Incidence and Risk Factors of Perianal Pathology during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors of perianal pathology during pregnancy and the postpartum period. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in three institutions in Lithuania. A total of 190 patients were examined and interviewed three times (<12, 18-20 weeks of gestation, and during the first 2 months after delivery). They completed a questionnaire including demographic, obstetric, coloproctological, and birth data. RESULTS: A total of 73 (34.59%) women developed hemorrhoidal disease after delivery, and 120 (56.87%) developed perianal pathology. Multivariate analysis identified a neonatal birth weight ≥3380 g (OR 4.22; 95% CI 1.83-9.71, p < 0.001) and consumption of eggs (OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.13-8.53, p = 0.028) or cereals (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.32-6.25, p = 0.008) several times per week as significant risk factors for hemorrhoidal disease. Neonatal birth weight ≥3380 g (OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.47-10.59, p = 0.006), maternal BMI ≥ 21.48 (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.51-8.47, p = 0.004), the duration of the second labor period ≥38 min (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.09-7.23, p = 0.032), and consumption of flour products several times per week (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.10-6.98, p = 0.030) were associated with a higher risk of perianal pathology. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.15-0.81, p = 0.014) and less frequent consumption of eggs were protective factors (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.56, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Perianal diseases, especially hemorrhoidal disease, are common during pregnancy and the postpartum period. A neonatal birth weight ≥ 3380 g, a maternal BMI of ≥21.48, duration of the second labor period of ≥38 min, and consumption of flour products and cereals several times a week are risk factors for developing these diseases.

Preventing hemorrhoids during pregnancy: a multicenter, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To compare specific dietary and behavioral recommendations for hemorrhoids prevention during pregnancy. METHODS: This was a randomized, single-blind, multicenter trial conducted in three different clinical centers. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups in a ratio of 1:1. Intervention consisted of specific dietary and behavioral counseling. The primary outcome of this study was the rate of hemorrhoids at the time of discharge from the obstetrics unit. Categorical variables were compared by the Chi-Squared or Fisher exact tests, as appropriate. Continuous variables were compared using either the Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of hemorrhoids after delivery. This analysis was performed on factors with a p-value < 0.10 in univariate analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 23.0 and GraphPad Prism 9 software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant for all tests. RESULTS: We observed a significantly lower hemorrhoids rate in the intervention group at the time of discharge from the obstetrics unit after delivery (intention-to-treat (ITT) (the relative risk (RR) 0.38; 95% the confidence interval (CI) 0.24-0.59; p < 0.001) per-protocol (PP) (RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.27-0.64; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in spontaneous miscarriage rate between the groups for both ITT and PP analysis. Additional binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the intervention applied in this study was the only protective factor. Both, the history of hemorrhoids before pregnancy and the increase of newborn height was associated with a higher risk of hemorrhoids. CONCLUSIONS: Our suggested intervention, aimed to modify dietary and behavioral habits, significantly reduces the rate of hemorrhoids after pregnancy and can be safely recommended to pregnant women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Date of registration: 2016-05-09; Date of initial patient enrollment: 2016-06-02; Trial registration number: 158200-16-843-357; Trial registration site URL: https://www.mf.vu.lt/mokslas/vilniaus-regioninis-biomedicininiu-39tyrimu-etikos-komitetas#isduoti40vrbtek-leidimai .

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio for the prediction of histological chorioamnionitis in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is easily calculated blood test parameter, which can be used as marker to predict many inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the NLR in maternal blood with the white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration for the prediction of histological chorioamnionitis. METHODS: This was a case-control study of 137 woman with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at a gestational age between 22+ 0 and 34+ 6 weeks. Blood samples, collected less than 48 h before delivery and at least 48 h after the administration of corticosteroids, were selected for the analysis. The NLR was calculated by dividing the number of neutrophils by the number of lymphocytes. Chorioamnionitis was diagnosed by the histopathological evaluation of placental membranes and chorionic plate. RESULTS: Patients with diagnosed histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) had significantly higher levels of WBC, CRP and NLR (p-value < 0.001). Levels of WBC, CRP and NLR predicted HCA with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81, 0.81 and 0.89, respectively. NLR had statistically significantly higher AUC than WBC, but no significant difference was found between AUCs of NLR and CRP. The cut-off level of NLR was found to be 5,97, which had a sensitivity of 77 % and a specificity of 95 %. CONCLUSION: NLR has a good predictive value for HCA and could be used as an additional diagnostic marker for predicting histological chorioamnionitis in cases with preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation.

A value of soluble Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid for the prediction of histological chorioamnionitis.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to evaluate soluble Toll-like receptor 2 (sTLR-2) and soluble Toll-like receptor 4 (sTLR-4) levels in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid and investigate their value in the prediction of histological chorioamnionitis (HCA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective case-control study included patients who had been diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation and were admitted to Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. Free leaking amniotic fluid was obtained vaginally using a sterile speculum up to 48 h before delivery. Amniotic fluid levels of sTLR-2 and sTLR-4 were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnosis of chorioamnionitis was confirmed by histological examination of the placenta and membranes after delivery. RESULTS: The study included 156 patients, 65 with (HCA Group) and 91 without (non-HCA Group) HCA. No statistically significant differences were noted in the concentrations of sTLR-2 and sTLR-4 in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid between patients with and without HCA: the median sTLR-2 level was 0.09 ng/mL in the HCA Group vs 0.1 ng/mL in non-HCA Group, and the median sTLR-4 level was 0.23 ng/mL in the HCA Group vs 0.28 ng/mL in non-HCA Group (p > 0.05). A positive correlation between sTLR-2 and sTLR-4 levels was identified (ρ = 0.57, p < 0.001), but no correlation was found between these markers and gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of sTLR-2 and sTLR-4 in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid do not reflect the presence of HCA in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation.

Prognostic Markers for Chorioamnionitis: IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-8 in Vaginally Obtained Amniotic Fluid.

BACKGROUND: Earlier chorioamnionitis diagnosis is crucial to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate the inlerleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) levels in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid to investigate their prognostic value and to determine the most appropriate cut-off values for the prediction of chorioamnionitis. METHODS: This case control study included women who were diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of the membranes before 34 weeks of gestation and were admitted to Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. Free-leaking amniotic fluid was obtained vaginally with a sterile speculum less than 48h before delivery. Amniotic fluid IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-8 levels were determined by the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Diagnosis of chorioamnionitis was confirmed by histological examination of the placenta and membranes after delivery. RESULTS: The study included 156 women, 65 patients in the histological chorioamnionitis group (Group I) and 91 in a group without diagnosed histological chorioamnionitis (Group II). The median concentrations of IL-6, MMP-8, and TNF-α in amniotic fluid were statistically significantly higher in Group I than in Group II (p-value < 0.001). The area under the curve of TNF-α and MMP-8 were higher than the area under the curve of IL-6 (0.91, 0.89, and 0.81, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found when comparing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of TNF-α and MMP-8. The optimum cut-off values for the prediction of chorioamnionitis were found to be 1389.82 pg/mL for IL-6, 21.17 pg/mL for TNF-α, and 172.53 ng/mL for MMP-8. The sensitivity, specificity, positive prognostic value (PPV), and negative prognostic value (NPV) of the IL-6 cut-off for chorioamnionitis were 88%, 70%, 67%, and 89%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the TNF-α cut-off were 88%, 84%, 79%, and 90%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the MMP-8 cut-off were 80%, 87%, 81%, and 86%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The vaginally obtained amniotic fluid IL-6, MMP-8, and TNF-α seem to be good predictors for chorioamnionitis of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation. The noninvasive technique of sampling amniotic fluid could be alternative method to invasive amniocentesis.

Lithuania's experience in reducing caesarean sections among nulliparas: the impact of the quality improvement course.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the role of the quality improvement course (QIC) to reduce the caesarean section (CS) rate among nulliparas (Robson groups 1 and 2) and to find out which group of women have reduced the CS rate following attendance at the course. METHODS: The QIC was organized in 2015. For the evaluation of the CS rate after the OIC, deliveries from the selected hospitals in 2014 and 2016 were compared using MS EXCEL and SPSS 23.0. RESULTS: Nulliparas accounted for 44.6% (3585/8046) and 42.9% (3628/8460) of all the deliveries in 2014 and 2016 years, respectively. The CS rate among nulliparas decreased from 19.0% (665/3502) in 2014 to 16.8% (593/3526) in 2016 (p = 0.018). The greatest decrease in absolute contribution to the overall CS rate was recorded in group 1 (p = 0.08). Perinatal mortality was 3.1 in 2014 and 3.9 in 2016 per 1000 deliveries (p = 0.569). CONCLUSION: The QIC has helped to reduce the CS rate among nulliparas without a negative influence on perinatal mortality. The greatest decrease in the overall CS rate was recorded among nulliparous women who were treated with oxytocin and managed to reach a full cervical dilatation.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life during the First Trimester of Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods are associated with fast changesleading to decreased self-confidence, anxiety, stress or even maternal depression impairing theirquality of life (QOL). Although considered important, QOL of women during pregnancy is poorlyunderstood. The aim of our study was to assess factors influencing QOL during first trimester ofpregnancy. The secondary goal of our study was to evaluate whether QOL during first trimester ofpregnancy is associated with newborn weight. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort studywas performed including pregnant women during the first trimester visit. Our questionnaireconsisted of the SF-36 QOL questionnaire, Wexner fecal incontinence scale, and other additionalinformation. The SF-36 questionnaire mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) health scores were used inorder to evaluate QOL of women during first trimester of pregnancy. Two multiple logisticregression models were created in order to determine independent variables that influence the QOL.Results: 440 pregnant women were included in the study. The two main domains that were used inthe study were MCS and PCS, their medians were 50.0 (25.0; 50.0) and 50.1 (39.4; 59.0) pointsrespectively. From the two logistic regression models we determined several independent factorsthat influence QOL of women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, we determinedthat women who reported worse QOL tended to give birth to newborns large for their gestationalage. Conclusions: We found several significant variables that influence QOL of women during thefirst trimester of pregnancy. We also found that that lower MCS and PCS scores during the firsttrimester are associated with newborns large for gestational age.

Chemical peritonitis resulting from spontaneous rupture of a mature ovarian cystic teratoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mature cystic teratomas (dermoid cysts) are the most common germ cell tumours with 10-25% incidence of adult and 50% of paediatric ovarian tumours. The aetiology of dermoid cysts is still unclear, although currently the parthenogenic theory is most widely accepted. The tumour is slow-growing and in the majority of cases it is an accidental finding. Presenting symptoms are vague and nonspecific. The main complication of a dermoid cyst is cyst torsion (15%); other reported complications include malignant transformation (1-2%), infection (1%), and rupture (0.3-2%). Prolonged pressure during pregnancy, torsion with infarction, or a direct trauma are the main risk factors for a  spontaneous dermoid rupture that can lead to acute or chronic peritonitis. The diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma is often made in retrospect after surgical resection of an ovarian cyst, because such imaging modalities as ultrasound, computer tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging cannot yet accurately and reliably distinguish between benign and malignant pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a report of a clinical case of a 35-years-old female, who was referred to the hospital due to abdominal pain spreading to her feet for three successive days. She had a history of a normal vaginal delivery one month before. Abdominal examination revealed mild tenderness in the  lower abdomen; no obvious muscle rigidity was noted. Transvaginal ultrasound showed a multiloculated cystic mass measuring 16 × 10 cm in the pelvis. In the absence of urgency, planned surgical treatment was recommended. The next day the patient was referred to the hospital again, with a complaint of stronger abdominal pain (7/10), nausea, and vomiting. This time abdominal examination revealed symptoms of acute peritonitis. The ultrasound scan differed from the previous one. This time, the transvaginal ultrasound scan revealed abnormally changed ovaries bilaterally. There was a large amount of free fluid in the abdominal cavity. The patient was operated on - left laparoscopic cystectomy and right adnexectomy were performed. Postoperative antibacterial treatment, infusion of fluids, painkillers, prophylaxis of the thromboembolism were administered. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the seventh postoperative day and was sent for outpatient observation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for a dermoid cyst because it is safe, non-invasive, and quick to perform. Leakage or spillage of dermoid cyst contents can cause chemical peritonitis, which is an aseptic inflammatory peritoneal reaction. Once a rupture of an ovarian cystic teratoma is diagnosed, immediate surgical intervention with prompt removal of the spontaneously ruptured ovarian cyst and thorough peritoneal lavage are required.

Lithuania's experience in reducing caesarean sections among nulliparas.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the role of the TGCS to reduce the caesarean section (CS) rate among nulliparas (Robson groups 1 and 2) and to find out which group of women have reduced the CS rate by using this tool. METHODS: The Robson classification was introduced in Lithuanian hospitals prospectively classifying all the deliveries in 2012. The CS rate overall and in each Robson group was calculated and the results were discussed. The analysis was repeated in 2014 and the data from the selected hospitals were compared using MS EXCEL and SPSS 23.0. RESULTS: Nulliparas accounted for 43% (3746/8718) and 44.6% (3585/8046) of all the deliveries in 2012 and 2014 years, respectively. The CS rate among nulliparas decreased from 23.9% (866/3626) in 2012 to 19.0% (665/3502) in 2014 (p < 0.001).The greatest decrease in absolute contribution to the overall CS rate was recorded in groups 1 (p = 0.005) and 2B (p < 0.001). Perinatal mortality was 3.5 in 2012 and 3.1 in 2014 per 1000 deliveries (p = 0.764). CONCLUSION: The TGCS can work as an audit intervention that could help to reduce the CS rate without a negative impact on perinatal mortality.

Body image issues in Lithuanian females before and during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT: There is a risk that during pregnancy a woman's changing physique might result in stronger concerns about her appearance and may lead to negative consequences both for mother and foetus. The aim of the present study was to assess women's self-esteem, body image and weight control before and during pregnancy. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Centre of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Vilnius University Hospital. In total, 234 pregnant women were investigated. The Self-esteem was measured by Rosenberg's scale (1965), while the attitude towards the body size - by Stunkard's figure rating scale (1983). When rating their actual body size and the preferred body shape using Stunkard's figures, the investigated females chose, on average, 3.40 and 2.93 (respectively) size figures for the period before pregnancy (p < 0.05), while they picked 4.38 and 3.44 (respectively) figures during pregnancy (p < 0.05). Women's efforts not to gain weight during pregnancy were not determined by their opinion of their body size during pregnancy (rs(232) = 0.136,p > 0.05). Regardless of their body shape assessment during pregnancy, pregnant women did not restrict their diet (rs(232) = 0.064,p > 0.05). Conclusions: during pregnancy women assessed their weight gain adequately, pregnant women chose larger body sizes as an ideal physique if compared to the ones of the period before pregnancy, women's efforts not to gain weight during pregnancy were not determined by their body size perception during pregnancy, pregnant women, despite their body shape assessment during pregnancy, did not restrict their diet, i.e. pregnant women became psychologically adapted to their body changes during pregnancy, and the maternity became a much more important factor than the beauty ideals associated with slender figures.

Uterine sarcoma: a clinical case and a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Uterine sarcomas are rare gynaecologic tumours representing 3-7% of all uterine malignancies. The aetiology of sarcomas is still unclear: it is thought, that chromosomal translocations have influence on wide histological variety of sarcomas. Presenting symptoms are vague and nonspecific. Usually sarcoma causes abnormal vaginal bleeding, can cause abdominal or pelvic pain, or manifests as a rapidly growing uterine tumour. The diagnosis of sarcoma is often made retrospectively after surgical removal of a presumed benign uterine neoplasm, because imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging cannot yet accurately and reliably distinguish between benign leiomyoma and malignant pathology. If there are certain clinical features that raise a suspicion of malignancy in the uterus, it is recommended to avoid the use of power morcellation through laparoscopic surgery in order to prevent disease dissemination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a clinical case of a 64-year-old patient, who was referred to hospital due to abdominal pain and tenesmus that lasted for two days. From a past medical history it was known that previously the patient had been diagnosed with uterine myoma. Transvaginal ultrasonography showed a 10.4 cm × 9.8 cm uterine tumour of nonhomogeneous structure with signs of necrosis and good vascularization. The patient refused urgent hysterectomy, that was advised to her. The patient was operated on one month later and total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooforectomy was performed. Postoperative histological evaluation showed undifferentiated sarcoma uterus pT1b L/V0. Imaging modalities were made to evaluate possible dissemination of the disease. In the absence of signs of disease progression, the patient received radiotherapy and brachytherapy and was followed-up by doctors. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Uterine sarcomas are highly malignant tumours that originate from smooth muscles and connective tissue elements of the uterus and make up 1% of all malignant gynaecological tumours and about 3-7% of all malignant uterine tumours. Imaging modalities cannot yet reliably distinguish benign myomas from malignant sarcomas. It is important not to damage the wholeness of uterus during operation in order to prevent dissemination of the disease in the abdominal cavity. The low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma has the best survival prognosis, while carcinosarcoma and undifferentiated uterine sarcoma have the lowest survival rates.

Valvular heart disease during pregnancy: a clinical case and a literature review.

BACKGROUND: As a result of improved diagnostic and reparative techniques, congenital heart diseases are becoming a significant problem for women of childbearing age. Nowadays, more pregnant women in the West are being diagnosed with an acquired heart disease because of the tendency to delay childbearing and increasing age-related risk of developing complications of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other diseases. According to the Lithuanian Health Information Centre, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in pregnancy is decreasing in Lithuania, from 1.4% in 2014 to 1% in 2016 (1). Heart diseases can aggravate maternal adaptive capabilities and complications that pose a threat to mother and foetus can occur. Management of such conditions presents a serious therapeutic challenge to multidisciplinary team. The aim of this article is to discuss the course of pregnancy and peculiarities of maternal and foetal care in a woman with hemodynamically significant heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a clinical case of a 30-year-old nuliparous woman who was diagnosed with mitral valve disease with critical stenosis, grade II/III mitral valve insufficiency, moderate-severe pulmonary hypertension, heart failure stage C, and NYHA functional class II. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy in conjunction with heart disease is a complicated condition that requires multidisciplinary prenatal care (consisting of an obstetrician gynaecologist, cardiologist, anaesthesiologist). Low molecular weight heparins should be the first choice medication for antithrombotic prophylaxis. Since pregnancy can aggravate a heart disease, preconception counselling and evaluation of the heart function are recommended.

The influence of age, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and anti-Mullerian hormone level on clinical pregnancy rates in ART.

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of age, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and anti-Mullerian hormone levels on clinical pregnancies in assisted reproduction technologies (ART). We used the database of the fertility clinic both the in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) units. A total of 1134 treatment cycles from 2013 through 2015 were analyzed. We evaluated clinical pregnancy rate in terms of age, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, anti-Mullerian hormone level. The clinical pregnancy rate was 39.9%. The live birth rate was 25.5%. Women who conceived where statistically significantly younger and had lower body mass index. No statistical differences across pregnancy groups were found for waist-to-hip ratio, and anti-Mullerian hormone levels. Low AMH levels do not influence pregnancy rates in younger patients (<36 years).

Fetal biometry: Relevance in obstetrical practice.

Ultrasound imaging in obstetrics and gynecology dates back to 1958 when The Lancet published the first article about the use of ultrasonography for fetal and gynecological assessments. It is now almost inconceivable, 60 years later, to think of effective performance in obstetrics and gynecology without the variety of ultrasound, for example, real time imaging, power and color Doppler, 3D/4D ultrasonography, etc. Such examinations facilitate the assessment of intrauterine fetal growth and development during pregnancy, provide alerts about the risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth, help identify anatomic reasons for infertility, diagnose ectopic pregnancies, uterine, ovary and tubal pathology. Ultrasonography is also used for diagnostic and treatment procedures during pregnancy or for the treatment of infertility. This article is an overview of the development of fetal ultrasound, the methodology and interpretation of ultrasound in the assessment of intrauterine fetal growth and fetal biometry standards both worldwide and in Lithuania.

A Rare Case Report of Thoracic Ectopia Cordis: An Obstetrician's Point of View in Multidisciplinary Approach.

Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital anomaly associated with the heart positioned outside of the thoracic cavity either partially or completely. It can be associated with other congenital abnormalities. Overall, the prognosis for infants with ectopia cordis is very poor but depends greatly on the type and severity of ectopia cordis and intracardiac and associated malformations. We present one case of a fetus with prenatally diagnosed thoracic ectopia cordis with intracardiac defects and omphalocele, all the abnormalities seen in pentalogy of Cantrell except a diaphragmatic defect. Considering poor prognosis for fetus, conservative management of prenatal care has been chosen. At the 42nd gestational week, during the active stage of labor, due to fetal distress, cesarean section was performed at a tertiary level hospital. The condition of the infant was impairing rapidly and the newborn succumbed within 24 hours. We discuss the perinatal care concerning this rare anomaly.

Vasa praevia: a case report and literature review.

Background. The aim of this article is to present a rare clinical case of vasa praevia as well as to assess the relevance of the problem by reviewing the latest literature sources. Materials and methods. In this report we present a case of a 33-year-old woman diagnosed with vasa praevia at 33 weeks of pregnancy, after hospitalisation with preterm rupture of membranes following the delivery of a live healthy baby through a lower segment Caesarean section during 33rd week of gestation at Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics. We investigated all the documentation of the patient before and after delivery. Results and conclusions. Vasa praevia is a rather rare pathology which is likely to occur during pregnancy, may result in heavy bleeding and be particularly threatening to the fetus life. A timely diagnosis for these women is essential. The gold standard for vasa praevia diagnosis is the fetal ultrasound scan. Vasa praevia pathology is found during the routine second trimester ultrasound check-up. The selection of proper tactics applied during pregnancy care is essential. At the gestational age of 28-32, it is advisable to mature fetal lungs as well as the fetus condition should be investigated by a perinatologist. The mode of delivery is the C-section which tends to reduce the frequency of possible complications.

Trends in maternal health in Lithuania 1995-2014.

BACKGROUND: The Lithuanian Perinatology Program, orders issued by the Ministry of Health, regulating the care and treatment of mothers and their infants, and the well-running perinatal care system helped to improve the diagnostics and treatment of pregnancy pathology. Over the last 20 years, Lithuania has experienced significant improvements in the maternal and perinatal health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected from the official statistics database, Medical Data of Births, provided by the Institute of Hygiene Health Information Centre, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, and the Vilnius University Centre of Neonatology in 1995-2014. RESULTS: The average maternal age at delivery ranged from 25.8 years in 1995 to 28.8 years in 2014. The comparison of 2001 and 2014 data shows that the incidence of gestational diabetes increased by 6.7 times due to the improved diagnosis. The percentage of hypertensive disorders decreased from 6.1% in 1997 to 3.2% in 2014. Between 1995 and 2014, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women declined by half. The marked decrease in respiratory, urinary, genital and other diseases was observed among pregnant women. From 1995 to 2014, in Lithuania there were 67 maternal deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth. Hemorrhage and infections during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period are considered the most common causes of maternal death.

Nesciuju ir jaunu negimdziusiu moteru krutu turio, kuno dydzio ir pasyviosios mases lyginamasis tyrimas.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BREAST VOLUME BODY SIZE AND PASSIVE BODY MASS IN PREGNANT AND YOUNG NULLIPAROUS WOMEN: The aim. To compare the relation between the changes in the body and breast size in pregnant and young nulliparous women. Materials and methods. In 2008-2009, 82 young nulliparous nineteen-year-old women were examined in Siauliai (Study I). Their body mass and breast size data were compared with the findings obtained from the examination of pregnant women during their first trimester in Vilnius from 2013 to 2015 (Study II). These findings involved longitudinal and transverse dimensions, the volume of various parts of the body, skin folds, breast dimensions, waist, hips, body mass indices, breast volume, and passive body mass. Both studies used standard anthropometric techniques and Martin instruments. The breast volume was calculated according to the formula of Kramer and Dexler (1981). The percentage of the passive body mass (fat tissue) were determined from the skin folds and the subcutaneous adipose tissue according to the formulae of Wilmore and Behnke (1970), and of Siri (1961). The differences between the groups were assessed by Student's t test. The selected reliability level was p < 0.05. Results. The following indicators were found to be statistically significantly higher in the group of pregnant women: chest, waist, hips, breast volume and the waist-hip index. The adipose tissue in pregnant women increased in the upper part of the body, although the relative and absolute passive body weight between the groups differed insignificantly. a comparison of the measurements of primiparous and multiparous young women with the measurements of the nulliparous subjects shows that the multiparous women had a larger amount of fat tissue, while in primiparous and young nulliparous women these indicators were not significantly different. Body size indices of the subgroups of pregnant women with small, medium, and large breasts were higher than those of the young nulliparous with similar measurements. The body size of lean women (below 25 percentile) was higher than that of young nulliparous women in the group of pregnant women. Differences in the body size indices of medium obese women (between 25 and 75 percentiles) were similar to the indicators of medium-sized female breasts in the group of pregnant women. The differences found in obese women (above 75 percentile) were similar to the indices recorded in the women of medium obesity. Conclusions. The passive body mass of pregnant women was accumulating in the upper part of the body. The body mass index in pregnant women was higher than that in nulliparous young women. Over the course of time (the age difference between the studied groups was ~10 years), the female body increases, the topography of the distribution of the adipose tissue changes. Pregnant women's breast volume was significantly higher than that of young nulliparous women. This phenomenon can be explained by pregnant women's higher passive body mass and older age. Keywords: anthropometry, passive body mass, pregnancy, breasts.

Pain experience during saline-contrast sonohysterography differs between premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the pain experienced during and after Saline-contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) differs between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. METHODS: Sonohysterography was performed on 133 consecutive women because of suspected endometrial pathology. Of these, 34 women were excluded for the following reasons: they had cervical stenosis; they did not complete or return a questionnaire; or tenaculum or cervical dilatators were used during the procedure. All women were asked to fill out a questionnaire to characterize their pain and mark their pain experience on a 100-mm pain visual analog scale. RESULTS: Data from the 99 patients included were used for statistical analysis. It showed that sonohysterography was well tolerated overall: 41% of the women did not feel any pain. Postmenopausal women experienced pain during SCSH more often than premenopausal women did: 71% (17/24) compared with 32% (24/75) experienced pain; p < 0.002; the median tolerance on the 100-mm visual analog scale was 43. The character of the pain differed between the two groups of women: postmenopausal women more often felt sharp pain (42%; 10/24), whereas premenopausal women more often felt gnawing and/or crampy pain (21%; 16/75) (p < 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women were twice as likely to experience pain during SCSH as premenopausal women were. Therefore, postmenopausal women might benefit from analgesia induced prior to the procedure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:267-271, 2016.

Uterine size and ovarian size in adolescents with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea.

INTRODUCTION: Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is a condition characterised by the absence of menses due to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to estimate uterine and ovarian sizes in adolescents with FHA and to compare these results with findings in peers having regular menstrual cycles. DESIGN: Prospective case-controlled study. SETTINGS: Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos, Lithuania. PATIENTS: Lithuanian adolescents--45 with FHA and 40 comparison group participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We assessed ultrasound measurements of internal reproductive organs, levels of luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, oestradiol and calculated body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 16.3 ± 1.2 years, the mean age after menarche--3.6 years. In adolescents with FHA the BMI was 17.8 ± 1.8 kg/m(2) and 20.4 ± 1.4 kg/m(2) in the comparison group, p < 0.001. The uterine volume (14.7 ± 6.3 cm(3) vs 31.7 ± 10.6 cm(3), p < 0.001), cervical length (2.3 ± 0.4 cm vs 2.6 ± 0.5 cm, p = 0.03), volume of both ovaries (9.3 ± 3.6 cm(3) vs 13.8 ± 4.3 cm(3), p < 0.001) and levels of LH (2.70 ± 2.59 vs 6.01 ± 2.44, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in girls with FHA. A significantly positive correlation between volume of uterus and levels of LH (r = 0.415; p < 0.001) was found. We identified a positive correlation between uterine volume, uterine corpus length, cervical length, ovarian volume and weight, BMI. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescents with FHA the dimensions of uterus and ovaries were smaller than in girls having regular menstrual cycles. Our study confirmed the influence of oestrogen on uterus size: oestrogen deficiency causes a reduction in uterine size. Uterine size and ovarian size correlate positively with BMI.