St. John's Wort Herbal Teas - Biological Potential and Chemometric Approach to Quality Control

St. John's wort has been used for centuries in traditional medicine of many cultures, and nowadays it is well-known as a clinically important antidepressant drug. Considering the rising market demand for Hyperici herba, quality control of crude drug is of paramount importance. In this paper we performed HPLC-DAD chemical profiling of St. John's wort tea samples obtained at local markets, pharmacies and health food stores in the Balkan Peninsula countries, Austria and Turkey. Furthermore, water alcoholic extracts of the collected samples were evaluated in terms of their antioxidant potential, as well as the ability to inhibit biologically important enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B), α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Significant variability within the samples in the quantities of hypericin, hyperforin, rutin, quercetin, gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid was noticed. Chemotaxonomic modelling enabled the identification of three clusters of samples based on the quantities of rutin, hypericin and hyperforin. Generally, the extracts exhibited a significant potential to inhibit MAO-A (median IC₅₀ = 10.01 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (median IC₅₀ = 12.40 μg/mL). The results of antioxidant potential evaluation suggest strong neutralization of hydroxyl and nitroso radicals, but moderate inhibition of lipid peroxidation process. Overall, the conducted study emphasizes the possibility of St. John's wort teas quality control, taking into account unavoidable variability of chemical profile as well. The stated is of great importance when grinding degree of herbal material excludes taxonomic identification of biological origin as an option within quality control.

Marrubium vulgare L.: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Overview

Marrubium vulgare is a plant with high bioactive potential. It contains marrubiin, a labdane diterpene that is characteristic for this genus, as well as a complex mixture of phenolic compounds. According to numerous studies, M. vulgare acts as a good antioxidant agent, and due to this, it could potentially be useful in treatments of cancer, diabetes mellitus, and liver diseases. In addition, its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and sedative potential are discussed. Apart from that, its antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram+ bacteria, fungi, herpes simplex virus, and parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Plasmodium berghei-berghei was recorded. Additionally, it could be used as a chicken lice repellent, herbicide, and natural insecticide against mosquito larvae and natural molluscicide. In veterinary medicine, M. vulgare can be used as an anthelmintic against the eggs and larvae of bovine strongyles parasites, and as an antibiotic against bovine mastitis caused by resistant bacterial strains. Due to the mentioned benefits, there is a tendency for the cultivation of M. vulgare in order to ensure high-quality raw material, but more firm scientific evidence and well-designed clinical trials are necessary for the well-established use of M. vulgare herb and its preparations.

Oxidative Stress Markers in GnRH Agonist and Antagonist Protocols in IVF

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to study the effect of GnRH agonist and antagonist protocols of ovarian stimulation on oxidative stress parameters in serum and the influence of oxidative stress parameters change on the outcome of IVF cycles.

METHODS

This prospective study included 82 patients who underwent IVF procedures. We determined SOD, MDA and SH groups in serum. Serum samples were obtained between the second and fourth day of the cycle and on the day of HCG administration during ovarian stimulation.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into two groups depending on the protocol of stimulation. The mean total and mature oocytes number and number of fertilized oocytes were higher in GnRH agonist group. There was no significant difference in biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage and live-birth rate in both groups. Mean serum SOD was significantly lower, while mean serum MDA and SH groups were significantly higher after ovarian stimulation. Delivery rate was higher in patients without OS while miscarriage rate was higher in patients with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed that there is a difference in the concentration of oxidative stress parameters before and after ovarian stimulation. IVF outcome is better in patients without OS after ovarian stimulation. However, the protocol of ovarian stimulation is neither associated with a change in oxidative stress parameters nor with the outcome of ART procedures.

Pregnancy associated with melanoma and fetal anomalies: a case report and review of literature

The estimated incidence of melanoma complicating pregnancy has ranged from 0.1 to 2.8 per 1,000 pregnancies. Here the Authors present a case of a 40-year-old pregnant woman, who was admitted to the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 26 weeks of gestation, with diagnosis of melanoma and suspected with fetal anomaly, as possible bowel obstruction, and polyhydraminos. The melanoma was asported with a wide local excision under local anesthesia. Histological evaluation revealed melanoma Stage Ib (Clark IV, Breslow thickness 1.2 mm, pT2a). Lymph node sonography of neck, axilla, inguinum, abdomen, and pelvis as well as chest radiography did not demonstrate any evidence of metastatic disease. After vaginal delivery at 37 weeks of gestation, the female preterm hypotrophic newborn was transferred to the Institute for Neonatology and underwent resection of duodenojejunal atresia with tapering duodenoplasty and duodenojejunal termino-terminal anastomoses due to intestinal obstruction. No evidence of the melanoma was found in the placenta. Two years later the child was healthy and the mother was disease-free.

Primary melanoma of the vagina: a case report and review of literature

Summary Primary melanoma of the vagina is a rare and very aggressive tumor with an incidence of only 0.46 per one million women per year and less than 250 cases reported in the literature. Here the authors present a case of a 60-year-old woman, gravida 5, para 5, post-menopausal by 28 years, admitted to the Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, with recurrent vaginal bleeding for the last year and with the complaint of a palpable tumor near the vaginal introitus. The preoperative biopsy revealed melanoma. CT scan did not prove she had distant metastasis. The patient was treated surgically, with wide local excision of four x five cm measured lesion and safety margins of two cm. Bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed. Follow-up five months after initial diagnosis, revealed no evidence of local recurrency or distant metastasis.

Clinical Outcome of a FIGO Stage IV Gestational Choriocarcinoma

Choriocarcinoma is the most malignant tumor of gestational trophoblastic disease arising from any gestation. It has a tendency toward relapse as well as metastasis. Here, a case of relapsed high-risk choriocarcinoma (FIGO stage IV, WHO score 12) in a 37-year-old female presenting with vaginal bleedings is described. Relapse developed at the site of the surgical scar from hysterectomy that had been performed 2 years earlier. Although the patient was treated with aggressive chemotherapy, she was in a bad general condition and died from infection and liver insufficiency.

[Term pregnancy after minimally invasive surgical treatment of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

Uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis represents a complex congenital anomaly, also known in the literature as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome.

CASE OUTLINE

A 16-year-old patient presented with secondary amenorrhoea and abdominal pain. Her history revealed anorexia nervosa; she had menarche at the age of 14; her menstrual cycles were regular, with progressive dysmenorrhoea. Nine months after the explorative laparotomy performed at the regional healthcare center there was no a definitive diagnosis. Pelvic examination showed a paravaginal pelvic mass located on the right side. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis confirmed the diagnosis of HWW syndrome. Transvaginal excision and marsupialisation of the vaginal septum were performed. Regular menstrual cycles were resumed after four years following the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Twelve years after the operation, the patient conceived spontaneously; pregnancy developed in the left non-obstructed uterus. She underwent Cesarean section at the 37th gestational week and gave birth to a healthy female infant.

CONCLUSION

HWW syndrome is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain and progressive menstrual discomfort shortly after menarche. It is therefore essential to maintain a high index of suspicion of the existence of this syndrome in such cases, since prompt and adequate treatment prevents the development of complications and allows for preservation of the reproductive potential of both hemi-uteri.

Malignant disease as a risk factor for surgical site infection

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Postoperative infections are a great constituent of surgical complications. The most common one is surgical site infection (SSI), as well as vaginal and/or urinary tract infections, infections affecting distant organs and systems and systemic circulation leading to sepsis and septic shock. Our aim was to emphasize the effect of malignant disease on postoperative infection and to establish malignant disease as a risk factor for SSI, per se.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We designed a retrospective study in which 538 women who underwent surgery in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Center of Serbia during a six-month period in 2009 were analyzed. We collected relevant data regarding SSI incidence (CDC definitions), malignant disease (primary site, type and stage) and other potential risk factors for SSI. We used descriptive statistics, chi-square and Student's t test for comparison of variables with statistical significance atp < 0.05. We also used univariate, multivariate logistic regression and ROC analysis.

RESULTS

Surgical site infection was present in 40 patients (7.5%). Univariate analysis revealed that the following factors were significantly related to SSI: age, malignant disease, stage of malignant disease, surgery longer than 120 min, postmenopause, diabetes mellitus, positive preoperative vaginal culture, ASA score and intraoperative blood loss. Multivariate analysis showed that the most important risk factors that contribute to SSI with RR of 4 and 5 are, respectively, FIGO II and FIGO III/IV stage of malignant disease (FIGO II p < 0.05 RR = 4.097; FIGO III/IV < 0.01 RR = 5.061).

CONCLUSION

In our study malignant disease erupted as the most important risk factor for SSI. This brings us to question the pathophysiological mechanisms and systemic effects associated with malignant disease. There are few studies discussing the issue of malignancy as an isolated risk factor that 4-5 fold increases the risk of SSIs. It is of utmost interest to define protocols of antimicrobial prophylaxis for gynecological malignancy surgery as are suggested for some other malignancies.

Intestinal surgery in treatment of advanced ovarian cancer--review of our experience

INTRODUCTION

In cases of advanced ovarian cancer bowel surgery is necessary during the primary surgical procedure, in the course of the disease for recurrence or palliation of the symptoms. Treatment with maximal cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy in women with advanced ovarian cancer is well established.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectivly evaluated 56 women who were surgically treated for ovarian cancer over five years (from 2004 to 2008) at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Center of Serbia. In 56 patients, 82 intestine operations were performed, which means that in some patients more than one intestine operation was performed. We analyzed patient characteristics, tumor features, intraoperative findings, pelvic node involvement, surgical procedure performed, indications for bowel surgery, and early postoperative complications.

RESULTS

In our study the majority of patients had Stage III (82%) or IV (10%) carcinoma with poor differentiation. Epithelial ovarian cancer was the most common histopathological finding (78%) in our group of patients. There were 30 cases (53%) with serous, nine (16%) with mucinous and five (9%) with endometriod tumors. Bowel surgery was indicated in 12.2% of our patients with ovarian cancer which was mostly performed to reduce the volume of the tumor (68%), while it was indicated in recurrence of the disease in 18% of women. In addition to the standard surgery procedure, which includes removal of internal genital organs, omentum minus/majus, peritoneal tumor masses, large and small bowel resection were performed. Of 56 patients most underwent small bowel surgery--43 of a total of 82 intestinal operations (52.4%). Of these we performed small bowel resection in 34 (41.5% of all intestinal operations), while ileostomy and jejunostomy were performed in nine cases (11%). There were 39 colon operations (47.6%) and most of the cases underwent rectosygmoid resection with the Hartman procedure (33 or 40.2% of all intestinal operations). Other colon operations included hemicolectomy (3 cases--3.7%), transverse colon resection (2 cases--2.4%) and pancolectomy (1 case--1.2%). According to our experience, wound infection and febrile morbidity were the most common early postoperative complications. Mortality rates in the literature vary between 0% and 8%, and anastomotic complications between 0 and 4%, which is in agreement with our results.

CONCLUSION

Radical surgical procedures in treatment of ovarian cancer including multi-organ resection are necesery to achieve a minimal residual disease state prior to initiating adjuvant chemotherapy. Bowel preparation and CT/MR imaging should be performed in patients with possible malignant ovarian masses.

Surgical treatment of ovarian cancer and early detection of venous thromboembolism

INTRODUCTION

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is present in 10.6% patients after operative treatment for ovarian malignancy. We undertook the present study to find the risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after surgical treatment for ovarian cancer and to clarify the prognostic value of D-dimer and a positive PTP test (Wells score) in these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 31 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed ovarian cancer after surgery, clinically suspicious for DVT were followed from January 2006 to December 2008. All patients were operatively treated at the Clinical Center of Serbia. Study variables included age, cardiovascular disease, FIGO stage, histology, BMI, presence of massive ascites and tumor size, D-dimer level and Wells score. All patients were postoperatively administered anticoagulant therapy.

RESULTS

DVT was found in nine of 31 patients (29.0%). High BMI and presence of massive ascites were significantly associated with DVT. D-dimer (DD) levels were high in 27 of out 31 patients (87.1%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 100, 18.2, 33.3 and 100%. Results of the PTP test (according to Wells score) was positive in 20 out of 31 patients (64.5%). PTP score was not significantly different in patients with or without VTE (p = 0.606). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 66.7, 36.4, 30.0 and 72.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of VTE after gynecological operations for ovarian cancer in our study was similar to other investigators. Obesity and the massive ascites are statistically significant risk factors. Measurement of DD level and ultrasonography could become the standard in predicting VTE in ovarian cancer surgery. The use of Wells score is not satisfying in these patients. Prediction of VTE after gynecological surgery needs further confirmation in randomized controlled trials.

Postmenopausal palpable ovary and ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound (US) examination is a much more reliable method for evaluation of potential ovarian cancer risk than gynecologic palpation. The aim of our study was to analyze the US characteristics of patients with palpable ovaries in light of potential for malignancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed 70 women ten years after menopause without increased CA 125 values. They underwent clinical and US exams (abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound), with special emphasis on US Doppler exam.

RESULTS

Bimanuel gynecological examination showed palpable ovaries in 14 patients (palpable ovary group), and the remaining 56 patients were defined as the control group. US showed increased dimensions of palpable ovaries. Atypical follicular activity, deviation from verticalization, atypical ovaries and hyperechogenic punctations classified under germ cell cysts occurred statistically significantly more often in the palpable ovary group. Doppler flow showed pathological vascularization in five patients with palpable ovaries and the estrogen level was increased. After four to six months in these five patients we found a mild increase of estrogen levels and higher Doppler abnormality. Six months later, two patients had irregular bleeding and underwent surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Every adnexal mass after menopausis demands special attention. Bimanuel gynecological exams should be used liberally. It is necessary to follow the dimensions of the ovary, describe the echostructure, as well as the edges of the ovary and other anatomical structures. Doppler flow measurement and estrogen levels are predictive and give more information. Controls should be in three to six month intervals in order to make a decision for surgical treatment.

[Radical treachelectomy in treatment of early stages of cervical cancer]

The aim of the study was to determine if radical trachelectomy with pelvic lymphonodectomy could be a method for treatment of early cervical cancer to preserve fertility. We examined 12 patients who were operatively treated from 1996. to 2006. year. Diagnostic method for cervical cancer was histologic examination, cone or biopsy. Histologic condition was planocelular carcinoma well differented. Two of the patients had Ia1 stage, seven had Ia2, and three of them had Ib1. We performed abdominal radical trachelectomy with pelvic lymphonodectomy. Resectional edges were patohistologically analyzed ex tempore, as well as lymphonodi, selectively. According to ex tempore analysis we determined if the radical trachelectomy should be done. In one patient resectional edges were positive, so she underwent radical hysterectomy. Postoperatively we found a positive lymphonodus in one patient, so we continued radiation therapy. In two-year follow-up period we did not find any sign of residual cancer. We concluded that radical trachelectomy with pelvic lymphonodectomy could be appropriate method for treatment of early stage cervical cancer.

Radicality of surgical treatment for cervical cancer

Analyses were carried out on 545 Wertheim-Meigs radical hysterectomies performed at the Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Clinical Center of Serbia during a four-year period from 2002 to 2006. More than ten lymphatic glands in 84.4% of patients were removed. The apical part of the vagina was removed in 77.8% of cases, and 77.6% of patients had the right part of the vagina removed. Distribution of surgical radicality according to FIGO stage of disease has been demonstrated. Comparison of research results in the period from 1996 to 2000 shows a significantly more radical approach concerning the number of lymphatic glands removed during this period.

Vulvar neoplasm and reconstruction of a lesion with a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap: case report

A 41-year-old nulliparous woman was admitted to the Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics in 2007 with a painless tumor mass invading the whole vulvoperineal and gluteal region. Pathohistological biopsy revealed FIGO Stage II squamocellular invasive carcinoma, but clinically it was Stage IVa verucal vulvar carcinoma because of malignant infiltration to the distal part of the vagina and bilateral gluteal region. The patient underwent radical vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy and partial vaginectomy. Reconstruction was performed after three weeks using a distally based vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (VRAM). A new entrance of the vagina was created. The patient was further treated with radiation therapy.

Radical abdominal trachelectomy in managing early cervical invasion

The purpose of the study was to determine if radical abdominal trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy could be a method for treatment of early cervical cancer to preserve fertility. We examined 12 patients who were surgically treated from 2002 to 2006. The diagnostic method to determine cervical cancer was histologic examination by cone or biopsy. The histologic condition was well differented planocellular carcinoma. Two of the patients had Stage Ia1, seven had Ia2, and three had Ib1. We performed radical abdominal trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Resection edges were pathohistologically analyzed extemporaneously, as well as selective lymph nodes. According to the extempore analysis we determined if radical trachelectomy should be done. In one patient resection edges were positive, so she underwent radical hysterectomy. Postoperatively we found a positive lymph node in one patient, so radiation therapy was continued. In the two-year follow-up period we did not find any signs of residual cancer. We concluded that radical trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy could be an appropriate method for treatment of early-stage cervical cancer.

[A new approach to wound care in vaginal and surgical delivery]

Tokom tri godine, na Institutu za ginekologiju i akuserstvo je bilo preko 20000 porodjaja. Uporedili smo razlicite pristupe negama rana nakon operativnog porodjaja i porodjaja zavrsenog carskim rezom. Ukoliko se rana nakon vaginalnog porodjaja (epizotomija) odmah neguje sapunom i vodom i izbegava se koriscenje uljanih rastvora i konstanto navlazivanje rane, utoliko ce rana brze zarasti, bez sekundarnih inflamatornih reakcija. Isto tako, ukoliko se rani nakon carskog reza omoguci da sto pre dise, i bude u kontaktu sa vazduhom, onda ce se izbeci komplikacije inflamacije i sekundarnog zarascivanja. Isto tako, uz adekvatne uslove antisepse i asepse, ovim smanjujemo bolnicke dane lezanja, nepotrebno koriscenje multiplih parenteralnih antibiotika, davanje infuzionih rastvora prvih postoperativnih dana u stanjima carskog reza.

Treatment of choriocarcinoma metastases by surgery and polychemotherapy - case report

Choriocarcinoma is present in one out of every 40,000 pregnancies. There is a great risk for incidence of the disease in women who become pregnant after 45 years of age. The clinical picture may vary and is related to the destruction of tissue and bleeding. New chemo protocols containing etoposide, cisplatin, ifosfamide, together with a resection of the focus resistant to chemotherapy, lead in most cases to the complete recovery.

Paget's disease of the vulva--a review of our experience

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to review our experience with Paget's disease of the vulvar relative to initial examination, treatment and oncological outcome.

METHODS

Ten women with extramammary Paget's diseases of the vulva were treated during the 10-year period. The charts of these patients were reviewed and data were collected regarding patient demographics, symptoms, previous Paget's disease, surgical treatments and time to recurrence.

RESULTS

Eight women (80%) were treated with wide local excision or partial vulvectomy, and two patients (20%) required radical resection for invasive adenocarcinoma. The group of women who had invasive diseases also underwent inquinofemoral lymphadenectomy and no lymphatic metastases were noted. Three women (30%) experienced recurrence. The mean time to relapse was 30 months (range 3-88 months).

CONCLUSION

Recurrence is very common and long-term monitoring is recommended with careful examination of any abnormal vulvar lesion.

Effects of tibolone on the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women

Background/Aim. Tibolone is a preparation that belongs to the group of steroidal substances. The effects of the use of the use of tibolone are the consequence of the activities of its metabolities, considering that their hormonal activity depends on the type of tissue in which they develop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the use of tibolone on risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. Methods. A prospective observational stady included 94 patients who had the concentration of l7? estradiol < 50 pg/ml, and who was in menopause more than a year. Out of the total number of patients, 63 accepted to receive tibolone 2.5 mg daily (tibolone group), while 31 of the patients refused to take tibolone (control group). We measured the concentration of lipids (cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglicerides), antitrombin III, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein, before and after the treatment within a 6-month period. Then, we compared the difference between the values of concentrations and tested the statistical significance of the difference. We also evaluated the changes of values in the concentrations of the examinated parameters inside a 6-month period in the control group. Results. In 31 patients of the control group, from the control group there were no significant changes in the values of the defined parameters as compared to their initial values after six months. But there were changes of statistical significance (p < 0.001) in values of the concentrations of the exeminated parameters before and after the treatment in the tibolone group. In fact, we recorded decreases in the total cholesterol by 17.8%, HDL cholesterol by 27%, LDL cholesterol by 4% (without statistical significance p > 0.05) and triglicerids by 35%. There were no statistical differences in the concentrations of antitrombin III, fibrionogen, and C-reactive proteine in the tibolone group before and after the treatment. Conclusion. The use of tibolone dose decrease the concentration of the total cholesterol, triglicerides, HDL cholesterol, without a significant decrease of LDL cholesterol. Also, the use of tibolone does not have any significant effect on the concentrations of antitrombin III, fibrinogen and C-reactive proteine. The number of serum parameters measured in this study was limited, thus that was the reason to discuss only about the metabolism of lipids in the patients from the tibolone group. The final conclusion about the risk for cardiovascular diseases in the patients on tibolone, howerer, reqnires were extensive further clinical exeminations.

Solitary ovarian metastasis from cutaneous melanoma--case report

A 47-year-old patient with two previous deliveries and three deliberate abortions was admitted to the Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Serbia with the diagnosis of a uterine myoma and left adnexal mass. Five years previously, she had undergone excision of a malignant melanoma from her left leg. Pelvic exemination disclosed a left adnexal solid mass measuring about 100 x 80 x 80 mm and enlarged uterus 120 x 50 mm in size with myomatosus nodes on the posterior wall. After ultrasound and computed tomography examination, the patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, intracolic omentectomy and selective pelvic lymphonodectomy. The final histopathological diagnosis was metastatic amelanotic malignant melanoma of the left ovary and uterine myomas. After surgery the patient was transferred to the Institute of Oncology and Radiology where she received chemotherapy.

Medicamentous abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol in Serbia and Montenegro

Background/Aim. Medicamentous abortion was first introduced in Serbia and Montenegro in September 2001. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency, side effects, and acceptability of medicamentous abortion using mifeprostone orally (600 mg), and 48 hours later, misoprostol both orally and vaginally in different regiments in our population (400 mcg, 600 mcg, 800 mcg). Methods. A total of 235 consecutive women with pregnancies up to 49 days of gestational age were assigned to 4 groups according to the different misoprostol regiment (group I 400 mcg, group II 600 mcg, group III 800 mcg orally, and group IV 800 mcg both orally and vaginally). The principal outcome measure was a successful abortion defined as a complete expulsion of intrauterine contents without a need for surgical intervention 14 days after the procedure. Other outcome measures were the following: drug related effects, and adverse effects related to the abortion process. Results. In general, the success rate was 50%, 89.48%, 75% and 92.11% in the groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively, as judged by the complete expulsion of the intrauterine contents without surgical intervention (t1:4 = 7.005; t2:4 = 0.3872, t3:4 = 2.9784, p < 0.01). The incidence of adverse effects (vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, and fever) was low in general, but among our groups it occurred mostly with the higher doses of orally applied misoprostol (800 and 600 mcg). Only one case required urgent curettage for heavy vaginal bleeding, and two blood transfusions, as well. No cases of intact pregnancies were recorded in the study. Conclusion. Our study showed that a mifepristone dose of 600 mg orally, and misoprostol 400 mcg orally and 400 mcg vaginally were most effective. Thus, a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medicamentous abortion should take a higher proportion in the termination of early pregnancy in our population.

The tunneld supracla vicular island flap - a fasciocutaneous flap for head and neck reconstructions

Reconstructive procedures in the head and neck region use a wide range of flaps for defect closure. The methods range from local, mostly myocutaneous flaps and skin grafts to free microsurgical flaps. To ensure a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result, good texture and color of the flap are always essential. Moreover, the donor-site defect needs to be reduced, with no resulting functional or aesthetic impairment. We have found that the shoulder is a region providing an optimum skin texture match to the neck and face. Fasciocutaneous island flap, nourished by the supraclavicular artery is used purely as a subcutaneously tunneled island flap. The tunneling maneuver significantly improves the donor site by reducing scarring. The flap is characterized by a long subcutaneous pedicle of up to 20 cm. The pivot point is in the supraclavicular region and allows the flap to be used in the upper chest, neck, chin, and cheek. In this article we present clinical cases in reconstructive procedures with supraclavicular flap and its expanded indications.

[Intrapartum uterine rupture, causes and treatment]

During 3 year period there were over 20000 deliveries at the Institute for Gynecology and Obstetrics. Considering the fact that our clinic's maternity hospital is the largest in the Balkans and that we are at the top of medical practice, the largest number of deliveries in Serbia and Monte Negro is performed in our institution. For the number of uterus ruptures dramatically increased, we analyzed the way of their repair and possible measures for preventing postpartum hysterectomies. We compared patients with performed hysterectomies or uterus sutures. We analyzed the possibility to approach more conservatively to such complications. 30 patients were subjected to interventions. In the group A there were 25 women subjected to more conservative therapy. In the group B there were 5 patients with total hysterectomy with conservation of one or both adnexes.

Comparison of two therapeutic protocols in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies and recurrent miscariages

Aim. To compare the effects of two therapeutic protocols for the patients with recurrent miscarriages associated with the presence of antiphospholipid (anticardiolipin) antibodies. Methods. A prospective observational study included 20 patients with antiphospholipid antibodies in the first group who received low-molecular heparin and aspirin. The second group of 20 patients, in addition to this therapy, received immunotherapy (intravenous immunoglobulin). Aspirin was administered at the time of a positive pregnancy test, and low molecular heparin not before the fetal heart activity registration by ultrasound. Intravenous immunoglobulin was given prior to the conception or at the beginning of the pregnancy. We compared these groups according to the pregnancy outcomes and the occurrence of complications during pregnancy, using standard statistical tests. Results. The rate of positive gestational outcome in the patients treated with aspirin and low-molecular heparin was 85% (17/20), and in the second group it was 90% (18/20). There was no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes between these groups (p > 0.05), except for the occurrence of preeclampsia and thrombocytopenia, which were recorded only in the aspirin and low-molecular heparin group, but with no statistical significance (p > 0.05) compared to the second group, which received immunoglobulin additionally. Conclusion. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in pregnancy outcomes between the two studied therapeutic protocols, but the therapy with aspirin and low-molecular heparin was cheaper and easier to apply than the therapy with immunoglobulins. The results of our study confirmed that the final pathogenic mechanisms in recurrent fetal miscarriages were inflammation and thrombosis of the uteroplacental blood vessels.