Adnexal masses and pregnancy: a single-center experience of 9 years.

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the experience of a tertiary health center about the management of adnexal masses that have been diagnosed during pregnancy or detected accidentally during cesarean delivery. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 160 women who underwent concurrent surgery for adnexal mass during cesarean section, 24 women who delivered vaginally and subsequently had surgery due to the prenatal diagnosis of adnexal mass and 10 women who underwent surgery for adnexal mass during pregnancy. Corresponding to the delivery and surgery times, 200 women who had no diagnosis of pregnancy-associated adnexal mass served as controls. RESULTS: The women in the control group and study groups had statistically similar gestational age at delivery, birth weight and preterm delivery (p > 0.05 for all). Miscarriage was significantly more frequent in women undergoing surgery for adnexal mass during pregnancy (p = 0.001). The women who had surgery for adnexal mass during pregnancy, at the time of cesarean section and following delivery were statistically similar with respect to surgery type and histopathological diagnosis (p > 0.05 for both). Malignancy was detected in none of the patients who underwent surgery for adnexal mass during pregnancy. Acute abdomen was the indication for the emergency surgery in six patients (3.5%) who had surgery for adnexal mass during pregnancy. Four patients (2.4%) had surgery for adnexal mass during pregnancy due to the high index of suspicion for malignancy. CONCLUSION: The risk of malignancy was relatively lower in this cohort of adnexal masses detected during pregnancy and cesarean delivery. Surgical management of adnexal masses should be postponed to postpartum period as such management leads to an increased risk of miscarriage. Unless there is a need for emergent surgery or cancer staging, vaginal delivery should be encouraged in women diagnosed with adnexal mass during pregnancy.

The effect of virtual reality and music on anxiety, non-stress test parameters, and satisfaction of high-risk pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests: Randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal tests cause high-risk pregnant women to experience high anxiety levels. AIM: This paper investigated the effect of Virtual Reality (VR) and music on anxiety, non-stress test parameters, and satisfaction of high-risk pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests (NSTs). METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 102 participants randomized into three groups (VR = 34, music = 34, and control = 34). Maternal anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S (STAI-S) before and after NSTs. Satisfaction was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after NSTs. NST parameters were evaluated after NSTs. The findings were reported based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). RESULTS: The VR and music groups had significantly lower mean posttest STAI-S scores than the control group (p <.05). There was no significant difference in NST findings (reactive/nonreactive) between the groups (p >.05). The VR group had a significantly shorter reactive NST duration than the control group (p <.05). The VR and music groups had significantly higher mean VAS-satisfaction scores than the control group (p <.05) CONCLUSION: Virtual reality and music during NSTs help high-risk pregnant women experience less anxiety and satisfy them more with the procedure. We recommend that obstetric midwives and nurses use these low-cost, simple, and noninvasive methods to reduce anxiety in high-risk pregnant women during prenatal testing.

Does Second Trimester Maternal Serum Zonulin Level Predict Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

Zonulin, a protein that regulates intestinal permeability, has attracted attention as a potential biomarker for GDM. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether there are differences in zonulin levels between the GDM group and control groups, especially between those receiving different treatments (diet and insulin). Based on this idea, we included 90 patients with a gestational age between 24 and 28 weeks in our study. While GDM was not detected in 33 of these patients, as a result of OGTT, 57 patients were diagnosed with GDM and these patients were followed throughout their pregnancy. Gestational diabetes was diagnosed by an OGTT performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) standards. During follow-up, GDM patients were divided into two groups according to whether they required insulin treatment. Plasma zonulin levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. The GDM group had significantly higher plasma zonulin levels than the control group (p < 0.005). According to our research, zonulin may be a non-invasive biomarker involved in the etiology of GDM. Large-scale research on this topic is still needed.

A comprehensive assessment of redox balance in small for gestational age newborns and their mothers.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess oxidative stress in small for gestational age (SGA) newborns and their mothers by evaluating intra- and extracellular thiol homeostasis and the quantification of major oxidants and antioxidants. METHODS: A total of 75 mothers and their 75 newborns (43 SGA) were enrolled in this study. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis, serum myeloperoxidase, catalase, total oxidant, and antioxidant status were analyzed. Additionally, erythrocytic glutathione (GSH) homeostasis was measured. RESULTS: Although native and total thiol levels were decreased, disulfide levels were increased in SGA groups. Additionally, myeloperoxidase activity and total oxidant status levels were significantly elevated whereas total antioxidant status levels and enzymatic antioxidant systems were diminished in SGA groups. Similarly, intra-erythrocytic GSH homeostasis was shifted in favor of oxidants in SGA groups. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that insufficient antioxidant systems in mothers and a robust source of oxidative stress in SGA might contribute to the pathophysiology of SGA births.

Effect of Nifedipine Used in the Treatment of the Threat of Preterm Labor on Total Uterine Artery Blood Volume Flow Rate.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the effect of maternal nifedipine treatment on total uterine artery blood volume flow rate (TVFR). METHODS: In this prospective study, 43 women who were admitted to the Perinatology Department of the University of Health Sciences Etlik Zübeyde Hanim Gynecology Training and Research Hospital, with the diagnosis of the threat of preterm labor, and 40 healthy pregnant women, who were randomly selected as the control group, were evaluated between July 1, 2018, and September 1, 2018. A transabdominal ultrasound examination of uterine arteries was performed both before and 48 hours after administration of oral nifedipine for TVFR measurement. For the final analysis, the TVFR levels of the group diagnosed with the threat of preterm labor and the control group were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in either uterine artery pulsatility index or resistance index values as well as the diameters of the uterine arteries after nifedipine treatment (p>0.05 for all). Total uterine artery blood volume flow rate (TVFR) was 424.66±236.74 mL/min before and 543.39±309.68 mL/min after treatment with nifedipine and was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a statistically significant increase in total uterine artery blood volume flow rate 48 hours after oral nifedipine treatment.

Effects of genetic polymorphisms of CYP2J2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP4F2, CYP4F3 and CYP4A11 enzymes in preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2J2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP4F2, CYP4F3 and CYP4A11 genetic polymorphisms in preeclampsia and gestational hypertension (GHT) patients in a sample of Turkish population. MATERIALS-METHODS: Patients (n = 168; 110 GHT and 58 preeclampsia) and healthy pregnant women (n = 155, controls) participated in the study. For genotyping, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction analysis (RFLP) were used. Substance levels were measured using LC-MS. RESULTS: Plasma DHET levels in GHT and preeclampsia patients were significantly lower than those in the control group (62.7%, 66.3% vs.100.0%, respectively, p < 0.0001). An increase in CYP2J2*7 allele frequency was observed in the preeclampsia group, as compared to GHT group (12.1% vs. 4.5%; odds ratio, O.R. = 2.88, p < 0.01). The frequencies of CYP2C19*2 and*17 alleles were higher in GHT group as compared to the control group (17.7% vs. 11.6%, O.R. = 1.99, p < 0.01; and 28.6% vs.18.4%, O.R. = 2.03, p < 0.01, respectively). An increased frequency of CYP4F3 rs3794987 G allele was found in GHT group as compared to the control group (48.0% vs. 38.0%; O.R. = 1.53, p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: DHET plasma levels were significantly reduced in hypertensive pregnant groups as compared to the control group. The allele frequency distributions for CYP2J2*7, CYP2C19 *2, *17 and CYP4F3 rs3794987 were significantly different in hypertensive pregnant patients as compared to the healthy control subjects. Our results may suggest that investigated genetic polymorphisms may be useful in diagnosis and clinical management of GHT and preeclampsia patients.

Segmental hair metabolomics analysis in pregnant women with pregnancy complications.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy complications, as preeclampsia (PE) and HELLP syndrome, occurring with similar pathophysiological mechanisms, have adverse effects on the health of both mother and fetus during pregnancy and thereafter, they are leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The hair metabolome has been recognized as a valuable source of information in pregnancy research, as it provides stable metabolite information to be able to assist with studying biomarkers or metabolic mechanisms of pregnancy and its complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the hair metabolome profile of pregnant women with PE, HELLP syndrome and healthy women. METHOD: Hair samples of new-borns' mothers (patients and controls) were investigated segmentally relevant to each trimester using a proper sample preparation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify robust biomarkers that can be useful for screening, early detection, follow-up and treatment of PE and HELLP syndrome, the etiology of which are still unknown. RESULTS: The results showed a significant change in the metabolome profiles of the patient and control groups regarding the trimesters. A striking decrease was observed in all 100 metabolites investigated in the patient group (p < 0.000). The metabolic pathways associated with significant metabolites have also been investigated, and the most affected pathways were observed to be the urea cycle, glycine, serine, aspartate, methionine and purine metabolism, ammonia cycle, and phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis. CONCLUSION: The found metabolites provide us with extensive data on the ability to establish biomarkers for predicting, early detection and monitoring of PE.

Pregnancy outcomes and prenatal traditional karyotype analysis with fetal omphalocele.

BACKGROUND: Omphalocele is associated with many aneuploidies, deletions and congenital anomalies. This study evaluates pregnancies diagnosed with omphalocele and its relevance to concomitant genetic disorders. METHODS: The data of patients with the intrauterine diagnosis of omphalocele who had invasive diagnostic testing performed between January 2017 and January 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. The traditional karyotype analysis was performed to prenatal diagnosis for all fetuses. During the study period, all patients were scanned via ultrasonography by an experienced perinatologist, prenatally. RESULTS: We evaluated 22 cases of omphalocele whose genetic testing results were available. The mean maternal age was 25 (18-41) years. The median gestational week at diagnosis was 13 (11-22). Invasive genetic testing revealed aneuploidy in 7 patients (31.8%), 2 with trisomy 13 (9.1%), and 5 with trisomy 18 (22.8%). There were 5 fetuses (22.7%) that had extracorporeal liver: 1 had trisomy 18 (20%), 1 had trisomy 13 (20%), and the other 3 fetuses had a normal karyotype (60%). Further, 14 (63.6%) pregnancies were terminated: 4 had trisomy 18 (28.6%), 1 had trisomy 13 (7.1%), and 9 of the terminated pregnancies (64.3%) had additional congenital anomalies. There were 4 infants who died (50%) born from 8 patients who decided to continue with their pregnancy. The omphalocele sac of 1 infant spontaneously regressed in the ensuing weeks of pregnancy who is now 1 year old. CONCLUSIONS: The chromosomal abnormalities presented in up to 31.8% of cases diagnosed with omphalocele. Moreover, for cases with normal genetic testing results, the propensity for additional structural defects was high and the prognosis remains poor. Counseling parents to consider their option of terminating the pregnancy is appropriate.

The Association between Placental Abruption and Platelet Indices.

Objective: Placental abruption (PA) is an obstetric emergency. This study investigated the use of platelet indices in PA in its early stages to determine if it could aid in diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two pregnant women with PA and 130 pregnant women who delivered due to idiopathic preterm delivery were included in this case-control study. Blood samples including platelet indices, biochemical, and coagulation parameters were obtained before cesarean section. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups as to hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood count. Platelet, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were significantly lower, platelet distribution width (PDW) was significantly higher in the PA patients. Conclusion: In the current study, MPV and PLR were lower and PDW was higher in PA patients. These parameters may be useful in assessment of PA.

Fetal pulmonary artery Doppler parameters in pregnancies complicated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a prospective case-control study

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to determine whether pulmonary artery acceleration time (AT) to ejection time (ET) ratio (PATET) was altered in fetuses of mothers with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP). The secondary aim was to investigate the association between fetal pulmonary artery Doppler parameters with neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by IHCP. Material and Methods: This prospective case control study was conducted in a tertiary perinatal-neonatal center. A total of 18 fetuses whose mothers' pregnancies were complicated by IHCP were included as the study group and a total of 37 fetuses of mothers with healthy pregnancies were selected as controls. Fetal pulmonary artery Doppler parameters (AT; ET; AT/ET ratio) were assessed and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. Results: Mean pulmonary artery AT, ET and PATET were significantly different between the groups (p=0.001, p=0.024 and p=0.003, respectively). The mean PATET value in the IHCP group was 0.217±0.029 while in the control group it was 0.180±0.020. While PATET values were correlated with gestational age at birth, respiratory distress and need for neonatal intensive care admission were not correlated with PATET. Conclusion: Higher values of PATET may be a useful biomarker of fetal lung damage, secondary to IHCP.

Role of derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, uric acid-to-creatinine ratio and Delta neutrophil index for predicting neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with preeclampsia.

We aimed to compare the maternal and neonatal systemic inflammatory markers, platelet indices and new indices in biochemical parameters in women with preeclampsia and healthy controls. The secondary aim was to investigate whether there was a relationship between maternal hematological markers and neonatal outcomes. A retrospective case control study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Maternal demographic and birth characteristics, complete blood count indices, derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), Delta neutrophil index (DNI), uric acid-to-creatinine (Cre) ratio and uric acid-to-alanine transaminase ratio, neonatal hematological parameters were compared between the preeclamptic group and control group. The study consisted of 170 cases (84 preeclampsia and 86 control). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), dNLR, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre), uric acid, LDH, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid-to-Cre ratio and uric acid-to-ALT ratio were higher and statistically significant in the preeclamptic group than in control ones (p: 0.000 - BUN, Cre, uric acid, LDH, p: 0.001 - AST, p: 0.004 - ALT, p: 0.000 - uric acid-to-Cre ratio, p: 0.009 - uric acid-to-ALT ratio, respectively). NLR and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratio were significantly higher in newborns of preeclamptic mothers (p: 0.039; p: 0.004, respectively). A low-moderate correlation between maternal uric acid-to-Cre ratio and neonatal PLR was detected (r: 0.193; p: 0.013). Moreover, moderate negative correlations between maternal PLR (r:-0.231, p: 0.002), uric acid (r: 0.332, p:0.000) and adverse neonatal outcomes were found. Uric acid and PLR, which can be easily calculated clinically may predict adverse neonatal outcomes.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known about this topic? Preeclampsia is known as a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Haematological indices have been evaluated for the prognosis of many kinds of disease.What do the results of this study add? This study has focussed on new combined haematological-biochemical indices and its relationship with neonatal outcomes. Both higher NLR, derived NLR, DNI and lower PLR were recorded as useful markers for preeclampsia.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Some indices that were calculated by assessing basic and simple blood parameters may help clinicians to predict clinical outcomes of preeclampsia.

Maternal mortality due to valvular heart disease: a population-based study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To assess the clinical and demographic features of maternal mortality cases among patients with cardiac valvular diseases between 2012 and 2019. METHODS: Maternal mortality due to valvular heart disease between January 2012 and December 2019 in Turkey was retrospectively analyzed. The cases were classified according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification based on the severity of the heart disease. NYHA classification groups were divided into two; as class I-II (n = 34) and class III-IV (n = 31). Two groups were compared in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Valvular heart disease was diagnosed in 41 (63.1%) of the cases before pregnancy. It was found that 100% (n = 21) of the warfarin users had switched to low molecular weight heparin treatment due to concerns about warfarin embryopathy after the diagnosis of pregnancy, and only 14.2% (n = 3) of them had been monitorized with Antifactor Xa activity to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. Two NYHA groups had similar clinical characteristics. Intensive care unit admission rate, frequency of prosthetic valve, rate of thromboprophylaxis, type of valvular disease and reasons of maternal death were similar between the NYHA groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Maternal mortality may be observed in cases with NYHA class I-II in almost similar rates with NYHA class III-IV. Therefore, it is crucial to adequately assess the mortality risk of pregnant women with cardiac valvular pathologies and to achieve early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in order to reduce maternal mortality.

Do fetuin-A/apha2-Heremans Schmid-glycoprotein levels have an association with recurrent pregnancy loss?

OBJECTIVE: Fetuin-A is a hepatokine which is previously found related to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to investigate if recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is associated with increased fetuin-A levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum fetuin-A concentrations were measured and compared in 30 non-pregnant women with a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriage, 29 women who had a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriage and were admitted to our clinic due to miscarriage during the study period and 30 fertile women who have no history of miscarriage or any other pregnancy complications with at least two previous healthy children. RESULTS: The median serum fetuin-A levels of group I, II, and III were 59.45, 62.73, and 44.52, respectively (p=.065). Serum fetuin-A levels significantly increased in group II compared to group III (p=.011). No significant differences in the levels of fetuin-A of group I compared to either group II (p=.433) or group III (p=.268). CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of RPL is still a subject that is not clarified. Fetuin-A levels may have a relationship with RPL.

Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: Why is Prenatal Diagnosis Important?

ObjectiveTo investigate fetal anomalies and pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) to provide assistance in prenatal counseling.MethodsCases diagnosed with PLSVC between January 2015 and January 2020 were obtained from the hospital's electronic system and were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsTwenty-seven cases were analyzed. The prevalence of PLSVC among congenital heart diseases (CHD) was 6.9%. Conotruncal anomalies and renal anomalies were the most common accompanying cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, respectively. Chromosomal abnormality was detected in one fetus.In the postpartum period coarctation of aorta (CoA) was found in one fetus.ConclusionsWhen PLSVC is detected during prenatal ultrasonography, fetal anatomy should be carefully examined because of the anomalies that may accompany it. Prenatal genetic counseling should be given especially to cases with additional anomalies. In isolated cases, cardiac anatomy should be evaluated with repeated echocardiography because of the risk of CoA.

Maternal Serum and Umbilical Cord Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Fetuses with Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Aim: We compared maternal serum and fetal cord blood proBNP levels in healthy pregnancies to those with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods: Prospectively, maternal and cord blood samples at childbirth of 40 pregnant women with isolated IUGR and 40 healthy pregnant women were evaluated for ProBNP levels. Results: The mean serum ProBNP level was significantly higher in newborn cord blood with IUGR than in the control group (181.28 ± 145.37 vs. 91.41 ± 49.77 pg/mL, p = <0.01). Mean serum ProBNP level trended higher in women with IUGR compared to the controls, but was not statistically significant (124.21 ± 113.32 vs. 88.73 ± 85.18 pg/mL, p= >0.05). Conclusion: Third trimester mean proBNP in fetal cord blood are increased in IUGR fetuses at term birth compared to pregnancies with normal fetal growth.

Prenatal diagnosis of the persistent right umbilical vein, incidence and clinical significance.

Prenatal diagnosis of persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is important due to accompanying malformations. Pregnant women diagnosed with PRUV were analysed retrospectively. Intrahepatic PRUV was seen in 12 of 10.743 foetuses and its incidence was found to be 0.11%. The gestational week at the time of diagnosis was between 20 and 35 weeks. Six of the cases had additional abnormal sonographic findings (50%) and six cases (50%) were isolated. Major congenital malformations were seen in four (33.3%) foetuses, 75% of which were congenital heart disease (CHD). Genitourinary system anomaly accompanied in two cases (16.6%). Invasive diagnostic tests were applied to three pregnant women and the results were reported as normal karyotype. In PRUV cases, a detailed sonographic examination should be performed, especially the cardiovascular system. Although PRUV cases do not appear to be associated with chromosomal abnormalities, invasive diagnostic tests should be recommended in the presence of concomitant anomalies.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is a pathological vascular anomaly, in which the left umbilical vein regresses and the right umbilical vein remains open. PRUV can occur in an isolated form that represents its normal variant or be associated with other major or minor anomalies.What do the results of this study add? Additional abnormal sonographic findings were accompanied in 50% of PRUV, major anomaly was detected in 33.3% of them and cardiovascular abnormalities constituted 75% of foetuses with major anomalies.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The presence of concomitant anomalies in PRUV cases is not rare and detailed anatomy screening should be done. The most common accompanying abnormality is seen in the cardiovascular system, so foetuses with PRUV should be evaluated by foetal echocardiography.

Is every other day iron supplementation effective for the treatment of the iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy?

AIM: To understand if every other day iron supplementation may be as effective as daily iron intake in anemic pregnant women. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Turkey. The study randomly categorized women into two groups as daily intake (n = 124) vs every other day intake (n = 140) of 100 mg daily oral ferrous fumarate. The numbers of women recruited from the study were 13 and 34 in two groups. Thus, for analysis, there were 111 women in the daily group and 106 women in the other group. The current study obtained hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin levels two times to evaluate the effects of treatment, noting initial levels before drug administration, and a second blood sample was obtained after two months. Two groups were compared according to the increase in Hb and ferritin levels. The study asked the women whether they experienced gastrointestinal side effects. RESULTS: The ferritin levels increased 4.9 ± 4.2 ng/mL in the daily intake group and 3.9 ± 2.9 ng/mL in every other day group (p = .215). The Hb increased 1.4 ± 0.7 g/dL in the daily intake group and 1.6 ± 0.6 g/dL in the other group (p = .021). Gastrointestinal side effects appeared in 47 (17.8%) out of 264 women. The rate of gastrointestinal side effect was lower in every other day group (41.4% vs 15.1%, p = .0057). CONCLUSION: Every other day iron supplementation is as effective as daily intake for treating iron deficiency anemia with lesser gastrointestinal side effects during pregnancy.

Maternal and Placental Zinc and Copper Status in Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Zinc and copper are essential trace elements for cell growth and proliferation. Their deficiency may contribute to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We aimed to determine the zinc and copper status of maternal serum and placenta samples of pregnant women with fetal IUGR and age-matched pregnant women without IUGR. METHOD: Serum and placenta samples obtained from 37 IUGR and 21 healthy pregnant women were analyzed at delivery. RESULTS: Placenta zinc concentrations and placenta zinc/copper ratio were significantly lower in the IUGR group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Placenta zinc concentrations correlated with birth weight (p: 0.01, r: 0.31). Maternal levels of zinc and copper were similar between pregnant women with IUGR and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Lower placental zinc and zinc/copper ratio levels in pregnancies with IUGR may indicate that placenta zinc and placental zinc/copper status might be involved in IUGR.

Effectiveness of Moxibustion for Breech Presentation: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the moxibustion for turning fetuses from breech to vertex presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center prospective study. All pregnant women carrying a fetus in breech presentation between the 32 and 35 gestational weeks were offered moxibustion application. The primary outcomes were vertex presentation at 37 weeks of gestation, vertex presentation at birth, and vaginal birth rates. A secondary analysis was performed to understand the effect of parity, type of breech presentation, body mass index (BMI), placental location, gender, and fetal birth weight on the presentation at birth. RESULTS: There were 63 cases in the study group and 245 cases in the control group. The rate of vertex presentation at term was found to be higher in the moxibustion group compared to controls (66.7 vs. 48.2%, p=0.022). There were 45 (71.4%) and 131 (53.5%) fetuses with vertex presentation at birth in the study and control groups, respectively (p=0.020). Overall, vaginal delivery rate was higher in the study group (50.8 vs. 37.1%, p=0.048). Multiparity and higher birth weight were associated with increased rates of vertex presentation in the moxibustion and control groups. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion application increased the rate of vertex presentation at birth and also vaginal delivery rate compared with expectant management. Offering moxibustion between the 32nd and 36th week of gestation may provide women with a singleton fetus in breech presentation an opportunity for a vaginal birth.

Increased serum delta neutrophil index levels are associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the maternal serum delta neutrophil index (DNI) levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and healthy pregnancies. METHODS: This study consisted of a group of patients (n = 40) diagnosed with isolated ICP who gave birth in our hospital and a control group (n = 60) between December 1, 2015, and June 30, 2018. The diagnosis of ICP was made based on pruritus and elevated fasting serum bile acids and liver enzymes. Laboratory tests of both groups in the hospitalization process were retrospectively examined. Maternal and neonatal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and DNI values of the two groups were compared. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Mean maternal serum DNI levels were significantly higher in women with ICP than in the control group (0.49 ± 4.8 vs -3.99 ± 3.02, p = <0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to define the DNI value where ICP can be best predicted. CONCLUSION: DNI, a new inflammatory marker, was found to be higher in women with ICP than in normal pregnancies.