A New Marker for the Diagnosis of Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Immature Granulocyte.

BACKGROUND: The goal is to assess the role of immature granulocytes (IG) in the diagnosis of acute pelvic-inflammatory-disease (PID) and to determine whether they are useful for discriminating mild/moderate and severe PID. METHODS: Patients admitted with the diagnosis of acute PID were retrospectively assessed. Diagnosis was based on CDC criteria. Patients were grouped as severe and mild/moderate PID based on need for hospitalization. Control group consisted of patients in whom PID was excluded by laparoscopy. Sample size was calculated with statistical methods. IGs were compared within the groups. Cutoff values were determined for prediction of diagnosis and severity of acute PID. RESULTS: There were 74 severe, 32 mild/moderate acute PID, and 41 control patients. Thirty patients had surgery following no response to antibiotic treatment or tubo-ovarian abscess. IGs were significantly higher in the severe group compared to mild/moderate and control groups. ROC analysis showed IG counts (≥ 0.035 µL) and percentages (≥ 0.35%) were significantly effective in predicting acute PID and were associated with severity when they were ≥ 0.055 µL and ≥ 0.42%, respectively. IG count ≥ 0.085 was found to have 58.6% sensitivity and 63.1% speci-ficity for prediction of surgical intervention need. CONCLUSIONS: IGs are components of simple CBC tests and are easily obtainable, cheap markers. They were found to be elevated in acute PID and correlated significantly with the severity of the disease. These markers may serve as adjunctive markers for the diagnosis of acute PID and may be useful in discrimination between mild/moderate and severe PID.

A clinical scoring system for the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

Objective: To develop a scoring system using clinical evaluation methods to predict the presence of adenomyosis. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 232 patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disorders was prospectively enrolled. A detailed anamnesis was obtained and physical/pelvic examinations with trans-vaginal ultrasound imaging were performed one day before the hysterectomy. The diagnosis of adenomyosis was based on histopathologic examination. Findings were compared between patients with (n=55) and without (n=166) adenomyosis. Factors associated with adenomyosis were assessed with regression analysis and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. The variables found to be significant were chosen for the scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was carried out to find the cut-off values for these variables. Results: Number of parity, dyspareunia and dysmenorrhea visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, age of menarche, presence of uterine tenderness and detection of heterogeneous myometrium and myometrial cysts during ultrasonography were found to be the significant parameters. OR for the presence of myometrial heterogeneity, myometrial cysts, uterine tenderness were 27.2, 3.6 and 9.3 respectively. Cut-off values were calculated; 3 for parity (OR=2.8), 13-years for menarche (OR=1.6), 2 for dyspareunia VAS scores (OR=1.9) and 4 for dysmenorrhea VAS scores (OR=1.2). The total sum of maximum OR that a patient can obtain was calculated as 47.6 and this value was assumed to predict the presence of adenomyosis 100%. The multiplication of the sum of the OR in a patient by 2.1 (100/47.2) was found to have a predictive ability for the presence of adenomyosis. Conclusion: A scoring system is developed to predict adenomyosis non-invasively based on clinical evaluation.

Maternal Serum Haptoglobin Levels as a Marker of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of maternal serum haptoglobin levels in patients presenting with preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) during the second and the third trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: In this case control study, 60 patients were recruited (30 pregnant women with PPROM between 26-34 weeks of gestation and 30 healthy, gestational-age-matched pregnant women without PPROM). White blood cell count (WBC), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), sedimentation rate, and haptoglobin levels were measured. RESULTS: The mean age, gestational week, gravida, and parity of the 2 groups were statistically comparable (P>0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of haptoglobin values (p<0.001). The mean haptoglobin level was 115.5+33.1(mg/dl) in the PPROM group and 66.5+42.6 (mg/dl) in the control group. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine whether the level of haptoglobin alone could diagnose PPROM as an independent marker. It was shown that the level of 94.5 mg/dL for haptoglobin could indicate the diagnosis of PPROM with 80% sensitivity and specificity CONCLUSION: Maternal serum haptoglobin levels may be a diagnostic marker for suspected PPROM cases when membrane rupture diagnosis is not accurate based on physical examination and other diagnostic tests.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a comparison between fertility-sparing techniques and hysterectomy.

This study aimed to compare fertility-sparing interventions and hysterectomy among women with placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS) who underwent caesarean deliveries. We retrospectively reviewed the data, and classified 148 patients as follows: group B: Bakri balloon without resection (n = 83); group R: segmental uterine resection (n = 23); and group H: hysterectomy (n = 42). The groups differed significantly with respect to operative time, transfused blood products, and post-operative intensive care unit and hospital stays. Morbidity was the highest in group H. The aforementioned parameters did not differ between Groups B and R. Groups R and H differed regarding the operative time, post-operative hospital stay, and transfused blood products. Although the treatment modality and PAS severity differed between the groups of patients with preserved fertility, the surgical outcome parameters did not differ. Hence, the effectiveness of these approaches may be similar without foregoing patient safety.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? As caesarean delivery rates have increased worldwide, the incidence of placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS), which has high morbidity and mortality rates, has also risen. Planned caesarean hysterectomy is recommended to reduce mortality and morbidity, but fertility is lost.What do the results of this study add? The severity of PAS can range from mild to severe. A patient-tailored approach, which was based on the intra-operative findings and used either a Bakri balloon tamponade or segmental uterine resection, reduced morbidity and preserved fertility.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Instead of adhering to the conventional approach that involves an elective caesarean hysterectomy based on antenatal imaging, more suitable approaches should be considered from the spectrum of haemostatic and fertility-preserving options available, while considering a surgeon's experience, the intra-operative findings, and patients' needs.

Planned versus urgent deliveries in placenta previa: maternal, surgical and neonatal results.

PURPOSE: Placenta previa is abnormal localization of the placenta, associated with high rates of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. This abnormal implantation may also be in the form of invasion to surroundings defined as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). The increasing rates of cesarean section raise the frequency of placenta previa and PAS in recent years. Although there are some recommendations, the optimal timing of caesarean delivery concerning fetal and maternal benefits is still unclear. The aim of this study is to compare maternal, surgical and perinatal outcomes of placenta previa cases who underwent emergency or planned surgery. METHODS: The women who underwent cesarean section for placenta previa between October 2013 and February 2019 at a tertiary care center were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two main groups as planned and urgent, and into two subgroups as complicated (PAS) and uncomplicated (non-PAS). RESULTS: Of the 313 women who met the inclusion criteria, 176 were planned and 137 were urgent cesarean sections. In the urgent group, gestational age, duration of surgery, maternal preoperative and pre-discharge hemoglobin levels, requirement of blood and blood product, additional surgical interventions, length of maternal postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay, neonatal birthweight, Apgar scores, length of the follow-up in neonatal intensive care unit, invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation were significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal complication rates are increased in women who are operated on emergency conditions due to placenta previa. Perinatal outcomes are better in women who underwent planned surgery and in those with gestational age greater than 37 weeks.

Retrospective Evaluation of the Seropositivity Rate of Toxoplasmosis and Clinical Results in Pregnant Women That were Admitted to a Tertiary Health Institution Between 2012 and 2017 in Turkey

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women who were admitted to our hospital in their first trimester and to contribute to screening and management strategies by evaluating clinical outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective study, women in their first trimester of pregnancy who were aged between 15-49 years, admitted to the Mersin University Medical Faculty Gynecology and Obstetrics outpatient clinic between 2012-2017, and screened for Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were included. The data was obtained from the hospital's digital records. First, the high-risk patients were identified who had anti-T. gondii IgM seropositivity and subsequently underwent anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-T. gondii IgG avidity tests. Next, the invasive procedures and medical treatments performed for diagnosis and treatment, as well as the clinical course and results for each patient were evaluated. Cases were then analyzed according to the admittance year and patient's age. Results: Anti-T. gondii IgM positivity was found in 266 (7.66%) of 3474 pregnant women meeting the study's criteria. The frequency of the Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity was the highest in the 15-25 age group and this frequency decreased gradually as the age of the patients increased. Congenital toxoplasmosis was detected in 1 of 61 patients who had a positive polymerase chain reaction for T. gondii performed in the amniotic fluid. Conclusion: In our province, the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM was found to be 7.66% in pregnant women who were admitted to a tertiary health institution in their first trimester of pregnancy. This rate is much higher than the average in Turkey; therefore, we suggest that routine screening of pregnant women for T. gondii may be recommended in this region.

Female genital tuberculosis cases with distinct clinical symptoms: Four case reports.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Genital TB (GTB) is a form of extrapulmonary TB that occurs more frequently in women, in whom it classically presents in association with menstrual irregularity, pregnancy loss and short and long-term sequelae especially infertility in infected women. Patients with GTB are usually young women diagnosed during workup for infertility. GTB is rare in postmenopausal women and responsible for only approximately 1% of postmenopausal bleeding. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the laboratory, clinical and demographic characteristics of female GTB cases. CASE: We presented four female GTB cases with distinct clinical symptoms. All patients have no history of TB, and no acid-fast bacilli were seen in smears prepared from the clinical materials of the patients. Histopathological examinations revealed granulomatous inflammation in all patients. CONCLUSION: In the light of the clinical features of these cases we aimed to emphasize that, female GTB must be taken into account in the patients with different clinical symptoms like postmenopausal bleeding, menometrorrhagia, infertility, and menstrual irregularities. We believe that these symptoms will be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of female GTB.

Oral Mass of a Fetus Incidentally Found during Second Trimester: Ultrasound Survey and Postnatal Prognosis of the Baby.

Ultrasound (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to detect and evaluate the face and neck tumors during the in-utero period. We reported and discussed an oral mass which was diagnosed incidentally at mid-trimester exam and managed successfully.

Isolated fetal lymphatic malformation of the thigh: prenatal diagnosis and follow-up.

Fetal lymphatic malformation can be found in different parts of the fetal body. It occurs most frequently in the nuchal and axillary region and less frequently in the abdomen or inguinal areas. Lymphatic malformation has been associated with fetal aneuploidy, hydrops fetalis, structural malformations, and intrauterine fetal death. A 31-year-old gravida 3, para 2 woman was admitted to our hospital at 22 weeks of gestation (confirmed by ultrasonographic examination). The fetus was alive, and had a mass derived from the left inguinal region extending to the anterior left leg with fluid-filled cavities about 3-5 cm in size. There was no evidence of intra-abdominal extension of the mass. Amniocentesis was performed. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left inguinal cystic mass, which extended to the left thigh. Antenatal follow-up was uneventful. The mother gave birth at term with a cesarean section. Postnatal clinical examination and imaging examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphatic malformation. Fetal lymphatic malformation carries a high risk of aneuploidy and fetal malformations. Patients diagnosed with lymphatic malformation in antenatal follow-up should be assessed in terms of coexistent anomalies. Fetal karyotyping should be done and the fetus should be monitored for fetal hydrops.

Isolated fetal lymphatic malformation of the thigh: prenatal diagnosis and follow-up

Fetal lymphatic malformation can be found in different parts of the fetal body. It occurs most frequently in the nuchal and axillary region and less frequently in the abdomen or inguinal areas. Lymphatic malformation has been associated with fetal aneuploidy, hydrops fetalis, structural malformations, and intrauterine fetal death. A 31-year-old gravida 3, para 2 woman was admitted to our hospital at 22 weeks of gestation (confirmed by ultrasonographic examination). The fetus was alive, and had a mass derived from the left inguinal region extending to the anterior left leg with fluid-filled cavities about 3-5 cm in size. There was no evidence of intra-abdominal extension of the mass. Amniocentesis was performed. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left inguinal cystic mass, which extended to the left thigh. Antenatal follow-up was uneventful. The mother gave birth at term with a cesarean section. Postnatal clinical examination and imaging examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphatic malformation. Fetal lymphatic malformation carries a high risk of aneuploidy and fetal malformations. Patients diagnosed with lymphatic malformation in antenatal follow-up should be assessed in terms of coexistent anomalies. Fetal karyotyping should be done and the fetus should be monitored for fetal hydrops.

[Genotyping of Vaginal Candida glabrata Isolates Using Microsatellite Marker Analysis and DNA Sequencing to Identify Mutations Associated with Antifungal Resistance]. / Vajinal Candida glabrata Izolatlarinin Mikrosatellit Gösterge Analizi ile Genotiplendirilmesi ve DNA Dizi Analizi ile Antifungal Direnç ile Iliskili Mutasyonlarin Belirlenmesi.

Vulvovaginal candidosis is the second most common cause of vaginitis (17-39%) after bacterial vaginosis (22-50%). Since the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidosis mainly depends on clinical findings without mycologic confirmatory tests and treated empirically, the actual incidence rate of vulvovaginal candidosis is unknown. Approximately 70-90% of vulvovaginal candidosis cases are caused by Candida albicans, however the increasing incidence of C.glabrata infections and its reduced susceptibility to azole drug therapy have generated increasing attention. The epidemiology and population structure of vulvovaginal candidosis due to C.glabrata are poorly characterized. This study was aimed to genotype the C.glabrata strains isolated from vaginal samples in Cukurova region, Turkey by microsatellite markers, to investigate the antifungal susceptibility profiles of the strains and to determine the molecular mechanisms leading to phenotypical azole resistance. A total of 34 unrelated vaginal C.glabrata strains isolated from patients with acute (n= 11) and recurrent (n= 14) vulvovaginal candidosis, control group (n= 9) without vaginitis symptoms, and a reference strain of C.glabrata CBS 138 (ATCC 2001) were included in the study. These isolates were genotyped using multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis of three microsatellite markers (RPM2, MTI, and Cg6). Analysis of microsatellite markers was performed by fragment size determination of RPM2, MTI, and Cg6 PCR products through capillary electrophoresis. For each of the evaluated strains, DNA sequence analysis was performed for one gene (CgERG11) and four loci (CgPDR1, NTM1, TRP1, and URA3) to detect mutations possibly associated with antifungal resistance in each strain. In vitro susceptibility profiles of the strains to 13 antifungals and boric acid were determined according to CLSI document M27-A3 to investigate possible relationships between detected mutations and phenotypic resistance. C.glabrata CBS 138 strain was found to be susceptible to all the antifungals tested, while one of (%2.9) 34 vaginal C.glabrata isolates was found to be dose-dependent susceptible to fluconazole, 13 (38.2%) to itraconazole and 3 (8.8%) to voriconazole. No resistant strain were detected in the study population. Only three isolates were found to be resistant to clotrimazole (8.8%), however no relationship was identified between the genotypes and phenotypic resistance (p> 0.05). Thirteen genotypes were detected by microsatellite marker analysis, with high discrimination power (DP= 0.877). As a result, microsatellite marker analysis was validated as a rapid, reliable method for genotyping C.glabrata strains with good, but not optimal discriminatory power. Further studies examining larger numbers of isolates are needed to verify possible relationships between mutations and phenotypic resistance.

Extragastrointestinal Stromal Tumor during Pregnacy.

Extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) are mesenchymal neoplasms without connection to the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and EGIST are similar according to their clinicopathologic and histomorphologic features. Both of them most often express immunoreactivity for CD-117, a c-kit proto-oncogene protein. The coexistence of GIST and pregnancy is very rare, with only two cases reported in the literature. In this paper, we presented the first EGIST case during pregnancy in the literature.

Effect of cervical length on second trimester pregnancy termination.

AIM: To evaluate the value of sonographic measurement of cervical length as a predictor of abortion or delivery within 24 h by misoprostol in second trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-three women underwent TOP between 14 and 26 weeks of pregnancy due to various indications. The primary outcome was abortion within 24 h. Cervical length was measured before transvaginal administration of misoprostol. The effects of cervical length, total misoprostol dose, parity, and gestational age at diagnosis on successful TOP were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-three women were eligible who met the inclusion criteria. TOP occurred in 80.5% of patients within 24 h. Parous women had shorter prolonged induction to expulsion period over 24 h (14.1% vs 28.6%, P = 0.061). Total misoprostol dose and history of abortion were parameters that affected induction to delivery period (P = 0.002 and P = 0.041). Using an optimum cutoff of 36 mm, 58.2% sensitivity and 68.2% specificity were obtained. In addition, positive and negative predictive values were 85.36% and 33.3%, respectively. Pregnant women whose preinduction cervical length was shorter than 36 mm had a shorter induction time and needed a lower total misoprostol dose to achieve TOP than women with a cervical length longer than 36 mm (P = 0.027 and P = 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSION: Transvaginal measurement of cervical length before administration of prostaglandin analogue was not correlated with successful TOP within 24 h. It cannot be used as a predictor in light of our findings.

The effect of pelvic organ prolapse on sexual function in a general cohort of women.

INTRODUCTION: This is a report about the effects of pelvic organ prolapse on sexual function in women. AIM: To determine the effect of pelvic organ prolapse on sexual function in women. METHODS: The study group consisted of 1,267 sexually active women. Baseline characteristics, medical and obstetric history of the patients were recorded. All women underwent vaginal examination to determine the degree of prolapse by pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) system. Of 1,267 women, 342 (27.0%) had prolapse stage ≥2. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12) scores of the women were recorded. RESULT(S): Women with genital prolapse had lower PISQ-12 scores than women without it. The difference resulted mainly from urinary incontinence during sexual activity, fear of incontinence and avoidance of intercourse due to prolapse. Multivariate analyses showed that genital prolapse was one of the confounding factors for sexual function. CONCLUSION(S): Pelvic floor dysfunction is a multi-faceted problem because it has both anatomical and functional aspects. Although pelvic organ prolapse had an effect on some aspects of sexuality, it has no effect on certain aspects of sexual function such as orgasm and sexual satisfaction.