Comparison of Perinatal, Newborn, and Audiometry Results of COVID-19 Pregnant Women

OBJECTIVE

There are studies on the perinatal outcomes of COVID-19, but the audiometric effects of the maternal immune system against COVID-19 in the newborn are not clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 positive pregnant women and the audiological outcomes of newborns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted with 65 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive pregnant women and newborns and 66 normal pregnant women and newborns who were admitted between January 2020-December 2021. Pregnancy data, perinatal outcomes, and newborn hearing test results of pregnant women and newborns were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients were enrolled in the study. The number of normal pregnant women was 66 (50.4%) and the number of pregnant women who had COVID-19 disease was 65 (49.6%). In general, gestational week, age, parity, biochemical parameters, duration of hospital stay, week of delivery, fetal weight, and apgar scores were compared between pregnant women with COVID-19 and normal. White blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and C-reactive protein (CRP) parameters were found to be significantly higher, and lymphocyte and neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratios were significantly lower (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ ²=0.001; p = 1,000). The normal delivery status, the normal delivery rate in patients with COVID-19 was found to be statistically significantly higher than the cesarean section delivery status (p = 0.012). In the statistical comparison between the COVID-19 and normal pregnant groups in the cesarean section group, the gestational week, delivery week, and apgar1 scores of the pregnant women with COVID-19 were found to be significantly higher. There was no statistically significant difference between the distributions of the rate of infants with hearing impairment in the comparison with hearing tests in pregnant women with COVID-19 (n=1) and normal pregnant women (n=1) (χ ²=0.001; p = 1,000).

CONCLUSION

Although the negative effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes are rare, it was determined that there was no increased audiological risk factor, and the most important predictor of COVID-19 was lymphopenia.

Resistin may not associate with gestational diabetes mellitus although insulin resistance

OBJECTIVE

Resistin is a potent regulator of glucose homeostasis which is thought to oppose the action of insulin in peripheral tissues. The aim of this study was to determine changes in resistin levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Twenty women with GDM (mean age 32.28 +/- 5.01 years old, and gestational age 32.2 +/- 4.8 weeks) matched with 22 non diabetic pregnant women (NGDM) (mean age 30.30 +/- 4.5 years old, and gestational age 34.8 +/- 3.5 weeks) were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum resistin levels were measured and insulin resistance was calculated with HOMA-IR. The Mann Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

BMI was 33.8 +/- 6.2 kg/m2 in the GDM group and 28.4 +/- 6.2 kg/m2 in the NGDM group (p = 0.04). Serum resistin levels were 8.7 +/- 2.1 ng/ml in the GDM group and 8.1 +/- 2.5 ng/ml in the NGDM group. Mean resistin level was not different between the two groups. HOMA-IR in GDM was higher than in the NGDM group (13.2 +/- 12.2 vs 5.8 +/- 5.1, p = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Although mean BMI in GDM was higher than in NGDM and insulin resistance in GDM was more marked than in NGDM, serum resistin levels in GDM were not found to be any different from NGDM.

18F-FDG PET-CT and USG/CT in benign and malignant ovarian tumors with postoperative histopathological correlation

OBJECTIVES

The role of 18F-FDG (18F fluorodeoxyglucose) PET/CT** (Positron emission tomography) in the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of benign and malignant ovarian tumors had been investigated previously. The objective of the following study was to evaluate the predictive value of PET/CT in benign and malignant ovarian tumors and compare with computerized tomography and post-operative pathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study a total of sixty nine cases with benign or malignant pelvic masses underwent laparotomy at our clinic. Postoperative pathology of the patients was recorded and PET/CT results were compared with ultrasonography computerized tomography and postoperative pathology.

RESULTS

The ROCs and AUCs values four predictors were shown in Figure 1. The AUCs (95 % CI) values calculated for CA 125, ultrasonography (USG), PET/CT and CT were as follows: 0.855 (0.752-0.958), 0.703 (0.540-0.866), 0.681 (0.514-0.848) and 0.631 (0.463-0.799) respectively CA 125 has the highest AUC value in order to predict the malignant potential of the patient. USG has the highest AUC value between the imaging techniques, following PET/CT and CT CONCLUSION: According to this study among four modalities that distinguish malignant potential preoperatively; CA 125 is the best parameter USG and PET provide similar benefits in detecting malignant ovarian masses preoperatively. Both of these parameters are superior to CT Combination of CA 125, USG and PET/CT may be useful in detecting malignant ovarian masses preoperatively resulting in less invasive surgeries.

Clinical experience of adnexal torsion: evaluation of 143 cases

We conducted this retrospective study to evaluate the outcomes, indications and post-operative findings of adnexal torsion cases and compared the features of benign cystic teratoma with the other cases. We analyzed a series of 143 cases of adnexal torsion from 2000 to 2009 at current clinic, retrospectively. The data were collected from the patient's specific files and hospital records descriptively. The demographic characteristics, sonographic findings and post-operative invention were evaluated. Statistical analyses were carried out by using the statistical packages for SPSS 15.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A total of 143 cases were operated for adnexal torsion during the study period at our clinic. The clinical and demographic characteristics of the cases are shown in table 1. Of all patients, forty of them were diagnosed as benign cystic teratoma and this group of the adnexal torsion cases had statistically different gravidy, mass size and torsion number from the non-benign cystic teratoma group. Age was not a statistically different between two groups. According to this study, benign cystic teratoma increases risk of adnexal torsion. When detecting benign cystic teratoma the patients should be informed about the risk of torsion and explained the signs of this situation. The early diagnosis and appropriate surgical management of adnexal torsion is the only way to prevent complications and to preserve future fertility. Being aware of the different sonographic findings of torsionated adnexa may assist in the correct diagnosis of these patients.

The Effect of Flurbiprofen as Prophylactic Analgesic before Hysterosalpingography

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is associated with pain during the four-step procedure. This prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the effect of the analgesic flurbiprofen, administered prior to HSG, in 60 women. Thirty women were randomized to receive 100 mg of flurbiprofen, orally, 1 h prior to HSG and a further 30 women were randomized to receive placebo. Injection of contrast medium was more painful than the other steps in the HSG procedure in both groups; however, there was no significant between-group difference in terms of pain experienced in the individual steps of HSG. Pain scores at 5 and 30 min after the procedure were compared between the two groups. There was a significant decrease in the visual analogue scale pain score in the flurbiprofen-treated group compared with the placebo-treated group at both time points. Thus, the authors recommend flurbiprofen as a prophylactic analgesic to be administered before HSG procedures.

A small supernumerary marker chromosome, derived from chromosome 22, possibly associated with repeated spontaneous abortions

We report a phenotypically normal couple with repeated spontaneous abortions and without other clinical features. Clinical, hematological, biochemical, and endocrinological aspects of the couple did not reveal any abnormalities. The karyotype of the wife was normal (46,XX), while the husband was found to have an abnormal karyotype, 47,XY,+der(22)mat. The marker chromosome was familial and non-satellite. Although the potential risk of small supernumerary marker chromosomes for spontaneous abortions cannot be defined precisely, marker chromosomes, together with methods used for ascertainment, are also factors to be considered when investigating infertility consequences. Furthermore, identification of the origin of a marker chromosome may provide additional information for patient karyotype-phenotype correlations. Further studies, such as molecular analyses to identify the breakpoint, are necessary for investigating phenotype-genotype correlations and assessment of genetic risks for small secondary chromosomes. The cause of repeated spontaneous abortions in this couple might be the presence of this marker chromosome in the husband. Consequently, we recommended genetic counseling before further pregnancies.

Factors affecting maternal and perinatal outcomes in HELLP syndrome: evaluation of 126 cases

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain the characteristics, clinical features, and maternal fetal outcome in HELLP (hemolysis elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome at a tertiary referral center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study carried out at Dicle University between January 2004 and December 2008 in which the charts of 126 cases were retrieved retrospectively and data analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS

Of all deliveries 0.9% were complicated by HELLP syndrome. Of the cases with HELLP syndrome 79 (62.6%) had preeclampsia, 28 (22.2%) had eclampsia and 19 (15.2%) had a diagnosis of HELLP syndrome. The values of significant biochemical parameters (mean +/- SD) were documented as ALT (alanin aminotransferase) 224 +/- 42 IU/I and ALT1 (after birth) 140 +/- 22, AST 379 +/- 23 IU/l and AST1 215 +/- 51, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) 1418 +/- 67 IU/l and LDH1 875 +/- 16, together with the hematological parameters as platelet count (86 +/- 12 K/Ul), urine protein (3 + in urine test stick) and albumin levels (2 + 0.9 g/dl). Eighty-six (68.25%) of the patients required albumin replacement. Thirty-one (24.6%) cases were nullipara and 95 (75.4%) multipara; of which 32 women (25.4%) were in Class I, and 94 (74.6 %) in Class II of complete HELLP syndrome. Regular antenatal examination was accomplished in a very small number of patients (12.25%). Fifty-eight (46.03%) patients required transfusions with blood or blood products and 12 (9.5%) underwent laparotomy due to major intraabdominal bleeding. Magnesium sulphate to prevent convulsions and corticosteroids (12 mg betametazone) to enhance fetal lung maturity were administered. Forty-four (34.9%) cases had vaginal delivery and 82 (65.1%) cesarean section; another 18 (14.2%) were with in utero stillbirth. Fifteen babies (11.9%) died, 26 (20.63%) developed placental abruption, 14 (11.11%) acute renal insufficiency, and 13 (10.31%) postoperative subcutaneous hematomas. Maternal mortality occurred in ten cases (7.93%).

CONCLUSION

HELLP syndrome is a pathology associated with a high incidence of maternal and perinatal complications. Laboratory parameters in cases with HELLP syndrome are not efficient in detecting perinatal results, but can be used as risk denominators in evaluating maternal complications. Therefore, for patients with HELLP syndrome, standard antenatal follow-up protocols should be applied in order to obtain early diagnosis and improve the speed of transfer to obstetric departments with expertise in this field.

Pregnancy and adnexal torsion: analysis of 20 cases

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical profile, management and outcome of pregnancy complicated by adnexal torsion.

METHODS

All pregnancy cases complicated by adnexal torsion admitted between January 2001 and January 2009 were analyzed.

RESULTS

The total number of pregnant cases was 20. Age range of pregnant women with adnexal torsion was 18 to 42 years. Of these cases 70% were seen in the first and second trimester. Seventy percent of cases were operated by the laparotomy route and 30% by laparoscopy. Salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 70% of cases and detorsion in 30% of cases. Histopathologic examinations revealed five patients (25%) had serous cystadenoma, four patients (20%) mucinous cystadenoma, six patients (20%) dermoid cyst and five patients (25%) hemorrhagic cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

Adnexal torsion as a differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in pregnancy should be considered and we recommend early surgical treatment that will save the adnexa.

The association of preoperative thrombocytosis with prognostic factors in malign ovarian tumor

PURPOSE

We assessed the association of preoperative thrombocytosis with prognostic factors in malign ovarian tumor.

METHODS

Over a five-year period, cases treated for ovarian cancer were randomly assigned. The data were collected from gynecological oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology and pathology departments. Statistical analyses were carried out by using the statistical packages for SPSS 12.0 for Windows (Chicago, IL, USA). Survival was analyzed by the method of Kaplan and Meier, using log-rank (Mantel-Cox) analysis.

RESULTS

51 cases with ovarian cancer were evaluated. Cases with thrombocytosis were found to have greater CA-125 levels, more advanced stage disease, more ascites and shorter periods of survival.

CONCLUSION

Thrombocytosis is a poor prognostic factor in ovarian cancer. As reported previously, it is associated with aggressive tumor biology. Thus, preoperative thrombocytosis can be a used as a marker of poor outcomes.

Pregnancy-related acute renal failure in the southeast region of Turkey: analysis of 75 cases

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical profile, management and outcome of the patients with pregnancy-related acute renal failure (PRARF).

METHODS

All patients with PRARF admitted between January 2006 and January 2009 were analyzed.

RESULTS

The total number of women with PRARF was 75. Age range of women with PRARF was 21 to 46 years and 36% of the cases of PRARF were seen in the postpartum period. PRARF was caused by sepsis in 14.6%, toxemias of pregnancy in 75.2%, and hemorrhage of pregnancy in 12%. Postabortal sepsis was the cause in 14.6%. Dialysis was needed in 33.3%. Maternal mortality rate was 10.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy-related acute renal failure is a major health problem and carries very high mortality and morbidity. Poor healthcare facilities and lack of antenatal healthcare clinics are major identified causes.

Risk of malignancy index for adnexal masses

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the risk of malignancy index (RMI) and retrospective analysis of patients presenting with adnexal masses to our clinic for treatment.

METHODS

Data of 137 women who had adnexal masses were included in the analysis. A simple algorithm called "risk of malignancy index" (RMI) reported by Jacobs includes menopausal status, ultrasound morphologic features and serum CA125 level. The RMI values were detected for each patient and analyzed to detect the relationship between benign and malign groups of the patients. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 15.0 for Windows (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL USA). Sensitivity and specificity was calculated for RMI in diagnoses of ovarian cancer by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 137 patients with adnexal masses were operated on. Mean age and SD of 137 patients were 30.64 +/- 10.05. Fourteen patients (10.2%) had malignant disease and 123 patients (89.8%) benign pathology. ROC analysis of the RMI showed that the values of area under the curve were significantly high with a value of 0.883 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The RMI is a simple scoring system and has a high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of malignant adnexal masses. Application of the RMI in clinical practice may provide a rational basis for specialists to treat patients with adnexal masses before diagnostic surgery.

Surface modification of pyrophyllite with amino silane coupling agent for the removal of 4-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions

The surface of naturally hydrophobic mineral pyrophyllite was modified to hydrophilic by treatment with prehydrolyzed N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APEO) coupling agent to prepare a novel and effective adsorbent for the removal of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) from aqueous solutions. XRD, FTIR, and SEM analyses were used to characterize the surface modification. It was found that after the grafting procedure, heat treatment at 110 degrees C results in condensation reaction between the OH groups of the APEO molecule and the hydroxyl groups and/or oxygen atoms on the pyrophyllite surface and the adsorption of 4-NP by APEO-modified pyrophyllite involves interactions between dissociated 4-NP molecules and protonated amine groups of APEO molecules attached to the mineral surface. Adsorption equilibrium data for 4-NP adsorption on APEO-treated and untreated pyrophyllite were most satisfactorily fitted using the Freundlich adsorption isotherm and adsorption capacity was found to be 0.268 mg/g for modified pyrophyllite whereas it was only 0.105 mg/g for untreated pyrophyllite.