Daylight Saving Time and Spontaneous Deliveries: A Case-Control Study in Italy.

(1) Background: Although the current literature shows that daylight saving time (DST) may play a role in human health and behavior, this topic has been poorly investigated with reference to Obstetrics. The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate whether DST may influence the number of spontaneous deliveries. (2) Methods: A low-risk pregnancy cohort with spontaneous onset of labor (n = 7415) was analyzed from a single Italian region for the period 2016-2018. Primary outcome was the number of spontaneous deliveries. Secondary outcomes were: gestational age at delivery, type and time of delivery, use of analgesia, birth weight, and 5-min Apgar at delivery. We compared the outcomes in the two weeks after DST (cases) to the two weeks before DST (controls). (3) Results: Data showed no significant difference between the number of deliveries occurring before and after DST (Chi-square = 0.546, p = 0.46). Vaginal deliveries at any gestational age showed no statistical difference between the two groups (Chi-square = 0.120, p = 0.73). There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes, as well. (4) Conclusions: DST has neither a significant impact on the number of deliveries nor on the obstetric variables investigated by this study.

Molecular biomarkers predicting early development of endometrial carcinoma: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Endometrial carcinoma represents the most common gynaecological cancer and the sixth most frequent cancer among women worldwide. The 5-year survival of patients with stage I endometrial carcinoma is 75%-88% versus 50% for stage III or 15% for stage IV disease. Therefore, early detection could improve survival rates. Specifically, in the most prevalent, type 1 endometrial cancer develops from hyperplastic endometrium. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of cancer gene mutations from endometrial biopsies towards predicting synchronous or metachronous development of malignant lesions. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether endometrial biopsies could already carry mutations in cancer genes useful for predicting or anticipating subsequent cancer development. METHODS: Patients with a previous endometrial biopsy negative for cancer, followed by a subsequent biopsy positive for cancer, were included in the study. A fifty cancer genes targeted next-generation sequencing panel were used to investigate mutations in matched non-cancerous and malignant samples. RESULTS: All biopsies from cancer tissues harboured mutations in one or more of the following genes: APC, CTNNB1, FBXW7, HNF1A, KRAS, MTOR, NRAS, PIK3CA, PTEN, RB1 and TP53. Additionally, 50% of the biopsies from matched non-cancerous tissues exhibited mutations in PTEN, KRAS or PIK3CA genes. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that detecting pathogenic mutations in oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes in an otherwise benign condition is associated with a risk of developing a malignant disease. Given the identification of mutations several months or years before the appearance of a malignancy, our finding suggests that a closer monitoring of patients who present such molecular alterations in non-cancerous uterine mass is warranted.

Imaging description of extragenital müllerian adenosarcoma: A case report / Descrição da imagem do adenosarcoma mülleriano extragenital: relato de caso

Abstract Müllerian adenosarcoma is a very rare gynecological disease, comprising 5% of uterine sarcomas. Extragenital localizations are even rarer.We report a very interesting case of a 27-year-old woman complaining of pelvic pain, with a subsequent diagnosis of extragenital Müllerian adenosarcoma. This is the first case reported in the literature with a complete and wide imaging description. Even if rare, Müllerian adenosarcoma should be hypothesized in case of young female patients presenting with suspicious pelvic mass.

Resumo O adenosarcoma Mülleriano é uma doença ginecológica muito rara, compreendendo 5% dos sarcomas uterinos. Localizações extragenitais são ainda mais raras. Relatamos um caso muito interessante de uma mulher de 27 anos queixando-se de dor pélvica com diagnóstico subsequente de adenosarcoma Mülleriano extragenital. Este é o primeiro caso relatado na literatura com uma descrição completa e ampla de imagem. Mesmo que raro, o adenosarcoma Mülleriano deve ser hipotetizado no caso de pacientes jovens do sexo feminino com massa pélvica suspeita.

Isthmocele: From Risk Factors to Management.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature to provide a complete and clear picture of isthmocele-a hypoechoic area within the myometrium at the site of the uterine scar of a previous cesarean section-by exploring in depth every aspect of this condition. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to identify the most relevant studies about this topic. RESULTS: Every aspect of isthmocele has been studied and described: pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, classification, and diagnosis. Its treatment, both medical and surgical, has also been reported according to the actual literature data. CONCLUSION: Cesarean section is the most common surgical procedure performed worldwide, and one of the consequences of this technique is isthmocele. A single and systematic classification of isthmocele is needed to improve its diagnosis and management. Further studies should be performed to better understand its pathogenesis.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão abrangente da literatura a fim de fornecer um quadro completo e claro da istmocele­uma área hipoecoica dentro do miométrio no local da cicatriz uterina de uma cesariana anterior­aprofundando todos os aspectos desta condição MéTODOS: Uma revisão abrangente da literatura foi realizada para identificar os estudos mais relevantes sobre este tema. RESULTADOS: Todos os aspectos da istmocele foram estudados e descritos: fisiopatologia, sintomas clínicos, classificação e diagnóstico. Os tratamentos médico e cirúrgico também foram relatados de acordo com os dados reais da literatura. CONCLUSãO: A cesárea é o procedimento cirúrgico mais comum realizado em todo o mundo, e uma das consequências desta técnica é a istmocele. Uma classificação única e sistemática da istmocele é necessária para melhorar seu diagnóstico e manejo. Novos estudos devem ser realizados para melhor entender sua patogênese.

Imaging Description of Extragenital Müllerian Adenosarcoma: A Case Report.

Müllerian adenosarcoma is a very rare gynecological disease, comprising 5% of uterine sarcomas. Extragenital localizations are even rarer. We report a very interesting case of a 27-year-old woman complaining of pelvic pain, with a subsequent diagnosis of extragenital Müllerian adenosarcoma. This is the first case reported in the literature with a complete and wide imaging description. Even if rare, Müllerian adenosarcoma should be hypothesized in case of young female patients presenting with suspicious pelvic mass.

O adenosarcoma Mülleriano é uma doença ginecológica muito rara, compreendendo 5% dos sarcomas uterinos. Localizações extragenitais são ainda mais raras. Relatamos um caso muito interessante de uma mulher de 27 anos queixando-se de dor pélvica com diagnóstico subsequente de adenosarcoma Mülleriano extragenital. Este é o primeiro caso relatado na literatura com uma descrição completa e ampla de imagem. Mesmo que raro, o adenosarcoma Mülleriano deve ser hipotetizado no caso de pacientes jovens do sexo feminino com massa pélvica suspeita.

Correlation between umbilical arterial pH values and fetal vertebral artery Doppler waveforms at the beginning of the second stage of labor: a pilot prospective study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between umbilical arterial pH and fetal vertebral artery Doppler velocimetry waveforms measured at the beginning of the second stage of labor in physiological term pregnancies. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 250 pregnancies. The resistance index, pulsatility index, and peak systolic velocity were measured. The relationship between the fetal Doppler and the umbilical arterial pH was evaluated. A simple linear regression and a general linear model were used to explore possible correlations of Doppler parameters with fetal and neonatal outcome adjusted for confundents. Results: Umbilical arterial pH values were directly associated with vertebral artery pulsatility index. Fetuses with lower pulsatility index values were at increased risk of a subsequent diagnosis of pathological fetal heart rate tracing patterns (presence of decelerations or reduced variability according to FIGO criteria during the second stage of labor). We estimated a decrease in pulsatility index of 10% in those fetuses destined to show a pathological fetal heart rate tracing. Conclusion: Vertebral artery Doppler waveforms correlates with umbilical pH in normal pregnancies and is also a function of fetal heart rate patterns. If this proportional association would be demonstrated also for abnormal pH values, vertebral artery pulsatility index might be useful to evaluate fetal wellbeing in those cases of suspected hypoxia/academia.

Fetal noncompaction cardiomyopathy and histologic diagnosis of spongy myocardium: case report and review of the literature

Abstract Noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) and left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC), in their isolated form, are rare cardiomyopathies. They are characterized by a thickened myocardium due to the presence of deep trabeculae recesses, and to thick trabeculae. This condition is associated with a variable clinical phenotype including heart failure, thromboembolism, and sudden death. We report a case of LVNC at 26 weeks and 4 days of gestation revised on the basis of what is currently reported in the literature. A review of the literature was performed to better describe this rare condition. Left ventricular noncompaction is a rare fetal condition and it should be suspected in case of cardiomyopathy.

Fetal Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy and Histologic Diagnosis of Spongy Myocardium: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) and left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC), in their isolated form, are rare cardiomyopathies. They are characterized by a thickened myocardium due to the presence of deep trabeculae recesses, and to thick trabeculae. This condition is associated with a variable clinical phenotype including heart failure, thromboembolism, and sudden death. We report a case of LVNC at 26 weeks and 4 days of gestation revised on the basis of what is currently reported in the literature. A review of the literature was performed to better describe this rare condition. Left ventricular noncompaction is a rare fetal condition and it should be suspected in case of cardiomyopathy.

Management of Transverse Vaginal Septum by Vaginoscopic Resection: Hymen Conservative Technique.

Transverse vaginal septum is a rare female genital tract anomaly, and little is described about its surgical treatment. We report the case of a patient who wished to preserve hymenal integrity due to social and cultural beliefs. We performed a vaginoscopic resection of the septum under laparoscopic view, followed by the introduction of a Foley catheter in the vagina, thus preserving the hymen. After 12 months of follow-up, no septal closure was present, and the menstrual flow was effective. Vaginoscopic hysteroscopy is an effective method of vaginal septum resection, even in cases in which hymenal integrity must be preserved due to social and cultural beliefs.

Septo vaginal transverso é uma anomalia rara do trato genital feminino, e pouco é descrito sobre o tratamento cirúrgico. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente que desejava preservar a integridade do hímen devido a crenças sociais e culturais. Realizamos ressecção vaginoscópica do septo sob visão laparoscópica, seguida da introdução de um cateter de Foley na vagina, preservando assim o hímen. Após 12 meses de acompanhamento, não havia fechamento do septo, e o fluxo menstrual era eficaz. A histeroscopia vaginoscópica é um método eficaz de ressecção dos septos vaginais, incluindo os casos em que a integridade do hímen deve ser mantida devido a crenças sociais e culturais.

Corrigendum to "Umbilical Cord Hematoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/2610980.].

Untimely diagnosis of fetomaternal hemorrhage: what went wrong?

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is an obstetrical challenge. It is defined as a passage of fetal blood into the maternal circulation or vice versa, which might complicate pregnancy or delivery. Most cases of acute and chronic FMH are idiopathic in origin and involve uncomplicated near-term pregnancies. Yet, due to the lack of universal screening, heterogeneous clinical presentation and insufficient clinicians awareness, in some cases FMH may present as immediate fetal compromise or even stillbirth as the most devastating consequence. We made a review of the literature of the FMH clinical cases of fetal/neonatal death in order to focus on the available diagnostic tools and their limitations. Cardiotocography, biophysical profile, middle cerebral artery peak systolic volume and current laboratory tests were studied and evaluated as diagnostic tools for FMH. International guidelines are needed to help clinicians make a prompt identification of FMH. Moreover, a standardized management protocol is essential in order to improve fetal-neonatal outcomes.

Umbilical Cord Hematoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Objectives: To deepen the knowledge in obstetrics on a very rare pregnancy complication: umbilical cord hematoma. Methods: A review of the case reports described in the last ten years in the literature was conducted in order to evaluate epidemiology, predisposing factors, potential outcomes, prenatal diagnosis, and clinical management. Results: Spontaneous umbilical cord hematoma is a rare complication of pregnancy which represents a serious cause of fetal morbidity and mortality. There are many risk factors such as morphologic anomalies, infections, vessel wall abnormalities, iatrogenic causes, and traction or torsion of the cord, but the exact etiology is still unknown. Conclusions: Due to the rarity of this condition, every new case of umbilical cord hematoma should be reported in order to improve the knowledge of predisposing factors, prenatal diagnosis, and clinical management.

Oxidative Stress and Endometriosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecologic diseases in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The women affected suffer from pelvic pain and infertility. The complex etiology is still unclear and it is based on three main theories: retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, and induction theory. Genetics and epigenetics also play a role in the development of endometriosis. Recent studies have put the attention on the role of oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of endometriosis causing a general inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity. Reactive oxygen species are intermediaries produced by normal oxygen metabolism and are inflammatory mediators known to modulate cell proliferation and to have deleterious effects. A systematic review was performed in order to clarify the different roles of oxidative stress and its role in the development of endometriosis. Several issues have been investigated: iron metabolism, oxidative stress markers (in the serum, peritoneal fluid, follicular fluid, peritoneal environment, ovarian cortex, and eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue), genes involved in oxidative stress, endometriosis-associated infertility, and cancer development.