniotic inflammation. Antibiotic therapy is recommended to patients with PPROM to prolong the interval between this complication and delivery (latency period), reduce the risk of clinical chorioamnionitis, and improve neonatal outcome. However, there is a lack of information regarding whether the administration of antibiotics can reduce the intensity of the intraamniotic inflammatory response or eradicate microorganisms in patients with PPROM. OBJECTIVE: The first aim of the study was to determine whether antimicrobial agents can reduce the magnitude of the intraamniotic inflammatory response in patients with PPROM by assessing the concentrations of interleukin-6 in amniotic fluid before and after antibiotic treatment. The second aim was to determine whether treatment with intravenous clarithromycin changes the microbial load of Ureaplasma spp DNA in amniotic fluid. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study included patients who had (1) a singleton gestation, (2) PPROM between 24+0 and 33+6 weeks, (3) a transabdominal amniocentesis at the time of admission, and (4) intravenous antibiotic treatment (clarithromycin for patients with intraamniotic inflammation and benzylpenicillin/clindamycin in the cases of allergy in patients without intraamniotic inflammation) for 7 days. Follow-up amniocenteses (7th day after admission) were performed in the subset of patients with a latency period lasting longer than 7 days. Concentrations of interleukin-6 were measured in the samples of amniotic fluid with a bedside test, and the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was assessed with culture and molecular microbiological methods. Intraamniotic inflammation was defined as a bedside interleukin-6 concentration ≥745 pg/mL in the samples of amniotic fluid. Intraamniotic infection was defined as the presence of both microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and intraamniotic inflammation; sterile intraamniotic inflammation was defined as the presence of intraamniotic inflammation without microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. RESULTS: A total of 270 patients with PPROM were included in this study: 207 patients delivered within 7 days and 63 patients delivered after 7 days of admission. Of the 63 patients who delivered after 7 days following the initial amniocentesis, 40 underwent a follow-up amniocentesis. Patients with intraamniotic infection (n = 7) and sterile intraamniotic inflammation (n = 7) were treated with intravenous clarithromycin. Patients without either microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity or intraamniotic inflammation (n = 26) were treated with benzylpenicillin or clindamycin. Treatment with clarithromycin decreased the interleukin-6 concentration in amniotic fluid at the follow-up amniocentesis compared to the initial amniocentesis in patients with intraamniotic infection (follow-up: median, 295 pg/mL, interquartile range [IQR], 72-673 vs initial: median, 2973 pg/mL, IQR, 1750-6296; P = .02) and in those with sterile intraamniotic inflammation (follow-up: median, 221 pg/mL, IQR 118-366 pg/mL vs initial: median, 1446 pg/mL, IQR, 1300-2941; P = .02). Samples of amniotic fluid with Ureaplasma spp DNA had a lower microbial load at the time of follow-up amniocentesis compared to the initial amniocentesis (follow-up: median, 1.8 × 104 copies DNA/mL, 2.9 × 104 to 6.7 × 108 vs initial: median, 4.7 × 107 copies DNA/mL, interquartile range, 2.9 × 103 to 3.6 × 107; P = .03). CONCLUSION: Intravenous therapy with clarithromycin was associated with a reduction in the intensity of the intraamniotic inflammatory response in patients with PPROM with either intraamniotic infection or sterile intraamniotic inflammation. Moreover, treatment with clarithromycin was related to a reduction in the load of Ureaplasma spp DNA in the amniotic fluid of patients with PPROM <34 weeks of gestation.

Association between periodontal disease and preterm prelabour rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: Periodontal disease is a possible contributing factor to preterm delivery. The aim of this study was to compare the periodontal status of women with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) and women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight women with PPROM at gestational ages between 24 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks and 77 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies, matched for gestational age at sampling without preterm birth, were included in this study. All women underwent evaluation of periodontal and oral hygiene status. RESULTS: Women with PPROM had higher gingival and plaque indexes in crude analysis (gingival index: median 0.80 versus 0.20; p < 0.0001; plaque index: median 0.80 versus 0.10; p < 0.0001), even after adjustment for smoking status (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001). Mean clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) values were higher in women with PPROM in the crude analysis (CAL: median 2.3 mm versus 1.8 mm; p < 0.0001; PPD: median 2.3 mm versus 1.8; p < 0.0001), as well as after adjustment for smoking status (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women with PPROM residing in central Europe had worse periodontal status than women with uncomplicated pregnancies.

Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes between 34 and 37 Weeks: A Point-of-Care Test of Vaginal Fluid Interleukin-6 Concentrations for a Noninvasive Detection of Intra-Amniotic Inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a previously reported vaginal fluid point-of-care interleukin (IL)-6 cut-off value of 2,500 pg/mL can be used for the identification intra-amniotic inflammation in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 34 and 37 weeks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in women with singleton gestation complicated by PPROM between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks. Vaginal fluid was successfully obtained in 118 women from the posterior vaginal fornix via aspiration using a sterile urine sample tube with a suction tip. Amniotic fluid was obtained via transabdominal amniocentesis. IL-6 concentrations were assessed in both fluids immediately after sampling. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an amniotic fluid point-of-care IL-6 concentration of ≥745 pg/mL. RESULTS: The tested vaginal fluid IL-6 cut-off value had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 91%, positive predictive value of 50%, negative predictive value of 99%, positive likelihood ratio of 9.7, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.1 for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation. CONCLUSION: The point-of-care vaginal fluid IL-6 test with a cut-off value of 2,500 pg/mL shows good sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation in PPROM between 34 and 37 weeks.

Periodontal disease and intra-amniotic complications in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: Periodontal disease is frequently suggested as a possible causal factor for preterm delivery. The link between periodontal disease and preterm delivery is a possible translocation of periopathogenic bacteria to the placenta and amniotic fluid as well as a systemic response to this chronic inflammatory disease. However, there is a lack of information on whether there is an association between clinical periodontal status in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI). Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of periodontal disease in women with PPROM. The secondary aim was to characterize an association between periodontal status and the presence of intra-amniotic PPROM complications (MIAC and/or IAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight women with PPROM at gestational ages between 24 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks were included in this study. The samples of amniotic fluid were obtained at admission via transabdominal amniocentesis, and amniotic fluid interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations were determined using a point-of-care test. All women had a full-mouth recording to determine the periodontal and oral hygiene status. Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were measured at four sites on each fully erupted tooth. RESULTS: In total, 45% (35/78) of women with PPROM had periodontal disease. Mild, moderate, and severe periodontal disease was present in 19% (15/78), 19% (15/78), and 6% (5/78) of women, respectively. The presence of MIAC and IAI was found in 28% (22/78) and 26% (20/78) of women, respectively. Periopathogenic bacteria (2 × Streptococcus intermedius and 1 × Fusobacterium nucleatum) was found in the amniotic fluid of 4% (3/78) of women. There were no differences in periodontal status between women with MIAC and/or IAI and women without these intra-amniotic complications. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of MIAC and IAI was not related to the periodontal status of women with PPROM.

Levels of multiple proteins in gingival crevicular fluid and intra-amniotic complications in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to identify the association between the local inflammatory response in gingival crevicular fluid measured by the levels of multiple proteins and maternal and intra-amniotic inflammatory responses measured by maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and amniotic fluid interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations, respectively, in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: A prospective study was performed in which 78 women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM between 24 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation were included. Transabdominal amniocenteses were performed at the time of admission. A bedside assessment of amniotic fluid IL-6 was performed. Maternal serum CRP concentration was also measured at the time of admission. Gingival crevicular fluid was collected from the pocket of the selected tooth (the tooth with the deepest pocket) using standard sterile paper strips within 72 h after admission. Twenty-six proteins in the gingival crevicular fluid were assessed by multiplex the Meso-Scale technology. RESULTS: No correlations between the levels of proteins in the gingival crevicular fluid and maternal serum CRP and amniotic fluid IL-6 concentrations were found, except for a weak positive correlation between granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and CRP. CONCLUSIONS: The local inflammatory response in the gingival crevicular fluid is not related to the maternal and intra-amniotic inflammatory responses in women with PPROM.

Maternal serum C-reactive protein concentration and intra-amniotic inflammation in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) in relation to the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and/or intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI). METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-seven women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM between 2014 and 2016 were included in this study. Maternal blood and amniotic fluid samples were collected at the time of admission. Maternal serum CRP concentration was measured using a high-sensitivity immunoturbidimetric assay. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration was measured using a point-of-care test. MIAC was diagnosed based on a positive polymerase chain reaction result for Ureaplasma species, Mycoplasma hominis, and/or Chlamydia trachomatis and for the 16S rRNA gene. IAI was characterized by an amniotic fluid IL-6 concentration of ≥ 745 pg/mL. RESULT: Women with MIAC and IAI had higher maternal serum CRP concentrations than did women without (with MIAC: median 6.9 mg/L vs. without MIAC: median 4.9 mg/L; p = 0.02; with IAI: median 8.6 mg/L vs. without IAI: median 4.7 mg/L; p < 0.0001). When women were split into four subgroups based on the presence of MIAC and/or IAI, women with the presence of both MIAC and IAI had higher maternal serum CRP than did women with IAI alone, with MIAC alone, and women without MIAC and IAI (both MIAC and IAI: median: 13.1 mg/L; IAI alone: 6.0 mg/L; MIAC alone: 3.9 mg/L; and without MIAC and IAI: median 4.8 mg/L; p < 0.0001). The maternal serum CRP cutoff value of 17.5 mg/L was the best level to identify the presence of both MIAC and IAI, with sensitivity of 47%, specificity of 96%, positive predictive value of 42%, negative predictive value of 96%, and the positive likelihood ratio of 10.9. CONCLUSION: The presence of both MIAC and IAI was associated with the highest maternal serum CRP concentrations. Maternal serum CRP concentration in women with PPROM at the time of admission can rule out the presence of the combined condition of both MIAC and IAI, therefore, it may serve as a non-invasive screening tool to distinguish between women with PPROM who are at high or at low risk for the presence of both MIAC and IAI.

Transabdominal Amniocentesis Is a Feasible and Safe Procedure in Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and the complication rate of amniocentesis in a large cohort of women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in all women with singleton gestation complicated by PPROM at between 24+0 and 36+6 weeks admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic between May 2008 and July 2016. Amniocentesis was offered as a part of a routine protocol of PPROM for the detection of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and intra-amniotic inflammation. Procedure was performed under ultrasound guidance. A successful procedure was defined as obtaining at least 0.5 mL of amniotic fluid. No more than 2 attempts were performed. RESULTS: In total, 590 women with PPROM were included. Amniocentesis was successful in 96% (567/590). Two amniocentesis attempts were necessary in 9% (55/590) and the transplacental approach was used in 13% (76/590). No association between gestational age at sampling and the amniocentesis failure rate was found (Spearman rho -0.12; p = 0.71). The complication rate was 0.7% (4/590). Two umbilical cord punctures and 2 chorionic plate fetal vessel injuries occurred, without fetal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Based on our study population, so far the largest published, amniocentesis is a feasible and safe procedure carrying a very low risk of failure or complications in PPROM.

Intraamniotic inflammation and umbilical cord blood interleukin-6 concentrations in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate umbilical cord blood interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations and the occurrence of fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) with respect to microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and/or intraamniotic inflammation (IAI) in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: One-hundred-eighty-eight women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM between gestational ages of 24 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture from the umbilical cord after the delivery of the newborn. The umbilical cord blood IL-6 concentrations were evaluated using ELISA kits. FIRS was defined as umbilical cord blood IL-6 > 11 pg/mL. RESULT: Women with MIAC and IAI had higher IL-6 concentrations than women without these complications (with MIAC: median 18.1 pg/mL versus without MIAC: median 5.8; p < 0.0001; with IAI: median 32.9 pg/mL, versus without IAI: median 5.8; p < 0.0001). Women with IAI with MIAC and women with IAI without MIAC had the highest umbilical cord blood IL-6 concentrations (medians: 32.6 and 39.4 pg/mL) and rates of FIRS (78% and 67%). CONCLUSIONS: IAI was associated with the highest umbilical cord blood IL-6 concentrations and rate of FIRS independent of the presence or absence of MIAC.

Amniotic fluid clusterin in pregnancies complicated by the preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate clusterin concentrations in amniotic fluid in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) with respect to the presence of the microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) and microbial-associated IAI. METHODS: One hundred thirty-six women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM were included in this study. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid clusterin concentrations were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MIAC was determined by a non-cultivation approach. IAI was defined as an amniotic fluid bedside interleukin-6 concentration ≥745 pg/mL. Microbial-associated IAI was characterized as the presence of both MIAC and IAI. RESULT: Women with MIAC, IAI and microbial-associated IAI had lower amniotic fluid clusterin concentrations than women without these complications (with MIAC: median 1314 ng/mL versus without MIAC: median 1633 ng/mL, p = 0.003; with IAI: median 1281 ng/mL versus without IAI: median 1575 ng/mL, p = 0.04; with microbial associated-IAI: median 1220 ng/mL versus without microbial-associated IAI: median 1575 pg/mL; p = 0.008). A week negative correlation between amniotic fluid clusterin concentrations and gestational age at sampling was revealed (rho= -0.30; p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of MIAC, IAI and microbial-associated IAI was characterized by lower amniotic fluid clusterin concentrations in pregnancies complicated by PPROM.

Amniotic fluid cathepsin-G in pregnancies complicated by the preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the amniotic fluid cathepsin-G concentrations in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) based on the presence of the microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and/or intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI). METHODS: A total of 154 women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM were included in this study. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid cathepsin-G concentrations were assessed by ELISA. MIAC was determined using a non-cultivation approach. IAI was defined as an amniotic fluid bedside interleukin-6 concentration ≥ 745 pg/mL. RESULTS: Women with MIAC had higher amniotic fluid cathepsin-G concentrations than women without MIAC (with MIAC: median 82.7 ng/mL, versus without MIAC: median 64.7 ng/mL; p = 0.0003). Women with IAI had higher amniotic fluid cathepsin-G concentrations than women without this complication (with IAI: median 103.0 ng/mL, versus without IAI: median 66.2 ng/mL; p < 0.0001). Women with microbial-associated (with both MIAC and IAI) IAI and sterile (IAI without MIAC) IAI had higher amniotic fluid cathepsin-G concentrations than women with colonization (MIAC without IAI) and women without both MIAC and IAI (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of either microbial-associated or sterile IAI was associated with increased amniotic fluid cathepsin-G concentrations in pregnancies complicated by PPROM. Amniotic fluid cathepsin-G appears to be a potential marker of IAI.

Enzyme-Based Test Strips for Visual or Photographic Detection and Quantitation of Gaseous Sulfur Mustard.

Sulfur mustard is a chemical agent of high military and terroristic significance. No effective antidote exists, and sulfur mustard can be fairly easily produced in large quantity. Rapid field testing of sulfur mustard is highly desirable. Existing analytical devices for its detection are available but can suffer from low selectivity, laborious sample preparation, and/or the need for complex instrumentation. We describe a new kind of test strip for rapid detection of gaseous sulfur mustard that is based on its degradation by the enzyme haloalkane dehalogenase that is accompanied by a change of local pH. This change can be detected using pH indicators contained in the strips whose color changes from blue-green to yellow within 10 min. In addition to visual read-out, we also demonstrate quantitative reflectometric readout by using a conventional digital camera based on red-green-blue data acquisition. Organic haloalkanes, such as 1,2-dichloroethane, have a negligible interfering effect. The visual limit of detection is 20 µg/L, and the one for red-green-blue read-out is as low as 3 µg/L. The assays have good reproducibility ±6% and ±2% for interday assays and intraday assays, respectively. The strips can be stored for at least 6 months without loss of function. They are disposable and can be produced fairly rapidly and at low costs. Hence, they represent a promising tool for in-field detection of sulfur mustard.

Maternal Serum C-Reactive Protein in Women with Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) as a predictor of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) in women with preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (PPROM) before and after 32 weeks of gestation. METHODS: This study was a prospective observational cohort study of 386 women. Maternal serum CRP concentrations were evaluated, and amniotic fluid samples were obtained via transabdominal amniocentesis at the time of admission. Placentas underwent histopathological examination after delivery. MIAC was defined based on a positive PCR for Ureaplasma species, Mycoplasma hominis and Chlamydia trachomatis and/or positive 16S rRNA gene amplification. HCA was defined based on the Salafia classification. RESULTS: Maternal CRP was significantly higher in women with MIAC and HCA (median 9.0 mg/l) than in women with HCA alone (median 6.9 mg/l), MIAC alone (median 7.4 mg/l) and without MIAC or HCA (median 4.5 mg/l) (p<0.0001). CRP was a weak predictor of the occurrence of MIAC and HCA before and after 32 weeks of gestation. Only the 95th percentile of CRP and PPROM before 32 weeks exhibited a false-positive rate of 1%, a positive predictive value of 90% and a positive likelihood ratio of 13.2 to predict MIAC and HCA. However, the low sensitivity of 15% limits the clinical utility of this detection. CONCLUSION: CRP is a poor predictor of the occurrence of MIAC and HCA, even at early gestational ages.

Umbilical cord blood markers of oxidative stress in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine umbilical cord blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and markers of oxidative stress in pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and their associations with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and/or histological chorioamnionitis (HCA), funisitis and selected aspects of short-term neonatal morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-five women with singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM were included in this study. Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture from the umbilical cord vein after the delivery of the newborn. The umbilical cord blood concentrations of TAC, FRAP, TBARS and AGEs were measured. RESULTS: The presence of MIAC, HCA and funisitis did not show differences in the umbilical cord blood TAC, FRAP, TBARS and AGEs concentrations. Positive correlations were found between the gestational age at sampling and umbilical cord blood TAC and AGEs concentrations (TAC: rho = 0.26; p = 0.001; AGEs: rho = 0.35; p < 0.0001). There was no association between umbilical cord blood TAC, FRAP, TBARS and AGEs concentrations and selected aspects of short-term neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress is associated with PPROM, as indicated by the presence of markers tested in the umbilical cord blood; however, the evaluated oxidative stress markers are not influenced by the presence of MIAC and/or HCA, and funisitis or subsequent development of selected aspects of short-term neonatal morbidity.