Do small for gestational age fetuses have placental pathologies?

PURPOSE

Although small for gestational age (SGA) does not cause adverse perinatal outcomes, the placental pathology for fetal growth restricted (FGR) and SGA fetuses is still unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the differences between placentas of early onset FGR, late onset FGR, SGA, and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies in the manner of microvasculature and expression of anti-angiogenic PEDF factor and CD68.

METHODS

The study included four groups (early onset FGR, late onset FGR, SGA and AGA). Placental samples were obtained just after labor in all of the groups. Degenerative criteria were investigated with Hematoxylin-eosin staining. Immunohistochemical evaluation with H score and m RNA levels of Cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) were performed for each group.

RESULTS

The highest levels of degeneration were detected in the early onset FGR group. In means of degeneration SGA placentas were found to be worse than the AGA placentas. The intensity of PEDF and CD68 were significant in early FGR, the late FGR and SGA groups compared to the AGA group (p < 0.001). The mRNA level results of the PEDF and CD68 were also parallel to the immunostaining results.

CONCLUSION

Although SGA fetuses are considered constitutionally small, the SGA placentas also demonstrated signs of degeneration similar to the FGR placentas. These degenerative signs were not seen among the AGA placentas.

The evaluation of fetal interventricular septum with M-mode and spectral tissue Doppler imaging in gestational diabetes mellitus: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate possible functional changes in the frequently affected fetal interventricular septum (IVS) with spectral tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and M-mode imaging to compare gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and control groups.

METHODS

A total of 63 pregnant women with GDM, 30 on diet (A1 GDM) and 33 on treated with insulin (A2 GDM), and 63 healthy pregnant women randomly selected and matched to the case group in the control group were included.

RESULTS

The GDM fetuses had significantly thickened IVS, increased early diastole (E'), atrial contraction (A'), systole (S'), higher myocardial performance index (MPI'), prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT'), shortened ejection time (ET'), and decreased septal annular plane systolic excursion (SAPSE) than the controls. The A2 GDM group fetuses had significantly thickened IVS, increased S' and shortened ET' than the A1 GDM group. In the GDM group, we found a significantly positive low correlation between glycated hemoglobin levels and maternal serum fasting glucose and one-hour postprandial glucose with fetal IVS thickness. We demonstrated a significantly negative low correlation between maternal serum one-hour postprandial glucose, glycated hemoglobin levels, and gestational weight gain with fetal IVS ET'.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal IVS diastolic and systolic functions were altered in the GDM group compared to controls, and systolic functions were altered in A2 GDM compared to A1 GDM. This may alert clinicians to possible cardiovascular diseases in the postnatal life, and early preventive strategies and long-term lifestyle changes may provide protection in fetuses with GDM.

The Association of Serum Midkine Level with Invasion in Placenta Previa: A Case-Control Study from a Tertiary Reference Center

We aimed to examine the relationship between serum midkine levels and placental invasion in pregnant women with placenta previa. The study group consisted of 43 pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa, whereas the control group consisted of 60 healthy pregnant women. Serum midkine levels were compared between pregnant women with placenta previa and the control group in this study's first part. Thereafter, the utility of midkine in the prediction of the abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) was investigated and optimal cutoff values were calculated. Significantly higher serum midkine level was observed in placenta previa cases than in the controls (1.16 ng/mL vs. 0.18 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Serum midkine level was also significantly higher in the AIP group among the placenta previa cases (P = 0.004). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cutoff value of the midkine level in predicting AIP was 1.19 ng/mL. This study revealed that the serum midkine level is higher in pregnant women with AIP. Maternal serum midkine level may be used as a complementary biomarker to the radiological and clinical findings for the prediction of the AIP in placenta previa cases.

Factors Related to Low COVID-19 Vaccination Rate in Pregnant and Postpartum Women with and without COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

 This study focused on pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to determine the attitudes and behaviors of vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, and the vaccination behaviors in the groups with and without the disease. The reasons for refusing the vaccine were also questioned.

METHODS

 This cross-sectional study was performed from September 2021 to October 2021. The study data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire. The participants were pregnant women who applied to the hospital for routine antenatal care and were hospitalized, and women in the postpartum period. Additionally, pregnant and postpartum patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at the time of admission and were hospitalized and admitted to the intensive care unit due to this disease were also included in the study.

RESULTS

 A total of 1,146 pregnant and postpartum women who completed the questionnaire were included in our study. Only 43 (3.8%) of the participants were vaccinated; 154 (13.4%) of the participants had comorbidities. The number of COVID-19-positive patients was 153. The lack of sufficient information about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine is the most common reason for the refusal.

CONCLUSION

 Vaccine refusal can significantly delay or hinder herd immunity, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality. Considering the adverse effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy, it is essential to understand pregnant and postpartum women's perceptions toward vaccination to end the pandemic.

Evaluation of the Caval aortic index in fetal growth restriction: A case-control study in a tertiary center

OBJECTIVE

To examine the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, aortic diameter, and caval aortic index in fetuses with growth restriction and to compare the findings with fetuses from uncomplicated pregnancies at similar gestational weeks.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted with a total of 176 pregnant women. According to the diagnostic criteria, 84 pregnancies diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR) were compared with a control group of 92 uncomplicated pregnancies at similar gestational weeks.

RESULTS

The aortic and IVC diameter values were significantly lower in the FGR group (P < 0.001), whereas the caval aortic index was similar between the two groups. The examination of the ultrasound parameters of the cases with FGR according to the neonatal intensive care requirement revealed similar aortic diameter and caval aortic index values but a significantly smaller IVC diameter in the cases requiring neonatal intensive care (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

We determined that the aortic and IVC diameter values were smaller in the fetuses with growth restriction, but the caval aortic index was similar in the two groups. The measurement of the IVC diameter in FGR may be useful in predicting the neonatal intensive care requirements of these fetuses.

Comparison of VEGF-A levels in women with threatened abortion, early pregnancy loss and uncomplicated healthy pregnancies

INTRODUCTION

To estimate the possible role of VEGF-A in predicting poor early pregnancy outcomes including threatened abortion and early pregnancy loss.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective case-control study with three groups of pregnant women diagnosed with threatened abortion, early pregnancy loss, and uncomplicated healthy pregnancies between 01 March 2023 and 15 March 2023. Maternal serum VEGF-A concentration was measured using the Sandwich-ELISA method in accordance to the commercial kit's instructions. There were 30 patients in each 3 group and the gestational age of the patients was between 6 and 14 weeks. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed for comparing the median values between the groups. Mann-Whitney U test was conducted for pairwise comparisons.

RESULTS

VEGF-A levels were compared between 3 groups and a statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.007). There was a moderately significant correlation between VEGF-A levels and poor early pregnancy outcomes. For poor early pregnancy outcomes, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.64-0.85). The best balance of sensitivity/specificity in ROC curves was 0.60 (63.3% sensitivity, 74.3% specificity).

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, this study pointed out the increased VEGF concentrations in pregnant women with threatened miscarriage and early pregnancy loss. VEGF-A may be a potential biomarker for the indication of poor early pregnancy outcomes.

Evaluation of Fetal Cardiac Output and Modified Myocardial Performance Index in Pregnant Women with Idiopathic Polyhydramnios: A Case Control Study from a Tertiary Hospital

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate fetal cardiac output and myocardial performance index in pregnant women with idiopathic polyhydramnios and compare them to healthy pregnant women.

METHODS

Thirty patients admitted to Ankara City Hospital at 24-39 weeks of gestation with idiopathic polyhydramnios were included as the study group. Clinical characteristics, fetal cardiac output, and fetal modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The combined cardiac output (CCO), left cardiac output (LCO), right cardiac output (RCO), pulmonary artery velocity time integral (PA-VTI), and aortic VTI were statistically significantly higher in the study group (p=0.003, p=0.028, p=0.002, p=0.000, and p=0.017, respectively).The idiopathic polyhydramnios group had a significantly higher Mod-MPI and isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) and a significantly lower ejection time (ET) compared to the controls (p=000, p=0.003, and p=0.023, respectively). In the idiopathic polyhydramnios group, the aortic max (p=0.009) and aortic VTI (p=0.047) values were significantly lower and the left ventricular outflow tract isovolumetric relaxation time (LVOT-IRT) (p=0.021) was significantly higher in cases where the NICU was required. According to the ROC analysis performed in the idiopathic polyhydramnios group, the optimal cut-off values of aortic max, aortic VTI, and LVOT-IRT in the prediction of the NICU requirement were (57.5, 0.089 and 41.5, respective cut-off value) (p=0.010, p=0.048, p=0.021, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both fetal cardiac output and Mod-MPI values were altered in fetuses with idiopathic polyhydramnios.

Evaluation of Fetal Cardiac Functions in Preeclampsia: Does the Severity or Proteinuria Affect Fetal Cardiac Functions?

OBJECTIVE

To compare the fetal cardiac functions in preeclampsia and control group, and determine whether the severity or amount of proteinuria affects fetal cardiac functions.

METHODS

This prospective case-control study involves 48 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 48 healthy women. Pulsed wave Doppler, M-mode, and tissue Doppler imaging were used to measure the cardiac function between the 32 and 34 gestational weeks in each group. All Doppler indices and cardiac function parameters were also compared in subgroups with mild and severe preeclampsia and between subgroups with proteinuria >3 g/24 hours and <3 g/24 hours.

RESULTS

Decreased diastolic function (decreased E, A, E', and A' values in mitral/tricuspid valves and increased isovolumetric relaxation time) and decreased systolic functions (decreased mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and S' value in mitral/tricuspid valves) were detected in the preeclampsia group. Decreased tricuspid E value in severe preeclampsia compared with mild preeclampsia was shown in the present study.

CONCLUSION

Preeclampsia may cause changes in systolic and diastolic functions in the fetal heart. Subclinical functional changes of these fetuses can be detected earlier and more sensitively with the help of tissue Doppler imaging. Biventricular diastolic functional changes are more prominent in preeclamptic cases with proteinuria >3 g/24 hours.

Evaluation of fetal cardiac output in preterm premature rupture of membranes

AIM

We aimed to investigate fetal cardiac output (CO) in pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and its relationship with umbilical cord pH.

METHODS

This was a prospective study in total 90 pregnancies at 24-37 weeks gestation including 42 pregnancies with PPROM and 48 that healthy controls. Fetal cardiac function including combined, left and right CO z-scores were compared. The neonates in the PPROM group were separated with umbilical cord pH above and below 7.25, and cardiac output was compared between groups.

RESULTS

In PPROM group, CCO z-score, left cardiac output (LCO) z-score, and right cardiac output (RCO) were significantly lower compared to healthy pregnancies (p = .036, p = .001, p = .032, respectively), while RCO z-score showed no significant differences between the two groups. The aortic annulus and pulmonary artery annulus z-scores were measured smaller in the PPROM group (p = .000 and p = .001, respectively). In PPROM group, the fetal LCO z-score was significantly lower in neonates with an umbilical cord pH of 7.25 or less (p = .048).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that fetal CCO is lower in PPROM compared with healthy pregnancies. Reduced LCO z-scores may be useful for predicting adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with PPROM.

Evaluation of fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry and fetal adrenal gland size in pregnancies after recovery from COVID-19

AIM

Assessment of the fetal adrenal gland (FAG) size and middle adrenal artery (MAA) Doppler parameters in pregnancy recovered from Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and comparison of the values with the healthy control group.

METHODS

Thirty-eight pregnant women who had recovered from COVID-19 infection and 76 healthy control group between 33 and 35 weeks of gestation were involved in this case-control study. Fetuses were examined for fetal biometry, fetal well-being, adrenal gland dimensions, and Doppler parameters 4-6 weeks after the diagnosis of COVID 19 infection. FAG dimensions were measured in two planes and MAA blood flow velocity was evaluated with pulsed Doppler. Pregnant women with COVID-19 infection were grouped according to the National Institutes of Health for the severity of the disease, and those with mild and moderate infections were examined in the study.

RESULTS

The total adrenal gland (TAG) height, fetal zone (FZ) length and width, and MAA-Peak Systolic Velocity (MAA-PSV) were significantly higher, and the MAA-Pulsatility Index (MAA-PI) was significantly lower in the COVID-19 group (p < 0.05). The lower in MAA-PI and the higher in MAA-PSV, the width of the FZ, and width of the TAG were found to be significant in the moderate group compared to the mild groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 pregnancies might cause early maturation of the FAG and its vasculature depends on the intrauterine stress due to the hyper-inflammation, so fetuses exposed to maternal COVID-19 suggested to have an increase in blood flow to the adrenal gland and fetal adrenal size.

Effect of glycemic control on fetal hearts of pregestational diabetic women by tissue doppler and M-mode imaging

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether changes in fetal heart function according to glycemic control in pregnant women with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes using spectral tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and M-mode imaging.

METHODS

This study included 68 pregestational diabetic women (DM) at 30-32 gestational weeks. All participants were divided into two groups: type 1(n = 17) and type 2(n = 51), and then these groups were divided into the subgroups as well-controlled and poorly controlled, according to fasting glucose (FG) and 1-h postprandial glucose (PPG) values. Cardiac parameters were compared for well- and poorly-controlled groups with TDI and M-mode imaging. The correlation of cardiac parameters with FG, PPG, and HbA1c values was evaluated. Their roles in predicting neonatal outcomes were also assessed.

RESULTS

Thickness measurements, early diastolic annular peak velocity (E'), late diastolic annular peak velocity (A'), tissue isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT'), and tissue myocardial performance index (MPI') were increased in both poorly controlled groups. Tissue ejection time (ET') was significantly reduced in the poorly controlled groups, while tissue isovolumetric contraction time (ICT') was not significantly changed in any group. Tricuspid, mitral, and septal annular plane excursions (TAPSE, MAPSE, and SAPSE, respectively) were significantly decreased in all poorly controlled subgroups. E', E'/A', MPI', IRT', ET', and M-mode imaging parameters significantly correlated with FG notably.

CONCLUSION

Maternal hyperglycemia leads to subtle changes in systolic and diastolic functions both in the interventricular septum and ventricles, so it is essential to ensure glycemic control in both Type 1 and Type 2 DM.

Can maternal serum midkine level predict chorionicity in twin pregnancies?

Sometimes it can be difficult to chorionicity determination in twin pregnancies. This study aimed to compare maternal serum midkine levels between twin and singleton pregnancies. We also evaluated the relationship between chorionicity and maternal serum midkine level in twin pregnancies. The present prospective cohort study included 16 patients with monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies, 38 with dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies, and 66 healthy singleton pregnancies admitted to Ankara City Hospital Perinatology Clinic between June 2021 and June 2022. Demographic features, clinical characteristics, and serum midkine levels were compared between the groups. Additionally, a receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the performance of midkine for detecting chorionicity. The median maternal serum midkine level was found to be 0.64 ng/ml in twin pregnancies and 0.26 ng/ml in singleton pregnancies (p < 0.001). When twin pregnancies were compared in terms of chorionicity, serum midkine level was determined as 1.20 ng/ml in the monochorionic diamniotic group and 0.50 ng/ml in the dichorionic diamniotic group (p = 0.034). An optimal cut-off value of 1.03 ng/ml was found for the determination of chorionicity (AUC: 0.68, p = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.53-0.83, %56.3 sensitivity, 76.3% specificity). In advanced weeks of pregnancy, biomarkers can be used as helpful parameters for ultrasonography in the diagnosis of twin pregnancies. Maternal serum midkine levels might be used to determine chorionicity in equivocal cases.

Evaluation of Midkine levels in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes: A cohort study from a tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVE

To assess midkine (MK) levels in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and compare them to healthy pregnant women. We also assessed the performance of the maternal serum MK level in predicting neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) requirement in the PPROM group.

METHODS

Forty pregnant women who presented to our clinic at 24-37 gestational weeks and were diagnosed with PPROM were included in the study group. During the same period, 40 healthy pregnant women at similar gestational weeks were randomly selected as the control group. Clinical characteristics, inflammatory markers, and serum MK levels were compared between the groups. The same parameters were then compared between the PPROM cases with and without NICU requirement. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of MK for NICU requirement.

RESULTS

The PPROM and control groups were similar in terms of demographics. The MK level of the pregnant woman with PPROM was significantly higher than that of the controls. No statistically significant difference was found between the MK levels of the cases with and without NICU requirement in the PPROM group. In the ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value of was found to be 0.287, at which it had 63 % sensitivity and 65 % specificity (area under the curve(AUC): 0.78, 95 % confidence interval(CI): 0.683-0.881, p < 0.001) for the prediction of NICU requirement in cases with PPROM. In the same analysis performed for the prediction of PPROM, when the optimal cut-off value was taken as 0.298, MK had 56 % sensitivity and 60 % specificity (AUC: 0.65, 95 % CI: 0.522-0.770, p = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

Serum MK seems to be associated with complicated inflammatory processes leading to PPROM, and this novel marker has the potential to predict NICU requirement in PPROM cases.

Fetal neurosonography in pregnant women recovering from COVID-19 disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of severe acute respiratory virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on fetal neurodevelopment in pregnant women.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 54 pregnant women at least 4 weeks after the SARS-CoV-2 infection and 58 controls. In the third trimester, the depths of the fetal insula, Sylvian, parieto-occipital, and calcarine fissures, the length of cavum septum pellucidum (CSP), and the thickness of the corpus callosum (CC) were measured. Sylvian fissure operculization and cortical development were graded. The correlation analysis between fetal cortical development and Sylvian fissure operculization was performed with the Pearson test.

RESULTS

The calcarine fissure depth and CC thickness were reduced in the study group (P < 0.001, P = 0.004). The fetal CSP length and ratio were increased in the study group (P = 0.016, P = 0.039). Approximately half of the study group fetuses had grade 4 or less Sylvian fissure operculization. The study group had a significantly higher rate of fetuses with grade 2 (31.5% vs. 13.8%) and significantly lower rate of fetuses with grade 4 cortical development (14.8% vs. 31.0%), compared with the controls. There was a moderate negative significant correlation between pregnant women recovering from COVID-19 and fetal cortical development and Sylvian fissure operculization (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to investigate fetal cortical development in pregnant women recovering from COVID-19. The results indicate that COVID-19 disease may affect fetal neurodevelopment.

Evaluation of Intracranial Structures of Fetuses With Congenital Heart Defects

OBJECTIVES

We classified congenital heart defects (CHDs) according to cerebral blood flow oxygenation and aimed to evaluate the effect on the size of brain structures in these fetuses.

METHODS

The study which was designed retrospectively, included 28 patients with fetal CHDs and 76 patients without fetal anomalies.

RESULTS

The width and length of the cavum septum pellucidum significantly increased in the CHD group (P = .002, P = .004). The biparietal diameter and z scores were significantly lower in the single ventricle (SV) (P = .006, P = .019), and the head circumference (HC) and z scores were significantly lower in the transposition of great arteries (TGA) (P = .013, P = .038). The transverse cerebellar diameter, the cerebellar HC and the cerebellar hemisphere area values were lower in the SV (P = .005, P = .017, P = .044).

CONCLUSIONS

Brain structure changes are more pronounced in groups with low cerebral oxygenation, especially in the SV and the TGA.

Comparison of serum midkine levels between pregnant women with and without pre-eclampsia: A case-control study from a tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in maternal serum midkine levels in pre-eclampsia.

METHODS

This study included 40 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 66 healthy pregnant women in the control group. Demographic data, laboratory results, and midkine levels were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The pre-eclampsia and control groups were similar in terms of demographics. The midkine level of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia was significantly higher than that of the controls (0.54 ± 0.23 and 0.31 ± 0.19 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cut-off value of midkine was determined as 0.37 ng/mL, at which it had 75% sensitivity and 74% specificity (area under the curve: 0.815, 95% confidence interval 0.73-0.89, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The serum midkine level was significantly higher in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia. Midkine seems to be associated with complicated inflammatory processes leading to pre-eclampsia. Further study protocols can be planned to investigate the role of midkine in the prediction of pre-eclampsia as a novel marker.

SUCCESSFUL PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN PATIENT WITH NIEMANN-PICK DISEASE TYPE B AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Niemann-Pick disease (NPD), is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. Niemann-Pick A and B are caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase-1 (SMPD1) gene on chromosome 11p15. Type B is panethnic, although its frequency is increased in Turkish, Arabic and North African populations. Clinical features vary significantly among patients. It is a rare condition and information about its management an outcome during pregnancy and labor is limited. Both maternal mortality and morbidity due to severe postpartum hemorrhage has been reported. We represent a case of successful pregnancy outcome in patient with NPD type B. Type of mutations in SMPD 1 gene and severity of disease before pregnancy can predict the prognosis of pregnancy.

The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on intrauterine fetal demise and possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2

OBJECTIVE

The impact of COVID-19 on intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 from the mother to the fetus are crucial issues of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the current study, we aimed to detect the pandemic's influence on the IUFD and evaluate the vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 through analysis of placental tissues collected from PCR positive women with IUFD above 20 weeks of gestation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pregnant women above 20 weeks of gestation and had a fetus intrauterine demised during pandemic were included in the study. The pregnant women screened for COVID-19. Vertical transmission searched from placental tissues of COVID-19 positive women by RT-PCR tests for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The number of IUFD before the pandemic and during the pandemic compared to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the IUFD ratio.

RESULTS

Among 138 pregnant women with IUFD, 100 of them could screen for COVID-19 status. RT-PCR test results of 6 of the screened pregnant women were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Placental tissues of these six women were analyzed, and one test result was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The IUFD ratio was significantly increased during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

It is clear that COVID-19 increases the IUFD ratio. Previous data for vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the second trimester is limited. We present the third case of literature that has positive placental results for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the second trimester of pregnancy.

The assessment of fetal cardiac output in maternal hypothyroidism under levothyroxine treatment

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated whether maternal hypothyroidism has a role in the cardiac output (CO) of the fetus or not.

METHODS

Pregnant women between 33 and 37 gestational weeks known to have hypothyroidism and using levothyroxine were accepted as the case group. Gestational age-matched healthy euthyroid pregnant women constituted the control group. Fetal echocardiography was performed. Diameters and the velocity waveform of the pulmonary artery (PA) and aortic valves were measured. Velocity time integral (VTI) was also measured from the ventricular outflow tract. CO was calculated using VTI × π (Aortic Valve or Pulmonary Valve diameter/2) 2 × heart rate formula.

RESULTS

The aortic and PA annulus were measured larger in the control group. (p = .003, p = .005, respectively). Furthermore, the right and left CO of the case group were lower than the control group. Whereas the mean combined CO (ml/min) of the case group was 674.8 ± 146.2, it was 827.8 ± 167.9 in the control group (p < .001). Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between thyroid-stimulating hormone and aortic VTI (r:-.480; p:.006).

CONCLUSION

The findings of our study suggest that the CO of the fetus may be affected by maternal hypothyroidism.

Role of first trimester screening test in predicting the perinatal outcomes in low risk term pregnancies

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the nuchal translucency (NT) values measured in the first trimester and the well-being of the newborn. Methods: The study was planned as a retrospective cross-sectional study and was conducted between January 2018 and January 2020. A total of 2394 patients who had a combined test and delivered at our university hospital were included in the study. The demographic data of the pregnant women were recorded. NT MoM values, PAPP-A and β-hCG MoM values, birth weight, gender, need for neonatal intensive care (NICU), and Apgar scores were evaluated. Results: It was found that NT (MoM) values were similar among the SGA, AGA, and LGA groups (p=0.159). PAPP-A (MoM) values were similar in the SGA group compared to AGA and LGA infant groups (p=0.947). It was also found that β-hCG (MoM) values were similar in the AGA group compared to SGA and the LGA infant groups (p=0.694). When compared with those with NICU and non-NICU, the NT, PAPP-A, β-hCG, and birth weight values were again not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). The NT, PAPP-A, β-hCG, and male gender factors were evaluated in the Binary Logistic Regression Analysis, in which being an SGA baby was considered as a risk. It was found that a 1 mm increase in NT values increased the risk of having an SGA baby 2.63 times at a statistically significant level (OR=2.636, p=0.009, 95% CI: 1.277–5.440). PAPP-A, β-hCG levels, and having a male gender were not related to the risk of having an SGA baby. Furthermore, NT, PAPP-A, β-hCG levels, and having a male gender were not associated with the risk of NICU hospitalization. Conclusion: In conclusion, we could not predict the birth weight with increased NT MoM values that were detected in the first trimester combined test in this study; however, we found that the risk of having an SGA fetus increases with a weak rise in NT value.

Does laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block have an effect on postoperative pain and recovery after sleeve gastrectomy?

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative pain management is thought to have an effect on patient comfort, morbidity, and mortality after bariatric surgery. Local anesthetic agents are frequently used for this purpose. Local anesthetics can be used in many different ways. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on postoperative pain by laparoscopic method.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed. While TAP block was applied to one group with bupivacaine, no action was taken for the other group. Postoperative analgesia was given to both patient groups with the "patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)" device. Demographic, operational, and postoperative clinical and pain data of the patients were recorded.

RESULTS

TAP block and non-TAP block groups consisted of 30 patients each. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores of the patients at 6, 12, and 24 hours were lower in the TAP group compared to the non-TAP group (p=0.015, 0.018, 0.04, respectively). According to the PCA device data, the analgesic requirement was lower in the TAP group at 6, 12, and 24 hours (p <0.001). Rescue analgesia was required more in the non-TAP group (p=0.04). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gas discharge time (p=0.102), stool discharge occurred earlier in the TAP group (p=0.02). Oral intake times (p=0.554) and length of stay hospital (p=0.551) were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic TAP block using bupivacaine can be safely administered in morbidly obese patients and reduces postoperative analgesic requirements. Thus, side effects that may develop secondary to the use of analgesics are avoided.

Comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies according to delivery types: vaginal delivery or Cesarean delivery?

Objective: Our aim was to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies, which result in vaginal delivery (VD) and Cesarean section (CS), and the factors affecting the decision of CS. Methods: Twin pregnancies between 30 and 39 weeks who gave birth in a tertiary center were included in the present study. The demographic data and maternal and neonatal outcomes of the patient groups who gave birth <32 weeks, 32–37 weeks, and >37 weeks were recorded and compared according to the type of birth. Results: A total of 1209 patients were included in the study. The 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores of the 1st and 2nd fetuses in twin pregnancies <32 weeks of gestation were higher in the CS group at a statistically significant level (p=0.007, p=0.010, p=0.001, and p=0.003, respectively). The 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores of the 2nd fetuses of the pregnant women >37 weeks of age were higher in the VD group at a statistically significant level (p=0.039 and p=0.032, respectively). The newborn intensive care unit (NICU) admission rates of 1st fetus and 2nd fetus in the groups of <32 weeks, 32–37 weeks, and >37 weeks were higher in those born by CS at a statistically significant level when compared to those born by VD (1st fetus p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.016, respectively; 2nd fetus p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.012, respectively). Conclusion: It must be kept in mind that twin pregnancies have high risks. However, vaginal delivery can be considered as a safe and reasonable option in appropriately selected cases and in the presence of experienced obstetricians by being careful about maternal and neonatal complications which might occur.

Post-COVID-19 fetal cardiac evaluation in moderate infection group of pregnant women

PURPOSE

To determine the long-term fetal cardiac effects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women recovered from moderate COVID-19 with fetal echocardiography (ECHO).

METHODS

Forty-five pregnant women that recovered from moderate COVID-19 (CRG) 4 weeks after the infection confirmation, were compared with 45 gestational and maternal age-matched control groups (CG) in terms of demographic features fetal cardiac morphological (sphericity index, cardiothoracic ratio), and functional (myocardial performance index, mitral E/A, tricuspid E/A, mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) parameters.

RESULTS

There was no difference in demographic features between the groups. Fetal cardiac morphologic parameters were found to be similar between the two groups. When the fetal cardiac functional assessment of the two groups was compared, only mitral E/A ratio results were found to be statistically significantly lower in the CRG than in the control group (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

The fetal heart does not seem to be negatively affected by COVID-19 after recovery from moderate infection. These results about the fetal effect of SARS-CoV-2 may improve our limited knowledge of the utility of fetal ECHO in pregnant women who recovered from COVID-19.

Comparison of cardiac morphology and function in small for gestational age fetuses and fetuses with late-onset fetal growth retardation

OBJECTIVES

To compare cardiac structural and functional findings of fetuses with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA).

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, patients were classified into three groups using Delphi procedure according to fetal weight, umbilical, uterine artery Doppler and cerebroplacental ratio. Fetal cardiac ultrasonographic morphology and Doppler examination was performed to all pregnant women at 36 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

Seventy three patients were included in the study. There were one (6.7%) patient in the control group, 2 (13.3%) in the SGA group and 12 (80%) in the FGR group who needed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and NICU requirement was significantly higher in FGR fetuses (p<0.001). Left spherical index was found to be lower only among FGR fetuses (p=0.046). Left ventricular wall thickness was decreased and the right/left ventricular wall ratio was increased in FGR fetuses (p=0.006, p<0.001). Tricuspid/mitral valve ratio and mitral annular plane systolic excursion value was lower in FGR fetuses (p=0.034, p=0.024 respectively). Also, myocardial performance index was remarkably higher in FGR group (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

We detected cardiac morphological changes in cases of both SGA and FGR-more pronounced in the FGR cases. Findings related to morphological changes on the left side in FGR cases were considered secondary to volume increase in FGR cases as an indicator of a brain-protective effect. In the FGR group, both systolic and diastolic dysfunctions were detected in the left heart.

Interstitial Laser Ablation of Feeding Vessels to a Large Placental Chorioangioma

BACKGROUND

Chorioangioma is a vascular neoplasm of the placenta with the potential to cause heart failure, hydrops, and even death.

CASE

A 30-year-old patient was referred owing to a large placental chorioangioma and fetal hydrops at 28 weeks of gestation. The patient underwent ultrasound-guided interstitial laser ablation. Ten days later, fetal blood transfusion was performed and at 31 weeks of gestation, and the patient delivered a female infant by cesarean section. The newborn was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit without any complication.

CONCLUSION

According to our case, large placental chorioangioma may have a favorable outcome with interstitial laser ablation and fetal transfusion.

Decreased fetal cardiac output in pregnant women with severe SARS-Cov-2 infection

AIM

We aimed to examine fetal cardiac output (CO) in patients who recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

MATERIALS

This prospective study included 48 pregnant women recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection and 50 control cases. SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test in patients. Fetal echocardiographic evaluations were performed at 24-37 weeks of gestation in pregnant women who recovered from the infection and control group.

RESULTS

The median value of ultrasound evaluation was 34 (2.6) weeks of gestation in the recovery from the SARS-CoV-2 infection (RSI) group, and 32 (7.6) weeks in the control group (p = .565). Left cardiac output (LCO) z score was significantly lower in the RSI group than the control group (p = .041). LCO and combine cardiac output (CCO) z score were significantly lower in the severe disease group than mild, moderate disease groups, and controls (p = .019 and p = .013). CCO (ml/min/kg) was decreased in the severe disease group when compared with control and mild disease groups (p = .044).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, fetal cardiac output in pregnant women who recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection was found to be significantly reduced in those with severe disease, while there was no significant difference in mild and moderate cases. Placental dysfunction and inflammatory cytokines might cause fetal cardiac changes. Further studies could be clarified on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on fetal cardiac function.

Maternal serum midkine level increases in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare maternal serum midkine level in pregnant women with different types of diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy pregnant women. We also assessed maternal serum midkine level performance to predict adverse neonatal outcomes in the DM group.

METHODS

The study included 57 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 41 pregnant women with preexisting DMThe control group consisted of 98 healthy pregnant women.

RESULTS

Serum midkine level is higher in the DM group than healthy ones (0.93 ± 0.8 vs. 0.23 ± 0.2, p<.001). When the diabetic groups were compared, the highest serum midkine level was found in GDM, followed by Type 1 DM and Type 2 DM (1.33 ± 0.9 ng/ml, 0.58 ± 0.5 ng/ml vs. 0.30 ± 0.2, respectively). Maternal serum midkine level was higher in the DM group with adverse perinatal outcomes than those without adverse outcomes, but there was no statistical difference (0.97 ± 0.91vs. 0.87 ± 0.73, p=.571).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum midkine level was significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM, Type 1, and 2 DM than healthy ones. Serum midkine level did not predict adverse neonatal outcomes in the DM group.

Evaluation of fetal cardiac morphology and functions in pregnant women with familial Mediterranean fever

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate and compare fetal cardiac morphology and functions of pregnant women with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and healthy pregnant women.

METHODS

The study included 34 pregnant women with FMF and 68 healthy pregnant women matched with maternal age, gravidity, parity, gestational age, and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in 34th-37th gestational weeks. Fetal echocardiographic evaluation was performed with two-dimensional (2D) imaging, M-mode imaging, pulsed wave (PW) Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).

RESULTS

Fetal cardiac morphological measures, including cardiothoracic ratio, cardiac axis angle, right and left ventricular area, sphericity index, and ventricular septal thickness was similar in both groups. Compared with the control group, myocardial performance index (MPI), which indicates global myocardial performance, was significantly higher, and ejection time (ET) was significantly shortened in the FMF group. In addition, which shows the diastolic functional parameters such as, tricuspid E wave, E/A, E/E' ratio, and mitral E wave, E/A, E/E' ratio, were significantly higher; tricuspid A and mitral A waves were significantly lower. We found that mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE and TAPSE) were significantly lower in those with FMF duration over eight years than those with FMF duration less than 8 years.

CONCLUSION

There is no fetal cardiac morphological change in pregnant women with FMF. However, there may be changes in diastolic function. As the maternal FMF duration increases, systolic functions may also change.

Comparison of clinical features and perinatal outcomes between pre-variant and post-variant periods in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2: analysis of 1935 cases

Purpose

To compare the clinical features and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the pre-variant and post-variant periods.

Methods

This prospective cohort study includes pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 who were followed-up at Ankara City Hospital between 11, March 2020 and 15, September 2021. Demographic features, clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the pre-variant (n = 1416) and post-variant (n = 519) groups.

Results

The rates of severe and critical cases significantly increased in the post-variant group (9.7% vs 2%, p < 0.001). The rates of respiratory support (26.8% vs 7.3%, p < 0.001), ICU admission (12.9% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001) and maternal mortality (2.9% vs 0.4%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the post-variant group. A significant increase was observed for pregnancy complications in the post-variant group (45.6% vs 18.8%, p = 0.007). The rates of preterm delivery (26.4% vs 4.4%, p < 0.001) and NICU admission (34% vs 18.8%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the post-variant group. Positive, weak, statistically significant correlations were observed between the post-variant period, disease severity and maternal mortality (r = 0.19, r = 0.12 and p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Post-variant COVID-19 period was associated with a severe course of the disease and increased rates of adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnant patients.

Influence of Covid-19 infection on fetal thymus size after recovery

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the long-term effects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on the fetal immune system by fetal thymus size measurements with ultrasound (USG).

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in the Turkish Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital between November 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021, with recovered, pregnant women, four weeks after they had been confirmed for the SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR). COVID-19 recovered (CR) pregnant women compared with age-matched pregnant controls in terms of demographic features, fetal thymic-thoracic ratio (TTR), and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

There was no difference in demographic features between the two groups. TTR found significantly lower in the CR group than the control group (p=0.001). The fetal TTR showed a significant and moderate correlation with maternal monocyte counts, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW); while it did not correlate with lymphocyte counts, c-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reduces fetal thymus size in pregnant women with mild or moderate symptoms after recovery from the infection.

Fetal cardiac morphology and geometry in pregnancies with class A1 and A2 gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether certain parameters on fetal cardiac morphology and geometry measured at 20-22 weeks of gestation differ in subsequently diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancies and whether these changes are associated with disease severity as indicated by class A1 and A2 GDM.

METHOD

It was designed as a retrospective study. All measurements were taken between 20 and 22 weeks of gestation. We compared fetal cardiac structural measurements of 200 uncomplicated pregnancies (control group) with those of 307 GDM patients (160 of the them were regulated with diet (GDM A1) and 147 of them received insulin treatment (GDM A2) during pregnancy). GDM were diagnosed between 24-28 weeks of gestation with 75 gram (g) oral glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS

The interventricular septum (IVS) was thicker in both in GDM A2 and GDM A1 than control (p < .001, p < .001), and there was statistically significant difference between GDM A2 and GDM A1 (p = .012). In both left and right wall thickness in GDM A1 and GDM A2 were remarkably higher than control group (p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, p < .001). The left and right spherical indices were higher in both GDM A1 and GDM A2 groups than controls (p = .021 and p = .028). Left and right area in GDM A1 and GDM A2 groups were significantly smaller than control groups (p < .001 and p = .001).

CONCLUSION

Gestational diabetes is a common obstetric morbidity, which causes fetal cardiac structural changes. Our study shows that these changes can occur during the early weeks of pregnancy.

Predicting miscarriage using systemic immune-inflammation index

AIM

To evaluate the clinical significance of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) for patients who had miscarriages.

MATERIALS

The retrospective study included 709 pregnant women who had a miscarriage (nonviable intrauterine pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation) and 676 women who carried a viable intrauterine pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation-serving as the control group. The study and the control group were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, laboratory test results, and SII values. Furthermore, laboratory test results and SII values were compared between patients in the study group and the control group with a history of genital bleeding (threatened abortion).

RESULTS

The mean gestational week of pregnancy was 9.5 ± 3 for the control group and 8.3 ± 2.5 for the study group (p = 0.150). The SII values were higher in the study group than in the control group (p = 0.030). In all participants with a clinical history of genital bleeding, the leukocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and SII values were higher in the miscarriage group than the group with viable fetus (p = 0.031, p = 0.003, p = 0.002, p < 0.001). Based on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the SII cutoff value for miscarriage was 883.95 (10⁹ /L) (62.6% sensitivity, 62% specificity) in patients with a clinical history of threatened abortion.

CONCLUSION

High SII values in early pregnancy may be used as an additional marker for the prediction of miscarriage, in pregnant women with threatened abortion. Further prediction models including maternal risk factors and multiple markers may be more valuable for clinical practice.

Systemic immune-inflammation index in twin pregnancies compared to singleton pregnancies

Objective To evaluate the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in twin pregnancies. Methods The retrospective study included 200 twin (dichorionic/ diamniotic and monochorionic/diamniotic) and 200 singleton pregnancies (control group). All pregnant women were in the first trimester (<14 weeks of gestation). The study and the control groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, laboratory test results, and SII values. Results The mean week of gestation was 9.7±2 in dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy group, 10.4±2 in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy group and 9.4±2 for the control group (p=0.083). The lymphocyte value was lower in the dichorionic group and monochorionic group than in the control group (p=0.020 and p=0.020, respectively). The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values were higher in the dichorionic group than in the control group (p=0.002). However, there was no statistical difference between the groups for neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and SII values (p>0.05). Conclusion Physiological inflammatory/immune reaction of early pregnancy may affect PLR values in twin pregnancies. We observed that chorionicity is considerable for these inflammatory indices, especially for dichorionic twin pregnancies. However, we could not detect a significant change in SII values in twin pregnancy.

Factors affecting the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine in the postpartum period

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world, causing massive morbidity and mortality. Vaccination during puerperium protects both the mother and the newborn and is important to keep the pandemic under control.

METHODS

Women who gave birth at Ankara City Hospital between February 11, 2021 and March 21, 2021 were included. Data were collected through a face-to-face questionnaire.

RESULTS

We asked 412 postpartum women were surveyed about their acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine; 137 (33.3%) of them wanted to be vaccinated, while 275 (66.7%) of them did not want to be vaccinated. Reasons for vaccination rejection; 209 (76%) of them stated that there was not enough information about the safety of the vaccine for the postpartum period, and 89 (32.4%) of them thought that the vaccine would not be effective for the disease. Three of the answers in the survey were found significantly different in high-risk pregnancy (HRP) group compared to low-risk pregnancy (LRP) group; 1) Having their babies to be vaccinated, 2) To be vaccinated if it will be recommended to the puerperal women, and 3) Feeling anxious about being infected by SARS-CoV-2 (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Health authorities recommend the COVID-19 vaccine to breastfeeding mothers. However, a relatively low vaccination acceptance rate was observed in the present study. For newly developed vaccines, concern over vaccine safety is the biggest obstacle to vaccine administration. Therefore, the reasons that influence acceptance or refusal of vaccines are important for developing targeted communication strategies and healthcare policies.

Management of pregnant women with COVID-19: A tertiary pandemic center experience on 1416 cases

The aim of this study is to share the comprehensive experience of a tertiary pandemic center on pregnant women with COVID-19 and to compare clinical outcomes between pregnancy trimesters. The present prospective cohort study consisted of pregnant women with COVID-19 who were followed up at Ankara City Hospital between March 11, 2020 and February 20, 2021. Clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared between the pregnancy trimesters. A total of 1416 pregnant women (1400 singletons and 16 twins) with COVID-19 were evaluated. Twenty-six (1.8%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and maternal mortality was observed in six (0.4%) cases. Pregnancy complications were present in 227 (16.1%) cases and preterm labor was the most common one (n = 42, 2.9%). There were 311, 433, and 672 patients in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Rates of mild and severe/critic COVID-19 were highest in the first and second trimesters, respectively. The hospitalization rate was highest in the third trimester. Pregnancy complications, maternal mortality, and NICU admission rates were similar between the groups. The course of the disease and obstetric outcomes may be different among pregnancy trimesters. A worse course of the disease may be observed even in pregnant women without any coexisting health problems.

Successful pregnancy outcome in patient with cardiac transplantation

Objectives

The population of female heart transplant recipients of reproductive age is increasing and pregnancy follow-up of these patients is important.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old patient who had a heart transplant due to viral myocarditis became pregnant spontaneously. A close follow-up by a multidisciplinary team allowed a normal pregnancy without maternal or fetal complications and the delivery of a healthy infant.

Conclusions

Successful pregnancy outcomes are possible in women who had a heart transplant. Careful and close surveillance by a multidisciplinary team is mandatory.

Fetal pulmonary artery Doppler evaluation in pregnant women after recovery from COVID-19

Objective

To evaluate fetal lung development using pulmonary artery Doppler in pregnant women who had recovered from COVID‐19.

Methods

The prospective case–control study included 41 pregnant women who had recovered from COVID‐19 and 43 healthy pregnant women (control group). All the women in the study group had been diagnosed with COVID‐19 and had completed a quarantine period.

Results

The demographic data of patients were similar in the groups (P > 0.05). Main pulmonary artery peak systolic velocity was higher and pulsatility indices were lower in pregnant women who recovered from COVID‐19 compared to the controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.001). Acceleration time, ejection time, and acceleration/ejection time ratio (PATET) of the fetal MPA Doppler were significantly decreased in pregnant women who recovered from COVID‐19 (P < 0.001, P = 0.036, and P = 0.002, respectively). The patients who had recovered from COVID‐19 were divided into two groups: those treated with expectant management and those treated in hospital. The pulmonary artery acceleration time and PATET ratio were significantly lower in the group treated in the hospital (P = 0.023 and P = 0.045, respectively).

Conclusion

Detailed Doppler evaluations of the pulmonary artery may help in evaluating the fetal adverse effects of COVID‐19 disease.

Detailed Doppler evaluations of the pulmonary artery may help in evaluating the fetal adverse effects of COVID‐19 disease.

Antenatal follow-up, anesthesia management and perinatal outcomes in pregnancy with renal transplant

Objective:

Due to the recent increase in the successful pregnancies after renal transplant, the number of renal transplant recipients having vaginal or cesarean delivery possibly associated with high maternal, fetal and/or neonatal risk requiring team approach increased. We aimed to evaluate antenatal follow-up, perinatal outcomes, and anesthesia management in pregnancies with renal transplantation and to compare them with the current literature.

Materials and Methods:

After ethics committee approval, renal transplant recipients who gave birth in our hospital between January 2010 and December 2019 were documented in this retrospective study. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, antenatal follow-up, anesthesia management, and maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes were presented.

Results:

A total of 20 pregnant women who underwent renal transplant were identified. The mean age of the parturients was 31±5 years. The median interval from transplantation to conception was 8.15±4.8 years. Antenatal mean serum creatinine level and proteinuria were 1.48±1.39 mg/dL and 1.397±1.316 mg/dL, respectively. No allograft rejection was recorded. Comorbidities including hypertension (n=12), preeclampsia (n=6), and preterm delivery (n=10) were noted. The median gestational age was 35±3 weeks and the median newborn weight was 2.520±832 gram. There was one abortion, two pregnancy terminations, and 17 deliveries (3 vaginal and 14 cesareans). Cesarean sections (11/14; 78.6%) were mostly performed under spinal block and general anesthesia was performed in three (21.4%) women. Epidural analgesia for vaginal delivery was recorded in one parturient.

Conclusion:

Despite the presence of preterm delivery and comorbidities, antenatal/peripartum follow-up and analgesia/anesthesia management of renal transplant recipients revealed good perinatal outcomes.

Kinematic analysis of scapular movements in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

The purpose of this study is to evaluate scapular movements by the three-dimensional electromagnetic system during shoulder elevation in FSHMD patients, and to compare the results with healthy individuals. 10 patients with FSHMD and 10 healthy individuals were included in the study. Scapular anterior-posterior tilt, upward-downward rotation and internal-external rotation at 30°, 60° and 90° were evaluated using the three-dimensional electromagnetic system during the elevation of the upper limbs in the scapular plane. Humerothoracic elevation levels on the dominant and non-dominant sides were found to be lower in the patients than healthy individuals (p < .001). Both scapula were rotated downwards at 30° (dominant/non-dominant p < .001) and 60° (dominant p = .009, non-dominant p = .04) of humerothoracic elevation, the scapula was rotated internally at 30° of humerothoracic elevation on the non-dominant side (p = .03), and the scapula was tilted posteriorly at 90° of humerothoracic elevation on the non-dominant side (p = .009) in patients. These existing abnormal patterns of the scapula in the patients increase the risk of impairment, pain, impingement and instability especially in the activities that require arm elevation. It is thought that physiotherapy approaches should first be emphasized to improve scapular stabilization and strengthening exercises should then be performed for the shoulder girdle muscles.

Thiol/disulfide homeostasis in postmenopausal osteoporosis

AIM

To evaluate the impact of postmenopausal osteoporosis on thiol/disulfide homeostasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 75 participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 40) was composed of healthy postmenopausal women, and group 2 (n = 35) was composed of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Clinical findings and thiol/disulfide homeostasis were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The disulfide/native thiol ratio was 8.6% ± 3.6 in group 1 and 12.7% ± 8.4 in group 2 (p = 0.04). The disulfide/native thiol percent ratio was significantly higher in group 2 after adjustment for the years since menopause and age (p < 0.05). The native thiol/total thiol percent ratio was 85.6% ± 4.8 in group 1 and 73.8% ± 24.9 in group 2 (p = 0.01). The native thiol/total thiol percent ratio was significantly lower in group 2 after adjustment for the years since menopause and age (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Thiol/disulfide homeostasis shifted to the disulfide side independent of age and years since menopause in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Adolescent pregnancies and obstetric outcomes in southeast Turkey: data from two regional centers

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

To evaluate adolescent pregnancy and obstetric outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed by analysis of patient files and birth records of pregnant women who delivered in two cities in Southeast Anatolia, Turkey. Pregnant women aged 19 years old and younger were included in the study group. Women between 20 and 35 years of age constituted the control group.

RESULTS

The incidence of adolescent pregnancy during the study period was 11%. Birth weight and hemoglobin level were significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.05). The majority of the women in the study group delivered vaginally (p < 0.05). The incidence of preterm labor, intrauterine growth retardation, and stillbirth was significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.05). Adolescent mothers were most likely to have low birth weight and very low birth weight babies (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Adolescent pregnancies were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in our study population. Possible grounds for such increase warrant further evaluation and discussion.

Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae in Isparta

OBJECTIVE

The first case reports of infection with penicillin-resistant pneumococci were made in Australia in 1967 and South Africa in 1977. Since this time the increasing emergence of penicillin- resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae have been a serious therapeutic problem. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the penicillin resistance of S. pneumoniae strains isolated in the laboratory. The effect of procaine penicillin treatment against these strains was also investigated.

METHODS

Sensitivity testing was done by disc diffusion method using oxacillin discs. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined in tests with penicillin by the use of E-test (AB Biodisc, Solna, Sweden). Patients were treated with 2 x 800,000 U of i.m. procaine penicillin every 12 h for 10 days.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven strains of S. pneumoniae were isolated from the sputa of adult patients who had pneumonia. Moderately resistant (0.12-1.00 microg/mL) and penicillin-sensitive (< or = 0.06 microg/mL) strains were identified in nine (24.3%) and 28 (75.7%) isolates, respectively. There were no high-level penicillin-resistant strains in the study. There was no therapeutic failure.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that procaine penicillin may still be useful in the empirical therapy of pneumococcal pneumonia.

Gyrodactylus sommervillae n. sp. (Monogenea) from Abramis brama (L.) and Rutilus rutilus (L.) (Cyprinidae) in Oxfordshire, UK

Gyrodactylus sommervillae n. sp. (Monogenea) is described from the skin, fins and gills of Abramis brama (L.) and Rutilus rutilus (L.) from Blenheim Palace Lake, Oxfordshire, UK. G. sommervillae n. sp. closely resembles G. aphyae Malmberg, 1957, G. kearni Ergens, 1990 and G. lamberti Ergens, 1990 in the approximate shape of the marginal hook sickle and the anchors, but can be separated on the precise shape of the marginal hooks and the ventral bar.

Human immunodeficiency virus: quantifying the risk of transmission of HIV to dental health care workers

The potential for the increased risk of transmission of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) from patients to dental health care workers (DHCWs) in the workplace is examined. Based on published and hypothetical risk estimates, the authors conclude that in certain world communities with high prevalence rates of HIV infection (e.g. Central Africa), the potential yearly incidence rate and cumulative long-term incidence rate of HIV transmission in the dental workplace could place these workers in a high risk subgroup similar to that of homosexuals. Reported high levels of noncompliance with infection control procedures in the dental care workplace in the United States by these workers suggests the potential for increased risk in communities with high prevalence rates of this disease. Present and past educational efforts toward protection of the DHCW in the United States may be considered inadequate, and even more so when these educational efforts are applied in the world community. Additional efforts should be made by the public health community to alert and educate DHCWs worldwide to the potential for increased HIV transmission in the workplace.