Threatened miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage: Expert opinions on progesterone therapy and treatment challenges.

It is crucial to gain a better understanding of threatened and recurrent miscarriages, including the existing knowledge and unknowns, as well as to discuss medical approaches and assess the situation. These issues are outstanding problems, causing significant physical and emotional burdens on women and their families, not only in Turkey but also worldwide. This article aims to explore the topic of miscarriages, including the implications, challenges, and potential therapeutic approaches in Turkey. Nineteen statements were presented to 6 Turkish perinatologists and obstetricians and gynecologists to evaluate the management of threatened and recurrent miscarriage and to compare the results with literature recommendations in an expert opinion meeting. Turkish perinatologists and obstetricians & gynecologists provided their responses using a 5-point Likert scale and discussed every statement. Progesterone use, particularly oral dydrogesterone, was supported by most of the experts. Opinions varied on the preference for dydrogesterone in recurrent miscarriage treatment. Experts unanimously agreed on the efficacy and safety of dydrogesterone and its recommendation in guidelines for threatened and recurrent miscarriage. Regarding progesterone therapy, vaginal progesterone was not associated with an increased rate of live births. Side effects of vaginal and oral micronized progesterone were acknowledged, and compliance with oral progesterone treatment was generally agreed upon. Dydrogesterone activity and effectiveness in threatened miscarriage received positive responses, while opinions on its effectiveness in recurrent miscarriage were divided. The loading dose of dydrogesterone and the practice of checking blood progesterone levels had different opinions among experts.This manuscript provides valuable insights in the management of threatened and recurrent miscarriages, highlighting the role of progesterone therapy, specifically dydrogesterone, and the need for adherence to relevant guidelines. Further research and a national Turkish guideline are warranted to address areas of uncertainty and optimize the management of these conditions.

First trimester glycosylated hemoglobin for gestational diabetes mellitus screening.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study is to evaluate the efficacy of HbA1c in screening for GDM during the first trimester of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the first trimester HbA1c (ft-HbA1c) levels of 195 pregnant women who attended our university hospital's obstetrics clinic. Blood samples were drawn from patients during 11-14 weeks of gestation. After that, all patients were screened using standardized one-step 75gr OGTT between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS: In this study, 195 pregnant women were included. Thirty-two (16.4%) of the women included in this study were diagnosed with GDM. The mean ft-HbA1c level was 5.52% in those who developed GDM and 5.21% in those who did not develop GDM (p = 0.000). Only seven (3.6%) of the women included in this study had an ft-HbA1c level above the prediabetes limit of 5.7%. All these women with prediabetes developed GDM. The cut-off value for ft-HbA1c to distinguish GDM was 5,33%. For this cut-off value, the sensitivity was 71.9%, and the specificity was 82.8%. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that ft-HbA1c level is a promising biomarker for GDM screening. Especially, patients with ft-HbA1c level ≥5.33% are at increased risk for developing GDM.

Identification of a novel homozygous variant in the alkaline phosphate (ALPL) gene associated with hypophosphatasia.

The lack of awareness of patient risk factors, failure to obtain adequate family history, was discussed by clinical experience in prenatal testing of hypophosphatasia with a novel variant in the ALPL gene identified in the index case of the family.

The effect of advanced maternal age on perinatal outcomes in nulliparous singleton pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy at advanced maternal age has become more common in both developed and developing countries over the last decades. The association between adverse perinatal outcomes and advanced maternal age has been a matter of controversy in several studies. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of advanced maternal age on perinatal and neonatal outcomes of nulliparous singleton pregnancies. METHODS: Records of patients admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cukurova School of Medicine, between January 2011 and July 2015 for routine mid-trimester fetal ultrasonography were retrospectively reviewed. The control (age: 18-34 years), advanced maternal age (35-39 years), and very advanced maternal age (> 40 years) groups included 471, 399, and 87 women, respectively. RESULTS: Gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and cesarean delivery rates were more common in the very advanced maternal age group, with compared with the advanced maternal age and the younger age group. There were no significant differences in regarding rates of spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation, prolonged rupture of membranes, large for gestational age infants, and operative vaginal delivery rates between the groups. Also, there were no significant differences regarding in APGAR scores, the rate of low birth weight infants, and neonatal morbidity rates between the groups. However, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit requirement was more common in the two advanced maternal age groups compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Advanced maternal age is a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, small for gestational age infants, spontaneous late preterm delivery, and cesarean section, with significant potential clinical implications.

Does preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte or platelet to lymphocyte ratios have a role in predicting borderline ovarian tumors?

BACKGROUND: to investigate the value of using preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte levels in the patients of borderline ovarian tumors. METHODS: During the period between January 2002 and December 2015, the pathology reports and archival files of the Gynecologic Oncology Department of Çukurova University Medical Hospital and the Gynecologic Oncology Department of Dumlupinar University, Evliya Çelebi Education and Research Hospital were retrospectively reviewed, and 144 patients of borderline ovarian tumor (as the study group) and 123 patients of serous cystadenoma (as the control group) were determined for eligibility in this study. Data regarding age, menopausal status, preoperative ultrasound findings, ca125 and complete blood counts were reviewed. Neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios were calculated and these parameters were statistically compared between the groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups according to neutrophil count, platelet count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio; in addition to age, ca125 and preoperative ultrasound findings. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios are useful in predicting borderline ovarian tumors, preoperatively. However, further prospective studies are needed.

Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Bean Vaginoplasty (Modified Vecchietti Procedure) for Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to evaluate the long-term results of laparoscopic bean vaginoplasty (LBV), which we previously described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2002 to September 2013, 62 patients, who were diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome and underwent LBV in Cukurova University School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were included in the study. Operative data, complication rates, vaginal length, and sexuality of patients during the follow-up period were evaluated. Sexuality of the patients were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. The FSFI scores were compared with age-matched 65 healthy control subjects. RESULTS: Mean age of patients in case and control groups were 23.9 ± 5.1 (18-32) and 25.1 ± 4.2 (18-31), respectively (P = .69). Median length of follow-up after surgery was 48 months (24-144 months). No complications occurred during the operations. No vaginal adhesions occurred during the follow-up periods. Median vaginal length during the last follow-up was 7 cm (6-9 cm). FSFI scores were similar with the control group. CONCLUSION: LBV is a successful modification of Vecchietti procedure, without any reported complication. However, the procedure should still be compared with the other methods in randomized trials.

Annular hymenotomy for imperforate hymen.

AIM: Imperforate hymen is the most common obstructive anomaly of the female genital tract. Conventional surgical treatment for this condition is the cruciate incision made on the hymen. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel technique that preserves virginity after hymenotomy using electrocautery. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with imperforate hymen and treated with annular hymenotomy between 2009 and 2013 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Annular incision was done using electrocautery on the hymen whilst sparing the intact hymenal tissue circumferentially at least 5 mm from the base. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 14.2 ± 2.2 years. The median operation time was 5 min (3-9 min). No complications occurred. During the follow-up examinations, none of the patients had hymenal closure and all had regular menstrual bleeding. CONCLUSION: This novel technique showed complete success without any observed complication. This technique might be a good alternative for patients seeking to preserve virginity after surgery.

First trimester fetal aortic Doppler for hemoglobinopathies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fetal aortic Doppler for the prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies in the first trimester of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January and November 2014, a total of 108 patients were enrolled in the study. The couples were carriers of either alpha/beta thalassemia, sickle cell disease or combined carriers of these and were admitted to Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Prenatal Diagnosis Center. One hour before the chorionic villus sampling (CVS), patients were evaluated using fetal aortic Doppler. Pulsatility index, peak systolic velocity, and heart rate were noted. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in Doppler indices between different groups of CVS results when compared with the healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Fetal aortic Doppler investigation was found to be ineffective for the prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies.

Prenatal diagnosis of pectus excavatum.

Pectus excavatum (PE) is the depression of the lower part of manubrium sterni and xiphoid process. The main problem of PE depends on the cardiopulmonary morbidity caused by the narrowing of the thoracic space. To date, prenatal diagnosis of this deformity has been reported only once and was associated with Down syndrome. We present another case which we diagnosed as PE during a second-trimester fetal anatomic scan. The pectus severity index is used for these patients in postnatal life; however, prenatal adaption of this index is reported for the first time in our case.

Comparison of two misoprostol regimens for mid-trimester pregnancy terminations after FIGO's misoprostol dosage recommendation in 2012.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of two misoprostol regimens for mid-trimester pregnancy terminations. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 263 cases of pregnancy terminations with misoprostol between 12 and 24 weeks was performed. Group 1 (total 129 patients) consisted of patients who were given 200 mcg vaginal misoprostol every 4 h until the abortion, whereas Group 2 patients (total 134 patients) were given misoprostol as in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics's (FIGO) 2012 recommendation. In case of a previous cesarean section doses were halved in both groups. Primary outcomes of the study were the time to abortion and the total drug dose used. Secondary outcome was the rate of complications. RESULTS: Total dose and time to abortion did not differ between the groups. As for complications, one patient (%0.8) in group 1 developed HELLP syndrome and had hysterotomy. One patient (%0.8) in group 2 had uterine rupture and had total hysterectomy. Two patients in both groups considered failure of induction and terminated with surgery (hysterotomy). Groups did not show difference in induction failure rates. CONCLUSIONS: We respect the presence of dose recommendation stated by the FIGO and found similar results with our recent protocol. Other misoprostol regimens used worldwide should also be compared with this guideline in order to improve its efficacy.

Predictive factors for latency period in viable pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate some laboratory and clinical factors in the prediction of latency period for pregnant patients complicated with preterm premature rupture of the membranes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five pregnant patients between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation, who were admitted to University of Çukurova School of Medicine Hospital with the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) between January 01, 2013 and December 31, 2013, were included in this study. Serum CRP, procalcitonin, sedimentation rate, leukocyte count and cervical length (measured with transvaginal ultrasound) of patients were analyzed for the correlation with the latency period. RESULTS: None of the parameters were found to be correlated with the latency period. However, patients with cervical length of <25 mm were found to have shorter duration of latency. CONCLUSION: Although preterm premature rupture of the membranes is thought to be either an infection-based disease or a disease increasing the risk of infectious complications, major infection markers are not found to be helpful criteria for the prediction of latency period. Patients with a cervical length of <25 mm can be expected to deliver earlier and, therefore, can be referred to a tertiary center earlier.

Renal angiomyolipoma during pregnancy: Case report and literature review.

Renal angiomyolipoma is a rare tumor that can be either sporadic or found together with tuberous sclerosis or pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. These tumors are hormone sensitive and therefore tend to grow during pregnancy and their main complication is the risk of rupture. Optimal management is still controversial because there are very few cases reported in the literature. We expect that the case of our patient, who delivered her baby vaginally at 36 weeks of gestation and underwent definitive treatment (nephrectomy) thereafter, to further enhance the knowledge about the management of these rare tumors during pregnancy.

Successful medical treatment of fetal supraventricular tachycardia that cause hydrops fetalis.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most frequent fetal tachyarrhythmia. Diagnosis is established with M-mode ultrasound and/or Doppler investigation. Untreated cases may develop fetal heart failure and hydrops. Even these cases should not be left untreated - maternal administration of anti-arrhythmic drugs should be undertaken. In this manuscript, we describe a successful treatment with maternal administration of sotalol and digoxin in a fetus that developed hydrops because of SVT.

Unilateral laparoscopic tubal reversal versus IVF.

BACKGROUND: Tubal sterilization is one of the most important surgical techniques for sterilization. There is a dilemma for women who wish to undo this procedure in the choice between tubal reversal or in vitro fertilization (IVF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 134 patients who had had tubal sterilization previously and wished to have another child were enrolled in this study. Primary outcome was clinical pregnancy. The outcomes of 58 women who had had laparoscopic unilateral tubal reversal (Group 1) were compared with those of 76 women who had had IVF (Group 2). RESULTS: Clinical pregnancy rates were higher in the tubal reversal group (55.2% in Group 1 and 15.8% in Group 2). Ectopic pregnancy rates were similar (1.7% in Group 1 and 1.3% in Group 2) between the two groups. Clinical pregnancy rates were higher in all age, body mass index, and interval from ligation categories. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic unilateral tubal reversal is an important alternative to IVF. However, this is an advanced laparoscopic operation, and more surgeons skilled in this microsurgical operation are still needed.

The importance of endometrial nerve fibers and macrophage cell count in the diagnosis of endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a disease that is hard to diagnose without the gold standard method, laparoscopy. An easier diagnostic method is needed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine whether the number of macrophage cells in the endometrium and/or the detection of nerve fibers can be used in the diagnosis of endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endometrial sampling was done to 31 patients prior to laparoscopy (L/S) or laparotomy (L/T) at Istanbul University Istanbul School of Medicine Hospital between January 2010 February 2011. Also 34 patients who were retrospectively chosen from their files were added to the study. 5 patients were excluded from the study. Totally, 31 patients were placed in the endometriosis and 29 patients in the control group. Endometrial samples were evaluated immunohistochemically with the markers protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and neurofilament (NF) for nerve fibers and CD68 for macrophages. RESULTS: None of the samples were stained with PGP 9.5 and NF. As for CD68+cells, no statistically significant difference was observed between groups (endometriosis: 216.10±104.41; control: 175.93±43.05, p=0.06). RESULTS were also evaluated in the subgroups of menstruel phases and disease stages. Only in the proliferative phase there was a significant increase in the endometriosis group (p=0.03). No significant difference was observed between the stages. CONCLUSION: The detection of nerve fibers in the eutopic endometrium with the markers of PGP 9.5 and NF is not found to be helpful in the diagnosis of endometriosis. Macrophage cells may be helpful in the diagnosis only in the proliferative phase.